WallStSmart

Ameren Corp (AEE)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 275% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $8.47B). AEE leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 15.6%. AEE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. AEE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

AEE

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 7.3Quality: 5.0

DUK

Buy

56

out of 100

Grade: C

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

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AEEUndervalued (+47.9%)

Margin of Safety

+47.9%

Fair Value

$203.30

Current Price

$106.06

$97.24 discount

UndervaluedFair: $203.30Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-195.0%)

Margin of Safety

-195.0%

Fair Value

$42.98

Current Price

$126.81

$83.83 premium

UndervaluedFair: $42.98Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AEE2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.2x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.6%

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$101.68B9/10

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%

Areas to Watch

AEE3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.712/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-8.8%2/10

Revenue declined 8.8%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-80.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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
2.852/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AEE

The strongest argument for AEE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.2% and operating margin at 24.6%.

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 : AEE

The primary concerns for AEE are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow.

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

AEE profiles as a declining stock while DUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

AEE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.53 — expect wider price swings.

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

AEE generates stronger free cash flow (-80M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AEE scores higher overall (60/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 17.2% 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.

Ameren Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

Ameren Corporation is an American power company created December 31, 1997, by the merger of St. Louis, Missouri's Union Electric Company (formerly NYSE: UEP) and the neighboring Central Illinois Public Service Company (CIPSCO Inc. holding, formerly NYSE: CIP) of Springfield, Illinois. It is now a holding company for several power companies and energy companies.

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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