WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsTalen Energy Corporation (TLN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 872% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $3.37B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs -0.6%. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (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

TLN

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 4.0Value: 4.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.70
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
TLNSignificantly Overvalued (-76.5%)

Margin of Safety

-76.5%

Fair Value

$200.88

Current Price

$386.37

$185.49 premium

UndervaluedFair: $200.88Overvalued

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%

TLN2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
78.9%10/10

Revenue surging 78.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
34.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 34.5% 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
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

TLN4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Price/BookValuation
16.2x4/10

Trading at 16.2x book value

Return on EquityProfitability
-1.9%2/10

ROE of -1.9% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.702/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Profit MarginProfitability
-0.6%1/10

Currently unprofitable

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 : TLN

The strongest argument for TLN centers on Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 78.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : TLN

The primary concerns for TLN are Price/Book, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK profiles as a mature stock while TLN is a hypergrowth play — different risk/reward profiles.

TLN carries more volatility with a beta of 1.67 — expect wider price swings.

TLN is growing revenue faster at 78.9% — sustainability is the question.

TLN generates stronger free cash flow (461M), 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. 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.

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Talen Energy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Talen Energy Corporation (Ticker: TLN) is a leading power generation and infrastructure company based in the United States, specializing in the development and operation of reliable and sustainable energy solutions. With a diverse portfolio that includes both traditional and renewable energy sources, Talen Energy is committed to supporting the evolving energy landscape while prioritizing environmental stewardship. The company is strategically positioned to meet growing electricity demand, leverage technological advancements, and enhance grid resilience, making it an attractive investment opportunity for institutional investors focused on the energy sector's transformation.

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