American Express Company (AXP)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.31%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
NOC
Northrop Grumman Corporation
$691.21
+1.33%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $97.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 60% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $41.95B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 10.0%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
NOC
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
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
+24.9%
Fair Value
$904.35
Current Price
$691.21
$213.14 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
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Generating 3.2B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Grey zone — moderate risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : NOC
The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.
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 Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
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 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% margin of safety. 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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