American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$137.11
+1.99%
UTILITIES · Cap: $74.53B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$501.14
-0.71%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $232.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 55% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $21.88B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 16.4%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.37. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-59.0%
Fair Value
$76.88
Current Price
$137.11
$60.23 premium
Margin of Safety
-44.6%
Fair Value
$346.56
Current Price
$501.14
$154.58 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 22.8%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 12.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
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 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : LIN
The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.
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 : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AEP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 16.4% margins and 13.2% 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 →Linde plc Ordinary Shares
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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