American Electric Power (AEP) vs Southern (SO)
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 Southern (SO) over the past year, gaining 3.3% versus a loss of 11.4%. Over five years, AEP leads with a +46.2% price change compared with +35.3% for SO. Southern is the larger company by market cap ($98.29 billion vs $66.46 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while American Electric Power is growing revenue faster (+10.9% vs +10.6%).
On valuation, Southern trades at a lower forward P/E (17.4x vs 17.8x for American Electric Power). Southern offers the higher dividend yield (3.49% vs 3.10%). American Electric Power converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 14.7%.
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 | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.08 | $85.44 |
| Market cap | $66.46B | $98.29B |
| 1-day change | +0.34% | 0.00% |
| YTD return | +5.87% | -2.02% |
| 1-year return | +3.32% | -11.39% |
| 5-year return | +46.22% | +35.34% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.16 | 20.59 |
| Forward P/E | 17.80 | 17.35 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $4.15 |
| Dividend yield | 3.10% | 3.49% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $2.98 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $29.55B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +10.59% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $4.34B |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 24.65% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 14.69% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $100.84 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $81.69 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.16% | -15.27% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.75% | +14.85% |
| Average volume | 3.83M | 5.67M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 1.15B |
| Employees | 17,581 | 29,502 |
| 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
- AEP has outperformed SO by 14.7 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 Southern
SO stock →The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of electricity. The company offers electric service to retail customers and wholesale customers; and energy-related products and services to natural gas choice markets.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 29,502 employees
AEP vs SO FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or Southern?
Southern (SO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $98.29B compared with $66.46B for American Electric Power (AEP).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or SO?
AEP returned +3.32% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.39% for SO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or SO?
SO has the lower trailing P/E at 20.6, 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 Southern?
Southern has the higher yield at 3.49%, compared with 3.10% for American Electric Power.
Are American Electric Power and Southern in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.