American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) vs Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)

A side-by-side comparison of American Electric Power Company, Inc. and Duke Energy Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnAEP vs DUK

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
AEP +170.2% (+10.5%/yr)DUK +121.4% (+8.3%/yr)AEP compounded faster over this window
100150200250300Start $10020182020202220242026$270$221
AEP DUK

AEP vs DUK: by the numbers

  • DUK is the larger company ($93.10B vs $67.14B market cap).
  • DUK trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (17.93 vs 21.34 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • DUK converts more revenue to profit (15.72% vs 13.95% net margin).
  • AEP grew revenue faster over the past five years (7.40% vs 6.46% CAGR).
  • DUK pays the higher dividend yield (3.59% vs 3.08%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAEPDUK
P/E ratio21.3417.93
Forward P/E19.3317.79
P/S ratio2.982.79
P/B ratio2.091.70
EV / EBITDA12.0211.73

Profitability

MetricAEPDUK
Gross margin31.81%31.56%
Operating margin28.36%27.60%
Net margin13.95%15.72%
ROE9.77%9.58%
ROIC5.13%4.20%

Dividends

MetricAEPDUK
Dividend yield3.08%3.59%
Payout ratio65.74%64.26%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAEPDUK
Revenue CAGR (5Y)7.40%6.46%
EPS CAGR (5Y)8.45%29.69%
Total return CAGR (5Y)10.71%6.99%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, AEP or DUK?
DUK has the lower trailing P/E: AEP trades at 21.34 and DUK at 17.93. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, AEP or DUK?
Over the past five years, AEP grew revenue faster — AEP at a 7.40% CAGR versus DUK at 6.46%.
Does AEP or DUK pay a bigger dividend?
AEP yields 3.08% and DUK yields 3.59% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is AEP or DUK more profitable?
DUK runs the higher net margin — AEP at 13.95% versus DUK at 15.72%.
How have AEP and DUK total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, AEP delivered 10.64% and DUK delivered 8.66% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 10, 2026.