American Electric Power (AEP) vs Duke Energy (Holding) (DUK)
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 Duke Energy (Holding) (DUK) over the past year, gaining 3.3% versus a loss of 8.0%. Over five years, AEP leads with a +46.2% price change compared with +15.1% for DUK. Duke Energy (Holding) is the larger company by market cap ($90.06 billion vs $66.46 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while American Electric Power is growing revenue faster (+10.9% vs +5.6%).
On valuation, Duke Energy (Holding) trades at a lower forward P/E (16.1x vs 17.8x for American Electric Power). Duke Energy (Holding) offers the higher dividend yield (3.69% vs 3.10%). American Electric Power converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 15.7%.
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 | DUK |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.08 | $115.50 |
| Market cap | $66.46B | $90.06B |
| 1-day change | +0.34% | -0.14% |
| YTD return | +5.87% | -1.46% |
| 1-year return | +3.32% | -8.01% |
| 5-year return | +46.22% | +15.10% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.16 | 17.42 |
| Forward P/E | 17.80 | 16.11 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $6.63 |
| Dividend yield | 3.10% | 3.69% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $4.26 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $31.74B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +5.63% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $4.97B |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 27.18% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 15.65% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $134.49 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $112.40 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.16% | -14.12% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.75% | +17.84% |
| Average volume | 3.83M | 4.08M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 779.70M |
| Employees | 17,581 | 26,441 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Electric Utilities: Central | Power Generation |
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
- AEP has outperformed DUK by 11.3 percentage points over the past year.
- American Electric Power grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.93% vs +5.63%).
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 Duke Energy (Holding)
DUK stock →Duke Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I); and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I).
Utilities · Power Generation · 26,441 employees
AEP vs DUK FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or Duke Energy (Holding)?
Duke Energy (Holding) (DUK) is larger, with a market capitalization of $90.06B compared with $66.46B for American Electric Power (AEP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or DUK?
AEP returned +3.32% over the past 12 months, compared with -8.01% for DUK (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or DUK?
DUK has the lower trailing P/E at 17.4, versus 21.2 for AEP. 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 Duke Energy (Holding)?
Duke Energy (Holding) has the higher yield at 3.69%, compared with 3.10% for American Electric Power.
Are American Electric Power and Duke Energy (Holding) in the same industry?
Both are in the Utilities sector, but in different industries: Electric Utilities: Central for American Electric Power and Power Generation for Duke Energy (Holding).