WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsVistra Corp. (VST)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 71% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $19.21B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 11.6%. VST appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.35. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

VST

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.60
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-69.8%)

Margin of Safety

-69.8%

Fair Value

$66.67

Current Price

$113.35

$46.68 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.67Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for VST.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$89.02B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
17.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

VST2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.3510/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Return on EquityProfitability
40.5%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 40 in profit

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.174/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

VST4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Price/BookValuation
15.5x4/10

Trading at 15.5x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-5.5%2/10

Revenue declined 5.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-6.2%2/10

Earnings declined 6.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.

Bull Case : VST

The strongest argument for VST centers on PEG Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.35 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : DUK

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

Bear Case : VST

The primary concerns for VST are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, Revenue Growth. Debt-to-equity of 3.63 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK profiles as a value stock while VST is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

VST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.41 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 1.1% — sustainability is the question.

VST generates stronger free cash flow (133M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. Both earn "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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Vistra Corp.

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA

Vistra Corp. The company is headquartered in Irving, Texas.

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