WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsPure Cycle Corporation (PCYO)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 106671% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $30.64M). PCYO leads profitability with a 45.8% profit margin vs 15.7%. PCYO trades at a lower P/E of 18.3x. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

PCYO

Buy

55

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.3Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 4.77

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

PCYO6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Profit MarginProfitability
45.8%10/10

Keeps 46 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
52.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 52.8% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0510/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
4.7710/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
29.4%8/10

Revenue surging 29.4% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

PCYO3 concerns · Avg: 2.7/10
Market CapQuality
$255.74M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-4.51M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

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 : PCYO

The strongest argument for PCYO centers on Profit Margin, EPS Growth, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 45.8% and operating margin at 5.1%. Revenue growth of 29.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : PCYO

The primary concerns for PCYO are Market Cap, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK profiles as a mature stock while PCYO is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

PCYO carries more volatility with a beta of 1.24 — expect wider price swings.

PCYO is growing revenue faster at 29.4% — sustainability is the question.

PCYO generates stronger free cash flow (-5M), 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.

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Pure Cycle Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED WATER · USA

Pure Cycle Corporation designs, builds, operates and maintains water and wastewater systems in the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado Front Range in the United States. The company is headquartered in Watkins, Colorado.

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