American Electric Power (AEP) vs PPL (PPL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
American Electric Power (AEP) has outperformed PPL (PPL) over the past year, gaining 3.5% versus a loss of 8.6%. Over five years, AEP leads with a +46.5% price change compared with +18.2% for PPL. American Electric Power is the larger company by market cap ($66.59 billion vs $25.66 billion), about 2.6 times the size.
On valuation, PPL trades at a lower forward P/E (16.1x vs 17.8x for American Electric Power). PPL offers the higher dividend yield (3.27% vs 3.09%). American Electric Power converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 13.1%.
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 | PPL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.32 | $34.10 |
| Market cap | $66.59B | $25.66B |
| 1-day change | +0.20% | +0.44% |
| YTD return | +6.08% | -2.63% |
| 1-year return | +3.49% | -8.55% |
| 5-year return | +46.51% | +18.20% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.20 | 20.18 |
| Forward P/E | 17.84 | 16.09 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $1.69 |
| Dividend yield | 3.09% | 3.27% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $9.04B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +6.85% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $1.18B |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 23.55% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 13.06% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $40.11 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $31.56 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -12.99% | -14.98% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.52% | +17.68% |
| Average volume | 3.82M | 7.52M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 752.54M |
| Employees | 17,581 | 6,546 |
| 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 PPL by market value ($66.59B vs $25.66B).
- AEP has outperformed PPL by 12.0 percentage points over the past year.
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 PPL
PPL stock →PPL Corporation provides electricity and natural gas to approximately 3.6 million customers in the United States. It operates in three segments: Kentucky Regulated, Pennsylvania Regulated, and Rhode Island Regulated.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 6,546 employees
AEP vs PPL FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or PPL?
American Electric Power (AEP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $66.59B compared with $25.66B for PPL (PPL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or PPL?
AEP returned +3.49% over the past 12 months, compared with -8.55% for PPL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or PPL?
PPL has the lower trailing P/E at 20.2, 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 PPL?
PPL has the higher yield at 3.27%, compared with 3.09% for American Electric Power.
Are American Electric Power and PPL in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.