WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 10% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $20.38B). MO leads profitability with a 39.5% profit margin vs 16.3%. MO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.57. 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: 0.67

MO

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.5Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.86
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AEP.

MOSignificantly Overvalued (-59.0%)

Margin of Safety

-59.0%

Fair Value

$45.41

Current Price

$70.60

$25.19 premium

UndervaluedFair: $45.41Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$69.16B9/10

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%

MO6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
39.5%10/10

Keeps 40 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
62.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 62.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
106.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 106.3% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
-7.6610/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$115.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
14.5x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.274/10

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
0.672/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MO2 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.574/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

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 : MO

The strongest argument for MO centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 39.5% and operating margin at 62.3%.

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 : MO

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.

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

MO generates stronger free cash flow (2.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% revenue growth. 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.

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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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