Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsSouthern Company (SO)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+0.11%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.67B
SO
Southern Company
$92.60
+0.61%
UTILITIES · Cap: $106.32B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 8% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $30.18B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 14.5%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.65. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
SO
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.
Margin of Safety
-48.3%
Fair Value
$62.79
Current Price
$92.60
$29.81 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.8%
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 0.8%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth. Debt-to-equity of 2.05 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.38 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
SO generates stronger free cash flow (-1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 56/100), 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.
Visit Website →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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