WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsKKR & Co. Inc. (KKR)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 29% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $25.35B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 11.7%. KKR appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.52. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

KKR

Hold

48

out of 100

Grade: D+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 5.8
Piotroski: 3/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

KKR3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$88.07B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

PEG RatioValuation
0.528/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.90B8/10

Generating 1.9B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

KKR4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
32.1x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Debt/EquityHealth
1.803/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-6.6%2/10

Revenue declined 6.6%

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 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KKR

The strongest argument for KKR centers on Market Cap, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 0.52 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 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : KKR

The primary concerns for KKR are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.80 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK profiles as a mature stock while KKR is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

KKR carries more volatility with a beta of 1.85 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.

KKR generates stronger free cash flow (1.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 48/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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.

Visit Website →

KKR & Co. Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · ASSET MANAGEMENT · USA

KKR & Co. Inc., established in 1976, is a leading global investment firm recognized for its expertise across private equity, credit, and real asset investments. Utilizing its extensive industry knowledge and global reach, KKR strategically identifies and seizes complex market opportunities, thereby generating sustainable long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm's strong emphasis on sustainable investing is evidenced by its rigorous integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in its investment processes, ensuring not only robust financial performance but also responsible market growth. KKR's dedication to innovation and operational excellence solidifies its status as a pivotal player in the global financial landscape.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?