American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsVistra Corp. (VST)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$125.60
+0.18%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.87B
VST
Vistra Corp.
$146.40
+1.18%
UTILITIES · Cap: $48.29B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 17% more annual revenue ($22.79B vs $19.45B). AEP leads profitability with a 13.8% profit margin vs 11.5%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.44. VST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AEP
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
VST
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
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 23.3%
Growing faster than its price suggests
Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit
Revenue surging 43.4% year-over-year
Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Earnings declined 43.2%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
Trading at 15.9x book value
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 52.3%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEP
The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bull Case : VST
The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 43.4% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : VST
The primary concerns for VST are P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a value stock while VST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.43 — expect wider price swings.
VST is growing revenue faster at 43.4% — sustainability is the question.
VST generates stronger free cash flow (140M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
VST scores higher overall (68/100 vs 56/100) and 43.4% revenue growth. 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.
Visit Website →Vistra Corp.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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