WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsRegional Management Corp (RM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 10846% more annual revenue ($70.91B vs $647.84M). AXP leads profitability with a 16.1% profit margin vs 7.2%. RM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.90. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

RM

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 7.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.76

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$219.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
33.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.47B8/10

Generating 4.5B in free cash flow

RM4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.1x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

PEG RatioValuation
0.908/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
20.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.8%

Areas to Watch

AXP2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.723/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

RM4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.764/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$310.73M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
7.2%3/10

7.2% margin — thin

EPS GrowthGrowth
-17.5%2/10

Earnings declined 17.5%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AXP

The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.1% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : RM

The strongest argument for RM centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.90 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AXP

The primary concerns for AXP are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : RM

The primary concerns for RM are Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 4.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while RM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 12.8% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins and 12.8% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

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Regional Management Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Regional Management Corp, a diversified consumer finance company, offers various installment loan products primarily to clients with limited access to consumer credit from banks, savings companies, credit card companies, and other lenders. The company is headquartered in Greer, South Carolina.

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