Apple Inc (AAPL)vsAmerican Express Company (AXP)
AAPL
Apple Inc
$293.32
+2.05%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $4.22T
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Apple Inc generates 556% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $68.81B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AAPL
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
AXP
Strong Buy68
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 142 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%
Generating 26.7B in free cash flow
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
16.6% revenue growth
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
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 48.9x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AAPL
The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
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.
Bear Case : AAPL
The primary concerns for AAPL are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.
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.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AAPL profiles as a growth stock while AXP is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.
AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (26.7B), 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.
Apple Inc
TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA
Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other CONSUMER ELECTRONICS Stocks
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