We recently published a list of 10 Most Undervalued Utility Stocks to Invest in Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) stands against other most undervalued utility stocks to invest in now.
EY believes that utilities are required to balance growing energy demands, decarbonization goals and customer satisfaction while, at the same time, navigating regulatory and financial challenges. Therefore, creative funding and strategic partnerships remain critical to financing ambitious energy projects amid elevated capital costs. Modernization of infrastructure can lead to a sustainable and resilient energy future, supporting providers and consumers.
Favourable Outlook for US Utilities Sector
As per Morningstar, one of the critical shifts in the US utilities sector is the strong growth of renewable energy sources. Over the past decade, declining costs for wind and solar projects and state-mandated renewable energy targets resulted in strong investments in clean energy. Utilities are required to innovate and invest in smart-grid technologies and battery storage in a bid to accommodate the growing influx of renewable energy. Such advances are expected to ensure grid reliability and efficiency with an increase in renewable energy’s share of the generation mix.
One of the critical components of the moats in the utilities sector is the regulatory framework in which they operate, says Morningstar. The requirement for regulatory approval and oversight to set customer rates tends to limit competition, but it also restricts utilities’ earnings. The regulatory environment ensures their ability to operate with predictable cash flows. The next aspect is the requirement for large capital investment. Building and maintaining the infrastructure required for electricity, gas, and water distribution requires significant capital, with regulators limiting the returns utilities can generate on such investments. Therefore, rate regulation and the requirement of reliable and consistent energy supply result in stable demand and predictable revenues, attracting investors who want low-risk and steady returns.
READ ALSO: 7 Best Stocks to Buy For Long-Term and 8 Cheap Jim Cramer Stocks to Invest In.
Electricity Demand to Revive
Historically, the US electricity demand has reflected the economic growth, averaging ~2% annually, says Morningstar. That being said, since 2000, this relationship continued to weaken because of improvements in energy efficiency and lower industrial electricity use. As a result, electricity demand has remained flat since 2007. However, the firm believes that revival seems to be on the cards. Several factors are expected to fuel renewed growth in electricity demand.
These include the proliferation of EVs, diminishing returns on energy-efficiency advancements, and surge of data centers because of advancements in AI. The utility companies are required to prepare themselves for higher demand by making investments in grid capacity and reliability. They can also make alliances with EV manufacturers and charging network providers so that they can capitalize on the dynamic EV market, added Morningstar.
Our Methodology
To list the 10 Most Undervalued Utility Stocks to Invest in Now, we used a screener to shortlist companies catering to the broader utilities sector. Next, we filtered out the stocks that trade at a forward P/E of less than ~20x. We also mentioned hedge fund sentiments around each stock, as of Q4 2024. Finally, the stocks were arranged in ascending order of their hedge fund sentiments.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Aerial view of a power plant near a lake lit up at night, showing off the company’s expansive electricity generation capabilities.
Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK)
Forward P/E as on March 4: ~18.4x
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62
Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) operates as an energy company. James Thalacker from BMO Capital maintained a “Buy” rating on the company’s stock with a price objective of $123.00. The analyst’s rating is backed by factors highlighting current challenges and future potential. Despite uncertainties due to a softer outlook for 2025, higher operational and maintenance costs, and storm-related contingencies, the analyst has recognized long-term growth prospects beyond 2027. The analyst has lauded Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK)’s manageable equity financing requirements and financial flexibility, which are strengthened by a robust regulated asset base and stable financial forecasts.
Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK)’s strategic emphasis on renewable development, execution of Clean Energy Plan, and the benefits due to regulatory frameworks in North Carolina continue to support the analyst’s rating. Such factors, together with a derisked regulatory calendar and projected demand growth, continue to paint a favourable outlook for the company. Elsewhere, Jefferies upped Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK)’s price objective to $132 from $129, keeping a “Buy” rating. The broad-based growth in the utilities sector, thanks to the push for cleaner energy and higher electricity demand, is anticipated to support the company as it invests in renewable energy projects, grid modernization and infrastructure upgrades.
Overall, DUK ranks 4th on our list of most undervalued utility stocks to invest in now. While we acknowledge the potential of DUK as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some deeply undervalued AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for a deeply undervalued AI stock that is more promising than DUK but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
