WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsPepsiCo Inc (PEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PepsiCo Inc generates 192% more annual revenue ($95.45B vs $32.72B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 9.2%. PEP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.68. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

PEP

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 6.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 4.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.26
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-52.3%)

Margin of Safety

-52.3%

Fair Value

$81.53

Current Price

$124.17

$42.64 premium

UndervaluedFair: $81.53Overvalued
PEPFair Value (-1.0%)

Margin of Safety

-1.0%

Fair Value

$154.81

Current Price

$154.62

$0.19 premium

UndervaluedFair: $154.81Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.35B9/10

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%

PEP3 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$213.64B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
43.9%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 44 in profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
27.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 27.8% YoY

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.753/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.702/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

PEP4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.684/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Price/BookValuation
9.9x4/10

Trading at 9.9x book value

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-406.00M2/10

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 : PEP

The strongest argument for PEP centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.

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 : PEP

The primary concerns for PEP are PEG Ratio, Price/Book, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.40 — expect wider price swings.

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

PEP generates stronger free cash flow (-406M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 63/100), 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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PepsiCo Inc

CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · BEVERAGES - NON-ALCOHOLIC · USA

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American based multinational food, snack, and beverage corporation headquartered in Harrison, New York, in the hamlet of Purchase. PepsiCo's business encompasses all aspects of the food and beverage market. It oversees the manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of its products.

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