WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsH2O America (HTO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 3908% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $816.28M). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 12.9%. HTO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

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

HTO

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 4.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-89.7%)

Margin of Safety

-89.7%

Fair Value

$65.10

Current Price

$124.22

$59.12 premium

UndervaluedFair: $65.10Overvalued
HTOUndervalued (+14.3%)

Margin of Safety

+14.3%

Fair Value

$60.66

Current Price

$56.70

$3.96 discount

UndervaluedFair: $60.66Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.67B9/10

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%

HTO2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.652/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

HTO4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.023/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

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 : HTO

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

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : HTO

The primary concerns for HTO are EPS Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.

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

HTO generates stronger free cash flow (-49M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 57/100), 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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H2O America

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

H2O America, provides water utility and other related services in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.

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