WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsVistra Corp. (VST)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 19% more annual revenue ($22.79B vs $19.21B). AEP leads profitability with a 13.8% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.35. AEP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).

AEP

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

VST

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.60
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-77.7%)

Margin of Safety

-77.7%

Fair Value

$66.18

Current Price

$118.20

$52.02 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.18Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$64.00B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
23.3%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 23.3%

VST2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3510/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
40.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Areas to Watch

AEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.004/10

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

VST4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
15.5x4/10

Trading at 15.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.5%2/10

Revenue declined 5.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Earnings declined 6.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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. PEG of 0.35 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 Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

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

VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEP scores higher overall (56/100 vs 54/100). 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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Vistra Corp.

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

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