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Investing.com - BTIG initiated coverage on Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) with a Buy rating and a price target of $150.00 on Wednesday. The utility giant, currently trading at $128.33 and commanding a market capitalization of nearly $100 billion, is approaching its 52-week high of $129.50.
The research firm views Duke Energy as "a more attractive value among the largecap vertically integrated utilities," citing high and rising sales and rate-base growth potential. The company’s strong market position is reinforced by its impressive dividend track record, having maintained payments for 55 consecutive years and raised them for the past 18 years. According to InvestingPro, Duke Energy maintains a GOOD financial health score, with 10+ additional insights available to subscribers.
BTIG noted that the utility company has demonstrated an improving track record on execution and has taken an innovative approach to financing both near-term and long-term growth.
The firm observed that while Duke Energy stock currently trades in line with its peer group, it believes there is "a solid case for a premium valuation."
This premium valuation case is supported by Duke’s growth potential, particularly in future years, combined with the company’s improved execution, according to BTIG’s analysis.
In other recent news, Duke Energy announced a quarterly cash dividend of $1.065 per share on its common stock, payable on December 16, 2025. Additionally, the company declared a dividend on its Series A preferred stock of $359.375 per share. Evercore ISI initiated coverage of Duke Energy with an Outperform rating, highlighting the company’s premium-service territories and significant load growth pipeline. Scotiabank upgraded Duke Energy to Sector Outperform, citing strong fundamental trends and a quiet regulatory calendar. Meanwhile, Jefferies downgraded the stock to Hold, noting limited potential for further growth after successful balance sheet de-risking efforts. Duke Energy also appointed Jeffrey Guldner to its board of directors, effective September 15. Guldner will serve on the Compensation and People Development Committee and Finance and Risk Management Committee.
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