WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 11920% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $557.17M). ATLC leads profitability with a 21.9% profit margin vs 16.2%. ATLC trades at a lower P/E of 9.2x. ATLC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).

ATLC

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 8.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.45

AXP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ATLCUndervalued (+78.5%)

Margin of Safety

+78.5%

Fair Value

$257.00

Current Price

$55.97

$201.03 discount

UndervaluedFair: $257.00Overvalued
AXPUndervalued (+41.4%)

Margin of Safety

+41.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$300.24

$212.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ATLC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
9.2x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
50.1%10/10

Revenue surging 50.1% year-over-year

Profit MarginProfitability
21.9%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
26.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
22.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 22.7% YoY

AXP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$208.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.35B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

ATLC3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Market CapQuality
$827.79M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.452/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
9.631/10

Elevated debt levels

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

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 : ATLC

The strongest argument for ATLC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.9% and operating margin at 26.3%. Revenue growth of 50.1% 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 : ATLC

The primary concerns for ATLC are Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 9.63 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 1.73 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 1.94 — expect wider price swings.

ATLC is growing revenue faster at 50.1% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ATLC scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 21.9% margins and 50.1% revenue growth. AXP offers better value entry with a 41.4% margin of safety. 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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