WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsGlobal Water Resources Inc (GWRS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 39543% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $56.59M). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 3.5%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AEP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.69

GWRS

Avoid

34

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.7Profit: 4.0Value: 3.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.30

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$70.99B9/10

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%

GWRS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

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
0.692/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

GWRS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Market CapQuality
$211.70M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Return on EquityProfitability
2.4%3/10

ROE of 2.4% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
3.5%3/10

3.5% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

Operating margin of 2.9%

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 : GWRS

The strongest argument for GWRS centers on Price/Book.

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 : GWRS

The primary concerns for GWRS are Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. A P/E of 92.0x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

GWRS carries more volatility with a beta of 0.92 — expect wider price swings.

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

GWRS generates stronger free cash flow (-2M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 34/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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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Global Water Resources Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Global Water Resources, Inc., a water resources management company, owns, operates and manages regulated water, wastewater and recycled water services primarily in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

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