WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 240% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $9.36B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 11.2%. CNP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.56. CNP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 60/100 (C+).

CNP

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.3
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 0.63

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

CNPSignificantly Overvalued (-69.7%)

Margin of Safety

-69.7%

Fair Value

$24.19

Current Price

$42.07

$17.88 premium

UndervaluedFair: $24.19Overvalued
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

CNP2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
21.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 21.5%

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

CNP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
26.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.562/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-707.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : CNP

The strongest argument for CNP centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 10.7% 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 : CNP

The primary concerns for CNP are P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

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

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

CNP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.54 — expect wider price swings.

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

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

Bottom Line

CNP scores higher overall (60/100 vs 59/100) and 10.7% 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.

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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