WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 40% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $47.94B). KO leads profitability with a 27.3% 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 Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

KO

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 7.3Quality: 7.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.49
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
KOSignificantly Overvalued (-97.1%)

Margin of Safety

-97.1%

Fair Value

$38.18

Current Price

$75.25

$37.07 premium

UndervaluedFair: $38.18Overvalued

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

KO5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$321.39B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
27.3%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
24.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

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

KO4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.334/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
10.1x4/10

Trading at 10.1x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.6%4/10

3.6% earnings growth

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 : KO

The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.

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 : KO

The primary concerns for KO are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while KO is a value 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.

KO generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 57/100), 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.

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The Coca-Cola Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.

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