WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsGreen Dot Corporation (GDOT)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 3069% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $2.17B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs -3.3%. GDOT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.23. 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

GDOT

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 3.0Value: 5.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.15

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

GDOT4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Price/BookValuation
0.8x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
97.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 97.9% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0710/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.4%8/10

17.4% revenue growth

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

GDOT4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Market CapQuality
$717.57M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-7.5%2/10

ROE of -7.5% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.152/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : GDOT

The strongest argument for GDOT centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Revenue growth of 17.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.23 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 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : GDOT

The primary concerns for GDOT are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.

GDOT is growing revenue faster at 17.4% — 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 64/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% 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.

Visit Website →

Green Dot Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Green Dot Corporation is a banking and fintech holding company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Pasadena, California.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?