WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsVertiv Holdings Co (VRT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 535% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $10.84B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 14.4%. 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

VRT

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 8.0Value: 3.7Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.25

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

VRT4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
45.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 45 in profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
30.1%10/10

Revenue surging 30.1% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
135.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 135.7% YoY

Market CapQuality
$130.60B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

VRT3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
85.4x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
35.7x2/10

Trading at 35.7x book value

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 : VRT

The strongest argument for VRT centers on Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 30.1% 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 : VRT

The primary concerns for VRT are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 85.4x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while VRT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

VRT carries more volatility with a beta of 2.10 — expect wider price swings.

VRT is growing revenue faster at 30.1% — 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 67/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. 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.

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Vertiv Holdings Co

INDUSTRIALS · ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT & PARTS · USA

Vertiv Holdings Co designs, manufactures and services critical digital infrastructure technologies and lifecycle services for data centers, communication networks, and commercial and industrial environments in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

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