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FE vs PPL
Which Stock Would AI Choose? FirstEnergy (FE) vs. PPL (PPL) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- FirstEnergy (FE) and PPL (PPL) are both regulated electric utilities benefiting from surging data center electricity demand, but they differ in geographic focus, capital scale, and growth drivers.
- FE operates across six Mid-Atlantic and Midwest states with a larger $36 billion capital plan (2026–2030), while PPL concentrates on Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Rhode Island with a $23 billion plan (2026–2029).
- Both companies target 6–8% annual EPS (earnings per share) growth, positioning them as faster-growing names within a traditionally slow-growth utility sector.
- PPL carries a more direct data center exposure through its Invitium Energy joint venture with Blackstone, while FE leans on transmission investment and regulated rate-base growth.
- Recent analyst activity has tilted constructive on FE (including an upgrade to Buy), whereas PPL's Q2 results slightly missed consensus estimates.
Introduction
Investors seeking exposure to America's evolving power grid often compare FE and PPL, two large-cap regulated utilities positioned to capture rising electricity demand from data centers and electrification. Both trade on the NYSE, pay dividends, and operate transmission and distribution networks, yet their market positioning, regulatory footprints, and capital strategies differ meaningfully. This stock comparison is relevant for income-oriented investors and traders evaluating relative performance, momentum, and catalysts within the electric utility sector. Understanding how each company converts capital investment into earnings growth, and how the market is pricing that growth, can help clarify which name may be better suited to a given portfolio or trading approach in the current environment.
FE Overview and Recent Performance
FE, FirstEnergy Corp., is one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Its transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of lines connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. In recent weeks, the company reported a strong start to the year, with first-quarter core earnings per share rising roughly 7.5% year over year and management reaffirming its 2026 core EPS guidance range of $2.62 to $2.82. Sentiment has also been supported by a roughly $36 billion capital plan through 2030, targeting near the top end of 6–8% compound annual EPS growth and approximately 10% annual rate-base growth. Analyst attention has turned positive in recent market activity, including an upgrade to Buy citing "robust" transmission investment opportunities and a view that a recent share pullback was overdone.
PPL Overview and Recent Performance
PPL, PPL Corporation, is headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 3.6 million customers through its Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Rhode Island regulated segments. The company has reaffirmed its 2026 earnings forecast of $1.90 to $1.98 per share and extended its 6–8% annual EPS growth target through at least 2029, with stronger growth expected beginning in 2027. PPL is executing a $23 billion capital plan through 2029 and approximately $5.1 billion of infrastructure investment in 2026. In recent weeks, PPL reported a second-quarter earnings miss on higher costs, though its data center pipeline in Pennsylvania expanded to 31.8 gigawatts in advanced stages. The company also raised its quarterly dividend, and its Invitium Energy joint venture with Blackstone Infrastructure continues to secure generation sites to support data center demand.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly in geographic diversification and the nature of their growth catalysts. FE spans six states and relies heavily on formula-rate transmission investment and disciplined cost control to drive earnings, giving it a comparatively broad regulatory base but also exposure to multiple state rate environments. PPL is more concentrated, with significant earnings from Kentucky and Pennsylvania, but it holds a more direct, higher-upside link to data center demand through its Invitium Energy generation venture and a Pennsylvania data center pipeline measured in the tens of gigawatts.
On valuation and momentum, the market has recently leaned slightly more favorably toward FE, which trades at a lower forward earnings multiple and received a recent upgrade. PPL, by contrast, carries a higher price-to-earnings ratio and reported a modest second-quarter miss, though it offers a growing dividend and a clearly defined multi-year growth runway. Risk factors differ as well: FE's larger debt load and regulatory history remain watchpoints, while PPL's Kentucky base-rate reconsideration and reliance on data center execution introduce their own uncertainties. Both remain defensive, dividend-paying utilities, but FE skews toward transmission-led stability while PPL skews toward demand-driven upside.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor FE in the current market environment. The stock's reaffirmed guidance, larger and more diversified capital program, lower relative valuation, and recent constructive analyst sentiment suggest steadier trend characteristics and fewer near-term execution risks. PPL retains a compelling longer-term growth narrative through its data center and generation initiatives, but its recent earnings miss and ongoing regulatory considerations introduce more near-term variability. These signals are probabilistic rather than definitive, and relative positioning can shift as new data emerges.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is FE is a Hold and PPL is a Hold.
