WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 272% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $8.81B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 11.6%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

CMS

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.0Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.65

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 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 (-76.3%)

Margin of Safety

-76.3%

Fair Value

$66.67

Current Price

$116.31

$49.64 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.67Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CMS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

DUK4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$93.11B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
18.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

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
2.364/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.973/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.5%2/10

Revenue declined 0.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-43.9%2/10

Earnings declined 43.9%

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

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, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. 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, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 1.97 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

CMS profiles as a declining stock while DUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 1.1% — sustainability is the question.

CMS generates stronger free cash flow (-345M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 48/100), 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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