WallStSmart

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (ATLC)vsAmerican Express Company (AXP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 9608% more annual revenue ($70.91B vs $730.47M). ATLC leads profitability with a 21.1% profit margin vs 16.1%. ATLC trades at a lower P/E of 12.1x. ATLC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).

ATLC

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.36

AXP

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ATLC6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
83.3%10/10

Revenue surging 83.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
66.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 66.0% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
21.1%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
29.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.5%

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$219.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
33.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
20.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.47B8/10

Generating 4.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ATLC4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$1.43B3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
8.481/10

Elevated debt levels

AXP2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.723/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ATLC

The strongest argument for ATLC centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.1% and operating margin at 29.5%. Revenue growth of 83.3% 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 16.1% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ATLC

The primary concerns for ATLC are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 8.48 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AXP

The primary concerns for AXP are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ATLC profiles as a growth stock while AXP is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

ATLC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.02 — expect wider price swings.

ATLC is growing revenue faster at 83.3% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ATLC scores higher overall (71/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 21.1% margins and 83.3% 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.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation provides credit and related financial products and services to clients in the United States. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

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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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