Duke Energy (DUK)
NYSEUtilitiesRegulated ElectricSnapshot 2026-09-04
$120.22-0.97%
Close 2026-09-04 · 1-day change
NYSEUtilitiesRegulated ElectricSnapshot 2026-09-04
QuarterlyIQ Insights · DUK
How strong the business is — where it ranks within its sector on capital efficiency and cash generation, and how well management has been executing.
How this business ranks within utilities on a research-validated quality screen. As of 2026-09-04.
The screen ranks DUK against its sector on four durable signals: share dilution, return on capital, free-cash-flow yield, and FCF margin. Historically the highest-quality names tended toward better typical outcomes and fewer bad years over multi-year holds (strongest at three years, modest at one), and that pattern showed up even before the price moved. It characterizes business quality, not price direction.
Each leg is a sector-relative percentile (higher is better); 4 of 4 legs were available for this name. The composite is built from these four; the raw value follows each percentile for context.
A forward quality tilt, not a price prediction, and context for your own research rather than a recommendation. Not investment advice.
How management runs the business: capital, margins, balance sheet, and how reliably they guide and deliver.
Each factor is a parallel diagnostic with a clear read of what it shows and how names like it have historically fared. Never aggregated into a single score.
Operating income rose in 1 of the last 3 quarter-over-quarter moves. Historically, Utilities names rated neutral grew net income 67% of the time over the next year (vs 64% for the rest of the cohort, n=1452).
Not investment advice. Scores describe historical and current data; they are not forecasts of future returns. Consult a licensed advisor before making investment decisions.
A guidance track record builds as the company issues and delivers on guidance.
Priorities management has stated in recent disclosures, with status and evidence drawn from earnings calls, filings, and press releases.
Maintain and deliver long-term adjusted EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2030, with confidence to earn in the top half of the range beginning in 2028.
Stated as a priority in 5 of last 5 quarters. Adjusted EPS guidance for 2026 is reaffirmed at $6.55 to $6.80, with a long-term adjusted EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2030 off the 2025 midpoint of $6.30. The company reported adjusted EPS of $1.43 in 2026-Q2 and $1.93 in 2026-Q1, showing progress consistent with this growth trajectory, indicating delivery on this priority.
“The company is reaffirming its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.55 to $6.80 and long-term adjusted EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2030.”
“The company is reaffirming its 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.55 to $6.80 and long-term adjusted EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2030.”
“The company is introducing 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.55 to $6.80 and extending its long-term adjusted EPS growth rate of 5% to 7% through 2030.”
“The company is reaffirming its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $6.17 to $6.42 and long-term adjusted EPS growth rate of 5 - 7% through 2029.”
“The company is reaffirming its 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $6.17 to $6.42 and long-term adjusted EPS growth rate of 5 - 7% through 2029.”
Execute the largest regulated capital investment plan in the industry totaling $103 billion over five years to drive earnings base growth and infrastructure modernization.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 5 quarters. The $103 billion five-year capital plan was emphasized in 2025-Q4 and earlier quarters as driving 9.6% earnings base growth through 2030. While specific capital spending numbers for 2026 are not detailed, the company continues to invest in infrastructure modernization, indicating ongoing execution of this plan.
Focus on keeping energy rates below the national average and rate changes below inflation while investing in infrastructure and modernization.
Stated as a priority in 4 of last 5 quarters. Management consistently emphasizes keeping energy rates affordable and below national averages. The July 2026 rate case settlement proposes a revised revenue requirement of $496 million over two years, averaging a 3.7% annual rate increase, reflecting moderate rate growth consistent with the affordability focus. This indicates ongoing management attention with moderate progress.
Advance strategic transactions including acquisitions and asset sales to strengthen the balance sheet and support growth.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 5 quarters. The company reported closing $5.3 billion in strategic transactions in 2026-Q1 and completed acquisitions as disclosed in 2025-Q4. These activities support balance sheet strength and growth objectives, indicating delivery on this priority with ongoing M&A activity.
Maintain capital structure discipline through debt issuance, refinancing, and equity offerings to support growth and financial flexibility.
Stated as a priority in 3 of last 5 quarters. The company completed significant capital markets transactions including issuance of $1.5 billion convertible notes in 2026-Q1 and 40 million equity units in 2026-Q3. These actions demonstrate active management of capital structure to support growth and financial flexibility, indicating delivery on this priority.
Over the trailing year it converted 1.72x of net income into operating cash flow. Historically, Utilities names rated neutral grew net income 68% of the time over the next year (vs 64% for the rest of the cohort, n=1211).
Most sensitive to real (inflation-adjusted) rates and long-term interest rates.
Not enough signal to read sensitivity to the US dollar, the broad stock market, Fed net liquidity (low R² over the window).
16 material management or governance events in the past 24 months, led by M&A activity. Historically, Utilities names rated neutral grew net income 71% of the time over the next year (vs 64% for the rest of the cohort, n=224).
Not investment advice. As of 2026-09-04.
“$103 billion five-year capital plan drives 9.6% earnings base growth through 2030.”
“Largest regulated capital plan in the industry, supporting growth and infrastructure modernization.”
“Executing an ambitious energy transition with major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation investments.”
“Ensuring investments support economic growth while providing reliable energy at the lowest possible cost.”
“Pursuing solutions to keep rates as low as possible.”
“The cost of energy has always been and will remain a key focus for our company.”
“Delivering value for customers while managing costs and investments.”
“Successfully closed $5.3 billion strategic transactions to strengthen balance sheet and support growth.”
“Completion of acquisition of assets as previously disclosed.”
“Advancing strategic priorities including acquisitions and dispositions.”
“Consummated issuance and sale of 40 million equity units pursuant to underwriting agreement.”
“Completed sale of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.000% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029.”
“Entered into amendment to credit agreement and other financing activities.”