WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsBlackstone Group Inc (BX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 378% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $14.40B). BX leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 16.3%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

BX

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 2/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$217.45B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

BX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
38.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.0%

Market CapQuality
$149.52B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
29.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
21.2%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

BX4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.824/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
31.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
11.6x4/10

Trading at 11.6x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.9%4/10

3.9% earnings growth

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AXP

The strongest argument for AXP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 21.2%. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : BX

The strongest argument for BX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 38.0%.

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 : BX

The primary concerns for BX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.63 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% 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.

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Blackstone Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

Blackstone Group Inc. is an alternative asset management company specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity strategies and multiple asset classes. The company is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices across Asia, Europe and North America.

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