American Electric Power (AEP) vs DTE Energy (DTE)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
American Electric Power (AEP) has outperformed DTE Energy (DTE) over the past year, gaining 3.3% versus a loss of 10.7%. Over five years, AEP leads with a +46.2% price change compared with +10.6% for DTE. American Electric Power is the larger company by market cap ($66.46 billion vs $26.48 billion), about 2.5 times the size, while DTE Energy is growing revenue faster (+26.9% vs +10.9%).
On valuation, DTE Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (15.2x vs 17.8x for American Electric Power). DTE Energy offers the higher dividend yield (3.60% vs 3.10%). American Electric Power converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 16.9% versus 9.2%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | AEP | DTE |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $122.08 | $127.24 |
| Market cap | $66.46B | $26.48B |
| 1-day change | +0.34% | -0.76% |
| YTD return | +5.87% | -1.35% |
| 1-year return | +3.32% | -10.65% |
| 5-year return | +46.22% | +10.61% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 21.16 | 20.16 |
| Forward P/E | 17.80 | 15.21 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.77 | $6.31 |
| Dividend yield | 3.10% | 3.60% |
| Annual dividend | $3.78 | $4.59 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $21.88B | $15.81B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +10.93% | +26.95% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $3.70B | $1.46B |
| Gross margin | 67.86% | — |
| Operating margin | 24.31% | 15.01% |
| Net margin | 16.90% | 9.24% |
| 52-week high | $140.58 | $155.75 |
| 52-week low | $112.54 | $119.68 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -13.16% | -18.30% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.75% | +19.99% |
| Average volume | 3.83M | 1.52M |
| Shares outstanding | 544.40M | 208.09M |
| Employees | 17,581 | 9,592 |
| Sector | Utilities | Utilities |
| Industry | Electric Utilities: Central | Electric Utilities: Central |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- American Electric Power is about 2.5 times larger than DTE Energy by market value ($66.46B vs $26.48B).
- AEP has outperformed DTE by 14.0 percentage points over the past year.
- American Electric Power is more profitable, keeping 16.9 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 9.2 cents for DTE Energy.
- DTE Energy grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+26.95% vs +10.93%).
About American Electric Power
AEP stock →American Electric Power Company, Inc., an electric public utility holding company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers in the United States. It operates through Vertically Integrated Utilities, Transmission and Distribution Utilities, AEP Transmission Holdco, and Generation & Marketing segments.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 17,581 employees
About DTE Energy
DTE stock →DTE Energy Company engages in energy-related businesses and services. The company operates through four segments: Electric, Gas, DTE Vantage, and Energy Trading.The company's Electric segment generates, purchases, distributes, and sells electricity to approximately 2.3 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in southeastern Michigan.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 9,592 employees
AEP vs DTE FAQ
Which is bigger, American Electric Power or DTE Energy?
American Electric Power (AEP) is larger, with a market capitalization of $66.46B compared with $26.48B for DTE Energy (DTE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, AEP or DTE?
AEP returned +3.32% over the past 12 months, compared with -10.65% for DTE (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, AEP or DTE?
DTE has the lower trailing P/E at 20.2, versus 21.2 for AEP. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, American Electric Power or DTE Energy?
DTE Energy has the higher yield at 3.60%, compared with 3.10% for American Electric Power.
Are American Electric Power and DTE Energy in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.