WallStSmart

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 1191% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $2.53B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 6.7%. DUK trades at a lower P/E of 19.3x. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AQN

Buy

52

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.34

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AQNUndervalued (+70.3%)

Margin of Safety

+70.3%

Fair Value

$22.27

Current Price

$6.01

$16.26 discount

UndervaluedFair: $22.27Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AQN2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.67B9/10

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

AQN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
3.6%3/10

ROE of 3.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
6.7%3/10

6.7% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.443/10

Elevated debt levels

EPS GrowthGrowth
-10.7%2/10

Earnings declined 10.7%

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
2.652/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AQN

The strongest argument for AQN centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 14.4% 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 : AQN

The primary concerns for AQN are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Debt/Equity.

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

AQN profiles as a value stock while DUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AQN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.90 — expect wider price swings.

AQN is growing revenue faster at 14.4% — sustainability is the question.

AQN generates stronger free cash flow (-85M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 52/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. AQN offers better value entry with a 70.3% margin of safety. 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.

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. The company is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.

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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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