Core Insights - Duke Energy has increased its five-year capital plan by an additional $16 billion, bringing the total to $103 billion, making it the largest spending plan among regulated U.S. utilities [1][4] - The company is currently spending over $1 billion per month to meet demand, with growth expected to accelerate in 2027 and 2028 due to new data centers connecting to the grid [2][3] - Duke Energy serves 8.7 million customers across several states and has received regulatory approval for rate increases in South Carolina, with a pending case in North Carolina [3] Capital Expenditure and Growth - The five-year capital plan has seen an 18% increase since November 2025 [4] - Duke Energy plans to add 14 GW of generation capacity and 4.5 GW of battery storage over the next five years [5][7] - The company aims to issue $10 billion in new equity by 2030 to fund its growth initiatives [7][9] Data Center and Generation Capacity - Duke Energy has signed agreements for 1.5 GW of new data center customers, totaling 4.5 GW in service agreements, with a pipeline exceeding 9 GW [4] - The company has recently completed a 100 MW battery installation, the largest in its system, and is developing 5 GW of new natural gas generation [7][8] Future Plans and Innovations - Duke Energy has filed for a site permit for a small modular nuclear reactor in Belews Creek, North Carolina, to enhance reliable power supply [8]

Core Insights - The article discusses the investment potential of Duke Energy Corporation (DUK), highlighting its long-term growth prospects and stable dividend yield [1]. Financial Performance - Duke Energy reported a revenue of $6.5 billion for the last quarter, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5% [1]. - The company's net income for the same period was $1.2 billion, which represents a 10% increase compared to the previous year [1]. Market Position - Duke Energy maintains a strong position in the utility sector, serving approximately 7.7 million customers across six states [1]. - The company is focusing on renewable energy investments, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 [1]. Future Outlook - Analysts project that Duke Energy will continue to benefit from regulatory support and infrastructure investments, which are expected to drive future growth [1]. - The company plans to invest $65 billion over the next five years to enhance its energy infrastructure and expand its renewable energy portfolio [1].

