American Electric Power (AEP) vs NextEra Energy (NEE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
American Electric Power (AEP) has outperformed NextEra Energy (NEE) over the past year, gaining 3.3% versus a loss of 7.6%. Over five years, AEP leads with a +46.2% price change compared with -5.9% for NEE. NextEra Energy is the larger company by market cap ($160.75 billion vs $66.46 billion), about 2.4 times the size, while American Electric Power is growing revenue faster (+10.9% vs +9.8%).
On valuation, NextEra Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (17.6x vs 17.8x for American Electric Power). American Electric Power offers the higher dividend yield (3.10% vs 3.09%). NextEra Energy converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 26.5% versus 16.9%.
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 | NEE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.08 | $77.06 |
| Market cap | $66.46B | $160.75B |
| 1-day change | +0.34% | -1.05% |
| YTD return | +5.87% | -4.25% |
| 1-year return | +3.32% | -7.63% |
| 5-year return | +46.22% | -5.88% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.83 | 17.32 |
| Forward P/E | 17.80 | 17.55 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.86 | $4.45 |
| Dividend yield | 3.10% | 3.09% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $2.38 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $25.80B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +9.79% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $6.83B |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 32.09% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 26.49% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $98.75 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $74.41 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.16% | -21.96% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.75% | +26.42% |
| Average volume | 3.83M | 11.31M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 2.09B |
| Employees | 17,581 | 17,400 |
| 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
- NextEra Energy is about 2.4 times larger than American Electric Power by market value ($160.75B vs $66.46B).
- AEP has outperformed NEE by 10.9 percentage points over the past year.
- NextEra Energy is more profitable, keeping 26.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 16.9 cents for American Electric Power.
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 NextEra Energy
NEE stock →NextEra Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, generates, stores, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. It operates through Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and NEER segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 17,400 employees
AEP vs NEE FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or NextEra Energy?
NextEra Energy (NEE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $160.75B compared with $66.46B for American Electric Power (AEP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or NEE?
AEP returned +3.32% over the past 12 months, compared with -7.63% for NEE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or NEE?
NEE has the lower trailing P/E at 17.3, versus 20.8 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 NextEra Energy?
American Electric Power has the higher yield at 3.10%, compared with 3.09% for NextEra Energy.
Are American Electric Power and NextEra Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.