Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsLinde plc Ordinary Shares (LIN)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$129.55
+2.40%
UTILITIES · Cap: $99.04B
LIN
Linde plc Ordinary Shares
$504.71
-0.71%
BASIC MATERIALS · Cap: $236.47B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Linde plc Ordinary Shares generates 7% more annual revenue ($33.99B vs $31.79B). LIN leads profitability with a 20.3% profit margin vs 15.6%. LIN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.40. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
DUK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
LIN
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-64.7%
Fair Value
$78.65
Current Price
$129.55
$50.90 premium
Margin of Safety
-45.6%
Fair Value
$346.56
Current Price
$504.71
$158.15 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 20 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Generating 1.6B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 2.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Weak financial health signals
Earnings declined 9.4%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : LIN
The strongest argument for LIN centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.3% and operating margin at 28.2%.
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 : LIN
The primary concerns for LIN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
LIN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.79 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.
LIN generates stronger free cash flow (1.6B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 56/100), backed by strong 15.6% 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.
Visit Website →Linde plc Ordinary Shares
BASIC MATERIALS · SPECIALTY CHEMICALS · USA
Linde plc is a multinational chemical company. It is the largest industrial gas company by market share and revenue. It serves customers in the healthcare, petroleum refining, manufacturing, food, beverage carbonation, fiber-optics, steel making, aerospace, chemicals, electronics and water treatment industries. The company's primary business is the manufacturing and distribution of atmospheric gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon, rare gases, and process gases, including carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, electronic gases, specialty gases, and acetylene.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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