American Express Company (AXP)vsEli Lilly and Company (LLY)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
LLY
Eli Lilly and Company
$916.31
+1.47%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $808.22B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 3% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $65.18B). LLY leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs 16.2%. LLY appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.97. LLY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 80/100 (A-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
LLY
Exceptional Buy80
out of 100
Grade: A-
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
+14.0%
Fair Value
$1065.17
Current Price
$916.31
$148.86 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
Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.9%
Revenue surging 42.6% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 51.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Elevated debt levels
Trading at 30.9x book value
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 : LLY
The strongest argument for LLY centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 44.9%. Revenue growth of 42.6% 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 : LLY
The primary concerns for LLY are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.60 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while LLY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
LLY is growing revenue faster at 42.6% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LLY scores higher overall (80/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 31.7% margins and 42.6% revenue growth. AXP offers better value entry with a 41.4% margin of safety. Both earn "Exceptional 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 →Eli Lilly and Company
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
Eli Lilly and Company is an American pharmaceutical company headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, with offices in 18 countries. Its products are sold in approximately 125 countries.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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