American Express Company (AXP)vsWestern Union Co (WU)
AXP
American Express Company
$295.50
+0.19%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $203.56B
WU
Western Union Co
$9.02
-1.74%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 1553% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $4.05B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 12.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
WU
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+42.4%
Fair Value
$512.74
Current Price
$295.50
$217.24 discount
Margin of Safety
+4.3%
Fair Value
$10.34
Current Price
$9.02
$1.32 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
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 4.7%
Earnings declined 69.2%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : WU
The strongest argument for WU centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Price/Book.
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 : WU
The primary concerns for WU are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while WU is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — 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 61/100), 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 →Western Union Co
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
The Western Union Company is an American worldwide financial services and communications company, headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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