Duke Energy Price Target Raised to $139, Nuclear Fleet Posts 96.9% Reliability
On February 20, Morgan Stanley raised its Duke Energy price objective from $130 to $139 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating. Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet achieved a 96.9% systemwide reliability record in 2025 and delivered about $600 million in federal production tax credits to customers.
1. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets
On February 20, Morgan Stanley maintained an Equal Weight rating on Duke Energy while raising its 12-month price objective from $130 to $139. BMO Capital also kept an Outperform rating and lifted its price goal to $136 from $132 after noting a minor operational earnings beat.
2. Nuclear Fleet Reliability Record
Duke Energy’s 11-unit nuclear fleet across six Carolinas locations achieved a 96.9% systemwide reliability rate in 2025. The performance generated approximately $600 million in federal nuclear production tax credits allocated to customers.
3. Earnings Outlook and Growth Guidance
Analysts highlighted balanced debates over data center pipeline expansions against affordability and political concerns in the Q4 earnings preview. Management reaffirmed 5%–7% EPS growth through 2030, targeting the top half of that range beginning in 2028.