WallStSmart

American Express Company (AXP)vsRio Tinto ADR (RIO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Express Company generates 19% more annual revenue ($68.81B vs $57.64B). RIO leads profitability with a 17.3% profit margin vs 16.3%. 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

RIO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AXP.

RIOUndervalued (+33.7%)

Margin of Safety

+33.7%

Fair Value

$147.89

Current Price

$105.38

$42.51 discount

UndervaluedFair: $147.89Overvalued

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

RIO5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Market CapQuality
$171.59B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.53B8/10

Generating 2.5B 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

RIO2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
5.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-5.6%2/10

Earnings declined 5.6%

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 : RIO

The strongest argument for RIO centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.3% and operating margin at 25.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : RIO

The primary concerns for RIO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

RIO is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor CREDIT SERVICES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AXP scores higher overall (68/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 11.6% revenue growth. RIO offers better value entry with a 33.7% 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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Rio Tinto ADR

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Rio Tinto Group is dedicated to the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources worldwide. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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