American Express Company (AXP)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.98
+2.77%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $335.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 554% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $68.81B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
UNH
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
+42.2%
Fair Value
$639.72
Current Price
$379.98
$259.74 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 8.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
2.0% revenue growth
0.7% earnings growth
2.7% margin — thin
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 : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.27 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 : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while UNH 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.
UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. UNH offers better value entry with a 42.2% 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 →UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?