American Express Company (AXP)vsMastercard Inc (MA)
AXP
American Express Company
$327.98
-0.76%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $213.98B
MA
Mastercard Inc
$658.10
-1.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $555.82B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 101% more annual revenue ($72.85B vs $36.29B). MA leads profitability with a 46.7% profit margin vs 16.8%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.32. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
MA
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 30.9% YoY
Generating 4.0B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 290 in profit
Keeps 47 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 60.5%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Earnings expanding 21.7% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 85.0x book value
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AXP
The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.8% and operating margin at 18.4%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : MA
The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 46.7% and operating margin at 60.5%. Revenue growth of 14.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 4.39 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 14.0% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (4.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (72/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 16.8% margins and 11.3% 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 →Mastercard Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
Mastercard Incorporated is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in the Mastercard International Global Headquarters in Purchase, New York. The Global Operations Headquarters is located in O'Fallon, Missouri, a municipality of St. Charles County, Missouri. Throughout the world, its principal business is to process payments between the banks of merchants and the card-issuing banks or credit unions of the purchasers who use the Mastercard brand debit, credit and prepaid cards to make purchases. Mastercard Worldwide has been a publicly traded company since 2006.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?