WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsMastercard Inc (MA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mastercard Inc generates 50% more annual revenue ($32.79B vs $21.88B). MA leads profitability with a 45.7% profit margin vs 16.4%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).

AEP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

MA

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 4.08
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-59.0%)

Margin of Safety

-59.0%

Fair Value

$76.88

Current Price

$137.11

$60.23 premium

UndervaluedFair: $76.88Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for MA.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$74.53B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%

MA6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$444.77B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
209.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 210 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
45.7%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
57.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 57.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.0810/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Revenue GrowthGrowth
17.6%8/10

17.6% revenue growth

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.613/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.822/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-12.6%2/10

Earnings declined 12.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-245.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

MA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
30.4x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
58.1x2/10

Trading at 58.1x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.451/10

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 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MA

The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.7% and operating margin at 57.7%. Revenue growth of 17.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AEP

The primary concerns for AEP are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : MA

The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.45 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while MA is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

MA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.

MA is growing revenue faster at 17.6% — sustainability is the question.

MA generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 45.7% margins and 17.6% 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.

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Mastercard Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

Mastercard Incorporated is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in the Mastercard International Global Headquarters in Purchase, New York. The Global Operations Headquarters is located in O'Fallon, Missouri, a municipality of St. Charles County, Missouri. Throughout the world, its principal business is to process payments between the banks of merchants and the card-issuing banks or credit unions of the purchasers who use the Mastercard brand debit, credit and prepaid cards to make purchases. Mastercard Worldwide has been a publicly traded company since 2006.

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