WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsNovartis AG ADR (NVS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Novartis AG ADR generates 159% more annual revenue ($56.67B vs $21.88B). NVS leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 16.4%. NVS appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.54. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

AEP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

NVS

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 9.0Value: 4.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.96
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-169.9%)

Margin of Safety

-169.9%

Fair Value

$45.29

Current Price

$128.30

$83.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $45.29Overvalued
NVSSignificantly Overvalued (-243.7%)

Margin of Safety

-243.7%

Fair Value

$48.62

Current Price

$150.75

$102.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.62Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$69.74B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%

NVS5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$286.27B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
30.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 31 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
27.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.64B8/10

Generating 1.6B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.772/10

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

NVS4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.2%4/10

2.2% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.6%2/10

Earnings declined 11.6%

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 : NVS

The strongest argument for NVS centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 27.8%.

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 : NVS

The primary concerns for NVS are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while NVS is a value 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.

NVS generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 16.4% margins and 13.2% 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.

Visit Website →

Novartis AG ADR

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

Novartis AG researches, develops, manufactures and markets medical devices worldwide. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?