WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsLowe's Companies Inc (LOW)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Lowe's Companies Inc generates 171% more annual revenue ($86.29B vs $31.79B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 7.7%. LOW appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.56. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

LOW

Hold

44

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 3.3Profit: 5.5Value: 3.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 2.16
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
LOWSignificantly Overvalued (-42.8%)

Margin of Safety

-42.8%

Fair Value

$167.23

Current Price

$233.50

$66.27 premium

UndervaluedFair: $167.23Overvalued

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%

LOW2 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
-4.3110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Market CapQuality
$130.77B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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%

LOW4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
0.0%3/10

ROE of 0.0% — below average capital efficiency

Profit MarginProfitability
7.7%3/10

7.7% margin — thin

PEG RatioValuation
2.562/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-11.0%2/10

Earnings declined 11.0%

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 : LOW

The strongest argument for LOW centers on Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 10.9% 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 : LOW

The primary concerns for LOW are Return on Equity, Profit Margin, PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

LOW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.96 — expect wider price swings.

LOW is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.

LOW generates stronger free cash flow (964M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 44/100), backed by strong 15.6% margins. Both earn "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.

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Lowe's Companies Inc

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAIL · USA

Lowe's Companies, Inc. is an American retail company specializing in home improvement. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, the company operates a chain of retail stores in the United States and Canada.

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