Is Duke’s New CEO Good for Duke Energy Corp (DUK) Stock?

Good will receive a base salary of $1.2 million, with potential total compensation clocking in at $8.1 million. But what’s more important for Duke Energy Corp (NYSE:DUK) investors is whether or not N.C. regulators will give Duke a fresh start with this CFO-turned-CEO.

Duke Energy Corp (NYSE:DUK) stock dipped earlier this week on the news that North Carolina Public Staff had cut Duke’s base rate request nearly in half. Instead of a $446 million increase, the utility will pocket just $235 million over a three-year period. And although there’s no direct link to be drawn between Rogers and the regulators’ decision, politics plays an important part in any government decision. If regulators see Good as separate from merger meddling, then Duke Energy stock could be headed higher in the coming years.

Can Duke Energy stock soar?
CEO’s are more than a strategic brain or salary drain. They are a symbol of a company and, in this case, Rogers’ departure is a necessary step to separate controversial history from future frontiers. As an inside woman, Good knows the ins and outs of the company. But she also provides a new face to turn regulatory foes into friends, a much-needed makeover for Duke Energy stock.

The article Is Duke’s New CEO Good for Duke Energy Stock? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Justin Loiseau has no position in any stocks mentioned, but he does use electricity. You can follow him on Twitter, @TMFJLo, and on Motley Fool CAPS, @TMFJLo.The Motley Fool recommends Exelon.

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