WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNorthWestern Corporation (NWE)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 1839% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $1.69B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 10.1%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.22. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

NWE

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 5.5Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.75
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-76.3%)

Margin of Safety

-76.3%

Fair Value

$66.67

Current Price

$116.74

$50.07 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.67Overvalued
NWESignificantly Overvalued (-21.9%)

Margin of Safety

-21.9%

Fair Value

$56.15

Current Price

$69.87

$13.72 premium

UndervaluedFair: $56.15Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$93.11B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
18.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

NWE1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

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

NWE4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
5.8%3/10

ROE of 5.8% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.243/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.

Bull Case : NWE

The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 14.6% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : NWE

The primary concerns for NWE are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.

NWE is growing revenue faster at 14.6% — sustainability is the question.

NWE generates stronger free cash flow (-115M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. 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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NorthWestern Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

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