Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$124.17
-0.56%
UTILITIES · Cap: $97.35B
VRTX
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
$429.82
+1.13%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $107.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 168% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $12.22B). VRTX leads profitability with a 35.5% profit margin vs 15.7%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.10. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
VRTX
Strong Buy66
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-52.3%
Fair Value
$81.53
Current Price
$124.17
$42.64 premium
Margin of Safety
+57.2%
Fair Value
$992.87
Current Price
$429.82
$563.05 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 25.5%
Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 38.1%
Earnings expanding 61.4% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Weak financial health signals
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : VRTX
The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.5% and operating margin at 38.1%.
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 : VRTX
The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK carries more volatility with a beta of 0.40 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
VRTX generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 66/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. VRTX offers better value entry with a 57.2% margin of safety. 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 →Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc
HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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