WallStSmart

Cadiz Inc (CDZI)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 218158% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $14.99M). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs -221.4%. CDZI appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.51. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CDZI

Avoid

20

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 5.3Profit: 2.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -7.20

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

CDZI0 strengths · Avg: 0/10

No standout strengths identified

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.75B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

Areas to Watch

CDZI4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.514/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
16.5x4/10

Trading at 16.5x book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$269.08M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.512/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CDZI

CDZI has a balanced fundamental profile.

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 : CDZI

The primary concerns for CDZI are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 7.53 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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

CDZI profiles as a turnaround stock while DUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CDZI carries more volatility with a beta of 1.83 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

CDZI generates stronger free cash flow (-6M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 20/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Cadiz Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Cadiz Inc. is a natural resource development company in the United States. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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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