American Express Company (AXP)vsHowmet Aerospace Inc (HWM)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
HWM
Howmet Aerospace Inc
$241.58
+0.86%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $93.06B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 712% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $8.25B). HWM leads profitability with a 18.3% profit margin vs 16.2%. HWM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.80. HWM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 69/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
HWM
Strong Buy69
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
-58.8%
Fair Value
$145.34
Current Price
$241.58
$96.24 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Growing faster than its price suggests
Strong operational efficiency at 26.3%
Earnings expanding 20.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 18.1x book value
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 : HWM
The strongest argument for HWM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.3% and operating margin at 26.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% 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 : HWM
The primary concerns for HWM are Price/Book, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 62.5x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
HWM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
HWM is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
HWM scores higher overall (69/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 18.3% margins and 14.6% 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 →Howmet Aerospace Inc
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Howmet Aerospace Inc. is an American aerospace company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company manufactures components for jet engines, fasteners and titanium structures for aerospace applications, and forged aluminum wheels for heavy trucks.
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