WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsPPG Industries Inc (PPG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 39% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $16.12B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 9.8%. PPG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. 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

PPG

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 5/9
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
PPGUndervalued (+16.0%)

Margin of Safety

+16.0%

Fair Value

$155.95

Current Price

$109.61

$46.34 discount

UndervaluedFair: $155.95Overvalued

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%

PPG2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
20.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 21 in profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.6x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

PPG2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
4.2%4/10

4.2% earnings growth

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-163.00M2/10

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 : PPG

The strongest argument for PPG centers on Return on Equity, P/E Ratio. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : PPG

The primary concerns for PPG are EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PPG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.05 — expect wider price swings.

AEP is growing revenue faster at 10.2% — sustainability is the question.

PPG generates stronger free cash flow (-163M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% revenue growth. PPG offers better value entry with a 16.0% 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.

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PPG Industries Inc

BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA

PPG Industries, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG operates in more than 70 countries around the globe.

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