Duke Energy (DUK) ended the recent trading session at $119.83, demonstrating a +1.19% change from the preceding day's closing price. The stock exceeded the S&P 500, which registered a gain of 0.14% for the day. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 0.04%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq added 0.38%. Heading into today, shares of the electric utility had gained 2.62% over the past month, outpacing the Utilities sector's gain of 0.97% and lagging the S&P 500's gain of 5.35%.Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of dividend stocks as a reliable investment option for risk-averse investors during earnings season, highlighting companies with a strong history of paying and growing dividends as attractive choices for generating steady cash flow [1]. Group 1: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson has a dividend yield of 3.16% and an annual dividend of $5.20, with a remarkable dividend increase track record of 64 years [4]. - The company has increased its dividend by over 4% in the last two years, maintaining a payout ratio of 57.84%, which is better than the sector median average of 2% [5]. - Despite ongoing lawsuits and inflation concerns, Johnson & Johnson's stock is trading at an attractive valuation, although it has been in a consolidation pattern since early April [6]. Group 2: Verizon Communications - Verizon Communications offers a high dividend yield of 6.61% with an annual dividend of $2.71 and a dividend increase track record of 20 years [8]. - The company has delivered a total return of 47.14% over the last 10 years, with an above-average total return of over 8% in the last 12 months, attributed to reduced capital expenditures during the 5G rollout [10]. - Verizon's stock is currently trading at around 9x forward earnings, which is a substantial discount to its historical average, with analyst forecasts suggesting a price target 14% above its closing price on July 15 [11]. Group 3: Duke Energy - Duke Energy has a dividend yield of 3.55% and an annual dividend of $4.18, with a dividend increase track record of 20 years [12]. - The company is undertaking a significant capital expenditure plan exceeding $65 billion to modernize its electrical grid and invest in solar and energy storage [13]. - Analysts forecast mid- to high-single-digit earnings per share (EPS) growth, supported by favorable legislation in North Carolina, although the company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57%, which is elevated by historical standards [14].

Company Overview - Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and is one of America's largest energy holding companies [4] - The company serves 8.4 million electric customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, with a total energy capacity of 54,800 megawatts [4] - Additionally, Duke Energy's natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky [4] Financial Results Announcement - Duke Energy will release its second-quarter 2025 financial results on August 5, 2025, at 7 a.m. ET on its website [1] - An earnings conference call for analysts is scheduled for the same day at 10 a.m. ET to discuss the results and other business updates [1][2] Leadership in Conference Call - The conference call will be hosted by Harry Sideris, president and CEO, and Brian Savoy, executive vice president and CFO [2] - Access to the call can be made via the investors' section of the Duke Energy website or by dialing specific numbers for U.S. and international participants [2] Energy Transition Strategy - Duke Energy is focused on an ambitious energy transition, prioritizing customer reliability and value while building a smarter energy future [5] - The company is investing in significant electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy generation methods, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [5]

Core Viewpoint - Investing in high-yielding stocks can be attractive for income investors, but it is essential to consider the stability and growth potential of the companies behind these dividends [1][2]. Group 1: Verizon Communications - Verizon offers a dividend yield of 6.3%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average of 1.2% [4]. - The company reported sales of $134.8 billion in 2024, showing minimal growth from $133.6 billion in 2021 [4]. - Verizon has a profit margin exceeding 13% and trades at 10 times its trailing earnings, making it a solid income investment [5]. - The company has increased its dividend for 18 consecutive years, with a sustainable payout ratio of 64% [5][6]. Group 2: Duke Energy - Duke Energy provides a dividend yield of 3.5% and operates in essential utility services, offering stability [7]. - The company generated $30.9 billion in revenue and $4.7 billion in earnings over the past 12 months, resulting in a profit margin of 15% [8]. - Duke has paid dividends for 99 straight years, with a 31% increase in its quarterly per-share dividend over the past decade [9]. - The payout ratio of 69% indicates potential for future dividend increases, making it a strong long-term investment [9]. Group 3: Kimberly-Clark - Kimberly-Clark, known for brands like Huggies and Kleenex, has maintained sales around $20 billion for the past three years with profit margins typically around 10% [10][11]. - The company has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, earning the title of Dividend King, indicating a commitment to growing its payouts [12]. - With a dividend yield of 3.9% and a payout ratio of approximately 67%, Kimberly-Clark is positioned as a low-volatility stock suitable for long-term investment [12][13].

