American Express Company (AXP)vsUniversal Corporation (UVV)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
UVV
Universal Corporation
$53.70
-0.11%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.34B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 2263% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $2.91B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 2.9%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
UVV
Hold45
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
+33.4%
Fair Value
$79.32
Current Price
$53.70
$25.62 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
ROE of 7.0% — below average capital efficiency
2.9% margin — thin
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : UVV
The strongest argument for UVV centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
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 : UVV
The primary concerns for UVV are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while UVV 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 45/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. UVV offers better value entry with a 33.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Universal Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA
Universal Corporation processes and supplies leaf tobacco and plant ingredients worldwide. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.
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