Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsSouthern Company (SO)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$117.53
-0.85%
UTILITIES · Cap: $93.11B
SO
Southern Company
$85.52
-1.43%
UTILITIES · Cap: $100.28B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 9% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $30.18B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 15.4%. SO appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.07. SO earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).
DUK
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
SO
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-79.6%
Fair Value
$66.50
Current Price
$117.53
$51.03 premium
Margin of Safety
-38.4%
Fair Value
$62.12
Current Price
$85.52
$23.40 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 29.6%
Earnings expanding 30.4% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
0.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : DUK
The strongest argument for DUK centers on Market Cap, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.0% and operating margin at 27.5%.
Bull Case : SO
The strongest argument for SO centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 29.6%.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : SO
The primary concerns for SO are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.95 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.36 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 1.1% — sustainability is the question.
SO generates stronger free cash flow (-293M), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
SO scores higher overall (66/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins. 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.
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.
Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?