WallStSmart

CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 248% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $9.41B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 11.4%. CNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CNP

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.63

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNPSignificantly Overvalued (-52.5%)

Margin of Safety

-52.5%

Fair Value

$26.92

Current Price

$41.72

$14.80 premium

UndervaluedFair: $26.92Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-52.3%)

Margin of Safety

-52.3%

Fair Value

$81.53

Current Price

$124.17

$42.64 premium

UndervaluedFair: $81.53Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNP2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
22.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.0%

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.35B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

Areas to Watch

CNP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.9%4/10

1.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.532/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.753/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNP

The strongest argument for CNP centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.

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 : CNP

The primary concerns for CNP are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CNP profiles as a value stock while DUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.48 — expect wider price swings.

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

CNP generates stronger free cash flow (-916M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 56/100), 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.

CenterPoint Energy Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 electric and natural gas utility serving several markets in the American states of Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

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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