American Electric Power vs Vistra (AEP vs VST)
American Electric Power (AEP) vs Vistra (VST) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
American Electric Power (AEP) and Vistra (VST) compete in utilities and renewables. Here are American Electric Power and Vistra side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy American Electric Power or Vistra.
American Electric Power vs Vistra: the figures
| Figure | American Electric Power | Vistra |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $129.24 (November 4, 2026) | $120.29 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $70.4 billion | $40.4 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 21.1x | 20.3x |
| Forward P/E | 18.8x | 12.6x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +13.7% | -5.5% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 14.2% | 11.6% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 5.8x | 3.0x |
| Dividend yield | 2.99% | 0.66% |
| Beta | 0.44 | 1.38 |
American Electric Power and Vistra figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that American Electric Power or Vistra figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between American Electric Power and Vistra
- Growth: American Electric Power grew sales +13.7% year on year in its latest quarter, against -5.5% for Vistra.
- Volatility: Vistra stock moves more (beta 1.38) than American Electric Power (beta 0.44); the higher the beta, the more it amplifies market swings.
- Dividend: American Electric Power yields 2.99% at today's price and Vistra yields 0.66%.
American Electric Power or Vistra: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: American Electric Power is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): American Electric Power pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Vistra has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Vistra trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither American Electric Power nor Vistra wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How American Electric Power and Vistra make money
American Electric Power (AEP)
American Electric Power is a regulated utility serving states including Ohio, Texas, West Virginia, Oklahoma and Indiana. It reports Vertically Integrated Utilities, the largest segment, Transmission and Distribution Utilities, AEP Transmission Holdco, which owns high-voltage lines, and Generation and Marketing. Regulators approve the rates it charges. Full American Electric Power analysis.
Vistra (VST)
Vistra generates electricity from gas, coal, nuclear and solar plants and sells it in wholesale markets and directly to customers through retail brands like TXU Energy. It reports a Retail segment plus regional segments such as Texas, East and West, with Texas and the PJM region in the eastern U.S. as its key markets. Full Vistra analysis.
Frequently asked questions: American Electric Power vs Vistra
Is American Electric Power or Vistra the better stock?
Choosing between American Electric Power and Vistra depends on what you are looking for. American Electric Power is growing faster right now, and Vistra trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy American Electric Power or Vistra: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, American Electric Power or Vistra?
As of November 4, 2026, American Electric Power yields 2.99% and Vistra yields 0.66%. Also check how much of their profit American Electric Power and Vistra pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, American Electric Power or Vistra?
On P/E, American Electric Power (21.1x) is more expensive than Vistra (20.3x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both American Electric Power and Vistra?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as American Electric Power and Vistra, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying American Electric Power or Vistra.
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More companies like American Electric Power and Vistra: utilities and renewables stocks. Educational content about American Electric Power and Vistra, not investment advice.