WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsWestinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp (WAB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 500% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $11.17B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 10.5%. WAB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.37. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

WAB

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXPUndervalued (+41.4%)

Margin of Safety

+41.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$300.24

$212.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued
WABSignificantly Overvalued (-447.9%)

Margin of Safety

-447.9%

Fair Value

$46.44

Current Price

$248.32

$201.88 premium

UndervaluedFair: $46.44Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$208.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.35B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

WAB0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WAB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.684/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.8%2/10

Earnings declined 3.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : WAB

Revenue growth of 14.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.37 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 : WAB

The primary concerns for WAB are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while WAB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

WAB is growing revenue faster at 14.8% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% 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.

Visit Website →

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

Wabtec Corporation (derived from Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation) is an American company formed by the merger of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company (WABCO) and MotivePower Industries Corporation in 1999. It is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?