American Water Works (AWK)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)
AWK
American Water Works
$124.47
+1.82%
UTILITIES · Cap: $24.67B
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+1.24%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 529% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $5.21B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.2% profit margin vs 15.7%. AWK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.28. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AWK
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.5%
Fair Value
$101.00
Current Price
$124.47
$23.47 premium
Margin of Safety
-89.7%
Fair Value
$65.10
Current Price
$124.22
$59.12 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 33.2%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 4.8%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWK
The strongest argument for AWK centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 21.2% and operating margin at 33.2%.
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 : AWK
The primary concerns for AWK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.61 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
AWK generates stronger free cash flow (-354M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. 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.
American Water Works
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American Water is an American public utility company operating in the United States and Canada.
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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