American Express Company (AXP)vsWalmart Inc. (WMT)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
WMT
Walmart Inc.
$130.43
+0.37%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $1.04T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Walmart Inc. generates 936% more annual revenue ($713.16B vs $68.81B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 3.1%. 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-
WMT
Hold43
out of 100
Grade: D
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
-90.0%
Fair Value
$68.54
Current Price
$130.43
$61.89 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Generating 6.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 10.4x book value
3.1% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.6%
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 : WMT
The strongest argument for WMT centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity.
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 : WMT
The primary concerns for WMT are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 47.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while WMT 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.
WMT generates stronger free cash flow (6.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. 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 →Walmart Inc.
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Walmart Inc. is an American multinational retail corporation that operates a chain of hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores from the United States, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. It also owns and operates Sam's Club retail warehouses.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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