American Express Company (AXP)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$549.52
-0.50%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $78.44B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 62% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $42.37B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 10.8%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
NOC
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
-60.9%
Fair Value
$421.87
Current Price
$549.52
$127.65 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
Earnings expanding 84.9% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 29 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.4% revenue growth
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on EPS Growth, Market Cap, Return on Equity.
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 : NOC
The primary concerns for NOC are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while NOC is a value 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 63/100), 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 →Northrop Grumman Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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