WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNiSource Inc (NI)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 380% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $6.82B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 14.1%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.54. 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

NI

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.58

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%

NI2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
34.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.8%

Price/BookValuation
2.3x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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

NI4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.743/10

Elevated debt levels

PEG RatioValuation
2.692/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-362.90M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.582/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : NI

The strongest argument for NI centers on Operating Margin, Price/Book.

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 : NI

The primary concerns for NI are Debt/Equity, PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.74 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NI carries more volatility with a beta of 0.55 — expect wider price swings.

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

NI generates stronger free cash flow (-363M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), 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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NiSource Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

NiSource Inc. is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. The company is based in Merrillville, Indiana.

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