Group 1 - The article does not provide any relevant content regarding company or industry insights [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $6.31 for 2025, reflecting a 7% increase from 2024 and exceeding the midpoint of the guidance range [4][14] - The 2026 EPS guidance is set between $6.55 and $6.80, with a long-term EPS growth rate of 5%-7% extended through 2030 [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electric segment is expected to drive most of the growth in 2026, supported by multi-year rate plans in North Carolina and Florida, and new rates from South Carolina [14][15] - The gas segment will see growth from Piedmont Integrity Management riders and new rates at Duke Energy Kentucky [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has secured approximately 4.5 GW of electric service agreements (ESAs) with data center customers, indicating strong demand in its service territories [16][90] - Data centers are projected to comprise about 75% of the economic development profile by the end of 2030, highlighting their increasing significance in load growth [89] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The capital plan has increased to $103 billion, the largest among regulated utilities, driving 9.6% earnings-based growth through 2030 [5][18] - The company is focused on maintaining affordability for customers while investing in critical energy infrastructure and advancing its all-of-the-above generation strategy [6][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the top half of the EPS growth range starting in 2028, driven by load growth from data centers [4][22] - The company is committed to keeping rates below inflation and has mechanisms in place to recover storm costs without impacting guidance [30][33] Other Important Information - The company has a disciplined approach to nuclear development, maintaining optionality for future projects while focusing on existing fleet investments [11][12] - Management highlighted the importance of regulatory outcomes and customer value in their strategy, emphasizing a history of constructive settlements [74][75] Q&A Session Summary Question: Costs or impacts from recent storms - Management is still compiling costs but does not anticipate any impact on guidance for 2026 due to effective recovery mechanisms [30][33] Question: North Carolina rate case strategy - Management is focused on delivering reliable and affordable energy and is prepared to settle portions of the case constructively [35][36] Question: Incremental data center opportunities - Management expressed confidence in the growth outlook, with signed ESAs under construction and a robust pipeline [45][46] Question: Long-term growth rate outlook - The delta between earnings base CAGR and EPS CAGR is influenced by funding mix and timing of load ramp, with confidence in revenue acceleration [47][56] Question: FFO to debt targets - Management is targeting 14.5% FFO to debt for 2026, with a strong cash flow profile supporting this target [20][56] Question: Generation build cycle constraints - Management has planned for supply chain needs and is using a programmatic approach with EPC vendors to ensure timely project execution [62] Question: Data center load growth in projections - Data centers are becoming a larger component of load growth, with significant contributions expected by the end of the decade [89][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $6.31 for 2025, reflecting a 7% increase from 2024 and exceeding the midpoint of the guidance range [4][14] - The 2026 EPS guidance is set between $6.55 and $6.80, with a long-term EPS growth rate of 5%-7% extended through 2030 [4][5] - The company achieved a 14.8% funds from operations (FFO) to debt ratio in 2025, with a forecast of approximately 14.5% for 2026 [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electric segment is expected to drive most of the growth in 2026, supported by multi-year rate plans in North Carolina and Florida [14] - The gas segment will see growth from Piedmont Integrity Management riders and new rates at Duke Energy Kentucky [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed electric service agreements (ESAs) for an additional 1.5 GW of new data centers, bringing the total to approximately 4.5 GW secured under ESAs [16][17] - Data centers are projected to comprise about 75% of the economic development profile by the end of 2030, indicating a significant shift in load growth dynamics [89] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The capital plan has increased to $103 billion, representing an 18% rise, and is focused on critical energy infrastructure investments [5][18] - The company aims to add approximately 14 GW of incremental generation over the next five years, including battery and solar projects [10][11] - A disciplined approach to nuclear development is being maintained, with an early site permit submitted for a potential small modular reactor [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the top half of the EPS growth range starting in 2028, driven by load growth from data centers [4][22] - The focus remains on delivering reliable and affordable energy while managing costs and leveraging tax credits [8][19] - The company is committed to maintaining a flat operating and maintenance cost structure despite inflationary pressures [9] Other Important Information - The company is transitioning its investor relations leadership, with Abby Motsinger moving to Chief Accounting Officer and Mike Switzer taking over as Head of Investor Relations [22][23] - The company has mechanisms in place for storm cost recovery, which will not impact guidance for 2026 [30][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Costs or impacts from recent storms - Management is still compiling costs but does not anticipate any impact on guidance for 2026 due to effective recovery mechanisms [30][33] Question: North Carolina rate case strategy - Management is focused on delivering reliable and affordable energy and is prepared to settle portions of the rate case constructively [35][36] Question: CapEx outlook and data center opportunities - Management expressed confidence in the growth outlook, with all signed ESAs under construction and a robust pipeline [45][46] Question: Long-term growth rate outlook - The delta between earnings base CAGR and EPS CAGR is influenced by funding through equity and debt, with a robust revenue acceleration expected by 2028 [47][56] Question: FFO to debt targets - Management indicated that achieving the 15% FFO to debt target relies on executing the current plan without needing changes in regulatory policy [55][57] Question: Generation build cycle constraints - Management has planned for supply chain needs and is using a programmatic approach with EPC vendors to ensure timely project delivery [62] Question: Data center pipeline and interruptibility - Contracts with data centers include provisions for interruptibility, which helps speed up interconnection and maintain reliability [83] Question: Rate-based CAGR and minority investments - The rate-based growth of 9.6% includes minority investments, and management clarified that this is not a new practice [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Duke Energy reported earnings per share (EPS) of $6.31 for 2025, reflecting a 7% increase from 2024 and exceeding the midpoint of their guidance range [3][12] - The company introduced 2026 EPS guidance of $6.55-$6.80 and extended its long-term EPS growth rate of 5%-7% through 2030 [3][4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The electric segment is expected to drive most of the growth in 2026, supported by multi-year rate plans in North Carolina and Florida, and new rates from South Carolina [12] - The gas segment will see growth from Piedmont Integrity Management riders and new rates at Duke Energy Kentucky [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company signed electric service agreements (ESAs) for an additional 1.5 GW of new data centers, bringing the total to approximately 4.5 GW secured under ESAs [14][88] - Data centers are projected to comprise about 75% of the economic development profile by the end of 2030, indicating a growing component of load growth [88] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Duke Energy's capital plan has increased to $103 billion, the largest among regulated utilities, driving 9.6% earnings-based growth through 2030 [4][16] - The company is focused on maintaining affordability while investing in critical energy infrastructure and advancing its all-of-the-above generation strategy, including natural gas, battery storage, and potential nuclear projects [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the top half of the EPS growth range starting in 2028, driven by load growth from data centers and ongoing investments [4][20] - The company emphasized its commitment to keeping rates below inflation and managing costs effectively to protect customers from rising energy bills [4][8] Other Important Information - Duke Energy's credit profile improved, with a reported 14.8% funds from operations (FFO) to debt ratio in 2025, and a forecast of approximately 14.5% for 2026 [17][18] - The company is on track to close the sale of its Piedmont Tennessee business and expects to strengthen its credit profile through this transaction [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Costs or impacts from recent storms - Management confirmed that costs from the recent storms are still being compiled but do not anticipate any impact on guidance for 2026 [28][32] Question: North Carolina rate case strategy - Management indicated a focus on delivering reliable and affordable energy and expressed confidence in reaching a constructive settlement, similar to past cases [34][35] Question: CapEx outlook and data center opportunities - Management expressed confidence in the growth outlook supported by signed ESAs, with a robust pipeline of projects [45][46] Question: FFO to debt targets - Management stated that achieving the 15% FFO to debt target relies on executing the current plan without needing changes in regulatory policy [55][57] Question: Generation build cycle and EPC contracts - Management confirmed that they have planned for the supply chain and are using a programmatic approach with EPC vendors to ensure timely project delivery [62] Question: Data center load growth impact - Management indicated that data centers are becoming a larger component of load growth, with significant contributions expected by 2030 [88][90]

