American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsMastercard Inc (MA)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$127.79
+0.58%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.16B
MA
Mastercard Inc
$491.08
+0.71%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $422.07B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Mastercard Inc generates 51% more annual revenue ($33.94B vs $22.43B). MA leads profitability with a 45.9% profit margin vs 16.3%. MA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.58. MA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (B).
AEP
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
MA
Strong Buy70
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%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 232 in profit
Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 60.8%
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
15.8% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Trading at 64.8x book value
Elevated debt levels
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 : MA
The strongest argument for MA centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.9% and operating margin at 60.8%. Revenue growth of 15.8% demonstrates continued momentum.
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 : MA
The primary concerns for MA are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.82 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 0.76 — expect wider price swings.
MA is growing revenue faster at 15.8% — sustainability is the question.
MA generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
MA scores higher overall (70/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 45.9% margins and 15.8% 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 →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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