WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsHartford Financial Services Group (HIG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 10% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $28.79B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 14.1%. HIG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.12. HIG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

HIG

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 8.3
Piotroski: 6/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-64.7%)

Margin of Safety

-64.7%

Fair Value

$78.65

Current Price

$129.55

$50.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $78.65Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for HIG.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

HIG6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
0.1210/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
9.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Return on EquityProfitability
22.7%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.239/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
41.4%8/10

Earnings expanding 41.4% YoY

Areas to Watch

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
2.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

HIG0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

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 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.

Bull Case : HIG

The strongest argument for HIG centers on PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Return on Equity. PEG of 0.12 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : HIG

No major red flags identified for HIG, but monitor valuation.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

HIG carries more volatility with a beta of 0.53 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

HIG generates stronger free cash flow (1.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

HIG scores higher overall (77/100 vs 59/100). 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.

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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Hartford Financial Services Group

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., usually known as The Hartford, is a United States-based investment and insurance company.

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