American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsHCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$127.79
+0.58%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.16B
HCA
HCA Healthcare, Inc.
$372.13
+2.85%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $80.58B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
HCA Healthcare, Inc. generates 241% more annual revenue ($76.39B vs $22.43B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 8.9%. HCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
HCA
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AEP.
Margin of Safety
-85.7%
Fair Value
$286.26
Current Price
$372.13
$85.87 premium
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%
Every $100 of equity generates 136 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
4.3% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : HCA
The strongest argument for HCA centers on Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. PEG of 1.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : HCA
The primary concerns for HCA are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while HCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
HCA carries more volatility with a beta of 1.19 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 10.2% — sustainability is the question.
HCA generates stronger free cash flow (895M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% 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.
Visit Website →HCA Healthcare, Inc.
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES · USA
HCA Healthcare is an American for-profit operator of health care facilities that was founded in 1968. It is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and, as of May 2020, owns and operates 186 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care centers and physician clinics in 21 states and the United Kingdom.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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