American Express Company (AXP)vsPRA Group Inc (PRAA)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
PRAA
PRA Group Inc
$17.81
-3.10%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $694.87M
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 5473% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $1.20B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs -25.4%. 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-
PRAA
Buy64
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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for PRAA.
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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.1% earnings growth
Smaller company, higher risk/reward
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -26.0% — below average capital efficiency
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 : PRAA
The strongest argument for PRAA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 13.7% 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 : PRAA
The primary concerns for PRAA are EPS Growth, Market Cap, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while PRAA is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
PRAA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.25 — expect wider price swings.
PRAA is growing revenue faster at 13.7% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% 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 →PRA Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
PRA Group, Inc., a service company, is engaged in the purchase, collection and management of delinquent loan portfolios in the Americas, Australia and Europe. The company is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia.
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