WallStSmart

Ameren Corp (AEE)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 283% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $8.54B). AEE leads profitability with a 17.8% profit margin vs 15.7%. AEE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.52. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AEE

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.5Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.67

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

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
27.8%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.8%

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

Areas to Watch

AEE4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.7%4/10

3.7% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.483/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.522/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 17.8% and operating margin at 27.8%.

Bull 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.

Bear Case : AEE

The primary concerns for AEE are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

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.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

AEE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.51 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

AEE generates stronger free cash flow (-1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 62/100), 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.

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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