WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 78% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $18.39B). RCL leads profitability with a 24.4% profit margin vs 15.7%. RCL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.20. RCL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 72/100 (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

RCL

Strong Buy

72

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 5.3Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.96
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
RCLSignificantly Overvalued (-56.5%)

Margin of Safety

-56.5%

Fair Value

$213.30

Current Price

$275.24

$61.94 premium

UndervaluedFair: $213.30Overvalued

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%

RCL6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Return on EquityProfitability
49.6%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 50 in profit

Market CapQuality
$73.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
26.2%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.2%

EPS GrowthGrowth
28.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 28.9% 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

RCL1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.962/10

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 : RCL

The strongest argument for RCL centers on Return on Equity, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 26.2%. Revenue growth of 11.3% 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 : RCL

The primary concerns for RCL are Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

RCL carries more volatility with a beta of 1.78 — expect wider price swings.

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

RCL generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

RCL scores higher overall (72/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 24.4% 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.

Visit Website →

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd

CONSUMER CYCLICAL · TRAVEL SERVICES · USA

Royal Caribbean Group, formerly known as Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., is an American global cruise holding company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida, US.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?