Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsSouthern Company (SO)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$126.81
-2.26%
UTILITIES · Cap: $101.68B
SO
Southern Company
$93.39
-2.95%
UTILITIES · Cap: $104.54B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 8% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $29.55B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 14.7%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.67. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 56/100 (C).
DUK
Buy56
out of 100
Grade: C
SO
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-195.0%
Fair Value
$42.98
Current Price
$126.81
$83.83 premium
Margin of Safety
-250.3%
Fair Value
$26.66
Current Price
$93.39
$66.73 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%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 2.2%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Earnings declined 22.1%
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
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 : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book. Revenue growth of 10.1% 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 : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a mature stock while SO is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.47 — expect wider price swings.
SO is growing revenue faster at 10.1% — sustainability is the question.
DUK generates stronger free cash flow (-463M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (56/100 vs 54/100), 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 →Southern Company
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with executive offices also located in Birmingham, Alabama.
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