Scotiabank cuts target for Duke Energy stock to USD 131.00
π Scotiabank cut its Duke Energy price target from USD 146.00 to USD 131.00 while keeping a Sector Outperform rating.
π Duke Energy reported adjusted earnings per share of USD 1.43 for the second quarter of 2026, up from USD 1.25 in the prior year.
π° Operating revenue increased 1.12% year over year to USD 7.59 billion in Q2 2026.
π― Management reaffirmed full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of USD 6.55-6.80 and long-term growth of 5-7% through 2030.
ποΈ Joyce Mullen was appointed to the board of directors, effective September 28, 2026.
π The stock trades on the NYSE with a market cap of USD 88.9 billion and a 52-week range of USD 111.22-134.49.
Bullish Signals
- Duke Energy reported adjusted earnings per share of USD 1.43 in Q2 2026, exceeding the prior year's USD 1.25.
- Operating revenue grew 1.12% year-over-year to USD 7.59 billion in the second quarter of 2026.
- GAAP earnings per share rose to USD 1.38 from USD 1.25 in the previous year's quarter.
- Management reaffirmed full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of USD 6.55-6.80 and long-term growth targets of 5-7% through 2030.
Risk Factors
- Scotiabank cut its price target for Duke Energy from USD 146.00 to USD 131.00, signaling a more cautious valuation outlook.
- The new analyst target of USD 131.00 falls below the wider consensus target of USD 136.62.
Full Analysis
Scotiabank has lowered its price target for Duke Energy (DUK) to USD 131.00 from USD 146.00, maintaining a Sector Outperform rating. This adjustment places the bank's view slightly below the wider analyst consensus of USD 136.62, though it remains above the stock's recent trading reference price.
Duke Energy reported strong second-quarter financial results with adjusted earnings per share reaching USD 1.43 and operating revenue rising 1.12% year-over-year to USD 7.59 billion. GAAP earnings per share also increased to USD 1.38, reflecting solid operational performance despite the analyst target reduction.
Management reaffirmed its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of USD 6.55-6.80 and long-term growth expectations of 5.00-7.00% through 2030. The company's market capitalization stands at USD 88.9 billion, with the stock trading within a 52-week range of USD 111.22 to USD 134.49.
The latest quarterly figures combine higher earnings with a valuation backdrop dependent on regulated investment recovery and financing costs. The appointment of Joyce Mullen to the board further underscores ongoing corporate governance developments at the utility giant.