American Express Company (AXP)vsWells Fargo & Company (WFC)
AXP
American Express Company
$295.50
+2.17%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $203.56B
WFC
Wells Fargo & Company
$77.60
+0.88%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $243.59B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Wells Fargo & Company generates 20% more annual revenue ($80.04B vs $66.97B). WFC leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 16.2%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. WFC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (B).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
WFC
Strong Buy72
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+42.4%
Fair Value
$512.74
Current Price
$295.50
$217.24 discount
Margin of Safety
+55.4%
Fair Value
$173.78
Current Price
$77.60
$96.18 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
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 29.9%
Generating 4.1B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : WFC
The strongest argument for WFC centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 29.9%.
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 : WFC
The primary concerns for WFC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while WFC is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.
AXP is growing revenue faster at 10.6% — sustainability is the question.
WFC generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WFC scores higher overall (72/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 26.7% margins. AXP offers better value entry with a 42.4% margin of safety. 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 →Wells Fargo & Company
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California, operational headquarters in Manhattan, and managerial offices throughout the United States and overseas.
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