Advertisement
DUK vs PNW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Duke Energy (DUK) vs. Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) Stock Comparison
1) Key Takeaways
- DUK is one of the largest regulated utilities in the U.S., while PNW is a single-state, Arizona-focused electric utility with concentrated exposure to semiconductor and data-center load growth.
- Both companies are executing multi-year capital plans tied to rising electricity demand, with Duke Energy guiding to 5%–7% EPS (earnings per share) growth and Pinnacle West to 5%–7% long-term EPS growth.
- Duke Energy carries a broad, diversified footprint across six states, whereas Pinnacle West's growth thesis leans heavily on Arizona's technology-driven industrial expansion.
- Both stocks are regulated utilities, so relative performance hinges on rate-case outcomes, weather, and the pace of large-load customer commitments.
- Analyst consensus on DUK sits at "Buy," while PNW holds a neutral-to-moderately positive stance, reflecting differing degrees of regulatory visibility.
2) Introduction
Investors weighing defensive, dividend-paying utility stocks often turn to the regulated power sector for stability and predictable cash flows. This stock comparison examines two names operating at very different scales and geographies: Duke Energy (DUK), a diversified multi-state giant, and Pinnacle West Capital (PNW), the Phoenix-based parent of Arizona Public Service. Although both businesses share the same core economics of regulated electricity delivery, their growth drivers, risk profiles, and recent market positioning diverge meaningfully. For income-oriented investors and traders tracking relative performance, understanding these contrasts helps clarify which utility may better suit current market conditions and a given risk tolerance.
3) DUK Overview and Recent Performance
Duke Energy (DUK) is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based energy holding company serving roughly 7.9 million electric customers and 1.6 million natural gas customers across the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. In recent weeks, the stock has traded in the low-$120s after an extended multi-year advance, supported by a $103 billion five-year capital plan and accelerating data-center demand. Management has secured roughly 7.6 to 7.8 gigawatts of electric service agreements with data-center customers, with an additional pipeline of about 15.4 gigawatts under advanced discussion.
Recent earnings have exceeded consensus estimates, and the company reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.55–$6.80 with 5%–7% growth through 2030. Strategic transactions, including a Brookfield minority investment in Duke Energy Florida and the sale of its Tennessee natural gas business to Spire, have strengthened the balance sheet. Sentiment has been buoyed by regulatory progress, nuclear license renewals, and strong southeastern load growth, though affordability pressure from rate requests remains a watchpoint.
4) PNW Overview and Recent Performance
Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) is an energy holding company whose principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service, provides retail electricity to about 1.5 million Arizona homes and businesses. With roughly $31 billion in consolidated assets and about 6,200 megawatts of generating capacity, PNW is far smaller and more geographically concentrated than Duke Energy. Its growth story centers on Arizona's rapidly expanding economy, led by semiconductor manufacturing and data centers, highlighted by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) growing multi-hundred-billion-dollar investment in the Phoenix area.
In recent weeks, PNW shares have fluctuated in the mid-$90s, reflecting a mix of strong customer growth and ongoing regulatory uncertainty around its Arizona rate case. Weather-normalized sales have grown at a high-single-digit pace, and the company has identified 4.5 gigawatts of committed large commercial and industrial load. Pinnacle West reaffirmed 2026 EPS guidance of $4.55–$4.75 and plans roughly $7.95 billion of capital investment from 2026 through 2028, though higher interest expense and regulatory execution remain key variables influencing sentiment.
5) Trending AI Robots
Tickeron's Trending AI Robots page curates a focused selection of AI trading bots from a much larger library of more than 300 automated strategies. Only the best-performing and most suitable bots for current market conditions earn a place in this section, with the platform typically featuring around 20 or more trending robots at any given time. These bots span diverse trading styles, timeframes, ticker sets, and risk profiles, with reported realized returns often ranging from roughly 50% to nearly 100% and win rates clustered between about 61% and 83%. Because each bot applies a distinct strategy and trades a unique set of tickers, investors can evaluate performance statistics, equity curves, and profit factors before selecting an approach. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to see which strategies currently lead the market.
