American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsMDU Resources Group Inc (MDU)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$127.78
-1.25%
UTILITIES · Cap: $70.99B
MDU
MDU Resources Group Inc
$19.97
-0.20%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.42B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 1142% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $1.81B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 10.5%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
MDU
Hold49
out of 100
Grade: D+
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%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 10.2%
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 : MDU
The strongest argument for MDU centers on Price/Book.
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 : MDU
The primary concerns for MDU are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while MDU is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.50 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 10.2% — sustainability is the question.
MDU generates stronger free cash flow (57M), 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.
Visit Website →MDU Resources Group Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
MDU Resources Group, Inc. is involved in the regulated power supply and construction materials and services businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?