📊 DUKB Key Takeaways
Is Duke Energy CORP (DUKB) a Good Investment?
Duke Energy demonstrates solid operational profitability with a 27.2% operating margin and consistent revenue growth of 5.6% YoY, supported by strong operating cash flow of $12.3B. However, significant financial leverage (1.68x debt-to-equity) combined with negative free cash flow of -$1.7B and weak liquidity ratios (0.55x current ratio) present material concerns about sustainability of dividends and capital allocation flexibility.
Duke Energy shows solid regulated-utility fundamentals with steady revenue growth, strong operating margins, and resilient earnings generation supported by substantial operating cash flow. However, growth quality is constrained by very heavy capital spending, negative free cash flow, weak liquidity, and elevated leverage with modest interest coverage, which limits financial flexibility. The fundamental profile looks stable rather than compelling.
Why Buy Duke Energy CORP Stock? DUKB Key Strengths
- Strong operating margins (27.2%) and net margins (15.7%) typical of regulated utility business model
- Robust operating cash flow ($12.3B) demonstrates ability to fund operations and debt service
- Consistent revenue growth (+5.6% YoY) with 5.0B net income showing profitability resilience
- High insider activity (42 Form 4 filings) suggests management engagement
- Stable top-line and earnings growth with revenue up 5.6% and net income up 1.1% year over year
- Strong core profitability for a utility, including a 27.2% operating margin and 15.7% net margin
- Robust operating cash flow of $12.33B supports ongoing investment and debt servicing
DUKB Stock Risks: Duke Energy CORP Investment Risks
- Negative free cash flow (-$1.7B) indicates capital expenditures ($14.0B) exceed operating cash generation, unsustainable long-term
- High leverage ratio (1.68x debt-to-equity) with $87.2B long-term debt limits financial flexibility and increases refinancing risk
- Weak liquidity position (0.55x current ratio, $245M cash) relative to operational scale raises concerns about short-term obligations coverage
- Low interest coverage ratio (2.4x) provides minimal cushion for debt servicing if operational performance deteriorates
- Modest ROE (9.6%) and ROA (2.5%) suggest limited return generation on shareholder capital deployed
- Negative free cash flow of -$1.69B due to very high capital expenditures reduces internally funded growth
- High leverage with $87.21B in long-term debt and 1.68x debt-to-equity increases balance-sheet risk
- Weak liquidity and thin interest coverage, with a 0.55x current ratio and 2.4x interest coverage, limit flexibility
Key Metrics to Watch
- Free cash flow trend and capital expenditure sustainability relative to operating cash flow
- Debt-to-equity ratio and refinancing activities given high absolute debt levels
- Operating cash flow growth sustainability amid capital intensity of utility infrastructure
- Interest coverage ratio movement as debt service obligations persist
- Current ratio improvement and working capital management
- Free cash flow after capital expenditures
- Interest coverage and debt-to-equity trend
Duke Energy CORP (DUKB) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The current ratio below 1.0x warrants monitoring of short-term liquidity.
DUKB Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
DUKB vs Utilities Sector: How Duke Energy CORP Compares
How Duke Energy CORP compares to Utilities sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is Duke Energy CORP Stock Overvalued? DUKB Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, Duke Energy CORP has mixed fundamental signals relative to the Utilities sector in 2026.
Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.
Duke Energy CORP Balance Sheet: DUKB Debt, Cash & Liquidity
DUKB Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: Duke Energy CORP's revenue has grown significantly by 28% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $3.54 reflects profitable operations.
DUKB Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
DUKB Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $8.1B | $1.3B | $1.60 |
| Q2 2025 | $7.2B | $900.0M | $1.13 |
| Q1 2025 | $7.5B | $1.1B | $1.44 |
| Q3 2024 | $8.0B | $1.3B | $1.59 |
| Q2 2024 | $6.5B | -$220.0M | $-0.32 |
| Q1 2024 | $7.1B | $804.0M | $1.01 |
| Q3 2023 | $7.9B | $1.3B | $1.59 |
| Q2 2023 | $6.5B | -$220.0M | $-0.32 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
Duke Energy CORP Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
DUKB SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Duke Energy CORP (CIK: 0001326160)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
| Date | Form | Document | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 8, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775680229.xml | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775156454.xml | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775156447.xml | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775156439.xml | View → |
| Apr 2, 2026 | 4 | xslF345X06/wk-form4_1775156431.xml | View → |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about DUKB
What is the AI rating for DUKB?
Duke Energy CORP (DUKB) has a Combined AI Rating of HOLD from Claude (HOLD) and ChatGPT (HOLD) with 75% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are DUKB's key strengths?
Claude: Strong operating margins (27.2%) and net margins (15.7%) typical of regulated utility business model. Robust operating cash flow ($12.3B) demonstrates ability to fund operations and debt service. ChatGPT: Stable top-line and earnings growth with revenue up 5.6% and net income up 1.1% year over year. Strong core profitability for a utility, including a 27.2% operating margin and 15.7% net margin.
What are the risks of investing in DUKB?
Claude: Negative free cash flow (-$1.7B) indicates capital expenditures ($14.0B) exceed operating cash generation, unsustainable long-term. High leverage ratio (1.68x debt-to-equity) with $87.2B long-term debt limits financial flexibility and increases refinancing risk. ChatGPT: Negative free cash flow of -$1.69B due to very high capital expenditures reduces internally funded growth. High leverage with $87.21B in long-term debt and 1.68x debt-to-equity increases balance-sheet risk.
What is DUKB's revenue and growth?
Duke Energy CORP reported revenue of $31.7B.
Does DUKB pay dividends?
Duke Energy CORP pays dividends, with $3,179.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find DUKB SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for Duke Energy CORP (CIK: 0001326160) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is DUKB's EPS?
Duke Energy CORP has a diluted EPS of $6.31.
How is the AI analysis conducted?
Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is DUKB a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, Duke Energy CORP has a HOLD rating with 75% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is DUKB stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for DUKB: ROE of 9.6% (sector avg: 10%), net margin of 15.7% (sector avg: 12%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy DUKB stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives Duke Energy CORP a combined HOLD rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability above sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is DUKB's free cash flow?
Duke Energy CORP's operating cash flow is $12.3B, with capital expenditures of $14.0B. FCF margin is -5.3%.
How does DUKB compare to other Utilities stocks?
Vs Utilities sector averages: Net margin 15.7% (avg: 12%), ROE 9.6% (avg: 10%), current ratio 0.55 (avg: 0.8).
Is Duke Energy CORP carrying too much debt?
DUKB has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68x, which is above the Utilities sector average of 1.4x. Combined with a current ratio below 1, this warrants careful monitoring of the balance sheet.