Evercore ISI Downgrades Duke Energy (DUK) to In Line after Recent Share Rally

Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) is included among the 13 Best Defensive Dividend Stocks for 2025.

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On March 5, Evercore ISI downgraded Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) to In Line from Outperform. The firm lowered its price target on the stock to $139 from $143. The firm said it still feels “constructive” about the company’s long-term growth prospects. Duke operates in premium-service state territories, has a sizable pipeline of load growth, and continues to invest heavily in electric infrastructure that qualifies for efficient-recovery mechanisms. Even so, the stock has already moved higher. Shares have gained about 15% since early December. Given that run, the firm said it is “comfortable taking a pause.”

Sean Russo of Ritholtz Wealth Management also discussed Duke Energy in a CNBC report published on February 23. He described the company as one of the largest regulated electric utilities in the US, serving more than 8 million customers across the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest. Russo noted that the management is guiding for annual EPS growth of 5%-7%, and the company’s expanding rate base supports a premium valuation. In his view, regulated earnings growing at mid-single-digit rates, combined with a yield of about 3.4% and a higher valuation multiple, keep the stock relevant for investors.

He added that Duke has returned to the list of Best Stocks in the Market and is trying to move back toward its previous high. Traders, he said, should wait for a clean breakout supported by strong volume. He also cautioned that the stock had previously failed sharply at similar levels. As he put it, the situation serves as an example of how certain price levels become meaningful to buyers and sellers.

Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) is an energy holding company. The business operates through two main segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I).

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