American Express Company (AXP)vsCitigroup Inc. (C)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
C
Citigroup Inc.
$113.74
+1.88%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $191.59B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Citigroup Inc. generates 13% more annual revenue ($75.72B vs $66.97B). C leads profitability with a 18.9% profit margin vs 16.2%. C appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
C
Strong Buy65
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.4%
Fair Value
$512.74
Current Price
$300.24
$212.50 discount
Margin of Safety
-130.5%
Fair Value
$47.53
Current Price
$113.74
$66.21 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 25.7%
Generating 2.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.4% revenue growth
ROE of 6.8% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 10.8%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : C
The strongest argument for C centers on Price/Book, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.9% and operating margin at 25.7%. PEG of 0.80 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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.
Bear Case : C
The primary concerns for C are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while C is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), 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 "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.
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 →Citigroup Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Citigroup Inc. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services corporation headquartered in New York City. The company was formed by the merger of banking giant Citicorp and financial conglomerate Travelers Group in 1998; Travelers was subsequently spun off from the company in 2002. Citigroup owns Citicorp, the holding company for Citibank, as well as several international subsidiaries. Citigroup is incorporated in Delaware.
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