WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsRush Enterprises A Inc (RUSHA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 209% more annual revenue ($22.43B vs $7.27B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.3% profit margin vs 3.6%. 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

RUSHA

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 5.0Value: 6.0Quality: 6.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 3.13
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-53.6%)

Margin of Safety

-53.6%

Fair Value

$79.61

Current Price

$130.16

$50.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $79.61Overvalued
RUSHAUndervalued (+55.8%)

Margin of Safety

+55.8%

Fair Value

$164.81

Current Price

$72.31

$92.50 discount

UndervaluedFair: $164.81Overvalued

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%

RUSHA2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1310/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

RUSHA4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
3.6%3/10

3.6% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
4.9%3/10

Operating margin of 4.9%

PEG RatioValuation
3.162/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.0%2/10

Revenue declined 9.0%

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 : RUSHA

The strongest argument for RUSHA centers on Altman Z-Score, Price/Book.

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 : RUSHA

The primary concerns for RUSHA are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. Thin 3.6% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

RUSHA carries more volatility with a beta of 0.93 — expect wider price swings.

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

RUSHA generates stronger free cash flow (60M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (64/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 16.3% margins and 10.2% revenue growth. RUSHA offers better value entry with a 55.8% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Visit Website →

Rush Enterprises A Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Rush Enterprises, Inc. is an integrated retailer of commercial vehicles and related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in New Braunfels, Texas.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?