American Express Company (AXP)vsValmont Industries Inc (VMI)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
VMI
Valmont Industries Inc
$406.39
+0.59%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $7.94B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 1532% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $4.10B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 8.5%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
VMI
Buy63
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
+39.1%
Fair Value
$785.30
Current Price
$406.39
$378.91 discount
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
Earnings expanding 135.3% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
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 : VMI
The strongest argument for VMI centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Return on Equity.
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 : VMI
The primary concerns for VMI are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while VMI is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VMI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.21 — 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.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. VMI offers better value entry with a 39.1% margin of safety. 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 →Valmont Industries Inc
INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA
Valmont Industries, Inc. produces and sells metal products manufactured in the United States, Australia, Denmark, and internationally. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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