WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsBlackRock Inc (BLK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 177% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $24.22B). BLK leads profitability with a 22.9% profit margin vs 16.2%. BLK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.99. BLK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (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

BLK

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 2/9
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
BLKSignificantly Overvalued (-308.5%)

Margin of Safety

-308.5%

Fair Value

$240.24

Current Price

$981.35

$741.11 premium

UndervaluedFair: $240.24Overvalued

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

BLK6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
36.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.7%

Market CapQuality
$151.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
22.9%9/10

Keeps 23 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.998/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
23.4%8/10

Revenue surging 23.4% year-over-year

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

BLK3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

EPS GrowthGrowth
-31.7%2/10

Earnings declined 31.7%

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 : BLK

The strongest argument for BLK centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.9% and operating margin at 36.7%. Revenue growth of 23.4% 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 : BLK

The primary concerns for BLK are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while BLK is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

BLK carries more volatility with a beta of 1.49 — expect wider price swings.

BLK is growing revenue faster at 23.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

BLK scores higher overall (70/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 22.9% margins and 23.4% 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.

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BlackRock Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

BlackRock, Inc. is an American multinational investment management corporation based in New York City.

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