WallStSmart

Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Duke Energy Corporation generates 115% more annual revenue ($31.79B vs $14.78B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.6% profit margin vs 14.1%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.33. 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

XEL

Buy

54

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 1/9
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

DUKSignificantly Overvalued (-61.0%)

Margin of Safety

-61.0%

Fair Value

$79.14

Current Price

$127.58

$48.44 premium

UndervaluedFair: $79.14Overvalued

Intrinsic value data unavailable for XEL.

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

DUK3 strengths · Avg: 8.3/10
Market CapQuality
$99.18B9/10

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%

XEL2 strengths · Avg: 8.5/10
Market CapQuality
$51.54B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
2.1x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

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
2.722/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.2%2/10

Earnings declined 2.2%

XEL4 concerns · Avg: 3.5/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.334/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.9%4/10

2.9% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.443/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
1/93/10

Weak financial health signals

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 : XEL

The strongest argument for XEL centers on Market Cap, Price/Book.

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 : XEL

The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

XEL carries more volatility with a beta of 0.44 — expect wider price swings.

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

DUK generates stronger free cash flow (-463M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

DUK scores higher overall (59/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 15.6% 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.

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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.

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