American States Water Company (AWR)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)
AWR
American States Water Company
$89.98
+1.28%
UTILITIES · Cap: $3.38B
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$130.08
-1.77%
UTILITIES · Cap: $99.33B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 4603% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $697.48M). AWR leads profitability with a 20.5% profit margin vs 16.0%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.37. AWR earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).
AWR
Strong Buy68
out of 100
Grade: B-
DUK
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-8.8%
Fair Value
$65.22
Current Price
$89.98
$24.76 premium
Margin of Safety
-89.7%
Fair Value
$67.16
Current Price
$130.08
$62.92 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Strong operational efficiency at 35.8%
Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 25.8% YoY
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AWR
The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 35.8%. Revenue growth of 11.2% 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 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.
Bear Case : AWR
The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.
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
AWR profiles as a mature stock while DUK is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
AWR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.
AWR is growing revenue faster at 11.2% — sustainability is the question.
AWR generates stronger free cash flow (-175M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
AWR scores higher overall (68/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 20.5% margins and 11.2% 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.
American States Water Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
American States Water Company provides water and electricity services to residential, commercial, industrial and other customers in the United States. The company is headquartered in San Dimas, California.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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