Should You Buy Duke Energy Corp (DUK) Today? Analysis, Price Targets, and 2026 Outlook.
Analysis Updated At
2026/01/28
BUY for a beginner long-term investor right now. Duke Energy is showing a constructive uptrend (positive/expanding MACD), bullish options positioning (low put/call ratios), and solid latest-quarter growth. While Wall Street is mostly neutral and some price targets were cut (suggesting valuation is less compelling), the risk/reward still favors buying now for a long-term, steadier utility name—especially given strong institutional (hedge fund) accumulation and an upcoming earnings catalyst on 2026-02-10.
Technical Analysis
Trend is mildly bullish. MACD histogram is positive (0.326) and expanding, indicating upward momentum. RSI(6) is ~68.9 (near the upper end of neutral and close to overbought), which often means upside can continue but may be choppier. Price is trading near first resistance (R1 ~120.64) with a key pivot at ~118.79; holding above the pivot keeps the short-term bullish structure intact. Support levels sit at S1 ~116.94 and S2 ~115.79, which are the key areas the stock would need to avoid breaking to maintain the current trend.
Analyst Ratings and Price Target Trends
Recent Street trend is mostly Neutral/Equal Weight/Sector Perform with several price target trims, implying the stock is viewed as fairly valued rather than a clear bargain. Key changes: RBC cut PT to $140 (Sector Perform), Morgan Stanley raised PT to $130 (Equal Weight) after earlier cuts, Wells Fargo cut PT to $115 (Equal Weight) citing premium valuation, and UBS/JPMorgan lowered targets while staying Neutral. Wall Street pros: stable regulated utility profile, multi-year capex/rate base growth narrative, earnings durability. Cons: valuation perceived as rich by some analysts, and capex/equity funding needs can pressure returns if execution or regulatory outcomes disappoint. Politicians/congress: no recent congress trading data available; no notable politician/influential-figure trades provided. Intellectia signals: AI Stock Picker—no signal today; SwingMax—no recent signal.
Wall Street analysts forecast DUK stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for DUK is 136.31 USD with a low forecast of 126 USD and a high forecast of 150 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
Wall Street analysts forecast DUK stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for DUK is 136.31 USD with a low forecast of 126 USD and a high forecast of 150 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
Current: 120.240
Current: 120.240
