WallStSmart

CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 272% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $8.54B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 12.5%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. CMS earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).

CMS

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 6.5Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.67

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CMSSignificantly Overvalued (-21.6%)

Margin of Safety

-21.6%

Fair Value

$61.28

Current Price

$75.44

$14.16 premium

UndervaluedFair: $61.28Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-198.2%)

Margin of Safety

-198.2%

Fair Value

$42.98

Current Price

$127.38

$84.40 premium

UndervaluedFair: $42.98Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CMS2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$98.62B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

Areas to Watch

CMS4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.872/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-596.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.672/10

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
2.712/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CMS

The strongest argument for CMS centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 12.3% 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 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.

Bear Case : CMS

The primary concerns for CMS are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow.

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

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

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.

CMS is growing revenue faster at 12.3% — sustainability is the question.

DUK generates stronger free cash flow (-463M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

CMS scores higher overall (62/100 vs 59/100) and 12.3% revenue growth. 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.

CMS Energy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS), based in Jackson, Michigan, is an energy company that is focused principally on utility operations in Michigan.

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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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