American Express Company (AXP)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$55.53
+0.40%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $85.86B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 158% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $26.65B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
USB
Strong Buy71
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 34 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
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 16.3% and operating margin at 21.2%. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.
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 : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while USB is a value 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.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 29.3% 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 →U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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