WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNorthwest Natural Gas Co (NWN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 2366% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $1.29B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 8.8%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.68. NWN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

NWN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.72
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-64.7%)

Margin of Safety

-64.7%

Fair Value

$78.65

Current Price

$129.55

$50.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $78.65Overvalued
NWNUndervalued (+32.4%)

Margin of Safety

+32.4%

Fair Value

$72.25

Current Price

$53.12

$19.13 discount

UndervaluedFair: $72.25Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

NWN3 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.4%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.4%

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.1% YoY

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
2.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

NWN4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.9%3/10

ROE of 7.9% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.763/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.812/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-130.97M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : NWN

The strongest argument for NWN centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth.

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 : NWN

The primary concerns for NWN are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.76 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NWN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

NWN generates stronger free cash flow (-131M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

NWN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 59/100). 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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Northwest Natural Gas Co

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Northwest Natural Holding Company, through its subsidiary, Northwest Natural Gas Company, provides regulated natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

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