WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 40% more annual revenue ($93.92B vs $66.97B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 8.8%. 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

PEP

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.3Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
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
PEPUndervalued (+45.9%)

Margin of Safety

+45.9%

Fair Value

$280.33

Current Price

$151.73

$128.60 discount

UndervaluedFair: $280.33Overvalued

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

PEP4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$205.91B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
42.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
67.5%10/10

Earnings expanding 67.5% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.70B8/10

Generating 4.7B 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

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.1x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
10.2x4/10

Trading at 10.2x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.012/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : PEP

The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS 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 : PEP

The primary concerns for PEP are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while PEP 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.

PEP generates stronger free cash flow (4.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% revenue growth. PEP offers better value entry with a 45.9% 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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PepsiCo Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

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