Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsWaters Corporation (WAT)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+0.91%
UTILITIES · Cap: $94.40B
WAT
Waters Corporation
$365.36
-2.95%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $34.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 768% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $3.77B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 11.9%. WAT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.60. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
WAT
Buy50
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.
Margin of Safety
-84.6%
Fair Value
$178.29
Current Price
$365.36
$187.07 premium
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%
Revenue surging 91.4% year-over-year
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 8.5x book value
ROE of 2.9% — below average capital efficiency
Operating margin of 2.8%
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 : WAT
The strongest argument for WAT centers on Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score. Revenue growth of 91.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WAT
The primary concerns for WAT are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Return on Equity. A P/E of 45.2x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while WAT is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WAT carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
WAT is growing revenue faster at 91.4% — sustainability is the question.
WAT generates stronger free cash flow (-42M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 50/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. 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 →Waters Corporation
HEALTHCARE · DIAGNOSTICS & RESEARCH · USA
Waters Corporation is a publicly traded Analytical Laboratory instrument and software company headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts.
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