WallStSmart

CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 265% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $8.97B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 9.7%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.37. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

CMS

Hold

45

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.65

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for CMS.

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-89.7%)

Margin of Safety

-89.7%

Fair Value

$67.16

Current Price

$127.78

$60.62 premium

UndervaluedFair: $67.16Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CMS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.33B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

Areas to Watch

CMS4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.494/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Operating MarginProfitability
2.1%3/10

Operating margin of 2.1%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-57.5%2/10

Earnings declined 57.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-468.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.374/10

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 : CMS

The strongest argument for CMS centers on Price/Book.

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 : CMS

The primary concerns for CMS are PEG Ratio, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.08 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

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.34 — expect wider price swings.

CMS is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

CMS generates stronger free cash flow (-468M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 45/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

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

CMS Energy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), based in Jackson, Michigan, is an energy company that is focused principally on utility operations in Michigan.

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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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