Core Viewpoint - The utility sector is poised for significant growth due to a surge in electricity demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, data centers, and electric vehicles, with a projected increase in demand of 55% over the next 20 years compared to just 9% from 2000 to 2020 [3][4]. Industry Trends - Electricity demand grew by 9% from 2000 to 2020, but is expected to grow by 55% over the next two decades [3]. - The demand for electricity from AI and data centers is projected to increase by 300% in the next decade, while electric vehicles are expected to drive a staggering 9,000% increase in electricity demand by 2050 [4]. - By the middle of the century, electricity is projected to account for 32% of final energy demand, up from 21% [4]. Investment Opportunities - Vanguard Utilities Index Fund ETF (VPU) offers diversified exposure to the utility sector with a yield of approximately 2.8% [6]. - NextEra Energy (NEE) has a strong growth platform with a 10% annualized dividend increase over the past decade and a yield of around 3.2% [7][8]. - The Southern Company (SO) has recently started two nuclear reactors, enhancing its clean energy supply and yielding 3.2% [9]. - Duke Energy (DUK) focuses on regulated utility customer bases, with a dividend yield of about 3.5% [10]. - Dominion Energy (D) has a higher yield of 4.7% but has faced challenges with a dividend cut [11]. - Black Hills Corporation (BKH) has achieved Dividend King status with a yield of 4.8% and a growing customer base [12]. - Constellation Energy (CEG) operates the largest nuclear power fleet in the U.S. but has a lower yield of 0.5% [13]. - Brookfield Renewable offers a diversified clean energy investment with yields of 5.8% for the partnership class and 4.5% for the corporate class [14][15]. - Portland General Electric (POR) has a yield of 5.1% and operates in a region with potential for data centers despite wildfire risks [17]. - Eversource Energy (ES) focuses on regulated utility assets with a yield of approximately 4.7% [18]. Long-term Outlook - The trends driving electricity demand are expected to unfold over decades, presenting opportunities for long-term investors to build wealth as the demand growth story develops [19].

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy is positioned to potentially continue its earnings-beat streak in upcoming reports, supported by a positive earnings surprise history and favorable analyst estimates [1][5]. Earnings Performance - For the most recent quarter, Duke Energy reported earnings of $1.59 per share, missing the expected $1.76 per share by 10.69%. In the previous quarter, it exceeded the consensus estimate of $1.61 per share by reporting $1.66 per share, resulting in a surprise of 3.11% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent estimates for Duke Energy have been increasing, with a positive Earnings ESP of +2.13%, indicating bullish sentiment among analysts regarding its near-term earnings potential [5][8]. - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat, with historical data showing that stocks with this combination beat consensus estimates nearly 70% of the time [6][8]. Earnings ESP Explanation - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions, which may provide a more accurate prediction of earnings [7].

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy Carolinas has requested a public review of its current rates from South Carolina regulators, seeking an overall annual revenue increase of $150.5 million, which equates to a 7.7% increase over current revenues [2]. Financial Impact - If the request is approved, typical residential customers using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month will see their monthly electric bills rise by $10.38, from $136.82 to $147.19, effective March 1, 2026 [2]. - Commercial customers will experience an average increase of 5.4%, while industrial customers will see an average increase of around 5.2% [2]. Company Commitment - Duke Energy emphasizes its commitment to meeting customers' expectations regarding reliability, responsiveness, affordability, and value, while also supporting South Carolina's economic growth [2][4]. Infrastructure Investments - The company has made significant investments in grid improvements, which have enhanced storm response capabilities and reduced outages for customers [3][7]. - Recent upgrades include smart, self-healing technology that automatically restored over 35,000 customer outages and saved more than 153,000 hours of total outage time during Hurricane Helene [7]. Company Overview - Duke Energy Carolinas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, operates with 20,800 megawatts of energy capacity, serving 2.9 million customers across a 24,000-square-mile area in North and South Carolina [5]. - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.6 million customers across multiple states and is focused on an ambitious energy transition, investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources [6][8].

