CleaRank Financial AI • AI-powered analysis using real-time market data from TwelveData
Analysis reviewed by Roger Wohlner, Financial Journalist. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) is currently trading at $119.64, just above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) of $119.19, indicating a constructive near-term trend. The stock exhibits bullish momentum, as reflected by its 14-day RSI of 62.38. Recent earnings reports have shown consistent beats, with actual EPS exceeding estimates by 10% and 7.22% in the last two quarters, respectively. Wall Street analysts maintain a generally positive outlook, with a consensus rating of 'Buy' and a median price target of $136, implying a 13.7% upside from the current price. The company's forward-looking estimates suggest modest revenue growth of approximately 5.00% for the current and next year. However, insider activity shows a 'Moderate Sell Signal,' with total sales of $11.1 million against no reported purchases, indicating a degree of caution from management.
DUK at a glance
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK): Buy, 67/100 on CleaRank's AI score.
TrendMixed: the price is above its 50-day but below its 200-day moving average ($119.19 and $124.01).
InsidersInsiders sold $11.1M and made no open-market purchases over the last 18 months.
ValuationP/E of 17.8 against 22.8 for the Utilities sector: a discount to peers (-22%).
As of October 15, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) trades at $119.64. Wall Street's consensus target is $136.00 across 22 analysts. The 14-day RSI (daily closes) is 62, showing bullish momentum without being overbought, and the price is above its 50-day simple moving average of $119.19.
Figures as of October 15, 2026.
Only on CleaRank
Figures we compute ourselves from DUK's own price, earnings and insider-filing history. Tap one to see it in context.
Trading at a notable discount to sector peers (-22%), which may indicate undervaluation or specific company headwinds.
DUK Financial Performance
Revenue vs. Earnings
Annual
Quarterly
Earnings Reality Check
In the last 2 quarters, DUK beat the analyst estimate 2 times; the stock fell in the first session after 2 of those beats.
DUK earnings surprises and the stock's reaction
Report
EPS estimate
EPS actual
Surprise
First session
5 sessions
Aug 4, 2026
$1.30
$1.43
+10.00%
-0.75%
-0.87%
May 5, 2026
$1.80
$1.93
+7.22%
-1.60%
-1.97%
The first session is the first full trading day on the news: the report day itself for a report before the open, the next day for one after the close. Surprise is actual EPS against the consensus estimate.
As of October 15, 2026, DUK has beaten the analyst EPS estimate in 2 of its last 2 reported quarters and fell in the first trading session after 2 of those beats; its latest report, on August 4, 2026, came in 10.00% above the estimate and the stock moved -0.75% in the first session.
DUK Analysis
Company's Health4/5
12-Month Analyst Target+13.67% above price
Median of 22 analysts (12-month)
$136.00
AI Analyst Consensus ScoreBuy
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) is trading above its 50-day SMA at $119.19, signaling a near-term upward trend, while it remains below its 200-day SMA at $124.01, indicating a longer-term resistance level. The 14-day RSI is at 62.38, classifying it as having bullish momentum, and the MACD is currently at -0.36, suggesting a slight bearish divergence but within a generally stable trend. Volume on the latest trading day was 4.67 million shares, which is 17% above the average volume of 3.99 million shares, indicating increased investor interest. Key support can be found near the 50-day SMA, while resistance is observed around the 200-day SMA. The current price action suggests a consolidation phase before a potential move higher, contingent on breaking through the longer-term resistance.
ProTips
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) offers a dividend yield of approximately 3.58%, providing a consistent income stream. Investors should monitor the dividend coverage ratio to ensure its sustainability.
The stock is trading near its 50-day SMA, suggesting potential short-term volatility. Consider position sizing carefully and utilizing stop-losses below the 50-day SMA to manage risk.
Key Catalysts
BullishConsistent Earnings Beats
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has exceeded EPS estimates in its last two reported quarters, demonstrating operational strength and effective financial management, which could support future price appreciation.
