WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Northrop Grumman Corporation generates 32% more annual revenue ($41.95B vs $31.79B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 10.0%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

NOC

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 1.96
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
NOCUndervalued (+24.9%)

Margin of Safety

+24.9%

Fair Value

$904.35

Current Price

$691.21

$213.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $904.35Overvalued

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%

NOC3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Market CapQuality
$97.36B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
26.2%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 26 in profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.23B8/10

Generating 3.2B in free cash flow

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%

NOC4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.964/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Debt/EquityHealth
1.183/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
5.362/10

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 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.

Bull Case : NOC

The strongest argument for NOC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Free Cash Flow.

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 : NOC

The primary concerns for NOC are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.

NOC is growing revenue faster at 9.6% — sustainability is the question.

NOC generates stronger free cash flow (3.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins. NOC offers better value entry with a 24.9% 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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Northrop Grumman Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · AEROSPACE & DEFENSE · USA

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is an American multinational aerospace and defense technology company.

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