WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 484% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 16.3%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.87. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (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

WDC

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$218.13B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

WDC6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
85.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
55.3%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
45.5%10/10

Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
477.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 477.2% YoY

Market CapQuality
$152.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.574/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WDC2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
21.2x2/10

Trading at 21.2x book value

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 21.5%. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : WDC

The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.16 — expect wider price swings.

WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WDC scores higher overall (79/100 vs 68/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% revenue growth. 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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Western Digital Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.

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