American Express Company (AXP)vsBanco Santander SA ADR (SAN)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.31%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
SAN
Banco Santander SA ADR
$10.77
-3.80%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $163.16B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 43% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $46.84B). SAN leads profitability with a 30.1% profit margin vs 16.2%. 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-
SAN
Buy63
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
+72.4%
Fair Value
$45.40
Current Price
$10.77
$34.63 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 43.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Earnings expanding 25.3% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 6.4%
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, 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 : SAN
The strongest argument for SAN centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.1% and operating margin at 43.7%.
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 : SAN
The primary concerns for SAN are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 4.47 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while SAN is a declining 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.
Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. SAN offers better value entry with a 72.4% 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 →Banco Santander SA ADR
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Banco Santander, SA, offers various commercial and retail banking products and services to individuals, small and medium-sized companies and large companies worldwide. The company is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.
Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?