American Express Company (AXP)vsHSBC Holdings PLC ADR (HSBC)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
HSBC
HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
$81.21
+2.45%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $264.52B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 6% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $63.22B). HSBC leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 16.2%. HSBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.02. HSBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
HSBC
Strong Buy77
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
+68.7%
Fair Value
$280.80
Current Price
$81.21
$199.59 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 55.2%
Revenue surging 58.4% year-over-year
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 24.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : HSBC
The strongest argument for HSBC centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.2% and operating margin at 55.2%. Revenue growth of 58.4% 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 : HSBC
The primary concerns for HSBC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.79 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while HSBC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
HSBC is growing revenue faster at 58.4% — sustainability is the question.
HSBC generates stronger free cash flow (9.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
HSBC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 35.2% margins and 58.4% revenue growth. 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 →HSBC Holdings PLC ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
HSBC Holdings plc offers banking and financial products and services globally. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
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