American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsUnion Pacific Corporation (UNP)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$130.16
-1.21%
UTILITIES · Cap: $70.82B
UNP
Union Pacific Corporation
$264.65
-0.09%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $157.27B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Union Pacific Corporation generates 10% more annual revenue ($24.70B vs $22.43B). UNP leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 16.3%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.88. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
UNP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-54.0%
Fair Value
$79.36
Current Price
$130.16
$50.80 premium
Margin of Safety
-75.9%
Fair Value
$150.49
Current Price
$264.65
$114.16 premium
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%
Every $100 of equity generates 41 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.4%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.5B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Trading at 8.5x book value
3.2% revenue growth
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 16.3% and operating margin at 23.7%. Revenue growth of 10.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : UNP
The strongest argument for UNP centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 40.4%.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : UNP
The primary concerns for UNP are Price/Book, Revenue Growth, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while UNP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.99 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 10.2% — sustainability is the question.
UNP generates stronger free cash flow (1.5B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% 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 →Union Pacific Corporation
INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA
The Union Pacific Corporation (Union Pacific) is a publicly traded railroad holding company. It was incorporated in Utah in 1969 and is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. It is the parent company of the current, Delaware-registered, form of the Union Pacific Railroad.
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