WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 165% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 15.6%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.19. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

VRTX

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.62
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-198.2%)

Margin of Safety

-198.2%

Fair Value

$42.98

Current Price

$127.38

$84.40 premium

UndervaluedFair: $42.98Overvalued
VRTXUndervalued (+36.5%)

Margin of Safety

+36.5%

Fair Value

$716.04

Current Price

$454.97

$261.07 discount

UndervaluedFair: $716.04Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$98.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

VRTX6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.9%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$113.95B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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
2.712/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.194/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.

Bull Case : VRTX

The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.

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 : VRTX

The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.

VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.

VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (349M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 32.9% margins. 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.

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Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.

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