American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$123.33
-0.11%
UTILITIES · Cap: $67.14B
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc
$75.50
+0.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $48.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 56% more annual revenue ($22.79B vs $14.62B). XEL leads profitability with a 15.3% profit margin vs 13.8%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.90. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy58
out of 100
Grade: C
XEL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-86.9%
Fair Value
$65.98
Current Price
$123.33
$57.35 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for XEL.
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 23.3%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.7%
Earnings expanding 24.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 43.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEP
The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : XEL
The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.3% and operating margin at 22.7%.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : XEL
The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a value stock while XEL 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 7.0% — sustainability is the question.
AEP generates stronger free cash flow (-969M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
XEL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 15.3% margins. 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 →Xcel Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico as of 2019. It consists of four operating subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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