American Express Company (AXP)vsSLM Corp (SLM)
AXP
American Express Company
$319.11
-1.42%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $211.77B
SLM
SLM Corp
$17.80
-2.47%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $3.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 4686% more annual revenue ($70.91B vs $1.48B). SLM leads profitability with a 38.3% profit margin vs 16.1%. SLM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.58. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy70
out of 100
Grade: B-
SLM
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%
Generating 4.0B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit
Keeps 38 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Revenue declined 55.8%
Earnings declined 9.4%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 16.1% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.8% 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 38.3% and operating margin at -36.4%. PEG of 0.58 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AXP
The primary concerns for AXP are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SLM
The primary concerns for SLM are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.85 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while SLM is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 12.8% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (4.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (70/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 16.1% margins and 12.8% 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 →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.
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