DTE Energy (DTE) vs Southern (SO)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
DTE Energy (DTE) has outperformed Southern (SO) over the past year, losing 10.7% versus a loss of 11.4%. Over five years, SO leads with a +35.3% price change compared with +10.6% for DTE. Southern is the larger company by market cap ($98.29 billion vs $26.48 billion), about 3.7 times the size, while DTE Energy is growing revenue faster (+26.9% vs +10.6%).
On valuation, DTE Energy trades at a lower forward P/E (15.2x vs 17.4x for Southern). DTE Energy offers the higher dividend yield (3.60% vs 3.49%). Southern converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 14.7% 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 | DTE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $127.24 | $85.44 |
| Market cap | $26.48B | $98.29B |
| 1-day change | -0.76% | 0.00% |
| YTD return | -1.35% | -2.02% |
| 1-year return | -10.65% | -11.39% |
| 5-year return | +10.61% | +35.34% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 20.16 | 20.59 |
| Forward P/E | 15.21 | 17.35 |
| EPS (TTM) | $6.31 | $4.15 |
| Dividend yield | 3.60% | 3.49% |
| Annual dividend | $4.59 | $2.98 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $15.81B | $29.55B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +26.95% | +10.59% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.46B | $4.34B |
| Operating margin | 15.01% | 24.65% |
| Net margin | 9.24% | 14.69% |
| 52-week high | $155.75 | $100.84 |
| 52-week low | $119.68 | $81.69 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -18.30% | -15.27% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +19.99% | +14.85% |
| Average volume | 1.52M | 5.67M |
| Shares outstanding | 208.09M | 1.15B |
| Employees | 9,592 | 29,502 |
| 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
- Southern is about 3.7 times larger than DTE Energy by market value ($98.29B vs $26.48B).
- Southern is more profitable, keeping 14.7 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 +10.59%).
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
About Southern
SO stock →The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of electricity. The company offers electric service to retail customers and wholesale customers; and energy-related products and services to natural gas choice markets.
Utilities · Electric Utilities: Central · 29,502 employees
DTE vs SO FAQ
Which is bigger, DTE Energy or Southern?
Southern (SO) is larger, with a market capitalization of $98.29B compared with $26.48B for DTE Energy (DTE).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, DTE or SO?
DTE returned -10.65% over the past 12 months, compared with -11.39% for SO (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, DTE or SO?
DTE has the lower trailing P/E at 20.2, versus 20.6 for SO. 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, DTE Energy or Southern?
DTE Energy has the higher yield at 3.60%, compared with 3.49% for Southern.
Are DTE Energy and Southern in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Electric Utilities: Central industry within the Utilities sector.