WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsFinance of America Companies Inc (FOA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 15128% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $451.89M). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 7.2%. FOA trades at a lower P/E of 8.7x. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (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

FOA

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.0Value: 6.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.07

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$212.18B10/10

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

FOA2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.544/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

FOA4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$175.17M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
7.2%3/10

7.2% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-27.5%2/10

Revenue declined 27.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-64.7%2/10

Earnings declined 64.7%

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 : FOA

The strongest argument for FOA centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

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 : FOA

The primary concerns for FOA are Market Cap, Profit Margin, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 88.46 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while FOA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

FOA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.70 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — 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 48/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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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Finance of America Companies Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Finance of America Companies Inc. operates a consumer loan platform in the United States. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

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