WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsUNITIL Corporation (UTL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 5521% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $582.10M). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 9.6%. DUK appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.51. 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

UTL

Buy

60

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 5.3Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.68
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

Intrinsic value data unavailable for DUK.

UTLOvervalued (-13.5%)

Margin of Safety

-13.5%

Fair Value

$44.92

Current Price

$55.00

$10.08 premium

UndervaluedFair: $44.92Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.75B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.9x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
25.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%

UTL4 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
17.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
26.0%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
27.0%8/10

Revenue surging 27.0% year-over-year

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
2.512/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-2.58B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

UTL4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Market CapQuality
$981.40M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Debt/EquityHealth
1.473/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.372/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : UTL

The strongest argument for UTL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Revenue growth of 27.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : DUK

The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : UTL

The primary concerns for UTL are Market Cap, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

DUK profiles as a mature stock while UTL is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.37 — expect wider price swings.

UTL is growing revenue faster at 27.0% — sustainability is the question.

UTL generates stronger free cash flow (18M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 60/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. 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 →

UNITIL Corporation

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Unitil Corporation, a utility holding company, is engaged in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. The company is headquartered in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?