WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 240% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $9.62B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 11.6%. CNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.99. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CNP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 5.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.57

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 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 CNP.

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-87.6%)

Margin of Safety

-87.6%

Fair Value

$65.75

Current Price

$124.85

$59.10 premium

UndervaluedFair: $65.75Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNP3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.3% YoY

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$96.89B9/10

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

CNP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.994/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
25.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-487.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.504/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 2.14 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 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 0.45 — expect wider price swings.

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

CNP generates stronger free cash flow (-487M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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