Source: Company Earnings Reports
BullishAttractive Valuation Relative to Sector
DUK's P/E ratio of 17.80 and P/S ratio of 2.81 are below sector averages, indicating potential undervaluation and room for price appreciation as the market recognizes its value.
Source: Financial Data Analysis
BearishModerate Insider Selling Signal
Insiders have sold $11.1 million worth of DUK stock with no reported purchases, indicating a 'Moderate Sell Signal' that could signal caution or profit-taking among management.
Source: Insider Transaction Data
NeutralTrading Below 200-Day SMA
DUK is currently trading below its 200-day SMA of $124.01, which acts as a significant resistance level. A sustained break above this level would be required for a strong bullish trend confirmation.
Source: Technical Analysis
Market Outlook
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) is expected to maintain a stable outlook, with analysts projecting modest revenue growth of approximately 5.00% for both the current and next year. The company's forward-looking EPS estimates are $6.71 for the current year and $7.17 for the next year, indicating continued profitability. Potential upside catalysts could include a decisive break above the 200-day SMA at $124.01, supported by strong earnings momentum and positive sector trends. Conversely, a failure to sustain momentum above the 50-day SMA or increased insider selling could lead to a retest of lower support levels. The projected negative growth rate over the next five years (-2.8% annually) warrants monitoring for any signs of fundamental deterioration, though the regulated nature of its business provides a degree of stability.
Key Statistics
Market Cap
93.28B
P/E Ratio
17.80
EPS (TTM)
6.64
Dividend Yield
3.58%
52 Week High
134.49
52 Week Low
112.40
As of October 15, 2026, DUK trades at $119.64, with a market value of $93.28B, a P/E ratio of 17.80 and a dividend yield of 3.58%.
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) trades at a P/E ratio of 17.80, which is below the sector average of 22.8, suggesting a potentially attractive valuation relative to peers. Its price-to-sales ratio stands at 2.81, also below the sector median of 3.3. The company's profit margin is 16.00%, exceeding the sector average ROE of 9.6%. While the company demonstrates solid profitability and a favorable valuation compared to the utilities sector, the moderate insider selling signal warrants attention. The forward-looking revenue growth estimates of around 5.00% for the next two years suggest a stable, albeit not explosive, growth trajectory. The current valuation appears reasonable given the company's consistent earnings performance and sector positioning.
Earnings & Growth Analysis
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has demonstrated a pattern of exceeding analyst expectations in its recent earnings reports. The company reported actual EPS of $1.43 for the quarter reported August 4, 2026, surpassing the estimate of $1.30 by 10%, although the stock saw a minor decline of 0.75%. Similarly, in the May 5, 2026, report, actual EPS of $1.93 beat the estimate of $1.80 by 7.22%, with a price reaction of -1.6%. These consistent earnings beats suggest operational efficiency and effective cost management.
Key Risks
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) faces moderate risks stemming from insider selling, with $11.1 million in sales reported against no purchases, signaling a 'Moderate Sell Signal' from management. The company's debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62 is slightly elevated compared to the sector average, potentially increasing financial risk in a rising interest rate environment. Also, the stock is trading below its 200-day SMA, indicating a longer-term resistance level that could cap significant upside without a strong catalyst.
Technical Indicators i
RSI (14-day)
62.38
MACD (12, 26)
-0.361
SMA (50-day)
119.19
SMA (200-day)
124.01
Technical RatingNeutral
RSI
Bullish
SMA Cross
Bearish
Price vs SMA
Bullish
MACD
Bearish
Moving averages show a lagging Death Cross (50-day: $119.19, 200-day: $124.01), price sits above the 50-day SMA but below the 200-day SMA - a mixed posture.
As of October 15, 2026, with DUK at $119.64, its 14-day RSI is 62.4 (showing bullish momentum without being overbought), its 50-day simple moving average is $119.19 and its 200-day is $124.01.
Calculated by CleaRank on daily closes as of October 15, 2026: Wilder's 14-day RSI, 50- and 200-day simple moving averages, MACD line (12, 26).
Market Correlations
How this stock moves relative to other assets
Based on 1 year of daily price data. Correlations may vary over different time periods.
