California Water Service Group (CWT)vsDuke Energy Corporation (DUK)
CWT
California Water Service Group
$45.20
+1.28%
UTILITIES · Cap: $2.73B
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.22
+1.24%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.67B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 3137% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $1.01B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 11.8%. CWT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.08. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
CWT
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+21.3%
Fair Value
$56.07
Current Price
$45.20
$10.87 discount
Margin of Safety
-89.7%
Fair Value
$65.10
Current Price
$124.22
$59.12 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.7% — below average capital efficiency
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 69.3%
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : CWT
The strongest argument for CWT centers on Price/Book.
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 : CWT
The primary concerns for CWT are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
CWT profiles as a value stock while DUK is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
CWT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.52 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
CWT generates stronger free cash flow (-80M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. CWT offers better value entry with a 21.3% margin of safety. 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.
California Water Service Group
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA
California Water Service Group provides public water and related services in California, Washington, New Mexico and Hawaii. The company is headquartered in San Jose, California.
Visit Website →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.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER Stocks
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