WallStSmart

AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

AstraZeneca PLC generates 85% more annual revenue ($58.74B vs $31.79B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.4% profit margin vs 15.6%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.55. AZN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 64/100 (C+).

AZN

Buy

64

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 8.0Value: 5.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

AZNUndervalued (+4.1%)

Margin of Safety

+4.1%

Fair Value

$214.51

Current Price

$187.37

$27.14 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.51Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-64.7%)

Margin of Safety

-64.7%

Fair Value

$78.65

Current Price

$129.55

$50.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $78.65Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

AZN5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Market CapQuality
$294.17B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

EPS GrowthGrowth
53.9%10/10

Earnings expanding 53.9% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
22.8%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
21.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.38B8/10

Generating 1.4B in free cash flow

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.04B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

Areas to Watch

AZN4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.554/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.1%4/10

4.1% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : AZN

The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.4% and operating margin at 21.6%.

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 : AZN

The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

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

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

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.45 — expect wider price swings.

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

AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

AZN scores higher overall (64/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 17.4% 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.

AstraZeneca PLC

HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA

AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.

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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