WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsPPL Corporation (PPL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 251% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $9.31B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 13.1%. PPL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.39. PPL 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

PPL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.74
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-89.7%)

Margin of Safety

-89.7%

Fair Value

$65.10

Current Price

$124.22

$59.12 premium

UndervaluedFair: $65.10Overvalued
PPLSignificantly Overvalued (-44.1%)

Margin of Safety

-44.1%

Fair Value

$24.99

Current Price

$35.74

$10.75 premium

UndervaluedFair: $24.99Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$97.67B9/10

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%

PPL2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.8x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.2%

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.652/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

PPL4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.353/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-501.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.742/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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 : PPL

The strongest argument for PPL centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 10.8% demonstrates continued momentum. PEG of 1.39 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 : PPL

The primary concerns for PPL are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

PPL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.60 — expect wider price swings.

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

PPL generates stronger free cash flow (-501M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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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PPL Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA

PPL Corporation is an energy company headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States.

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