WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsAltria Group (MO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 9% more annual revenue ($21.88B vs $20.14B). MO leads profitability with a 34.5% profit margin vs 16.4%. MO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.74. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

AEP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

MO

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.86
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
MOSignificantly Overvalued (-39.6%)

Margin of Safety

-39.6%

Fair Value

$47.23

Current Price

$68.20

$20.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $47.23Overvalued

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%

MO6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Profit MarginProfitability
34.5%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
116.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 116.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
-7.3410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$121.46B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
15.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.18B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

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

MO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.744/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.5%2/10

Revenue declined 0.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-62.9%2/10

Earnings declined 62.9%

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

Bull Case : MO

The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.5% and operating margin at 116.7%.

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 : MO

The primary concerns for MO are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while MO is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.

AEP is growing revenue faster at 13.2% — sustainability is the question.

MO generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 16.4% margins and 13.2% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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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Altria Group

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA

Altria Group, Inc. (previously known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc.) is an American corporation and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco, cigarettes and related products. It operates worldwide and is headquartered in unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia, just outside the city of Richmond.

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