Duke Energy Corp (NYSE:DUK) stock rose 0.45% (As on February 11, 11:25:23 AM UTC-4, Source: Google Finance) after the company reported fourth-quarter earnings that slightly exceeded analyst expectations, while providing a solid outlook for 2026 that aligns with Wall Street projections. The electric segment will continue to drive most of the growth in 2026 as the company moves into year 3 of the multi-year rate plans in North Carolina, year 2 in Florida, and implement phase 2 rates in Indiana. New rates from constructive rate case orders in South Carolina will be effective in the first quarter, and the company also expects to see steady growth from grid riders in the Midwest and Florida. In the gas segment, the company will see growth from Piedmont Integrity Management riders and new rates at Duke Energy Kentucky.

DUK in the fourth quarter of FY25 has reported the adjusted earnings per share of $1.50, beating the analysts’ estimates for the adjusted earnings per share by $0.01. The company had reported the adjusted revenue of $7.94 billion in the fourth quarter of FY25, beating the analysts’ estimates for revenue of $7.57 billion.

For fiscal year 2026, Duke Energy provided guidance of $6.55 to $6.80 per share, with the midpoint of $6.68 aligning closely with the analyst consensus of $6.70. The company also extended its long-term adjusted EPS growth projection of 5% to 7% through 2030, building off the 2025 guidance range midpoint of $6.30.

On the other hand, Duke Energy announced it has recovered nearly $3 billion in storm costs over the past 12 months through work with regulators and other stakeholders. The utility company also revealed it has signed electric service agreements for an additional 1.5 gigawatts with new data centers since its third-quarter earnings call. These new data center agreements represent a significant expansion of Duke Energy’s customer base in the growing data center market.

Looking ahead, Duke Energy has set ambitious targets, including a 6%-7% EPS growth by 2028 and significant investments in new energy generation and infrastructure. The company plans to add approximately 14 GW of incremental generation and 4.5 GW of battery storage by 2031. The company is also extending the 5%-7% long-term EPS growth rate through 2030 off the original 2025 guidance midpoint of $6.30. The company is forecasting 2026 FFO to debt of approximately 14.5% and remain well-positioned to achieve the long-term target of 15% as proceeds from the Tennessee and Florida transactions are received.