WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsHallador Energy Company (HNRG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 4846% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $453.55M). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 5.0%. HNRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.26. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AEP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.69

HNRG

Hold

49

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 4.5Value: 5.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.67

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$70.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
23.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.7%

HNRG2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
1408.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 1408.0% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0310/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.374/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.633/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.32B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.692/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

HNRG4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
36.7x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.674/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Market CapQuality
$916.69M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
5.0%3/10

5.0% margin — thin

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 16.3% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 10.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : HNRG

The strongest argument for HNRG centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. PEG of 1.26 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 : HNRG

The primary concerns for HNRG are P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Thin 5.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while HNRG is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.

AEP is growing revenue faster at 10.2% — sustainability is the question.

HNRG generates stronger free cash flow (13M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 49/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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Hallador Energy Company

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Hallador Energy Company is engaged in the production of steam coal in the Illinois Basin for the electric power generation industry. The company is headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana.

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