WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsMedallion Financial Corp (MFIN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 18856% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $353.31M). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 12.2%. MFIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.77. MFIN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

AXP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

MFIN

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXPUndervalued (+41.4%)

Margin of Safety

+41.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$300.24

$212.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued
MFINUndervalued (+82.3%)

Margin of Safety

+82.3%

Fair Value

$58.24

Current Price

$8.47

$49.77 discount

UndervaluedFair: $58.24Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$208.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.35B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

MFIN5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
4.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
48.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 48.0%

PEG RatioValuation
0.778/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Revenue GrowthGrowth
18.6%8/10

18.6% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MFIN1 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$195.12M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : MFIN

The strongest argument for MFIN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 18.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.77 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 : MFIN

The primary concerns for MFIN are Market Cap.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while MFIN is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

MFIN is growing revenue faster at 18.6% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MFIN scores higher overall (75/100 vs 66/100) and 18.6% 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 →

Medallion Financial Corp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Medallion Financial Corp. The company is headquartered in New York City, New York.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?