WallStSmart

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

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Rio Tinto ADR generates 163% more annual revenue ($57.64B vs $21.88B). RIO leads profitability with a 17.3% profit margin vs 16.4%. AEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.77. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

AEP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

RIO

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-169.9%)

Margin of Safety

-169.9%

Fair Value

$45.29

Current Price

$128.30

$83.01 premium

UndervaluedFair: $45.29Overvalued
RIOSignificantly Overvalued (-136.9%)

Margin of Safety

-136.9%

Fair Value

$41.41

Current Price

$87.54

$46.13 premium

UndervaluedFair: $41.41Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$69.74B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%

RIO5 strengths · Avg: 8.2/10
Market CapQuality
$139.55B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
14.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

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
2.772/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-12.6%2/10

Earnings declined 12.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-245.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% 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, EPS Growth. 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 0.65 — 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 (60/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 16.4% margins and 13.2% 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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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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