Core Viewpoint - A significant endorsement from Goldman Sachs has shifted institutional sentiment towards Duke Energy, indicating a potential investment opportunity in the utility sector [1][2]. Company Overview - Duke Energy has been upgraded from Neutral to Buy by Goldman Sachs, with a new price target of $132.00 per share, suggesting a positive outlook compared to its current trading price of $116.93 [2][3]. - The company is recognized for its blend of regulated operations and a clear growth strategy, which is seen as offering a superior risk-reward profile in a challenging market [4]. Growth Strategy - Duke Energy has a $145 billion capital investment program planned over the next decade, focusing on critical infrastructure and clean energy sources, which is expected to drive earnings growth [6]. - The company anticipates achieving 5% to 7% annual earnings growth through its investment strategy [7]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter of 2025, Duke reported an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.76, exceeding analyst expectations and demonstrating the effectiveness of its growth strategy [8]. Shareholder Returns - Duke Energy offers a dividend yield of approximately 3.59% and has a long history of paying dividends for 99 consecutive years, with increases over the past 20 years, providing stability for investors [9][10]. Risk Management - The company has strengthened its balance sheet by selling its non-regulated Commercial Renewables business for $2.8 billion, allowing for growth funding with less reliance on new debt [11][12]. - Recent legislative developments in North Carolina provide Duke with greater operational flexibility, aiding in the management of its energy transition while ensuring reliability and affordability [13]. Market Position - Duke Energy is positioned as a defensive investment with a dual appeal of income and growth, making it attractive for investors seeking stability in a volatile market [15][16].

Core Insights - Duke Energy set a new summer peak electricity usage record of 35,269 megawatt-hours (MWh) on June 24, 2025, surpassing the previous record of 34,439 MWh from July 9, 2024 [3] - The company attributes this record to customer conservation efforts during peak demand periods amid a heat wave affecting North and South Carolina [2][7] - Duke Energy's all-time peak usage record is 37,260 MWh, achieved on January 23, 2025 [3] Energy Mix and Infrastructure - Duke Energy utilizes a diverse energy mix, including nuclear, natural gas, hydro, renewables, and coal, to meet increasing energy demands [4] - The company is investing in solar and energy storage, with plans for new natural gas plants over the next five years to support growth and economic development [4][12] Customer Engagement and Energy Efficiency - Over 521,000 customers participated in Duke Energy's demand response programs to help manage peak demand during the heat wave [7] - The company emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency year-round, providing tips for customers to save on their electric bills [5][10] Company Overview - Duke Energy is a Fortune 150 company serving 8.6 million customers across several states, with a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts [11] - The company is focused on an ambitious energy transition, investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation sources [12]

Core Insights - Nuclear power plants are recognized for their high-capacity factor, providing a reliable source of baseload electricity compared to intermittent renewable sources [2] - The U.S. aims to increase nuclear energy capacity from 100 GW to 400 GW by 2050 through executive orders issued by President Trump [4] - The demand for clean electricity is rising due to factors like AI data centers, urbanization, and electric vehicles, making nuclear energy stocks attractive [5] Constellation Energy's Position - Constellation Energy operates the largest nuclear fleet in the U.S., generating nearly 90% carbon-free energy annually [6] - The company plans to invest $3 billion to $3.5 billion in capital expenditures through 2026, with 35% allocated for nuclear fuel [10][16] - Constellation Energy's return on equity (ROE) is 21.93%, indicating efficient capital use compared to Duke Energy's 9.88% [10][14] Duke Energy's Position - Duke Energy's nuclear operations provide reliable, low-carbon electricity, helping meet climate goals and federal regulations [8] - The company received approval to extend operations of its largest nuclear plant for an additional 20 years, supporting its clean energy strategy [8] - Duke Energy anticipates capital expenditures of $190-$200 billion over the next decade, with a significant portion for clean energy transition [17] Financial Performance Comparison - Constellation Energy's earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2025 and 2026 increased by 0.75% and 3.78%, respectively, while Duke Energy's estimates remained flat or slightly decreased [10][12][14] - Constellation Energy's dividend yield is 0.49%, significantly lower than Duke Energy's 3.61% [18] Investment Outlook - Both Constellation Energy and Duke Energy have potential for growth in the energy sector, but Constellation Energy is favored for its better earnings growth and ROE [19][20]