American Express Company (AXP)vsCarnival Plc ADS (CUK)
AXP
American Express Company
$316.03
-0.83%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $217.45B
CUK
Carnival Plc ADS
$27.47
0.00%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $38.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Express Company generates 155% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $26.98B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 11.5%. CUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.05. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AXP
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
CUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.
Margin of Safety
+80.9%
Fair Value
$171.68
Current Price
$27.47
$144.21 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
Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%
Generating 2.7B in free cash flow
Every $100 of equity generates 28 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 35.8% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : CUK
The strongest argument for CUK centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 1.05 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : CUK
The primary concerns for CUK are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 2.28 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AXP profiles as a mature stock while CUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
CUK carries more volatility with a beta of 2.33 — 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.
Bottom Line
AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. CUK offers better value entry with a 80.9% 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 →Carnival Plc ADS
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
Visit Website →Compare with Other CREDIT SERVICES Stocks
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