WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsWPP PLC ADR (WPP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 394% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $13.55B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs -1.6%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. 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

WPP

Avoid

35

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 2.0Profit: 3.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.73
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AXPUndervalued (+41.4%)

Margin of Safety

+41.4%

Fair Value

$512.74

Current Price

$300.24

$212.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $512.74Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WPP.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$208.03B10/10

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

WPP1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.71B8/10

Generating 1.7B in free cash flow

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

WPP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Operating MarginProfitability
2.2%3/10

Operating margin of 2.2%

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
4.232/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
-5.3%2/10

ROE of -5.3% — below average capital efficiency

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 : WPP

The strongest argument for WPP centers on Free Cash Flow.

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 : WPP

The primary concerns for WPP are Operating Margin, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 2.13 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while WPP is a turnaround 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.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 35/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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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WPP PLC ADR

COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA

WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, expertise, trade and technology services in North America, the UK, Western Continental Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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