WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsQualcomm Incorporated (QCOM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 49% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $44.87B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 12.0%. QCOM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

QCOM

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.3Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.17
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXPUndervalued (+41.4%)

Margin of Safety

+41.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$300.24

$212.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued
QCOMSignificantly Overvalued (-285.6%)

Margin of Safety

-285.6%

Fair Value

$33.80

Current Price

$130.35

$96.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $33.80Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$208.03B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.35B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

QCOM6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$137.43B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
21.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.558/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.42B8/10

Generating 4.4B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

QCOM2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
-1.8%2/10

Earnings declined 1.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : QCOM

The strongest argument for QCOM centers on Altman Z-Score, Market Cap, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.55 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 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : QCOM

The primary concerns for QCOM are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while QCOM is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

QCOM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.27 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.

QCOM generates stronger free cash flow (4.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 61/100), 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.

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Qualcomm Incorporated

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTORS · USA

Qualcomm is an American multinational corporation headquartered in San Diego, California, and incorporated in Delaware. It creates semiconductors, software, and services related to wireless technology. It owns patents critical to the 5G, 4G, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA and WCDMA mobile communications standards.

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