S&P 500 (SPY)-0.09
Weak correlation
Nasdaq 100 (QQQ)-0.23
Weak correlation
Bitcoin (BTC)-0.14
Weak correlation
Gold (XAU)+0.10
Weak correlation
As of October 15, 2026, DUK's 1-year correlation of daily returns is -0.09 with S&P 500 (SPY), -0.23 with Nasdaq 100 (QQQ), -0.14 with Bitcoin (BTC) and +0.10 with gold (XAU).
Check Custom Correlation
How does any other asset move with DUK? One year of daily closes, Pearson correlation.
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DUK Wall Street View
12-month price targets
Low $124.00Median $136.00 (+13.7%)High $147.00
The price, $119.64, sits below every analyst's target.
Ratings
Buy 12Hold 10Sell 03 months ago: 11 of 23 buy
Recent rating actions
Recent analyst rating actions on DUK
Date
Firm
Action
Rating
Oct 9, 2026
Barclays
Maintains
Overweight
Sep 18, 2026
Morgan Stanley
Maintains
Equal-Weight
Aug 21, 2026
Morgan Stanley
Maintains
Equal-Weight
Aug 17, 2026
Truist Securities
Maintains
Buy
Aug 5, 2026
BMO Capital
Maintains
Outperform
Aug 5, 2026
Barclays
Maintains
Overweight
As of October 15, 2026, 22 Wall Street analysts cover DUK: 12 rate it a buy or strong buy, 10 a hold and 0 a sell or strong sell. Their 12-month price targets range from $124.00 to $147.00, with a median of $136.00, 13.7% above the price of $119.64.
Source: TwelveData analyst consensus. Targets and ratings belong to the analysts, not to CleaRank.
DUK Trade Plans
Specific entry, exit, and risk management levels
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative2%Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
Position Size: Enter portfolio size →
Long entry pick an entry style
Conservative
$117.25
2% below current price (Pullback entry)
Lower risk, wait for pullback
Aggressive
$119.64
Buy at current price
Higher risk, immediate entry
Risk Management
STOP LOSS
$113.73
MAX LOSS
-3.0%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on RSI (62.4) and current market volatility
These levels come from DUK's moving averages and recent volatility, not from a forecast. Educational levels, not financial advice; the full disclaimer is at the foot of the page.
Growth of $10,000
A $10,000 investment in DUK in October 2016 would be worth about $15,429 today, compared with about $36,237 for the same investment in the S&P 500 benchmark. This is price change only; dividends paid along the way would add to it.
Compare with Another Ticker
DUK Drawdowns & Recovery
Worst fall, last 10 years
-26.0%
February 2020 to March 2020
Recovery
14 months
back at the old peak by May 2021
From the 10-year high
-10.4%
highest close, March 2026
1-year holds that gained
63%
of every 1-year window
As of October 15, 2026, DUK's worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -26.0% (February 2020 to March 2020); it regained that peak by May 2021, 14 months after the low, and 63% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
From weekly closing values. A drawdown is the fall from the highest value reached so far to a later low.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
CleaRank's 10-year Monte Carlo simulation projects that a $10,000 investment in DUK today could grow to about $16,986 by 2036 in the base case, with a 90th-percentile outcome near $38,942 and a 10th-percentile outcome around $7,409. The simulation models price only; at today's 3.58% yield, dividends would add to these figures. Projections are statistical simulations, not guarantees.
DUK Stock Price Prediction: 2030
CleaRank's simulation projects a price near $148 for DUK by 2030 in the base case, from $120 today (1.2x over 4 years). The 10th-percentile path ends near $87.51. These are outcomes of a Monte Carlo simulation run on DUK's historical return distribution, not price targets, and they assume no dividends are reinvested.
DUK simulated price paths by year
Year
10th percentile
Base case
90th percentile
2027
$97.04
$126
$164
2028
$91.78
$133
$193
2029
$89.03
$140
$221
2030
$87.51
$148
$250
2031
$86.73
$156
$280
Method: a lognormal simulation of DUK's own volatility and capped historical trend, re-run daily; base case is the median path, the outer columns the 10th and 90th percentiles.
