WallStSmart

ASML Holding NV ADR (ASML)vsAmerican Express Company (AXP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 104% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $33.69B). ASML leads profitability with a 29.7% 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-).

ASML

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 3.7Quality: 5.0

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ASML4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Market CapQuality
$595.37B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
52.2%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 52 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
36.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.7%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$217.45B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ASML4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.154/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
51.0x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
1396.5x2/10

Trading at 1396.5x book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.61B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ASML

The strongest argument for ASML centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.7% and operating margin at 36.0%. Revenue growth of 13.2% 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 : ASML

The primary concerns for ASML are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 51.0x leaves little room for execution misses.

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

ASML carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.

ASML is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% 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.

ASML Holding NV ADR

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

ASML Holding NV develops, produces, markets, sells and services advanced semiconductor equipment systems consisting of lithography, metrology and inspection related systems for memory and logic chip manufacturers. The company is headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands.

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.

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