American Express Company (AXP)vsBooking Holdings Inc (BKNG)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
BKNG
Booking Holdings Inc
$4,237.75
-1.23%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $138.30B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 149% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $26.92B). BKNG leads profitability with a 20.1% profit margin vs 16.2%. BKNG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.73. BKNG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
AXP
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
BKNG
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
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
+45.4%
Fair Value
$7757.57
Current Price
$4237.75
$3519.82 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
Strong operational efficiency at 32.5%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
ROE of 2.3% — below average capital efficiency
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 : BKNG
The strongest argument for BKNG centers on Operating Margin, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.1% and operating margin at 32.5%. Revenue growth of 16.0% 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 : BKNG
The primary concerns for BKNG are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while BKNG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
BKNG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.23 — expect wider price swings.
BKNG is growing revenue faster at 16.0% — sustainability is the question.
AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
BKNG scores higher overall (78/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 20.1% margins and 16.0% revenue growth. AXP offers better value entry with a 41.4% 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 →Booking Holdings Inc
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Booking Holdings Inc. is an American travel technology company organized in Delaware and based in Norwalk, Connecticut, that owns and operates several travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines including namesake and flagship Booking.com, Priceline.com, Agoda.com, Kayak.com, Cheapflights, Rentalcars.com, Momondo, and OpenTable.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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