DTE Energy Company (DTE)vsSouthern Company (SO)
DTE
DTE Energy Company
$139.87
-0.07%
UTILITIES · Cap: $29.52B
SO
Southern Company
$92.69
-0.23%
UTILITIES · Cap: $107.10B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Southern Company generates 83% more annual revenue ($30.18B vs $16.46B). SO leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 8.0%. DTE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.97. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
DTE
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-61.2%
Fair Value
$86.69
Current Price
$139.87
$53.18 premium
Margin of Safety
-50.6%
Fair Value
$61.82
Current Price
$92.69
$30.87 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 22.4% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Revenue declined 1.5%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DTE
The strongest argument for DTE centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bear Case : DTE
The primary concerns for DTE are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.19 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DTE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 0.1% — sustainability is the question.
DTE generates stronger free cash flow (-321M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
DTE Energy Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
DTE Energy (formerly Detroit Edison until 1996) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services in the United States and Canada.
Visit Website →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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