WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 271% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $8.82B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 12.6%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.70. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CMS

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

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

CMSSignificantly Overvalued (-53.5%)

Margin of Safety

-53.5%

Fair Value

$48.56

Current Price

$72.61

$24.05 premium

UndervaluedFair: $48.56Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-52.3%)

Margin of Safety

-52.3%

Fair Value

$81.53

Current Price

$124.17

$42.64 premium

UndervaluedFair: $81.53Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CMS1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.35B9/10

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

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

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.892/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-334.00M2/10

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
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CMS

The strongest argument for CMS centers on Price/Book. Revenue growth of 11.6% 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 : 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 0.40 — expect wider price swings.

CMS is growing revenue faster at 11.6% — sustainability is the question.

CMS generates stronger free cash flow (-334M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), 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.

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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