WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 10842% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $628.89M). ATLC leads profitability with a 21.4% profit margin vs 16.3%. ATLC trades at a lower P/E of 11.5x. ATLC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 76/100 (B+).

ATLC

Strong Buy

76

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.36

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

ATLC6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.5x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
31.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
60.8%10/10

Revenue surging 60.8% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
50.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 50.2% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
21.4%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$212.18B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
33.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 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

ATLC4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$1.15B3/10

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
9.231/10

Elevated debt levels

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.544/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

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 P/E Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.4% and operating margin at 31.0%. Revenue growth of 60.8% 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 : ATLC

The primary concerns for ATLC are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 9.23 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : AXP

The primary concerns for AXP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.78 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 2.15 — expect wider price swings.

ATLC is growing revenue faster at 60.8% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

ATLC scores higher overall (76/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 21.4% margins and 60.8% 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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