Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsTransAlta Corp (TAC)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+0.91%
UTILITIES · Cap: $94.40B
TAC
TransAlta Corp
$12.68
-2.16%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.23B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 1379% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $2.21B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs -7.7%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.54. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
TAC
Avoid33
out of 100
Grade: F
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%
No standout strengths identified
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Trading at 11.3x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of -12.1% — below average capital efficiency
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 : TAC
TAC has a balanced fundamental profile.
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 : TAC
The primary concerns for TAC are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 3.17 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while TAC is a turnaround play — different risk/reward profiles.
TAC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.49 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
TAC generates stronger free cash flow (93M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 33/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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 →TransAlta Corp
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
TransAlta Corporation owns, operates and develops a diverse fleet of electric power generation assets in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?