WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsNorthwest Natural Gas Co (NWN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 2431% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $1.29B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 9.7%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.50. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

NWN

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.0Value: 6.0Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.59
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-87.3%)

Margin of Safety

-87.3%

Fair Value

$65.95

Current Price

$123.92

$57.97 premium

UndervaluedFair: $65.95Overvalued
NWNUndervalued (+17.3%)

Margin of Safety

+17.3%

Fair Value

$59.10

Current Price

$50.86

$8.24 discount

UndervaluedFair: $59.10Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$96.89B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

NWN2 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

P/E RatioValuation
17.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.504/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-5.48B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

NWN4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
3.1%4/10

3.1% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.8%3/10

ROE of 7.8% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.733/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : NWN

The strongest argument for NWN centers on Price/Book, P/E Ratio.

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 : NWN

The primary concerns for NWN are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.73 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

NWN carries more volatility with a beta of 0.43 — expect wider price swings.

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

NWN generates stronger free cash flow (-12M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. NWN offers better value entry with a 17.3% margin of safety. 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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Northwest Natural Gas Co

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Northwest Natural Holding Company, through its subsidiary, Northwest Natural Gas Company, provides regulated natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, industrial and transportation customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

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