WallStSmart

American States Water Company (AWR)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 4717% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $679.25M). AWR leads profitability with a 19.7% profit margin vs 15.7%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.65. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

AWR

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 4.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 1.23

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AWROvervalued (-11.2%)

Margin of Safety

-11.2%

Fair Value

$63.81

Current Price

$77.66

$13.85 premium

UndervaluedFair: $63.81Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-89.7%)

Margin of Safety

-89.7%

Fair Value

$65.10

Current Price

$124.22

$59.12 premium

UndervaluedFair: $65.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AWR2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
30.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 30.9%

Price/BookValuation
2.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.67B9/10

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

AWR2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.802/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.232/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.652/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AWR

The strongest argument for AWR centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 19.7% and operating margin at 30.9%. Revenue growth of 14.3% 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 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : AWR

The primary concerns for AWR are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : DUK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

AWR carries more volatility with a beta of 0.59 — expect wider price swings.

AWR is growing revenue faster at 14.3% — sustainability is the question.

AWR generates stronger free cash flow (23M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

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.

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.

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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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