WallStSmart

CenterPoint Energy Inc (CNP)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 241% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $9.62B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 11.6%. CNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.67. CNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

CNP

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.5Value: 4.0Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 0.57

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CNPSignificantly Overvalued (-71.8%)

Margin of Safety

-71.8%

Fair Value

$22.11

Current Price

$37.84

$15.73 premium

UndervaluedFair: $22.11Overvalued
DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-76.3%)

Margin of Safety

-76.3%

Fair Value

$66.67

Current Price

$116.74

$50.07 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.67Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CNP3 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
24.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 24.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.3%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.3% YoY

DUK4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$93.11B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
18.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

Areas to Watch

CNP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.674/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-592.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.572/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CNP

The strongest argument for CNP centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Revenue growth of 10.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : DUK

The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.

Bear Case : CNP

The primary concerns for CNP are PEG Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.14 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : DUK

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

CNP is growing revenue faster at 10.7% — sustainability is the question.

CNP generates stronger free cash flow (-592M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

CNP scores higher overall (66/100 vs 63/100) and 10.7% 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.

CenterPoint Energy Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an American Fortune 500 electric and natural gas utility serving several markets in the American states of Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

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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