American Express Company (AXP)vsLam Research Corp (LRCX)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
LRCX
Lam Research Corp
$294.05
+2.63%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $358.31B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 217% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $21.68B). LRCX leads profitability with a 30.9% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. LRCX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
LRCX
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
+16.5%
Fair Value
$343.11
Current Price
$294.05
$49.06 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
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 67 in profit
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 35.0%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Revenue surging 23.8% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 34.8x book value
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AXP
The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 21.2%. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LRCX
The strongest argument for LRCX centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.9% and operating margin at 35.0%. Revenue growth of 23.8% 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 : LRCX
The primary concerns for LRCX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 54.1x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while LRCX is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
LRCX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.82 — expect wider price swings.
LRCX is growing revenue faster at 23.8% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
LRCX scores higher overall (74/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 30.9% margins and 23.8% revenue growth. 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 →Lam Research Corp
TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA
Lam Research Corporation is an American corporation that engages in the design, manufacture, marketing, and service of semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Its products are used primarily in front-end wafer processing, which involves the steps that create the active components of semiconductor devices (transistors, capacitors) and their wiring (interconnects). The company also builds equipment for back-end wafer-level packaging (WLP), and for related manufacturing markets such as for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The company is headquartered in Fremont, California, in the Silicon Valley.
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