WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 0.0%. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 59/100 (C).

DUK

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.0Value: 3.3Quality: 3.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.52

VGAS

Avoid

23

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.3Profit: 3.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.0
Piotroski: 1/9Altman Z: 1.81
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-64.7%)

Margin of Safety

-64.7%

Fair Value

$78.65

Current Price

$129.55

$50.90 premium

UndervaluedFair: $78.65Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for VGAS.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$100.82B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.0x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.1%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.1%

VGAS2 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0110/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

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
2.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

VGAS4 concerns · Avg: 3.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
0.0%4/10

0.0% earnings growth

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.814/10

Grey zone — moderate risk

Market CapQuality
$85.09M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

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 15.6% and operating margin at 28.1%.

Bull Case : VGAS

The strongest argument for VGAS centers on Price/Book, Debt/Equity.

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 : VGAS

The primary concerns for VGAS are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.45 — expect wider price swings.

DUK is growing revenue faster at 8.0% — sustainability is the question.

VGAS generates stronger free cash flow (-5M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 23/100), backed by strong 15.6% 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.

Visit Website →

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.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?