Duke Energy (DUK) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.Over the past month, shares of this electric utility have returned -5.3%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +3.9% change. During this period, the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, which Duke Energy falls in, has gained 0.3%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?While m ...

Utility stocks are trusted for the long haul for a reason. Commanding permanent relevance, they’re practically impossible to displace. Stated differently, utility stocks benefit from what’s known as a natural monopoly. While would-be rivals are free to compete with these established entities, they also face considerable hurdles. From high startup costs to onerous regulations, it takes a gargantuan effort to be a utility provider. In the end, it’s just not worth it for those on the outside looking in.Also, u ...

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AiDash, an enterprise SaaS company making critical infrastructure industries climate resilient and sustainable with satellites and AI, today announced that it received a strategic investment from Duke Investments, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK). These funds will be rolled into the company’s recently announced $50 million Series C funding round. Duke Investments joins global impact investment firm Lightrock; SE Ventures, a global venture fund b ...

There’s plenty of uncertainty in the market. Despite many forward indicators suggesting the market is doing well—low unemployment and steady wage growth should buffer the market—many aren’t so sure this will be the case a year or longer from now. Accordingly, the search for bulletproof stocks is on.Now, it’s entirely possible the Federal Reserve can cut interest rates at just the right time to stave off a hard landing. However, it’s typically the case that the economy begins to falter as interest rates decl ...

Grants will pay for training, life-saving equipment and new technology to aid in disaster planning and recovery operations Application now open for nonprofits, governmental agencies GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation is launching the third year of its $500,000 microgrant program to invest in emergency preparedness organizations across South Carolina to increase their resiliency to major weather events through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training. T ...

Financial Performance - Duke Energy reported a total revenue of $25.1 billion for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, representing a 5% increase compared to the previous year[6]. - The company achieved an earnings per share (EPS) of $4.50, which is a 10% increase year-over-year[6]. - Duke Energy anticipates a revenue growth of 6% for the next fiscal year, driven by increased demand and regulatory support for clean energy initiatives[6]. - Duke Energy's total shareholder return (TSR) is influenced by market conditions and fuel costs, with increased competition in the wholesale electric utility industry affecting load forecasts and revenue[38]. Customer and Service Growth - Customer growth in service territories was approximately 2.5%, with a total of 7.8 million customers served[6]. - Duke Energy serves approximately 8.4 million customers across a service territory of about 90,000 square miles in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the U.S.[24]. - Duke Energy Progress serves approximately 1.7 million customers across 28,000 square miles in North Carolina and South Carolina[125]. - Duke Energy Ohio supplies electric service to approximately 910,000 customers and provides natural gas services to approximately 560,000 customers[129]. - Duke Energy Indiana's service area covers approximately 23,000 square miles, serving around 900,000 customers[130]. - Piedmont distributes natural gas to approximately 1.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee[132]. Investment and Capital Projects - Duke Energy plans to invest $20 billion in capital projects over the next five years, focusing on renewable energy and infrastructure improvements[6]. - The company completed the sale of its utility-scale solar and wind group and distributed generation group in October 2023, marking a strategic shift in its business operations[25]. - Duke Energy committed to selling its Commercial Renewables business segment, excluding the offshore wind contract for Carolina Long Bay, with transactions closing in October 2023[25]. Renewable Energy and Sustainability Goals - Duke Energy is expanding its renewable energy portfolio, targeting an additional 10,000 megawatts of solar and wind capacity by 2025[6]. - The company aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, aligning with its long-term sustainability goals[6]. - Duke Energy aims for net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050, which is subject to various regulatory and technological challenges[134]. Operational Efficiency and Technology - New technology initiatives include the deployment of smart grid solutions, expected to enhance operational efficiency by 15%[6]. - The company emphasizes the importance of enhancing information technology systems to drive efficiencies and meet customer demands, with significant development costs anticipated[194]. - Duke Energy is focused on digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and customer service capabilities[194]. Regulatory and Compliance - Duke Energy's operations are subject to regulations from various commissions, including the FERC and state utility commissions, ensuring compliance and operational integrity[29]. - The company is subject to various federal regulations, including those from FERC and EPA, impacting its operations in the natural gas industry[101][104]. - Regulatory commissions may review and potentially reduce retail electric and natural gas rates if earnings exceed established returns, impacting financial performance[139]. Challenges and Risks - The company faces risks from potential deregulation or restructuring in the electric industry, which could lead to increased competition and unrecovered costs[143]. - Changes in federal and state regulations could significantly affect the company's operations and costs, impacting its business model and investment returns[144]. - Economic downturns may lead to reduced demand for electricity and natural gas, negatively impacting sales and cash flows, particularly from industrial customers[148]. - Cybersecurity risks have increased, with potential disruptions to operations and significant financial losses from cyberattacks[171]. Workforce and Employee Relations - Duke Energy had a total of 27,037 employees as of December 31, 2023, with 5,054 represented by labor unions[110]. - The company aims for workforce representation of at least 28% for women and 23% for people of color by 2023, currently achieving approximately 23.6% and 20.5% respectively[113]. - The company closely monitors the total incident case rate (TICR) to ensure a safe workplace, emphasizing its commitment to safety in employee incentive plans[116]. Environmental and Asset Management - The company has recognized significant Asset Retirement Obligations (AROs) related to coal combustion residuals (CCR) management, with closure activities ongoing since 2015[154]. - Duke Energy's nuclear decommissioning trust funds (NDTF) are subject to market fluctuations, which may increase funding requirements if asset values decline[190]. - The company faces risks related to compliance with environmental regulations, particularly concerning coal ash remediation and nuclear facility decommissioning costs[12].

WESTLAKE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nordson Corporation (NASDAQ: NDSN) today announced the election of Annette Clayton, chairwoman and former president and chief executive officer of Schneider Electric North America, to its board of directors, effective April 1, 2024. Ms. Clayton’s extensive executive and leadership experience in manufacturing, engineering operations, quality and productivity improvements, business process and strategic development, operational planning and business development will be an exce ...

Duke Energy’s (DUK) solid investment plan over the next five years to maintain and upgrade its infrastructure should boost the company’s performance. It will further benefit from a strong solvency position.Let’s explore the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment pick at the moment.Growth ProjectionsDuke Energy’s long-term (three to five-year) earnings growth rate is pegged at 5.3%.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DUK’s 2024 earnings per share (EPS) stands at $5.97, indicating ...

Funding will go to enrichment, mentoring and family skills programs in African American communities   GREENVILLE, S.C., Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Black History Month, the Duke Energy Foundation has provided $75,000 in grants to organizations in South Carolina that serve African American communities with programs, services and cultural experiences. "For nearly 50 years, we have taken time in February to celebrate the immeasurable contributions Black people have made to our nation, our ...

Funding will support 34 nonprofit and government agencies across the company's Indiana service territory PLAINFIELD, Ind., Feb. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- First responders across Indiana, including local police, fire and emergency management agencies (EMAs), will benefit from more than $200,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funding will help public safety agencies increase their response capabilities during severe weather and other emergencies through advanced preparation, planning, equipme ...