WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsEdwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 1004% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $6.07B). EW leads profitability with a 17.7% profit margin vs 16.2%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

EW

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXPUndervalued (+41.4%)

Margin of Safety

+41.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$300.24

$212.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued
EWSignificantly Overvalued (-544.4%)

Margin of Safety

-544.4%

Fair Value

$12.31

Current Price

$82.67

$70.36 premium

UndervaluedFair: $12.31Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

EW1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
23.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%

Areas to Watch

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

EW4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.144/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

P/E RatioValuation
45.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-76.6%2/10

Earnings declined 76.6%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : EW

The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.7% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 13.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : EW

The primary concerns for EW are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.7x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

EW is growing revenue faster at 13.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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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Edwards Lifesciences Corp

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DEVICES · USA

Edwards Lifesciences is an American medical technology company headquartered in Irvine, California, specializing in artificial heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring.

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