WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsSouthwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 1739% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $1.78B). SWX leads profitability with a 26.1% profit margin vs 15.7%. SWX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.18. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

DUK

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

SWX

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.89

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$94.40B9/10

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%

SWX4 strengths · Avg: 8.8/10
Operating MarginProfitability
37.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.9%

Profit MarginProfitability
26.1%9/10

Keeps 26 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
20.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 20.9% YoY

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.542/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

SWX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.184/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
27.0x4/10

Moderate valuation

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-21.6%2/10

Revenue declined 21.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-46.59M2/10

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 : SWX

The strongest argument for SWX centers on Operating Margin, Profit Margin, Price/Book. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.1% and operating margin at 37.9%.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SWX

The primary concerns for SWX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK profiles as a mature stock while SWX is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

SWX carries more volatility with a beta of 0.58 — expect wider price swings.

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

SWX generates stronger free cash flow (-47M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 65/100), 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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Southwest Gas Holdings Inc

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED GAS · USA

Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. purchases, distributes and transports natural gas in Arizona, Nevada and California. The company is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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