As of October 15, 2026, DUK insiders reported 15 open-market sales worth $11.1M and no open-market purchases over the last 18 months; grants and option exercises are not counted.
Recent insider transactions in DUK
Date
Insider
Type
Shares
Value
May 18, 2026
CRAVER THEODORE F JR
Chairman of the Board
Grant
2.4K
-
May 11, 2026
RENJEL LOUIS E
Officer
Sell
3.5K
$438.0K
May 8, 2026
SIDERIS HARRY K.
Chief Executive Officer
Sell
20.0K
$2.5M
May 7, 2026
CRAVER THEODORE F JR
Chairman of the Board
Grant
2.4K
$299.9K
May 7, 2026
DAVIS ROBERT M
Director
Grant
1.6K
$200.0K
May 7, 2026
DORSA CAROLINE D
Director
Grant
1.6K
$200.0K
May 7, 2026
FANANDAKIS NICHOLAS C
Director
Grant
1.6K
$200.0K
May 7, 2026
HERRON JOHN T
Director
Grant
1.6K
$200.0K
Mar 2, 2026
GHARTEY-TAGOE KODWO
Officer
Sell
18.2K
$2.4M
Mar 2, 2026
REPKO REGIS T
Officer
Sell
663
$86.9K
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Duke Energy Corporation's (DUK) long-term outlook?
Duke Energy Corporation's (DUK) long-term outlook appears stable, with projected revenue growth of around 5.00% for the next two years. While forward-looking earnings growth is projected at 6.9% for next year, the company's next 5-year average annual growth rate is estimated at -2.8%, suggesting a mature phase of growth.
How does Duke Energy Corporation's (DUK) valuation compare to its peers?
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) trades at a P/E ratio of 17.80 and a price-to-sales ratio of 2.81, both of which are below the sector averages of 22.8 and 3.3, respectively. This suggests that DUK may be undervalued relative to other utilities companies.
What are the key risks for Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)?
Key risks for Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) include moderate insider selling, a debt-to-equity ratio slightly above the sector average, and the stock trading below its 200-day SMA, which represents a significant resistance level.
What is Duke Energy Corporation's (DUK) dividend yield?
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) offers a dividend yield of approximately 3.58%, with a dividend rate of $4.28. This provides a steady income stream for investors, which is typical for companies in the regulated utilities sector.
What are the recent earnings trends for Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)?
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has consistently beaten earnings estimates in its last two reported quarters, with surprises of 10% and 7.22%. This indicates strong operational performance and effective management in meeting financial targets.
Are insiders buying or selling DUK?
Selling, on balance. In the last 18 months, DUK's officers, directors and large holders reported 15 sales worth $11.1M and no open-market purchases. Grants and option exercises are not counted as buying.
What is the analyst price target for DUK?
As of October 15, 2026, the 22 Wall Street analysts covering DUK have 12-month targets from $124.00 to $147.00, with a median of $136.00, 13.7% above the current price of $119.64. 12 rate it a buy or strong buy, 10 a hold and 0 a sell or strong sell. Three months ago 11 of 23 rated it a buy.
What is DUK's biggest drop in the last 10 years?
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK)'s worst peak-to-trough fall over the last 10 years was -26.0%, from February 2020 to March 2020. It regained that peak by May 2021, 14 months after the low. Over the same period, 63% of 1-year holding periods ended with a gain.
What are DUK's best and worst months?
Over the last 10 years, April has been DUK's strongest month on average (+2.85%, rising in 7 of 10 years) and May its weakest (-2.23%, rising in 3 of 10 years). Seasonal averages describe the past and do not predict a given year.
How closely does DUK move with the stock market?
Over the past year DUK's daily returns were weakly inversely correlated with the S&P 500 (SPY) (-0.09). Nasdaq 100 (QQQ): -0.23; Bitcoin (BTC): -0.14; Gold (XAU): +0.10. A figure near +1 means the two usually move together; near 0 means little relationship.
