WallStSmart

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp (AQN)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 1187% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $2.55B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 5.9%. DUK trades at a lower P/E of 19.2x. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

AQN

Hold

47

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 2.7Profit: 5.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.34

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AQNUndervalued (+69.5%)

Margin of Safety

+69.5%

Fair Value

$21.67

Current Price

$5.52

$16.15 discount

UndervaluedFair: $21.67Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-89.7%)

Margin of Safety

-89.7%

Fair Value

$67.16

Current Price

$128.38

$61.22 premium

UndervaluedFair: $67.16Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AQN1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.33B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

Areas to Watch

AQN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.1%4/10

3.1% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
3.6%3/10

ROE of 3.6% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
5.9%3/10

5.9% margin — thin

Debt/EquityHealth
1.443/10

Elevated debt levels

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.374/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AQN

The strongest argument for AQN centers on Price/Book.

Bull Case : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.

Bear Case : AQN

The primary concerns for AQN are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Profit Margin.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AQN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.91 — expect wider price swings.

AQN is growing revenue faster at 3.1% — sustainability is the question.

AQN generates stronger free cash flow (124M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 47/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. AQN offers better value entry with a 69.5% margin of safety. Both earn "Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. The company is headquartered in Oakville, Canada.

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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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