American Express Company (AXP)vsEdwards Lifesciences Corp (EW)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
EW
Edwards Lifesciences Corp
$79.96
-3.38%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $47.71B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 992% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $6.30B). EW leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
EW
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
+69.7%
Fair Value
$261.90
Current Price
$79.96
$181.94 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Strong operational efficiency at 31.2%
16.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : EW
The strongest argument for EW centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 31.2%. 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 1.73 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 44.7x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while EW is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
EW 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
AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. EW offers better value entry with a 69.7% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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