Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsMcDonald’s Corporation (MCD)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+0.91%
UTILITIES · Cap: $94.40B
MCD
McDonald’s Corporation
$279.84
+0.01%
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · Cap: $196.36B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 19% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $27.45B). MCD leads profitability with a 31.6% profit margin vs 15.7%. MCD appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.53. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
MCD
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.
Margin of Safety
-85.8%
Fair Value
$150.63
Current Price
$279.84
$129.21 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 44.3%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Generating 1.7B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : MCD
The strongest argument for MCD centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.6% and operating margin at 44.3%.
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 : MCD
The primary concerns for MCD are Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
MCD carries more volatility with a beta of 0.44 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
MCD generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 55/100), 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.
Visit Website →McDonald’s Corporation
CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA
McDonald's Corporation is an American fast food company, founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald, in San Bernardino, California, United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand, and later turned the company into a franchise, with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at a location in Phoenix, Arizona.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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