Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)vsXcel Energy Inc (XEL)
DUK
Duke Energy Corporation
$129.24
-0.12%
UTILITIES · Cap: $99.75B
XEL
Xcel Energy Inc
$78.75
-1.97%
UTILITIES · Cap: $49.17B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Duke Energy Corporation generates 121% more annual revenue ($32.72B vs $14.78B). DUK leads profitability with a 15.7% profit margin vs 14.1%. XEL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.14. DUK earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
DUK
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
XEL
Buy54
out of 100
Grade: C-
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%
Reasonable price relative to book value
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
2.9% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
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 : XEL
The strongest argument for XEL centers on Price/Book.
Bear Case : DUK
The primary concerns for DUK are Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio. Debt-to-equity of 1.67 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : XEL
The primary concerns for XEL are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 1.65 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
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 0.41 — expect wider price swings.
DUK is growing revenue faster at 11.3% — sustainability is the question.
XEL generates stronger free cash flow (-1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
DUK scores higher overall (67/100 vs 54/100), backed by strong 15.7% margins and 11.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong 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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