Duke Energy (DUK) Stock Forecast & Price Target

Duke Energy's capital expenditures (capex) are projected to increase significantly, particularly as it prepares for the upcoming 4Q25 results, following the recent filing of its updated Carolinas Resource Plan. The company is forecasted to achieve an average annual earnings per share (EPS) growth of just above 6.5%, with potential for upward revisions in its growth outlook. Additionally, stable population growth of approximately 2% in key markets such as the Carolinas, Florida, and Indiana further underpins Duke Energy's positive long-term prospects.

Duke Energy's dividend growth is significantly lagging behind its peers, with a rate of approximately 2% per year, which raises concerns about the company's capacity to return value to shareholders compared to the industry average of around 5.5%. Additionally, there is a suggestion that the current market dynamics may not favor traditional utility stocks, leading to broader negative sentiment in the sector. This combination of slow dividend growth and market headwinds contributes to a fundamentally negative outlook for Duke Energy's stock performance.