WallStSmart

CMS Energy Corporation 5.6% JRSUB NT 78 (CMSA)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 0.0%. CMSA trades at a lower P/E of 11.9x. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

CMSA

Avoid

20

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 3.3Profit: 4.5Value: 6.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.65

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CMSA1 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

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

CMSA4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Operating MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

Operating margin of 0.0%

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CMSA

The strongest argument for CMSA centers on P/E Ratio.

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 : CMSA

The primary concerns for CMSA are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Profit Margin. Debt-to-equity of 2.02 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

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

Monitor MULTILINE UTILITIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 20/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Avoid" 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 5.6% JRSUB NT 78

UTILITIES · MULTILINE UTILITIES · USA

CMS Energy Corporation is an energy company primarily in Michigan. The company is headquartered in Jackson, Michigan.

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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