American Water Works (AWK)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)
AWK
American Water Works
$150.29
-1.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.78B
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$130.08
-1.77%
UTILITIES · Cap: $99.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 521% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $5.28B). AWK leads profitability with a 21.3% profit margin vs 16.0%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.37. AWK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).
AWK
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
DUK
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-22.1%
Fair Value
$101.28
Current Price
$150.29
$49.01 premium
Margin of Safety
-89.7%
Fair Value
$67.16
Current Price
$130.08
$62.92 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 40.7%
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 27.5%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 21.3% and operating margin at 40.7%.
Bull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.
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 PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AWK profiles as a mature stock while DUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.57 — expect wider price swings.
AWK is growing revenue faster at 6.2% — sustainability is the question.
AWK generates stronger free cash flow (-258M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWK scores higher overall (64/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 21.3% 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.
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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