FE in upward trend: price may ascend as a result of having broken its lower Bollinger Band on September 23, 2026
FE may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 22 of 38 cases where FE's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where FE's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 9 of 22 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 41%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on FE as a result. In 52 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for FE just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where FE's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +1.14% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where FE advanced for three days, in 174 of 349 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 4 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for FE moved below the 200-day moving average on September 28, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where FE declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 37%.
The Aroon Indicator for FE entered a downward trend on October 07, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 12 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.925) is normal, around the industry mean (2.169). P/E Ratio (23.005) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.749). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.425) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.042) settles around the average of (0.037) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.660) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 28 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. FE’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 76 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
PPL in upward trend: price may jump up because it broke its lower Bollinger Band on September 15, 2026
PPL may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options. In 26 of 40 cases where PPL's price broke its lower Bollinger Band, its price rose further in the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 65%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PPL as a result. In 51 of 83 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PPL just turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where PPL's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 39 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
PPL moved above its 50-day moving average on October 08, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +1.11% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PPL advanced for three days, in 180 of 340 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PPL declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 40%.
The Aroon Indicator for PPL entered a downward trend on October 06, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 14 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is seriously undervalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.606) is normal, around the industry mean (2.169). P/E Ratio (19.000) is within average values for comparable stocks, (35.749). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.176) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.035) settles around the average of (0.037) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.670) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 56, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. PPL’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 75 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 79 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
FE | PPL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 26 | 41 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 12 Undervalued | 14 Undervalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 38 | 35 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 76 | 75 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 57 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 28 | 79 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 75 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
FE's Valuation (12) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as PPL (14). This means that FE’s stock grew similarly to PPL’s over the last 12 months.
PPL's Profit vs Risk Rating (35) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as FE (38). This means that PPL’s stock grew similarly to FE’s over the last 12 months.
PPL's SMR Rating (75) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as FE (76). This means that PPL’s stock grew similarly to FE’s over the last 12 months.
PPL's Price Growth Rating (57) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as FE (58). This means that PPL’s stock grew similarly to FE’s over the last 12 months.
FE's P/E Growth Rating (28) in the Electric Utilities industry is somewhat better than the same rating for PPL (79). This means that FE’s stock grew somewhat faster than PPL’s over the last 12 months.
| FE | PPL | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 41% | 1 day ago 49% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 44% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 61% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 59% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 53% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 42% | 1 day ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 50% | 1 day ago 53% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 21 days ago 37% | 21 days ago 40% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 1 day ago 65% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 34% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
FE’s FA Score shows that 2 FA rating(s) are green while PPL’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- FE’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
- PPL’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
FE’s TA Score shows that 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PPL’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
- FE’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
- PPL’s TA Score: 5 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
FE (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +2.15% price change this week, while PPL (@Electric Utilities) price change was +2.76% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was -0.58%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -2.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -12.31%.
Reported Earning Dates
FE is expected to report earnings on Oct 27, 2026.
PPL is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (-0.58% weekly)Electric utilities companies generate, transmit and distribute electricity to businesses/offices and residences. Companies may be owned by the government or investors or public shareholders, or a combination thereof. The industry also includes firms that buy and sell electricity. Companies in this industry typically require significant investments in infrastructure. Many firms in this industry pay substantial and regular dividends to shareholders. However, changes in interest rates (and their impact on debt burdens), natural disasters and changing commodity prices could be factors affecting energy utilities’ profit margins. NextEra Energy, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Dominion Energy Inc. and Southern Company are among U.S. electric utilities companies with the largest market capitalizations.
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FE and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, FE has been closely correlated with PPL. These tickers have moved in lockstep 82% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if FE jumps, then PPL could also see price increases.