American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$136.81
-0.84%
UTILITIES · Cap: $75.46B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$162.38
-2.31%
UTILITIES · Cap: $55.13B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 15% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $19.45B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 11.5%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.48. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
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%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Revenue surging 43.4% year-over-year
Large-cap with strong market position
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Moderate valuation
Trading at 17.6x book value
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 52.3%
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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : VST
The primary concerns for VST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while VST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 43.4% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (316M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VST scores higher overall (68/100 vs 64/100) and 43.4% revenue growth. 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 →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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