WallStSmart

Adobe Systems Incorporated (ADBE)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 30% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $24.45B). ADBE leads profitability with a 29.5% profit margin vs 15.6%. ADBE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.69. ADBE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

ADBE

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 10.0Value: 8.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 4.35

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

ADBEUndervalued (+44.1%)

Margin of Safety

+44.1%

Fair Value

$440.62

Current Price

$246.10

$194.52 discount

UndervaluedFair: $440.62Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-64.7%)

Margin of Safety

-64.7%

Fair Value

$78.65

Current Price

$129.55

$50.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $78.65Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ADBE6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
58.8%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 59 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
38.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.8%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.3510/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$98.45B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.5%9/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.698/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

Areas to Watch

ADBE1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
Price/BookValuation
8.7x4/10

Trading at 8.7x book value

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
2.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ADBE

The strongest argument for ADBE centers on Return on Equity, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.5% and operating margin at 38.8%. Revenue growth of 12.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

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%.

Bear Case : ADBE

The primary concerns for ADBE are Price/Book.

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.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ADBE carries more volatility with a beta of 1.52 — expect wider price swings.

ADBE is growing revenue faster at 12.0% — sustainability is the question.

ADBE generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor SOFTWARE - APPLICATION industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ADBE scores higher overall (74/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 29.5% margins and 12.0% 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.

Adobe Systems Incorporated

TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - APPLICATION · USA

Adobe Inc. is an American multinational computer software company. Incorporated in Delaware and headquartered in San Jose, California, it has historically specialized in software for the creation and publication of a wide range of content, including graphics, photography, illustration, animation, multimedia, motion pictures and print. The company has expanded into digital marketing management software. Adobe has millions of users worldwide. Flagship products include: Photoshop image editing software, Adobe Illustrator vector-based illustration software, Adobe Acrobat Reader and the Portable Document Format (PDF), plus a host of tools primarily for audio-visual content creation, editing and publishing.

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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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