American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP)vsDTE Energy Company (DTE)
AEP
American Electric Power Co Inc
$128.30
-0.39%
UTILITIES · Cap: $69.74B
DTE
DTE Energy Company
$143.45
+0.09%
UTILITIES · Cap: $29.81B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
American Electric Power Co Inc generates 38% more annual revenue ($21.88B vs $15.81B). AEP leads profitability with a 16.4% profit margin vs 9.3%. DTE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.49. DTE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AEP
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
DTE
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-169.9%
Fair Value
$45.29
Current Price
$128.30
$83.01 premium
Margin of Safety
+57.6%
Fair Value
$329.47
Current Price
$143.45
$186.02 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.8%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
Revenue surging 28.9% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 25.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 12.6%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AEP
The strongest argument for AEP centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.4% and operating margin at 22.8%. Revenue growth of 13.2% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : DTE
The strongest argument for DTE centers on Debt/Equity, Price/Book, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 28.9% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AEP
The primary concerns for AEP are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.61 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : DTE
The primary concerns for DTE are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AEP profiles as a mature stock while DTE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
AEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.
DTE is growing revenue faster at 28.9% — sustainability is the question.
AEP generates stronger free cash flow (-246M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DTE scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100) and 28.9% revenue growth. 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.
American Electric Power Co Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
American Electric Power (AEP) is a major investor-owned electric utility in the United States, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states.
Visit Website →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 →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?