Core Insights - Duke Energy Corporation's (DUK) fourth-quarter 2025 earnings per share (EPS) were $1.50, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51, marking a 9.6% decline from $1.66 in the same quarter last year [1][8] - Total operating revenues for the quarter reached $7.94 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.66 billion by 3.9%, and increased by 7.9% from $7.36 billion year-over-year [2][8] - For the full year 2025, Duke Energy reported revenues of $32.24 billion, up from $30.36 billion in 2024 [2] Financial Performance - Total operating expenses for the fourth quarter were $5.83 billion, an increase of 11% year-over-year, driven by higher costs in natural gas, operations, maintenance, depreciation, and property taxes [3] - Operating income for the quarter was $2.119 billion, slightly up from $2.112 billion in the previous year [3] - Interest expenses rose to $946 million from $871 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 [3] Customer and Sales Metrics - The average number of customers in Duke Energy's Electric Utilities segment increased by 1.5% year-over-year [4] - Total electric sales volume for the reported quarter increased by 2.3% year-over-year, reaching 61,726 gigawatt-hours [4] Segment Performance - In the Electric Utilities & Infrastructure segment, adjusted earnings for the fourth quarter were $1.21 billion, down from $1.24 billion in the same quarter of 2024, primarily due to increased operational and depreciation costs [5] - The Gas Utilities & Infrastructure segment reported adjusted earnings of $230 million, slightly down from $231 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 [6] - The "Other" segment incurred a loss of $272 million, compared to a loss of $186 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting corporate interest expenses [6] Financial Condition - As of December 31, 2025, Duke Energy had cash and cash equivalents of $245 million, down from $314 million a year earlier [9] - Long-term debt increased to $80.11 billion from $76.34 billion as of December 31, 2024 [9] - The company generated net cash from operating activities of $12.330 billion in 2025, slightly up from $12.328 billion in the previous year [9] Future Guidance - Duke Energy expects to generate adjusted EPS in the range of $6.55 to $6.80 for 2026, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings at $6.70, which is above the midpoint of the company's projected range [10] - The company aims for long-term EPS growth of 5-7% through 2030 [10]

Q4 / 2025 Earnings Review and Business Update In addition, today's discussion includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under SEC Regulation G. A reconciliation of those measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is available in the Appendix herein and on our Investor Relations website at www.duke-energy.com/investors. // 2 FOURTH QUARTER 2025 EARNINGS REVIEW AND BUSINESS UPDATE // 2 Safe harbor statement Harry Sideris / President and CEO Brian Savoy / Executive Vice President and ...

Harry Sideris, CEO of Duke Energy, says the company has signed new deals to power data centers with Microsoft and Compass Data Centers. He also talks about building grid reliability and working with the Trump administration. -------- More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any videos from Bloomberg Markets & Finance: https://tinyurl.com/ysu5b8a9 Visit http://www.bloomberg.com for business news & analysis, up-to-the-minute market data, f ...

Core Insights - Duke Energy reported full-year 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $6.31, an increase from $5.90 in 2024, and introduced 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.55 to $6.80, supported by a $103 billion five-year capital plan [1][3][4] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, adjusted EPS was $1.50, down from $1.66 a year earlier due to higher operating and maintenance costs, interest expense, and depreciation [2] - Full-year earnings growth was driven by regulated infrastructure investment, customer growth, and favorable rate case outcomes, with Electric Utilities and Infrastructure segment income at $5.34 billion and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure contributing $559 million [3] Capital Investment and Growth Strategy - Duke Energy plans to invest approximately $103 billion over the next five years to modernize its electric grid, expand generation capacity, and support load growth, particularly from data centers and advanced manufacturing [4][5] - The company broke ground on about 5 gigawatts of new dispatchable generation resources in 2025 to enhance reliability amid rising electricity demand [5] Industry Trends - Duke Energy's results reflect a trend in the regulated utility sector where earnings visibility is increasingly linked to infrastructure-driven rate base growth rather than commodity exposure [6] - Utilities with strong regulatory relationships and exposure to high-growth regions are positioned to benefit from electrification and data center expansion [6][7] - The company's growth outlook through 2030 indicates confidence in sustaining mid-single-digit earnings growth despite rising interest rates and cost inflation, contrasting with peers more exposed to volatile markets [7]