American Express Company (AXP)vsBerkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-B)
AXP
American Express Company
$300.24
-0.58%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $208.03B
BRK-B
Berkshire Hathaway Inc
$479.33
-0.14%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $1.04T
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 455% more annual revenue ($371.44B vs $66.97B). BRK-B leads profitability with a 18.0% profit margin vs 16.2%. 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-
BRK-B
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
-134.4%
Fair Value
$210.94
Current Price
$479.33
$268.39 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
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 33.0%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 5.0B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 0.7%
Earnings declined 2.5%
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 : BRK-B
The strongest argument for BRK-B centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.0% and operating margin at 33.0%.
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 : BRK-B
The primary concerns for BRK-B are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while BRK-B is a declining 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.
BRK-B generates stronger free cash flow (5.0B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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 →Berkshire Hathaway Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).
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