WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsFirstEnergy Corporation (FE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 113% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $14.90B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 6.9%. FE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.48. FE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

FE

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.63
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-198.2%)

Margin of Safety

-198.2%

Fair Value

$42.98

Current Price

$127.38

$84.40 premium

UndervaluedFair: $42.98Overvalued
FESignificantly Overvalued (-94.5%)

Margin of Safety

-94.5%

Fair Value

$24.64

Current Price

$49.52

$24.88 premium

UndervaluedFair: $24.64Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$98.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

FE3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
26.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
20.7%8/10

Revenue surging 20.7% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

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
2.712/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

FE4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
27.9x4/10

Moderate valuation

EPS GrowthGrowth
4.5%4/10

4.5% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-30.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.

Bull Case : FE

The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 20.7% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.48 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : FE

The primary concerns for FE are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Profit Margin.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK profiles as a mature stock while FE is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.60 — expect wider price swings.

FE is growing revenue faster at 20.7% — sustainability is the question.

FE generates stronger free cash flow (-30M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FE scores higher overall (65/100 vs 59/100) and 20.7% revenue growth. Both earn "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.

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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FirstEnergy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

FirstEnergy Corp is an electric utility headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the distribution, transmission, and generation of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services.

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