American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsNorthwest Natural Gas Co (NWN)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$137.11
+1.99%
UTILITIES · Cap: $74.53B
NWN
Northwest Natural Gas Co
$53.12
-0.47%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.24B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 1597% more annual revenue ($21.88B vs $1.29B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.4% profit margin vs 8.8%. NWN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.81. NWN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
NWN
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-59.0%
Fair Value
$76.88
Current Price
$137.11
$60.23 premium
Margin of Safety
+32.4%
Fair Value
$72.25
Current Price
$53.12
$19.13 discount
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 22.8%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%
Earnings expanding 24.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 12.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NWN
The strongest argument for NWN centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.
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 : NWN
The primary concerns for NWN are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while NWN 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.
NWN generates stronger free cash flow (-131M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
NWN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 60/100). 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 →Northwest Natural Gas Co
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA
Northwest Natural Holding Company, through its subsidiary, Northwest Natural Gas Company, provides regulated natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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