WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsMoodys Corporation (MCO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 316% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $7.87B). MCO leads profitability with a 31.7% profit margin vs 15.7%. MCO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.11. 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

MCO

Buy

61

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 9.5Value: 4.3Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 3.17

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%

MCO5 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Return on EquityProfitability
83.3%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 83 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
31.7%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
45.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.1710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$79.23B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

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

MCO4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.114/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
32.6x4/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
26.3x2/10

Trading at 26.3x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
2.441/10

Elevated debt levels

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 : MCO

The strongest argument for MCO centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.7% and operating margin at 45.7%.

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 : MCO

The primary concerns for MCO are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Debt-to-equity of 2.44 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

MCO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.37 — expect wider price swings.

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

MCO generates stronger free cash flow (844M), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% 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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Moodys Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · FINANCIAL DATA & STOCK EXCHANGES · USA

Moody's Corporation, often referred to as Moody's, is an American business and financial services company. It is the holding company for Moody's Investors Service (MIS), an American credit rating agency, and Moody's Analytics (MA), an American provider of financial analysis software and services.

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