WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsAlibaba Group Holding Ltd (BABA)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd generates 1378% more annual revenue ($1.02T vs $68.81B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 8.9%. BABA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.81. AXP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

AXP

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.13

BABA

Buy

50

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 8.0Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.39
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.

BABAUndervalued (+72.8%)

Margin of Safety

+72.8%

Fair Value

$558.77

Current Price

$140.06

$418.71 discount

UndervaluedFair: $558.77Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AXP4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$217.45B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
34.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 34 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.65B8/10

Generating 2.7B in free cash flow

BABA4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$349.01B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

PEG RatioValuation
0.818/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$6.76B8/10

Generating 6.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AXP3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.132/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

BABA2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.7%4/10

1.7% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-70.9%2/10

Earnings declined 70.9%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : BABA

The strongest argument for BABA centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Price/Book. PEG of 0.81 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 : BABA

The primary concerns for BABA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

AXP carries more volatility with a beta of 1.08 — expect wider price swings.

AXP is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

BABA generates stronger free cash flow (6.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. BABA offers better value entry with a 72.8% 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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Alibaba Group Holding Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · INTERNET RETAIL · USA

Alibaba Group Holding Limited, also known as Alibaba Group and Alibaba.com, is a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology. Founded on 28 June 1999 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, the company provides consumer-to-consumer (C2C), business-to-consumer (B2C), and business-to-business (B2B) sales services via web portals, as well as electronic payment services, shopping search engines and cloud computing services. It owns and operates a diverse portfolio of companies around the world in numerous business sectors.

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