American Express Company (AXP)vsLockheed Martin Corporation (LMT)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
LMT
Lockheed Martin Corporation
$624.20
+2.30%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $144.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Lockheed Martin Corporation generates 12% more annual revenue ($75.05B vs $66.97B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 6.7%. LMT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.34. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
LMT
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
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
+37.5%
Fair Value
$1005.26
Current Price
$624.20
$381.06 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
Every $100 of equity generates 77 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 2.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
1.6% earnings growth
6.7% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
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 : LMT
The strongest argument for LMT centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.34 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 : LMT
The primary concerns for LMT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 3.23 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while LMT 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.
LMT generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. LMT offers better value entry with a 37.5% margin of safety. 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 →Lockheed Martin Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Lockheed Martin Corporation is an American aerospace, defense, information security, and technology company with worldwide interests. It is headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington, D.C., area.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?