Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsPalo Alto Networks Inc (PANW)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$127.38
+0.61%
UTILITIES · Cap: $98.62B
PANW
Palo Alto Networks Inc
$153.22
-2.54%
TECHNOLOGY · Cap: $128.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 221% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $9.89B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 13.0%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.71. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).
DUK
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
PANW
Buy58
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
-81.9%
Fair Value
$84.24
Current Price
$153.22
$68.98 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%
Earnings expanding 60.5% YoY
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Large-cap with strong market position
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 2.2%
Trading at 11.5x book value
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.
Bull Case : PANW
The strongest argument for PANW centers on EPS Growth, Debt/Equity, Market Cap. Revenue growth of 14.9% 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 : PANW
The primary concerns for PANW are Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 87.3x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while PANW is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
PANW carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.
PANW is growing revenue faster at 14.9% — sustainability is the question.
PANW generates stronger free cash flow (470M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 58/100), 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 →Palo Alto Networks Inc
TECHNOLOGY · SOFTWARE - INFRASTRUCTURE · USA
Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides cybersecurity platform solutions globally. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
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