8 Most Profitable Utility Stocks to Buy Right Now

2. Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK)

TTM Net Income as of December 30: $4.92 billion

TTM Net Income Margin as of December 30: 15.97%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62                  

Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) is among the Most Profitable Stocks.

According to TheFly, UBS reduced its price objective for Duke Energy from $135 to $126 and retained a Neutral rating on December 17, 2025.

Separately, on December 16, 2025, Morgan Stanley maintained its Equal Weight rating. The firm lowered its price objective for Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) from $133 to $126. The company predicted that data center demand would have a substantial effect on utility performance in a year-ahead note. Morgan Stanley also cited potential growth upside in 2026 as a key element in defining its outlook, even as it revised its value estimates.

In a separate business news release, Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) stated that on December 30, 2025, it applied for an early site permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission at a location close to the Belews Creek Steam Station in Stokes County, North Carolina. As part of the company’s strategy and continuous attempt to assess new nuclear power possibilities, the submission brings an end to two years of preparatory work. According to the business, this project intends to lower costs and risks related to future power generation while simultaneously reliably providing its customers’ growing energy needs.

Duke Energy Corporation (NYSE:DUK) is one of the largest utilities in the United States, having regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky.