WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsH2O America (HTO)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 3814% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $838.18M). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 12.5%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.37. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

HTO

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 5.3Quality: 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

$67.16

Current Price

$130.08

$62.92 premium

UndervaluedFair: $67.16Overvalued
HTOUndervalued (+19.3%)

Margin of Safety

+19.3%

Fair Value

$64.40

Current Price

$62.95

$1.45 discount

UndervaluedFair: $64.40Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.33B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

HTO2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.0%

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.374/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

HTO4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.0%4/10

4.0% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
6.5%3/10

ROE of 6.5% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.

Bull Case : HTO

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

Bear Case : DUK

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

Bear Case : HTO

The primary concerns for HTO are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.34 — expect wider price swings.

HTO is growing revenue faster at 4.0% — sustainability is the question.

HTO generates stronger free cash flow (-50M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. HTO offers better value entry with a 19.3% margin of safety. 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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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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