WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsS&P Global Inc (SPGI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 337% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $15.34B). SPGI leads profitability with a 29.1% profit margin vs 16.2%. SPGI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.50. SPGI earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (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

SPGI

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 1.97
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
SPGIUndervalued (+40.5%)

Margin of Safety

+40.5%

Fair Value

$687.02

Current Price

$408.48

$278.54 discount

UndervaluedFair: $687.02Overvalued

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

SPGI5 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
38.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.3%

Market CapQuality
$124.51B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.1%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
32.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 32.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.70B8/10

Generating 1.7B 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

SPGI2 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
28.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.974/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

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 : SPGI

The strongest argument for SPGI centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 38.3%.

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 : SPGI

The primary concerns for SPGI are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SPGI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.22 — expect wider price swings.

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

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SPGI scores higher overall (67/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins. AXP offers better value entry with a 41.4% margin of safety. 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.

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S&P Global Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

S&P Global Inc. is an American publicly traded corporation headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. Its primary areas of business are financial information and analytics.

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