Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$119.42
+0.04%
UTILITIES · Cap: $93.11B
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc
$75.50
+0.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $48.02B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 124% more annual revenue ($32.80B vs $14.62B). DUK leads profitability with a 16.0% profit margin vs 15.3%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.90. XEL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (C+).
DUK
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
XEL
Buy65
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-79.6%
Fair Value
$66.50
Current Price
$119.42
$52.92 premium
Intrinsic value data unavailable for XEL.
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 27.5%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 22.7%
Earnings expanding 24.0% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
1.1% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Weak financial health signals
Revenue declined 5.1%
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : XEL
The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.3% and operating margin at 22.7%.
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 : XEL
The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score. Debt-to-equity of 1.68 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
DUK profiles as a value stock while XEL is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.
XEL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.40 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 1.1% — sustainability is the question.
XEL generates stronger free cash flow (-1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
XEL scores higher overall (65/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 15.3% margins. Both earn "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 →Xcel Energy Inc
UTILITIES · UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC · USA
Xcel Energy Inc. is a utility holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, serving more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico as of 2019. It consists of four operating subsidiaries: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Co.
Visit Website →Compare with Other UTILITIES - REGULATED ELECTRIC Stocks
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