WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsNelnet Inc (NNI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 4080% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $1.65B). NNI leads profitability with a 25.3% profit margin vs 16.3%. NNI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.46. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

NNI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 1.13

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$212.18B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
33.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

NNI5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.4610/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
25.3%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.4%

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.544/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.783/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

NNI4 concerns · Avg: 1.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-7.1%2/10

Revenue declined 7.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-12.9%2/10

Earnings declined 12.9%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.061/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : NNI

The strongest argument for NNI centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.3% and operating margin at 21.4%. PEG of 0.46 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 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : NNI

The primary concerns for NNI are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.06 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while NNI is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — 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 60/100), 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.

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Nelnet Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Nelnet, Inc. is engaged in the loan management, communications and educational technology, services and payment processing businesses globally. The company is headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska.

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