WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 179% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $24.70B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

UNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.

UNPSignificantly Overvalued (-76.6%)

Margin of Safety

-76.6%

Fair Value

$150.01

Current Price

$264.65

$114.64 premium

UndervaluedFair: $150.01Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$217.45B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

UNP5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Return on EquityProfitability
40.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.4%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%

Market CapQuality
$157.27B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.2%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.50B8/10

Generating 1.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

UNP3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Price/BookValuation
8.5x4/10

Trading at 8.5x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.2%4/10

3.2% revenue growth

PEG RatioValuation
3.302/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 16.3% and operating margin at 21.2%. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : UNP

The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.

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 : UNP

The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while UNP 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. 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.

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Union Pacific Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.

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