WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsVerde Clean Fuels Inc. (VGAS)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 0.0%. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 63/100 (C+).

DUK

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 4.7Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

VGAS

Avoid

23

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.3Profit: 3.0Value: 5.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 16.06
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-79.6%)

Margin of Safety

-79.6%

Fair Value

$66.50

Current Price

$119.42

$52.92 premium

UndervaluedFair: $66.50Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for VGAS.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK4 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$93.11B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
18.0x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
27.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%

VGAS3 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
16.0610/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Areas to Watch

DUK4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.224/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
1.1%4/10

1.1% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.673/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

VGAS4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Market CapQuality
$57.91M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Profit MarginProfitability
0.0%3/10

0.0% margin — thin

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : VGAS

The strongest argument for VGAS centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

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 : VGAS

The primary concerns for VGAS are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Market Cap.

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.

VGAS generates stronger free cash flow (-827,000), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (63/100 vs 23/100), backed by strong 16.0% margins. Both earn "Buy" and "Avoid" 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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Verde Clean Fuels Inc.

UTILITIES · UTILITIES - RENEWABLE · USA

Verde Clean Fuels, Inc. focuses on suppling gasoline and other fuels derived from renewable feedstocks or natural gas. The company is headquartered in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

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