Apple Inc (AAPL)vsAmerican Express Company (AXP)
AAPL
Apple Inc
$252.62
+0.39%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $3.70T
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Apple Inc generates 550% more annual revenue ($435.62B vs $66.97B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.0% profit margin vs 16.2%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AAPL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+11.8%
Fair Value
$285.39
Current Price
$252.62
$32.77 discount
Margin of Safety
+41.4%
Fair Value
$512.74
Current Price
$300.24
$212.50 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Strong operational efficiency at 35.4%
Generating 51.6B in free cash flow
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
15.7% revenue growth
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
ROE of 1.5% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
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, Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.0% and operating margin at 35.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
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.
Bear Case : AAPL
The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, 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.
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 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
AAPL is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (51.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 65/100), 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.
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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