WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsPPL Corporation (PPL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 252% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $9.04B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 13.1%. PPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.43. PPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

PPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 10.0Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.80
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
PPLUndervalued (+51.6%)

Margin of Safety

+51.6%

Fair Value

$74.41

Current Price

$37.16

$37.25 discount

UndervaluedFair: $74.41Overvalued

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%

PPL2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
49.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 49.9% 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
2.712/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

PPL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-614.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.802/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : PPL

The strongest argument for PPL centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.43 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its 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 : PPL

The primary concerns for PPL are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PPL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.69 — expect wider price swings.

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

DUK generates stronger free cash flow (-463M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PPL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 59/100). 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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PPL Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

PPL Corporation is an energy company headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States.

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