WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsMcKesson Corporation (MCK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

McKesson Corporation generates 494% more annual revenue ($397.96B vs $66.97B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 1.1%. MCK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.07. 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

MCK

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 8.0Profit: 4.5Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 5.22
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
MCKUndervalued (+41.2%)

Margin of Safety

+41.2%

Fair Value

$1622.09

Current Price

$879.75

$742.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1622.09Overvalued

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

MCK5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-6.6410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
5.2210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$108.85B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.12B8/10

Generating 1.1B 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

MCK4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.4x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
1.1%3/10

1.1% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
1.6%3/10

Operating margin of 1.6%

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 : MCK

The strongest argument for MCK centers on Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.07 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 : MCK

The primary concerns for MCK are P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Thin 1.1% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while MCK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.15 — expect wider price swings.

MCK is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), 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. MCK offers better value entry with a 41.2% margin of safety. 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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McKesson Corporation

HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL DISTRIBUTION · USA

McKesson Corporation is an American company distributing pharmaceuticals and providing health information technology, medical supplies, and care management tools.

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