American Electric Power (AEP) vs CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
American Electric Power (AEP) has outperformed CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP) over the past year, gaining 3.3% versus a loss of 2.3%. Over five years, AEP leads with a +46.2% price change compared with +44.0% for CNP. American Electric Power is the larger company by market cap ($66.46 billion vs $25.38 billion), about 2.6 times the size.
On valuation, American Electric Power trades at a lower forward P/E (17.8x vs 18.5x for CenterPoint Energy (Holding)). American Electric Power offers the higher dividend yield (3.10% vs 2.34%). American Electric Power converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 11.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AEP | CNP |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.08 | $38.53 |
| Market cap | $66.46B | $25.38B |
| 1-day change | +0.34% | -0.08% |
| YTD return | +5.87% | +0.50% |
| 1-year return | +3.32% | -2.28% |
| 5-year return | +46.22% | +44.04% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.16 | 22.80 |
| Forward P/E | 17.80 | 18.46 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $1.69 |
| Dividend yield | 3.10% | 2.34% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $0.90 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $9.36B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +8.26% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $1.05B |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | 99.96% |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 22.55% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 11.24% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $45.26 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $36.37 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.16% | -14.87% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.75% | +16.95% |
| Average volume | 3.83M | 6.39M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 658.72M |
| Employees | 17,581 | 8,794 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Electric Utilities: Central | Electric Utilities: Central |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- American Electric Power is about 2.6 times larger than CenterPoint Energy (Holding) by market value ($66.46B vs $25.38B).
- American Electric Power is more profitable, keeping 16.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 11.2 cents for CenterPoint Energy (Holding).
About American Electric Power
AEP stock →American Electric Power Company, Inc., an electric public utility holding company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. It operates through Vertically Integrated Utilities, Transmission and Distribution Utilities, AEP Transmission Holdco, and Generation & Marketing segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 17,581 employees
About CenterPoint Energy (Holding)
CNP stock →CenterPoint Energy, Inc. operates as a public utility holding company in the United States.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 8,794 employees
AEP vs CNP FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or CenterPoint Energy (Holding)?
American Electric Power (AEP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $66.46B compared with $25.38B for CenterPoint Energy (Holding) (CNP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or CNP?
AEP returned +3.32% over the past 12 months, compared with -2.28% for CNP (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or CNP?
AEP has the lower trailing P/E at 21.2, versus 22.8 for CNP. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, American Electric Power or CenterPoint Energy (Holding)?
American Electric Power has the higher yield at 3.10%, compared with 2.34% for CenterPoint Energy (Holding).
Are American Electric Power and CenterPoint Energy (Holding) in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.