American Express Company (AXP)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
AXP
American Express Company
$323.11
-1.56%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $213.98B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$85.79
-0.05%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $250.35B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 14% more annual revenue ($83.11B vs $72.85B). WFC leads profitability with a 27.6% profit margin vs 16.8%. WFC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.30. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
WFC
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 30.9% YoY
Generating 4.4B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 34.2%
Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 8.9B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
0.4% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AXP
The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.8% and operating margin at 18.4%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.6% and operating margin at 34.2%. PEG of 1.30 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while WFC 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 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (8.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (74/100 vs 72/100), backed by strong 27.6% margins. 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.
Visit Website →Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
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