WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsSpire Inc (SR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 763% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $2.60B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 13.8%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.27. SR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

AEP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

SR

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 5.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.57

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%

SR4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
30.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.2%

P/E RatioValuation
16.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.0% YoY

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

SR4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.5%4/10

4.5% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.572/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
2.331/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : SR

The strongest argument for SR centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, P/E Ratio.

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 : SR

The primary concerns for SR are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.33 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.

AEP is growing revenue faster at 10.2% — sustainability is the question.

SR generates stronger free cash flow (218M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SR scores higher overall (68/100 vs 64/100). 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.

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Spire Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Spire Inc. engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.

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