WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsShell PLC ADR (SHEL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Shell PLC ADR generates 298% more annual revenue ($266.89B vs $66.97B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 6.7%. 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

SHEL

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 10.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.34
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
SHELUndervalued (+71.2%)

Margin of Safety

+71.2%

Fair Value

$280.80

Current Price

$91.12

$189.68 discount

UndervaluedFair: $280.80Overvalued

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

SHEL4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$254.34B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

P/E RatioValuation
15.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
3.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.45B8/10

Generating 3.4B 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

SHEL4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.254/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
3.8%4/10

3.8% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.7%3/10

6.7% margin — thin

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.3%2/10

Revenue declined 3.3%

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 : SHEL

The strongest argument for SHEL centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

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 : SHEL

The primary concerns for SHEL are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while SHEL 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.

SHEL generates stronger free cash flow (3.4B), 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. SHEL offers better value entry with a 71.2% 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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Shell PLC ADR

ENERGY · OIL & GAS INTEGRATED · USA

Shell plc is a global petrochemical and energy company. The company is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands.

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