WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 294% more annual revenue ($88.43B vs $22.43B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 7.5%. LOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.36. 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: 0.67

LOW

Hold

50

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.88
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AEP.

LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-50.6%)

Margin of Safety

-50.6%

Fair Value

$139.97

Current Price

$210.74

$70.77 premium

UndervaluedFair: $139.97Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$69.16B9/10

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%

LOW4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-4.5910/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$115.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.83B8/10

Generating 2.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.274/10

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
0.672/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.884/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.5%3/10

7.5% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap, P/E Ratio. Revenue growth of 10.3% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.36 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 : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.

LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.3% — sustainability is the question.

LOW generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 50/100), 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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Lowe's Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.

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