Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsTarget Corporation (TGT)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.17
-0.56%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.35B
TGT
Target Corporation
$125.25
-0.50%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $56.89B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Target Corporation generates 220% more annual revenue ($104.78B vs $32.72B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 3.5%. TGT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.44. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
TGT
Hold48
out of 100
Grade: D+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-52.3%
Fair Value
$81.53
Current Price
$124.17
$42.64 premium
Margin of Safety
+33.2%
Fair Value
$171.51
Current Price
$125.25
$46.26 discount
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
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Generating 2.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
3.5% margin — thin
Operating margin of 4.9%
Revenue declined 1.5%
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 : TGT
The strongest argument for TGT centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, P/E Ratio.
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 : TGT
The primary concerns for TGT are PEG Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Thin 3.5% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while TGT is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
TGT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.01 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
TGT generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. TGT offers better value entry with a 33.2% margin of safety. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 →Target Corporation
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Target Corporation is an American retail corporation. Their retail formats include the discount store Target, the hypermarket SuperTarget, and small-format stores previously named CityTarget and TargetExpress before being consolidated under the Target branding.
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