WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsKKR & Co LP (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 161% more annual revenue ($66.97B vs $25.65B). AXP leads profitability with a 16.2% profit margin vs 9.2%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.39. 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

KKR

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0
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
KKRSignificantly Overvalued (-560.3%)

Margin of Safety

-560.3%

Fair Value

$15.91

Current Price

$88.91

$73.00 premium

UndervaluedFair: $15.91Overvalued

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

KKR6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3910/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Operating MarginProfitability
33.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
76.3%10/10

Revenue surging 76.3% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$84.19B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.27B8/10

Generating 2.3B 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

KKR2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
38.9x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

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 : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 76.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.39 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 : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AXP profiles as a mature stock while KKR is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 2.01 — expect wider price swings.

KKR is growing revenue faster at 76.3% — 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 65/100), backed by strong 16.2% margins and 10.6% 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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KKR & Co LP

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. LP is a leading global investment firm established in 1976, recognized for its expertise in managing a diversified portfolio across private equity, credit, and real assets. With a strong emphasis on innovative investment strategies and operational excellence, KKR adeptly identifies and leverages complex market opportunities to generate sustainable long-term value. The firm's profound industry knowledge and extensive global network contribute significantly to the growth of its portfolio companies. Additionally, KKR is committed to sustainable investing, actively integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into its strategies, thereby reinforcing its dedication to delivering robust performance for its investors while promoting responsible growth in the financial markets.

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