American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$128.30
-0.39%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.74B
PYPL
PayPal Holdings Inc
$44.85
+1.45%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $41.37B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
PayPal Holdings Inc generates 52% more annual revenue ($33.17B vs $21.88B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.4% profit margin vs 15.8%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
AEP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
PYPL
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-169.9%
Fair Value
$45.29
Current Price
$128.30
$83.01 premium
Margin of Safety
+82.3%
Fair Value
$253.19
Current Price
$44.85
$208.34 discount
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%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit
Growing faster than its price suggests
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 39.4% YoY
Generating 2.2B 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
3.7% revenue growth
Distress zone — elevated risk
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 : PYPL
The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.8% and operating margin at 17.5%. PEG of 0.69 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : PYPL
The primary concerns for PYPL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while PYPL is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.46 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.
PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PYPL scores higher overall (78/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.8% margins. Both earn "Strong 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 →PayPal Holdings Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA
PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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