American Express Company (AXP)vsSynchrony Financial (SYF)
AXP
American Express Company
$294.39
+0.18%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $205.42B
SYF
Synchrony Financial
$65.17
+0.03%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $23.06B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 586% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $9.76B). SYF leads profitability with a 36.4% profit margin vs 16.2%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.54. SYF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
SYF
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+42.5%
Fair Value
$513.41
Current Price
$294.39
$219.02 discount
Margin of Safety
+59.2%
Fair Value
$178.92
Current Price
$65.17
$113.75 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 48.5%
Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit
Generating 2.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : SYF
The strongest argument for SYF centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.4% and operating margin at 48.5%.
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 : SYF
The primary concerns for SYF are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while SYF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
SYF carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
SYF generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
SYF scores higher overall (71/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 36.4% margins. AXP offers better value entry with a 42.5% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →Synchrony Financial
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Synchrony Financial is a consumer financial services company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, United States. The company offers consumer financing products, including credit, promotional financing and loyalty programs, installment lending to industries, and FDIC-insured consumer savings products through Synchrony Bank, its wholly owned online bank subsidiary.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?