WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsUnilever PLC ADR (UL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 36% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $50.50B). UL leads profitability with a 18.8% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

UL

Hold

46

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$217.45B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

UL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
31.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Market CapQuality
$130.20B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Operating MarginProfitability
20.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.1%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$5.48B8/10

Generating 5.5B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

UL3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
10.732/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.2%2/10

Revenue declined 3.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-3.4%2/10

Earnings declined 3.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : UL

The strongest argument for UL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.8% and operating margin at 20.1%.

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 : UL

The primary concerns for UL are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while UL 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 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

UL generates stronger free cash flow (5.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 46/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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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Unilever PLC ADR

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · HOUSEHOLD & PERSONAL PRODUCTS · USA

Unilever PLC is a fast moving consumer goods company in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, America and Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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