WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsFirstEnergy Corporation (FE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 47% more annual revenue ($21.88B vs $14.90B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.4% profit margin vs 6.9%. FE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.48. FE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

AEP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

FE

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.63
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-169.9%)

Margin of Safety

-169.9%

Fair Value

$45.29

Current Price

$128.30

$83.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $45.29Overvalued
FESignificantly Overvalued (-94.5%)

Margin of Safety

-94.5%

Fair Value

$24.64

Current Price

$49.52

$24.88 premium

UndervaluedFair: $24.64Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$69.74B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%

FE3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
26.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.7%8/10

Revenue surging 20.7% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.613/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.772/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-12.6%2/10

Earnings declined 12.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-245.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

FE4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.5%4/10

4.5% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-30.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AEP

The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : FE

The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : AEP

The primary concerns for AEP are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : FE

The primary concerns for FE are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while FE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.60 — expect wider price swings.

FE is growing revenue faster at 20.7% — sustainability is the question.

FE generates stronger free cash flow (-30M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FE scores higher overall (65/100 vs 60/100) and 20.7% revenue growth. Both earn "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.

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FirstEnergy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

FirstEnergy Corp is an electric utility headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the distribution, transmission, and generation of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services.

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