WallStSmart

Ameren Corp (AEE)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 290% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $8.41B). AEE leads profitability with a 18.6% profit margin vs 16.0%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AEE

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.70

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for AEE.

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-79.6%)

Margin of Safety

-79.6%

Fair Value

$66.50

Current Price

$119.42

$52.92 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.50Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEE2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.2%

DUK4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$93.11B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
18.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

Areas to Watch

AEE4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.593/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.632/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Revenue declined 6.2%

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AEE

The strongest argument for AEE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.6% and operating margin at 25.2%.

Bull Case : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.

Bear Case : AEE

The primary concerns for AEE are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.59 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AEE profiles as a declining stock while DUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

AEE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 1.1% — sustainability is the question.

AEE generates stronger free cash flow (-287M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. Both earn "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.

Ameren Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Ameren Corporation is an American power company created December 31, 1997, by the merger of St. Louis, Missouri's Union Electric Company (formerly NYSE: UEP) and the neighboring Central Illinois Public Service Company (CIPSCO Inc. holding, formerly NYSE: CIP) of Springfield, Illinois. It is now a holding company for several power companies and energy companies.

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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