WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 325% more annual revenue ($95.45B vs $22.43B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 9.2%. PEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AEP

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

PEP

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-54.0%)

Margin of Safety

-54.0%

Fair Value

$79.36

Current Price

$130.16

$50.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $79.36Overvalued
PEPFair Value (-1.0%)

Margin of Safety

-1.0%

Fair Value

$154.81

Current Price

$154.62

$0.19 premium

UndervaluedFair: $154.81Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$70.82B9/10

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%

PEP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$213.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

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

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.882/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-1.32B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.672/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-406.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : PEP

The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : AEP

The primary concerns for AEP are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : PEP

The primary concerns for PEP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while PEP 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.

PEP generates stronger free cash flow (-406M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 63/100), 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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PepsiCo Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

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