WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsOtter Tail Corporation (OTTR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 1608% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $1.31B). OTTR leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs 16.3%. OTTR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.88. OTTR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AEP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

OTTR

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.71

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%

OTTR4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
21.3%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.7%

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

OTTR4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.884/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.714/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : OTTR

The strongest argument for OTTR centers on Profit Margin, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.3% and operating margin at 24.7%.

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 : OTTR

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while OTTR is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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.

OTTR generates stronger free cash flow (-115M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

OTTR scores higher overall (67/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 21.3% margins. Both earn "Strong 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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Otter Tail Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · CONGLOMERATES · USA

Otter Tail Corporation is engaged in electrical service, manufacturing and plastic piping businesses in the United States. The company is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

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