WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 524% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $10.73B). WDC leads profitability with a 35.6% profit margin vs 16.2%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

WDC

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXPUndervalued (+42.4%)

Margin of Safety

+42.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$295.50

$217.24 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued
WDCSignificantly Overvalued (-311.2%)

Margin of Safety

-311.2%

Fair Value

$66.57

Current Price

$293.10

$226.53 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.57Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$203.56B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.0%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.35B8/10

Generating 2.3B in free cash flow

WDC4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
41.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.6%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Market CapQuality
$100.21B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.524/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

WDC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
29.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
14.0x4/10

Trading at 14.0x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-41.0%2/10

Revenue declined 41.0%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-95.9%2/10

Earnings declined 95.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.6% and operating margin at 15.4%. PEG of 0.69 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 : WDC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — 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 55/100), 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.

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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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