WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsHoneywell International Inc (HON)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 83% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $37.66B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 10.9%. AXP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. 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

HON

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 5.0

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

HON3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$135.04B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
24.3%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.0%

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

HON4 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.974/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
34.0x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.4%4/10

2.4% revenue growth

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 : HON

The strongest argument for HON centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin.

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 : HON

The primary concerns for HON are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while HON 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.

AXP generates stronger free cash flow (2.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 55/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% 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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Honeywell International Inc

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Honeywell International Inc. is an American publicly traded, multinational conglomerate headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It primarily operates in four areas of business: aerospace, building technologies, performance materials and technologies (PMT), and safety and productivity solutions (SPS).

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