WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 911% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $3.24B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs -0.7%. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

TLN

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 8.0Profit: 4.0Value: 5.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.10B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

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
96.7%10/10

Revenue surging 96.7% 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
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

TLN4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
16.3x4/10

Trading at 16.3x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Return on EquityProfitability
-2.0%2/10

ROE of -2.0% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 96.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : TLN

The primary concerns for TLN are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Return on Equity. Debt-to-equity of 6.34 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

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 1.60 — expect wider price swings.

TLN is growing revenue faster at 96.7% — sustainability is the question.

TLN generates stronger free cash flow (392M), 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 in the U.S., dedicated to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions through a balanced mix of traditional and renewable resources. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and grid resilience, Talen aligns its strategic initiatives with the rising demand for electricity amid a shifting energy landscape. The company’s focus on innovation and advanced technology underpins its competitive advantage, positioning it favorably for institutional investors seeking to engage with the transition to cleaner energy alternatives.

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