American Express Company (AXP)vs3M Company (MMM)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
MMM
3M Company
$143.29
-0.32%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $74.98B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 175% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $25.02B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 11.1%. MMM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
MMM
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
-31.5%
Fair Value
$131.48
Current Price
$143.29
$11.81 premium
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
Every $100 of equity generates 72 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
1.3% revenue growth
Trading at 22.9x book value
Earnings declined 39.7%
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 : MMM
The strongest argument for MMM centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin.
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 : MMM
The primary concerns for MMM are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while MMM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
MMM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.09 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. 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 →3M Company
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
The 3M Company is an American multinational conglomerate corporation operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, US health care, and consumer goods. The company produces over 60,000 products under several brands, including adhesives, abrasives, laminates, passive fire protection, personal protective equipment, window films, paint protection films, dental and orthodontic products, electrical and electronic connecting and insulating materials, medical products, car-care products, electronic circuits, healthcare software and optical films. It is based in Maplewood, a suburb of Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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