American Express Company (AXP)vsProgressive Corp (PGR)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
PGR
Progressive Corp
$202.84
-1.63%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $120.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Progressive Corp generates 31% more annual revenue ($87.64B vs $66.97B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 12.9%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. PGR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
PGR
Strong Buy67
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
+76.9%
Fair Value
$900.43
Current Price
$202.84
$697.59 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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 25.2% YoY
Generating 3.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : PGR
The strongest argument for PGR centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 12.2% 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 : PGR
The primary concerns for PGR are PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while PGR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
PGR is growing revenue faster at 12.2% — sustainability is the question.
PGR generates stronger free cash flow (3.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PGR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 66/100) and 12.2% 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 →Progressive Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - PROPERTY & CASUALTY · USA
The Progressive Corporation is an American insurance company, one of the largest providers of car insurance in the United States. The company insures motorcycles, boats, RVs, and commercial vehicles and provides home insurance through select companies.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?