WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsThe Coca-Cola Company (KO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

The Coca-Cola Company generates 55% more annual revenue ($49.28B vs $31.79B). KO leads profitability with a 27.8% profit margin vs 15.6%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.69. KO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

KO

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 9.5Value: 3.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.49
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
KOSignificantly Overvalued (-22.8%)

Margin of Safety

-22.8%

Fair Value

$64.14

Current Price

$78.87

$14.73 premium

UndervaluedFair: $64.14Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.04B9/10

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%

KO5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
Market CapQuality
$339.28B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.4%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 43 in profit

Operating MarginProfitability
34.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
27.8%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.87B8/10

Generating 2.9B in free cash flow

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
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

KO3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
10.1x4/10

Trading at 10.1x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.413/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
4.042/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : KO

The strongest argument for KO centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.8% and operating margin at 34.9%. Revenue growth of 12.1% demonstrates continued momentum.

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 : KO

The primary concerns for KO are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.45 — expect wider price swings.

KO is growing revenue faster at 12.1% — sustainability is the question.

KO generates stronger free cash flow (2.9B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

KO scores higher overall (65/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 27.8% margins and 12.1% revenue growth. 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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The Coca-Cola Company

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

The Coca-Cola Company is an American multinational beverage corporation incorporated under Delaware's General Corporation Law and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The Coca-Cola Company has interests in the manufacturing, retailing, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.

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