WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsYum! Brands Inc (YUM)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 287% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $8.21B). YUM leads profitability with a 19.0% profit margin vs 15.6%. YUM appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.96. YUM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

YUM

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 10.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 2/9
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
YUMUndervalued (+38.8%)

Margin of Safety

+38.8%

Fair Value

$259.74

Current Price

$159.16

$100.58 discount

UndervaluedFair: $259.74Overvalued

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%

YUM2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
31.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 31.9%

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.7% YoY

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%

YUM4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.964/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
28.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

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 : YUM

The strongest argument for YUM centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.0% and operating margin at 31.9%.

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 : YUM

The primary concerns for YUM are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

YUM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.64 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

YUM generates stronger free cash flow (482M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins. YUM offers better value entry with a 38.8% margin of safety. 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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Yum! Brands Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · RESTAURANTS · USA

Yum! Brands, Inc. is an American fast food corporation listed on the Fortune 1000. Yum! operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, The Habit Burger Grill, and WingStreet worldwide, except in China, where the brands are operated by a separate company, Yum China.

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