Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNorthWestern Corporation (NWE)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$127.38
+0.61%
UTILITIES · Cap: $98.62B
NWE
NorthWestern Corporation
$65.36
+0.21%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 1874% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $1.61B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 11.2%. NWE appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.38. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
DUK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
NWE
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-198.2%
Fair Value
$42.98
Current Price
$127.38
$84.40 premium
Margin of Safety
-242.4%
Fair Value
$19.99
Current Price
$65.36
$45.37 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%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 2.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 6.3% — below average capital efficiency
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
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 : NWE
The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book. 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 : NWE
The primary concerns for NWE are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while NWE is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.
NWE is growing revenue faster at 10.9% — sustainability is the question.
NWE generates stronger free cash flow (-94M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 55/100), 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 →NorthWestern Corporation
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The company is headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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