American Express Company (AXP)vsGilead Sciences Inc (GILD)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
GILD
Gilead Sciences Inc
$138.26
+0.11%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $171.45B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 127% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $29.44B). GILD leads profitability with a 28.9% profit margin vs 16.2%. GILD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.38. GILD earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
GILD
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+41.4%
Fair Value
$512.74
Current Price
$300.24
$212.50 discount
Margin of Safety
+53.9%
Fair Value
$299.95
Current Price
$138.26
$161.69 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
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 37.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 23.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.7% revenue growth
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : GILD
The strongest argument for GILD centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.9% and operating margin at 37.4%. PEG of 0.38 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 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : GILD
The primary concerns for GILD are Revenue Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while GILD is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
GILD generates stronger free cash flow (3.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
GILD scores higher overall (72/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 28.9% margins. AXP offers better value entry with a 41.4% margin of safety. 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.
Visit Website →Gilead Sciences Inc
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Foster City, California, that focuses on researching and developing antiviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and influenza, including Harvoni and Sovaldi.
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