WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 23% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $26.65B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 15.7%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.92. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (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

USB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
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

Intrinsic value data unavailable for USB.

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%

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Market CapQuality
$85.86B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.3%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.34B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

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

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.924/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

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 : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

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 : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

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

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

Bottom Line

USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 29.3% margins. 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 →

U.S. Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?