American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsNorthwest Natural Gas Co (NWN)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$126.53
+0.74%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.87B
NWN
Northwest Natural Gas Co
$50.43
-0.85%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.14B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 1663% more annual revenue ($22.79B vs $1.29B). AEP leads profitability with a 13.8% profit margin vs 9.7%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.18. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
AEP
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
NWN
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AEP.
Margin of Safety
+17.3%
Fair Value
$59.10
Current Price
$50.43
$8.67 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 23.3%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 43.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
3.1% revenue growth
ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEP
The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : NWN
The strongest argument for NWN centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NWN
The primary concerns for NWN are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.51 — expect wider price swings.
AEP is growing revenue faster at 7.0% — sustainability is the question.
NWN generates stronger free cash flow (-12M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
AEP scores higher overall (56/100 vs 54/100). NWN offers better value entry with a 17.3% margin of safety. 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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