WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsPenske Automotive Group Inc (PAG)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 3% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $31.72B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 2.9%. PAG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.09. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

PAG

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.3Quality: 4.3
Piotroski: 4/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-52.3%)

Margin of Safety

-52.3%

Fair Value

$81.53

Current Price

$124.17

$42.64 premium

UndervaluedFair: $81.53Overvalued
PAGFair Value (-1.7%)

Margin of Safety

-1.7%

Fair Value

$170.26

Current Price

$173.81

$3.55 premium

UndervaluedFair: $170.26Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.35B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

PAG2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
12.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

PAG4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.094/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Profit MarginProfitability
2.9%3/10

2.9% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
3.7%3/10

Operating margin of 3.7%

Debt/EquityHealth
1.563/10

Elevated debt levels

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 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PAG

The strongest argument for PAG centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book.

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 : PAG

The primary concerns for PAG are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Debt-to-equity of 1.56 is elevated, increasing financial risk. Thin 2.9% margins leave little buffer for downturns.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PAG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.89 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

PAG generates stronger free cash flow (152M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 51/100), 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.

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Penske Automotive Group Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · AUTO & TRUCK DEALERSHIPS · USA

Penske Automotive Group, Inc., a diversified transportation services company, operates commercial and automotive truck dealerships. The company is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

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