American Express Company (AXP)vsPPG Industries Inc (PPG)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
PPG
PPG Industries Inc
$109.61
+0.62%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $24.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 327% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $16.12B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 9.8%. PPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
PPG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
+16.0%
Fair Value
$155.95
Current Price
$109.61
$46.34 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
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.2% earnings growth
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AXP
The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 21.2%. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : PPG
The strongest argument for PPG centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : PPG
The primary concerns for PPG are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while PPG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. PPG offers better value entry with a 16.0% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" 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 →PPG Industries Inc
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
PPG Industries, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 70 countries around the globe.
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