WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsCanadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce (CM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 147% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $27.91B). CM leads profitability with a 33.5% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. CM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

CM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.62

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$211.26B10/10

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

CM6 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
33.5%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
44.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 44.7%

Market CapQuality
$106.24B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
16.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.7%8/10

16.7% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

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

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

CM4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.104/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.49B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.622/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.661/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : CM

The strongest argument for CM centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.5% and operating margin at 44.7%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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.

Bear Case : CM

The primary concerns for CM are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.30 — expect wider price swings.

CM is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

CM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 33.5% margins and 16.7% 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.

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Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, offers a variety of financial products and services to personal, commercial, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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