American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsVistra Energy Corp (VST)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$128.30
-0.39%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.74B
VST
Vistra Energy Corp
$151.51
-0.79%
UTILITIES · Cap: $51.70B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 23% more annual revenue ($21.88B vs $17.74B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.4% profit margin vs 5.3%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
AEP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
VST
Buy53
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-169.9%
Fair Value
$45.29
Current Price
$128.30
$83.01 premium
Margin of Safety
-980.6%
Fair Value
$14.82
Current Price
$151.51
$136.69 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 12.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 19.5x book value
5.3% margin — thin
Weak financial health signals
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on Market Cap. Revenue growth of 13.6% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : VST
The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score. A P/E of 70.1x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 3.36 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while VST is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.45 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 13.6% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (-82M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AEP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 53/100), 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.
Visit Website →Vistra Energy Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
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