WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 1209% more annual revenue ($22.79B vs $1.74B). SWX leads profitability with a 31.4% profit margin vs 13.8%. SWX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.86. SWX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

AEP

Buy

58

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.69

SWX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-86.9%)

Margin of Safety

-86.9%

Fair Value

$65.98

Current Price

$123.33

$57.35 premium

UndervaluedFair: $65.98Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for SWX.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$67.14B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
23.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%

SWX4 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
31.4%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.974/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-43.2%2/10

Earnings declined 43.2%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-969.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

SWX4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.864/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-9.6%2/10

Revenue declined 9.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-174.31M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.892/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AEP

The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.

Bull Case : SWX

The strongest argument for SWX centers on Profit Margin, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.4% and operating margin at 24.2%.

Bear Case : AEP

The primary concerns for AEP are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SWX

The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a value stock while SWX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

SWX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.56 — expect wider price swings.

AEP is growing revenue faster at 7.0% — sustainability is the question.

SWX generates stronger free cash flow (-174M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

SWX scores higher overall (65/100 vs 58/100), backed by strong 31.4% margins. Both earn "Strong 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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Southwest Gas Holdings Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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