American Express Company (AXP)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
SLM
SLM Corp
$20.43
+1.24%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 3955% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $1.65B). SLM leads profitability with a 45.1% profit margin vs 16.2%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. SLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 90/100 (A+).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
SLM
Exceptional Buy90
out of 100
Grade: A+
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
+84.0%
Fair Value
$161.93
Current Price
$20.43
$141.50 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
Every $100 of equity generates 32 in profit
Keeps 45 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 66.8%
Revenue surging 67.8% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 126.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.1% and operating margin at 66.8%. Revenue growth of 67.8% 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 : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while SLM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
SLM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.16 — expect wider price swings.
SLM is growing revenue faster at 67.8% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SLM scores higher overall (90/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 45.1% margins and 67.8% revenue growth. AXP offers better value entry with a 41.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional 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.
Visit Website →SLM Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.
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