WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsPhilip Morris International Inc (PM)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Philip Morris International Inc generates 85% more annual revenue ($41.49B vs $22.43B). PM leads profitability with a 26.7% profit margin vs 16.3%. PM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.93. 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

PM

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.18
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
PMSignificantly Overvalued (-48.0%)

Margin of Safety

-48.0%

Fair Value

$115.64

Current Price

$170.99

$55.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $115.64Overvalued

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%

PM3 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Market CapQuality
$266.69B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
36.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 36.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.7%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

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

PM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.934/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-9.3%2/10

Earnings declined 9.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-752.00M2/10

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 : PM

The strongest argument for PM centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.7% and operating margin at 36.0%.

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 : PM

The primary concerns for PM are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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.

PM generates stronger free cash flow (-752M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 54/100), 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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Philip Morris International Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · TOBACCO · USA

Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) is a Swiss-American multinational cigarette and tobacco manufacturing company, with products sold in over 180 countries. The most recognized and best selling product of the company is Marlboro.

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