WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsFirstEnergy Corporation (FE)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 110% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $15.64B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 6.9%. FE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.45. FE earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

FE

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 6.0Value: 4.7Quality: 2.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.58
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-85.8%)

Margin of Safety

-85.8%

Fair Value

$67.16

Current Price

$124.80

$57.64 premium

UndervaluedFair: $67.16Overvalued
FESignificantly Overvalued (-57.5%)

Margin of Safety

-57.5%

Fair Value

$30.43

Current Price

$46.40

$15.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $30.43Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.71B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

FE1 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.134/10

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

FE4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
6.9%3/10

6.9% margin — thin

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-353.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.582/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : DUK

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

Bull Case : FE

The strongest argument for FE centers on Price/Book. PEG of 1.45 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : FE

The primary concerns for FE are Profit Margin, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 2.24 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FE carries more volatility with a beta of 0.42 — expect wider price swings.

FE is growing revenue faster at 8.8% — sustainability is the question.

FE generates stronger free cash flow (-353M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. 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.

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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FirstEnergy Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

FirstEnergy Corp is an electric utility headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the distribution, transmission, and generation of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services.

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