Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNRG Energy Inc. (NRG)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.49
+0.41%
UTILITIES · Cap: $96.89B
NRG
NRG Energy Inc.
$126.24
+5.42%
UTILITIES · Cap: $27.77B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 1% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $32.38B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 0.7%. NRG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.61. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
NRG
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-87.3%
Fair Value
$65.95
Current Price
$124.49
$58.54 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for NRG.
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 25.5%
Growing faster than its price suggests
19.5% revenue growth
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
0.7% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.6%
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
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 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NRG
The strongest argument for NRG centers on PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth. Revenue growth of 19.5% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 0.61 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NRG
The primary concerns for NRG are Altman Z-Score, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. A P/E of 147.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 4.83 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while NRG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
NRG carries more volatility with a beta of 1.20 — expect wider price swings.
NRG is growing revenue faster at 19.5% — sustainability is the question.
NRG generates stronger free cash flow (779M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 51/100), 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.
Visit Website →NRG Energy Inc.
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS · USA
NRG Energy, Inc. is a large American energy company, headquartered in Houston, Texas. It was formerly the wholesale arm of Northern States Power Company (NSP), which became Xcel Energy, but became independent in 2000. NRG Energy is involved in energy generation and retail electricity.
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