WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsPayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PayPal Holdings Inc generates 3% more annual revenue ($33.73B vs $32.72B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 15.0%. PYPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.91. PYPL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 70/100 (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

PYPL

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.7Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.66
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for PYPL.

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%

PYPL4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
25.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 25 in profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.918/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

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

PYPL2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.664/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Earnings declined 6.2%

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 : PYPL

The strongest argument for PYPL centers on P/E Ratio, Return on Equity, PEG Ratio. PEG of 0.91 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 : PYPL

The primary concerns for PYPL are Altman Z-Score, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PYPL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.40 — expect wider price swings.

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

PYPL generates stronger free cash flow (911M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

PYPL scores higher overall (70/100 vs 67/100). Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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PayPal Holdings Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · CREDIT SERVICES · USA

PayPal Holdings, Inc. is an American company operating an online payments system in the majority of countries that support online money transfers, and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders. The company operates as a payment processor for online vendors, auction sites, and many other commercial users, for which it charges a fee.

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