American Express Company (AXP)vsRoyal Bank of Canada (RY)
AXP
American Express Company
$310.66
+0.02%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $228.84B
RY
Royal Bank of Canada
$194.04
-0.48%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $277.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 5% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $65.72B). RY leads profitability with a 33.7% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. RY earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
RY
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.3%
Generating 20.8B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
16.1% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
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 : RY
The strongest argument for RY centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.7% and operating margin at 45.3%. Revenue growth of 16.1% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.78 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : RY
The primary concerns for RY are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.77 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while RY is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.
RY is growing revenue faster at 16.1% — sustainability is the question.
RY generates stronger free cash flow (20.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
RY scores higher overall (70/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 33.7% margins and 16.1% revenue growth. 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 →Royal Bank of Canada
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Royal Bank of Canada is a globally diversified financial services company. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
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