FirstEnergy (FE) vs PPL (PPL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
FirstEnergy (FE) has outperformed PPL (PPL) over the past year, losing 3.9% versus a loss of 9.4%. Over five years, FE leads with a +21.7% price change compared with +17.7% for PPL. FirstEnergy is the larger company by market cap ($25.80 billion vs $25.55 billion), about 1.0 times the size.
On valuation, FirstEnergy trades at a lower forward P/E (15.1x vs 16.0x for PPL). FirstEnergy offers the higher dividend yield (4.04% vs 3.28%). PPL converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 13.1% versus 6.8%.
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 | FE | PPL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $44.58 | $33.95 |
| Market cap | $25.80B | $25.55B |
| 1-day change | +0.72% | +0.74% |
| YTD return | -0.42% | -3.06% |
| 1-year return | -3.94% | -9.44% |
| 5-year return | +21.74% | +17.68% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 23.84 | 20.09 |
| Forward P/E | 15.12 | 16.02 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.87 | $1.69 |
| Dividend yield | 4.04% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $1.80 | $1.12 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $15.09B | $9.04B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +12.01% | +6.85% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.02B | $1.18B |
| Operating margin | 14.62% | 23.55% |
| Net margin | 6.76% | 13.06% |
| 52-week high | $52.34 | $40.11 |
| 52-week low | $42.67 | $31.56 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -14.83% | -15.36% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +18.15% | +18.20% |
| Average volume | 4.28M | 7.47M |
| Shares outstanding | 578.64M | 752.54M |
| Employees | 11,186 | 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
- PPL is more profitable, keeping 13.1 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 6.8 cents for FirstEnergy.
- FirstEnergy grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+12.01% vs +6.85%).
About FirstEnergy
FE stock →FirstEnergy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, distribution, and transmission of electricity in the United States. It operates through Distribution, Integrated, and Stand-Alone Transmission segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 11,186 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
FE vs PPL FAQ
Which is bigger, FirstEnergy or PPL?
FirstEnergy (FE) is larger, with a market capitalization of $25.80B compared with $25.55B for PPL (PPL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FE or PPL?
FE returned -3.94% over the past 12 months, compared with -9.44% for PPL (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FE or PPL?
PPL has the lower trailing P/E at 20.1, versus 23.8 for FE. 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, FirstEnergy or PPL?
FirstEnergy has the higher yield at 4.04%, compared with 3.28% for PPL.
Are FirstEnergy and PPL in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.