American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$127.79
-0.45%
UTILITIES · Cap: $70.36B
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+0.11%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 46% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $22.43B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 15.7%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.37. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEP
The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.3% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 10.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
AEP generates stronger free cash flow (-1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% 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 Electric Power Co Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
American Electric Power (AEP) is a major investor-owned electric utility in the United States, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states.
Visit Website →Duke Energy Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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