Compare American Electric Power Company Inc (AEP) vs Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Price & Performance
Price performance (Past 24H)
Key statistics
Key statistics
American Electric Power Company Inc vs Merck & Co., Inc. — how do they compare? American Electric Power Company Inc trades at $123.61 (market cap $66.87B), while Merck & Co., Inc. trades at $130.29 (market cap $323.00B). The key difference: Merck & Co., Inc. is far larger — about 4.8× American Electric Power Company Inc's market cap, and American Electric Power Company Inc pays the higher dividend (3.09%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| AEP | MRK | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $66.87B | $323.00B |
Sector | Utilities | Health |
52-Week High | $138.69 | $131.84 |
52-Week Low | $106.44 | $77.60 |
Enterprise Value | $119.77B | $369.77B |
Dividend Yield | 3.09% | 2.6% |
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Aura AI Summary
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
American Electric Power (AEP) trades at $125.73, up 0.38% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong analyst support. Recent Q2 2026 earnings missed estimates at $1.36 per share versus $1.48 expected, though the company raised full-year 2026 operating EPS guidance to $6.25–$6.55, reflecting confidence in AI-driven power demand growth. Fundamentals show robust revenue growth to $21.88B in 2025 and a net income margin of 13.78%, supported by a $78 billion capital plan.
The outlook remains positive due to contracted load growth and infrastructure investments, but risks include execution of large capital expenditures and interest rate sensitivity. With a consensus price target of $140.89 and no sell ratings, Wall Street sentiment is bullish, though technical indicators suggest near-term caution amid bearish moving averages.
MRK trades at $130.90, up 1.81% today, with a bullish technical signal and strong institutional buying interest. The stock shows robust fundamentals with revenue of $65.01B in 2025 and net income of $18.25B, though a high P/E of 104.74 indicates premium valuation. Recent news highlights Merck's acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals to bolster its oncology pipeline, reflecting strategic growth initiatives.
Outlook is positive with a consensus price target of $139.90, offering ~7% upside, supported by 67.57% analyst buy ratings. Risks include integration challenges from acquisitions and patent expirations, but strong cash flow and dividend payments provide stability. Investors may find value in Merck's market leadership and pipeline expansion, though valuation metrics warrant caution.
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
Returns comparison
Trailing returns across standard periods
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Latest headlines on both assets
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Latest headlines on both assets
About American Electric Power Company Inc
American Electric Power is one of the largest regulated utilities in the United States, providing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. About 43% of AEP's of capacity is coal, with the remainder from a mix of natural gas (27%), renewable energy and hydro (19%), nuclear (7%), and demand response (4%). Vertically integrated utilities, transmission and distribution, and generation and marketing support earnings.
Read more on AEP →About Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck makes pharmaceutical products to treat several conditions in a number of therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic disease, cancer, and infections. Within cancer, the firm's immuno-oncology platform is growing as a major contributor to overall sales. The company also has a substantial vaccine business, with treatments to prevent hepatitis B and pediatric diseases as well as HPV and shingles. Additionally, Merck sells animal health-related drugs. From a geographical perspective, just under half of the firm's sales are generated in the United States.
Read more on MRK →
