Duke Energy(DUK) ZACKS·2024-10-17 14:16Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy's systematic investments in modernizing infrastructure and expanding its renewable generation portfolio are expected to enhance operational reliability, making it a strong investment option in the Utility sector [1] Group 1: Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Duke Energy's 2024 earnings per share is 30.42 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 4.7% [2] - The company's long-term earnings growth rate is projected at 6.1% [2] - Duke Energy has a positive earnings surprise history, with an average trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4.88% [2] Group 2: Solvency - The time-to-interest earned ratio at the end of Q2 2024 was 2.61, indicating the company's ability to meet future interest obligations without difficulties [3] Group 3: Dividend Yield - Duke Energy has consistently paid dividends, with a current dividend yield of 3.49%, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's yield of 1.22% [4] Group 4: Systematic Investments - Duke Energy is focused on expanding operations, implementing modern technologies, and enhancing its renewable generation portfolio, with expected investments ranging from 180 billion over the next 10 years [5] - The company projects an investment of $73.4 billion during the 2024-2028 period [5] Group 5: Stock Performance - Over the past six months, Duke Energy's stock has gained 27.3%, compared to the industry's growth of 22.2% [6]