WallStSmart

Apple Inc (AAPL)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Apple Inc generates 1280% more annual revenue ($451.44B vs $32.72B). AAPL leads profitability with a 27.2% profit margin vs 15.7%. AAPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.46. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AAPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 4.3Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 7/9Altman Z: 2.42

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AAPL6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$4.63T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
115.1%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 115 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
32.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.3%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$26.73B10/10

Generating 26.7B in free cash flow

Profit MarginProfitability
27.2%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Revenue GrowthGrowth
16.6%8/10

16.6% revenue growth

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

Areas to Watch

AAPL3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.464/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
38.2x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
42.3x2/10

Trading at 42.3x book value

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AAPL

The strongest argument for AAPL centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.2% and operating margin at 32.3%. Revenue growth of 16.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AAPL

The primary concerns for AAPL are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AAPL profiles as a growth stock while DUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AAPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.06 — expect wider price swings.

AAPL is growing revenue faster at 16.6% — sustainability is the question.

AAPL generates stronger free cash flow (26.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AAPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 27.2% margins and 16.6% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.

Apple Inc

TECHNOLOGY · CONSUMER ELECTRONICS · USA

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company that specializes in consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Apple is the world's largest technology company by revenue (totalling $274.5 billion in 2020) and, since January 2021, the world's most valuable company. As of 2021, Apple is the world's fourth-largest PC vendor by unit sales, and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturer. It is one of the Big Five American information technology companies, along with Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

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Duke Energy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Duke Energy Corporation is an American electric power and natural gas holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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