American Express Company (AXP)vsAlibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
BABA
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd
$129.87
+3.50%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $299.57B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd generates 1418% more annual revenue ($1.02T vs $66.97B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 8.9%. 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-
BABA
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
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
-298.4%
Fair Value
$38.22
Current Price
$129.87
$91.65 premium
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
Generating 36.0B in free cash flow
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.7% revenue growth
Earnings declined 70.9%
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 : BABA
The strongest argument for BABA centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow, Price/Book.
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 : BABA
The primary concerns for BABA are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while BABA 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.
BABA generates stronger free cash flow (36.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Alibaba Group Holding Ltd
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA
Alibaba Group Holding Limited, also known as Alibaba Group and Alibaba.com, is a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology. Founded on 28 June 1999 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, the company provides consumer-to-consumer (C2C), business-to-consumer (B2C), and business-to-business (B2B) sales services via web portals, as well as electronic payment services, shopping search engines and cloud computing services. It owns and operates a diverse portfolio of companies around the world in numerous business sectors.
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