American Express Company (AXP)vsCPI Card Group Inc (PMTS)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
PMTS
CPI Card Group Inc
$14.13
+0.28%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $151.05M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 12222% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $543.53M). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 2.8%. PMTS trades at a lower P/E of 10.5x. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
PMTS
Hold42
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.4%
Fair Value
$512.74
Current Price
$300.24
$212.50 discount
Margin of Safety
+58.1%
Fair Value
$27.90
Current Price
$14.13
$13.77 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 22.3% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.8% margin — thin
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AXP
The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.2% and operating margin at 17.5%. Revenue growth of 10.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PMTS
The strongest argument for PMTS centers on P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 22.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : PMTS
The primary concerns for PMTS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.8% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while PMTS is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
PMTS is growing revenue faster at 22.3% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 42/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. PMTS offers better value entry with a 58.1% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
American Express Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
The American Express Company is a multinational financial services corporation headquartered at 200 Vesey Street in the Battery Park City neighborhood of Lower Manhattan in New York City.
Visit Website →CPI Card Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
CPI Card Group Inc. is dedicated to the design, production, data personalization, packaging and fulfillment of financial payment cards. The company is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado.
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