American Electric Power (AEP) vs Exelon (EXC)
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 Exelon (EXC) over the past year, gaining 3.3% versus a loss of 10.5%. Over five years, AEP leads with a +46.2% price change compared with +17.5% for EXC. American Electric Power is the larger company by market cap ($66.59 billion vs $42.99 billion), about 1.5 times the size.
On valuation, Exelon trades at a lower forward P/E (13.7x vs 17.8x for American Electric Power). Exelon offers the higher dividend yield (3.93% vs 3.09%). American Electric Power converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 11.4%.
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 | EXC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.32 | $41.73 |
| Market cap | $66.59B | $42.99B |
| 1-day change | +0.20% | +0.58% |
| YTD return | +5.87% | -4.27% |
| 1-year return | +3.32% | -10.49% |
| 5-year return | +46.22% | +17.46% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.20 | 15.34 |
| Forward P/E | 17.84 | 13.73 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $2.72 |
| Dividend yield | 3.09% | 3.93% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $1.64 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $24.26B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +5.34% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $2.77B |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 21.22% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 11.41% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $50.65 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $39.73 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.99% | -17.61% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.52% | +16.30% |
| Average volume | 3.82M | 7.91M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 1.03B |
| Employees | 17,581 | 20,571 |
| 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 EXC by 13.8 percentage points over the past year.
- American Electric Power trades at a higher earnings multiple (21.2x vs 15.3x trailing P/E).
- American Electric Power is more profitable, keeping 16.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 11.4 cents for Exelon.
- American Electric Power grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.93% vs +5.34%).
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 Exelon
EXC stock →Exelon Corporation, a utility services holding company, engages in the energy distribution and transmission businesses in the United States. The company is involved in the purchase and regulated retail sale of electricity and natural gas; transmission and distribution of electricity; and distribution of natural gas to retail customers.
Utilities · Power Generation · 20,571 employees
AEP vs EXC FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or Exelon?
American Electric Power (AEP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $66.59B compared with $42.99B for Exelon (EXC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or EXC?
AEP returned +3.32% over the past 12 months, compared with -10.49% for EXC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or EXC?
EXC has the lower trailing P/E at 15.3, 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 Exelon?
Exelon has the higher yield at 3.93%, compared with 3.09% for American Electric Power.
Are American Electric Power and Exelon 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 Exelon.