American Express Company (AXP)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
AXP
American Express Company
$336.25
-0.38%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $237.95B
SLM
SLM Corp
$26.00
+0.60%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $4.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 3981% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $1.69B). SLM leads profitability with a 43.6% profit margin vs 16.3%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. SLM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
SLM
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 4.5B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 44 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.2%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Earnings declined 9.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : SLM
The strongest argument for SLM centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 43.6% and operating margin at 29.2%. PEG of 0.58 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 1.72 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (4.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SLM scores higher overall (70/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 43.6% margins. 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 →SLM Corp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
SLM Corporation originates and provides private education loan services to students and their families to finance the cost of their education in the United States. The company is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.
Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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