Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsEssential Utilities Inc (WTRG)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$129.55
+2.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.82B
WTRG
Essential Utilities Inc
$39.49
-0.35%
UTILITIES · Cap: $11.19B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 1185% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $2.47B). WTRG leads profitability with a 24.9% profit margin vs 15.6%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.68. WTRG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).
DUK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
WTRG
Buy60
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.7%
Fair Value
$78.65
Current Price
$129.55
$50.90 premium
Margin of Safety
+47.6%
Fair Value
$71.49
Current Price
$39.49
$32.00 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 28.1%
Strong operational efficiency at 32.4%
Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.7% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 2.2%
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 30.0%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.
Bull Case : WTRG
The strongest argument for WTRG centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.9% and operating margin at 32.4%. Revenue growth of 15.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.75 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : WTRG
The primary concerns for WTRG are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, EPS Growth.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while WTRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WTRG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.77 — expect wider price swings.
WTRG is growing revenue faster at 15.7% — sustainability is the question.
WTRG generates stronger free cash flow (-241M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WTRG scores higher overall (60/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 24.9% margins and 15.7% revenue growth. 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.
Visit Website →Essential Utilities Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
Essential Utilities, Inc. operates regulated utilities that provide water, wastewater, or natural gas services in the United States. The company is headquartered in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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