American Electric Power (AEP) vs Vistra (VST)
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 Vistra (VST) over the past year, gaining 3.3% versus a loss of 16.5%. Over five years, VST leads with a +747.2% price change compared with +46.2% for AEP. American Electric Power is the larger company by market cap ($66.46 billion vs $55.96 billion), about 1.2 times the size.
On valuation, Vistra trades at a lower forward P/E (16.0x vs 17.8x for American Electric Power). American Electric Power offers the higher dividend yield (3.10% vs 0.55%). American Electric Power converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 5.3%.
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 | VST |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.08 | $166.72 |
| Market cap | $66.46B | $55.96B |
| 1-day change | +0.34% | +3.88% |
| YTD return | +5.87% | +3.34% |
| 1-year return | +3.32% | -16.48% |
| 5-year return | +46.22% | +747.15% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.16 | 27.06 |
| Forward P/E | 17.80 | 16.01 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $6.16 |
| Dividend yield | 3.10% | 0.55% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $0.91 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $17.74B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +2.98% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $944.00M |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 10.75% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 5.32% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $217.10 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $132.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.16% | -23.21% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | strong_buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.75% | +26.11% |
| Average volume | 3.83M | 4.96M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 335.64M |
| Employees | 17,581 | 6,390 |
| 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 VST by 19.8 percentage points over the past year.
- Vistra trades at a higher earnings multiple (27.1x vs 21.2x trailing P/E).
- American Electric Power offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.10% vs 0.55%).
- American Electric Power is more profitable, keeping 16.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 5.3 cents for Vistra.
- American Electric Power grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+10.93% vs +2.98%).
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 Vistra
VST stock →Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company in the United States. The company operates through five segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, and Asset Closure.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 6,390 employees
AEP vs VST FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or Vistra?
American Electric Power (AEP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $66.46B compared with $55.96B for Vistra (VST).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or VST?
AEP returned +3.32% over the past 12 months, compared with -16.48% for VST (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or VST?
AEP has the lower trailing P/E at 21.2, versus 27.1 for VST. 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 Vistra?
American Electric Power has the higher yield at 3.10%, compared with 0.55% for Vistra.
Are American Electric Power and Vistra in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.