American Express Company (AXP)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$270.55
-0.64%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $250.15B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 568% more annual revenue ($447.57B vs $66.97B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.98. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
UNH
Buy59
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
-202.7%
Fair Value
$89.96
Current Price
$270.55
$180.59 premium
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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
2.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 0.3%
Earnings declined 99.9%
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 : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 12.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.98 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 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while UNH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
UNH is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% 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 →UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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