WallStSmart

American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsWestern Digital Corporation (WDC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

American Electric Power Co Inc generates 86% more annual revenue ($21.88B vs $11.78B). WDC leads profitability with a 55.3% profit margin vs 16.4%. WDC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.87. WDC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

AEP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.67

WDC

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 9.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEPSignificantly Overvalued (-58.4%)

Margin of Safety

-58.4%

Fair Value

$77.18

Current Price

$134.66

$57.48 premium

UndervaluedFair: $77.18Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for WDC.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEP3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$73.20B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%

WDC6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
85.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 86 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
55.3%10/10

Keeps 55 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
45.5%10/10

Revenue surging 45.5% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
477.2%10/10

Earnings expanding 477.2% YoY

Market CapQuality
$152.47B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

EPS GrowthGrowth
-12.6%2/10

Earnings declined 12.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-245.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

WDC2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.8x4/10

Moderate valuation

Price/BookValuation
21.2x2/10

Trading at 21.2x book value

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 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : WDC

The strongest argument for WDC centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 55.3% and operating margin at 37.0%. Revenue growth of 45.5% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : WDC

The primary concerns for WDC are P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEP profiles as a mature stock while WDC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

WDC carries more volatility with a beta of 2.16 — expect wider price swings.

WDC is growing revenue faster at 45.5% — sustainability is the question.

WDC generates stronger free cash flow (978M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

WDC scores higher overall (79/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 55.3% margins and 45.5% 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.

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Western Digital Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · COMPUTER HARDWARE · USA

Western Digital Corporation (WDC, commonly known as Western Digital or WD) is an American computer hard disk drive manufacturer and data storage company, headquartered in San Jose, California. It designs, manufactures and sells data technology products, including storage devices, data center systems and cloud storage services.

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