As it so happens I am a Morningstar Premium Member for many years now and Morningstar thesis and valuations for AXP and DFS in the 'Analyst Report Summary' were both written by Michael Kon. Yes they both get 5 stars for very different reasons. As a M* prem member you should read M Kon's analysis to see why DFS won't be in as good a place as AXP after this credit crunch is over. Goldman's analyst are of the same opinion as Morningstar on AXP and DFS. DFS is mainly a North American operation which limits its growth prospects vis-a-vis AXP's worldwide operations, especially in emerging markets where AXP is far outspending DFS in developing new customers. I like just facts no emotions in stock choosing, commodities, well that's different.
Why was this article no surprise to me when I came to the disclosure at the end only to see: [long: DFS]. Nothing like a fair and balanced credit report. Looking for a job at Wamu, LEH or MER as all honest analyst positions at Bear Sterns and CFC for unbiased truth telling are full up. DFS is in worse shape than even Capital One/COF as very well outlined in Morningstar's reports.
AmEx's Pain Likely Discover's Gain [View article]
AmEx's Pain Likely Discover's Gain [View article]