Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNorthWestern Corporation (NWE)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$126.53
+1.18%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.67B
NWE
NorthWestern Corporation
$69.96
+1.24%
UTILITIES · Cap: $4.37B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 1893% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $1.64B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 10.2%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.65. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
NWE
Buy55
out of 100
Grade: C
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-89.7%
Fair Value
$65.10
Current Price
$126.53
$61.43 premium
Margin of Safety
-25.9%
Fair Value
$54.37
Current Price
$69.96
$15.59 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 25.5%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 23.0%
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Moderate valuation
ROE of 5.8% — 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 15.7% and operating margin at 25.5%. Revenue growth of 11.3% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : NWE
The strongest argument for NWE centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : NWE
The primary concerns for NWE are P/E 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 0.38 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
NWE generates stronger free cash flow (43M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 55/100), 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 →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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