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On Thursday, BMO Capital Markets adjusted its outlook on Duke Energy stock (NYSE:DUK), reducing the price target to $123 from the previous target of $128, while sustaining an Outperform rating on the shares. Duke Energy, a prominent player in the Electric Utilities industry with a market capitalization of $91.4 billion, has demonstrated strong dividend reliability with 17 consecutive years of increases, according to InvestingPro data.
The revision follows BMO Capital's quarterly preview, where analysts projected an increase in Duke Energy's first-quarter earnings for 2025 to $1.62 per share, up from $1.44 per share in the first quarter of 2024. The expected improvement in year-over-year performance is attributed to customer growth and load increases combined with rate relief. These positive factors are believed to be partially counterbalanced by a rise in utilities interest expense, operations and maintenance (O&M), operational expenditure (OpEx), and parent company drag.
During the upcoming earnings call, BMO Capital anticipates investor attention to center on several key areas. These include the forecast for economic development and load growth, the impact of tariffs and supply chain exposure, the reconciliation of H3309 in South Carolina, the progression of balance sheet and credit metrics, and the potential for asset sales.
The revised target price of $123 reflects BMO Capital's alignment with group multiples, suggesting that the firm's analysts have updated their valuation model to match the current market conditions and peer group financial metrics. Despite the lowered price target, BMO Capital maintains its positive stance on Duke Energy, reaffirming the Outperform rating.
In other recent news, Duke Energy reported significant developments affecting its operations and strategic direction. Jefferies analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith raised the stock price target for Duke Energy to $133, reflecting confidence in the company's stable earnings growth and resilience to market uncertainties. Meanwhile, BMO Capital Markets also increased its price target for Duke Energy to $128, citing a positive outlook based on the company's regulatory environment and growth potential, while maintaining an Outperform rating.
Duke Energy announced that Harry Sideris has assumed the role of CEO, succeeding Lynn Good, and plans to oversee an $83-billion capital plan focused on infrastructure investments. Additionally, the company has expanded its aid programs for low-income households in North Carolina, introducing enhanced weatherization services and demand response initiatives aimed at reducing energy costs. In response to severe weather, Duke Energy has successfully restored power to over 70,000 customers affected by flooding in Ohio and Kentucky, emphasizing customer safety and collaboration with local authorities.
These recent developments underscore Duke Energy's commitment to operational excellence, customer service, and strategic growth.
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