WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsFirstEnergy Corporation (FE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 113% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $15.34B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 6.9%. FE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.67. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

FE

Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.59
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.

FESignificantly Overvalued (-63.5%)

Margin of Safety

-63.5%

Fair Value

$29.31

Current Price

$46.42

$17.11 premium

UndervaluedFair: $29.31Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

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%

FE2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
20.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 20.5%

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

FE4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
25.6x4/10

Moderate valuation

Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : FE

The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 11.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : FE

The primary concerns for FE are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.22 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

FE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.46 — expect wider price swings.

FE is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

FE generates stronger free cash flow (-1.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 65/100), 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.

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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