American Express Company (AXP)vsMicrosoft Corporation (MSFT)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
$371.04
-0.46%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $2.85T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Microsoft Corporation generates 356% more annual revenue ($305.45B vs $66.97B). MSFT leads profitability with a 39.0% profit margin vs 16.2%. MSFT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.25. MSFT earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
MSFT
Strong Buy74
out of 100
Grade: B
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
+50.1%
Fair Value
$747.40
Current Price
$371.04
$376.36 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Keeps 39 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 47.1%
Earnings expanding 59.8% YoY
16.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
No major concerns identified
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 : MSFT
The strongest argument for MSFT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.0% and operating margin at 47.1%. Revenue growth of 16.7% 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 : MSFT
No major red flags identified for MSFT, but monitor valuation.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while MSFT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
MSFT is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.
MSFT generates stronger free cash flow (5.9B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MSFT scores higher overall (74/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 39.0% margins and 16.7% 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 →Microsoft Corporation
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational technology company which produces computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Its best known software products are the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems, the Microsoft Office suite, and the Internet Explorer and Edge web browsers. Its flagship hardware products are the Xbox video game consoles and the Microsoft Surface lineup of touchscreen personal computers. Microsoft ranked No. 21 in the 2020 Fortune 500 rankings of the largest United States corporations by total revenue; it was the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016. It is considered one of the Big Five companies in the U.S. information technology industry, along with Google, Apple, Amazon, and Facebook.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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