American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$137.11
+1.99%
UTILITIES · Cap: $74.53B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$293.59
+1.21%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $206.20B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
McDonald’s Corporation generates 23% more annual revenue ($26.88B vs $21.88B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.9% profit margin vs 16.4%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.62. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
MCD
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
Intrinsic value data unavailable for MCD.
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 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 45.1%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
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
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 : MCD
The strongest argument for MCD centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.9% and operating margin at 45.1%.
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 : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.
MCD 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 →McDonald’s Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food company, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand, and later turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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