WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsRio Tinto ADR (RIO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Rio Tinto ADR generates 157% more annual revenue ($57.64B vs $22.43B). RIO leads profitability with a 17.3% profit margin vs 16.3%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.88. 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

RIO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 8.0Value: 6.7Quality: 5.0
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
RIOUndervalued (+33.7%)

Margin of Safety

+33.7%

Fair Value

$147.89

Current Price

$105.38

$42.51 discount

UndervaluedFair: $147.89Overvalued

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%

RIO5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Market CapQuality
$171.59B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.53B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

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

RIO2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
5.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-5.6%2/10

Earnings declined 5.6%

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 : RIO

The strongest argument for RIO centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.3% and operating margin at 25.3%. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : RIO

The primary concerns for RIO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

RIO carries more volatility with a beta of 0.63 — expect wider price swings.

RIO is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.

RIO generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), 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. RIO offers better value entry with a 33.7% 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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Rio Tinto ADR

BASIC MATERIALS · OTHER INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINING · USA

Rio Tinto Group is dedicated to the exploration, extraction and processing of mineral resources worldwide. The company is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

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