Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsUnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.17
-0.56%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.35B
UNH
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
$379.98
+2.77%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $335.78B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated generates 1274% more annual revenue ($449.71B vs $32.72B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 2.7%. UNH appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.27. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
UNH
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
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
+40.6%
Fair Value
$639.69
Current Price
$379.98
$259.71 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%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Generating 8.1B 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
Moderate valuation
2.0% revenue growth
0.7% earnings growth
2.7% margin — thin
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 : UNH
The strongest argument for UNH centers on Market Cap, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.27 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
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 : UNH
The primary concerns for UNH are P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth. Thin 2.7% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while UNH is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
UNH carries more volatility with a beta of 0.65 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
UNH generates stronger free cash flow (8.1B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. UNH offers better value entry with a 40.6% margin of safety. 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 →UnitedHealth Group Incorporated
HEALTHCARE · HEALTHCARE PLANS · USA
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit multinational managed healthcare and insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. In 2020, it was the second-largest healthcare company (behind CVS Health) by revenue with $257.1 billion, and the largest insurance company by net premiums. UnitedHealthcare revenues comprise 80% of the Group's overall revenue.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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