6) Head-to-Head Comparison
The most fundamental contrast between these two stocks is scale and diversification. Duke Energy operates regulated electric and gas utilities across six states, giving it a broader base of customers and regulatory jurisdictions. Pinnacle West, by contrast, is essentially a single-state utility whose fortunes rise and fall with Arizona's economy and regulatory environment. This concentration cuts both ways: PNW offers leveraged exposure to one of the fastest-growing power markets in the country, but it also carries less diversification to offset adverse regulatory or weather outcomes.
On growth drivers, both companies are riding the same secular theme of electricity demand from data centers and advanced manufacturing. Duke Energy has already contracted a larger absolute volume of data-center load, while Pinnacle West's pipeline is heavily tied to TSMC and semiconductor expansion. From a risk standpoint, Duke Energy's chief concerns include customer affordability and the execution of a very large capital program, whereas Pinnacle West faces more acute regulatory lag and higher relative leverage. In terms of recent momentum and market positioning, Duke Energy has generally exhibited steadier relative performance, while Pinnacle West has shown greater volatility tied to rate-case headlines and the timing of large-load ramp-up.
7) Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely favor Duke Energy for its stronger trend consistency and more diversified, lower-volatility profile. Duke Energy's combination of a large, already-contracted data-center backlog, constructive regulatory momentum, and balance-sheet strengthening provides a steadier foundation for continued outperformance. Pinnacle West offers compelling long-term growth catalysts in Arizona, but its concentrated regulatory risk and near-term earnings headwinds make its trend less certain. The AI's preference is probabilistic rather than definitive, reflecting Duke Energy's relative stability and catalyst clarity in the current environment, while acknowledging Pinnacle West's potentially higher upside if Arizona's growth trajectory materializes smoothly.
8) Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is DUK is a Buy and PNW is a Hold.
DUK in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026
DUK moved above its 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 32 of 48 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on DUK as a result. In 54 of 98 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 55%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for DUK just turned positive on October 06, 2026. Looking at past instances where DUK's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 24 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
The 10-day moving average for DUK crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 21, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 12 of 18 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +3.09% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DUK advanced for three days, in 170 of 336 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 147 of 300 cases where DUK Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 49%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 16 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where DUK declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 41%.
DUK broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 21 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 51, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 40 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. DUK’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 53 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.847) is normal, around the industry mean (2.063). P/E Ratio (19.128) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.112) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.034) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.756) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 54 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 70 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
PNW in upward trend: 10-day moving average moved above 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
The 10-day moving average for PNW crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 02, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on PNW as a result. In 52 of 92 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PNW just turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where PNW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
PNW moved above its 50-day moving average on October 06, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +3.60% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where PNW advanced for three days, in 182 of 338 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 103 of 293 cases where PNW Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 35%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for PNW moved out of overbought territory on October 28, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 44 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 18 of the 44 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 41%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 20 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The 50-day moving average for PNW moved below the 200-day moving average on October 02, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where PNW declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 45%.
PNW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 11 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 51, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 31 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating outstanding price growth. PNW’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 34 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 73 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 87 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (1.831) is normal, around the industry mean (2.063). P/E Ratio (19.977) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.917). PNW's Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (3.508) is slightly higher than the industry average of (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.034) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.106) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
DUK | PNW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 53 Fair valued | 87 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 11 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 70 | 73 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 31 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 54 | 34 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
DUK's Valuation (53) in the Electric Utilities industry is somewhat better than the same rating for PNW (87). This means that DUK’s stock grew somewhat faster than PNW’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's Profit vs Risk Rating (11) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (21). This means that PNW’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
DUK's SMR Rating (70) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as PNW (73). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to PNW’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's Price Growth Rating (31) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (40). This means that PNW’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's P/E Growth Rating (34) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (54). This means that PNW’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
| DUK | PNW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 32% | 3 days ago 41% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 43% | 3 days ago 47% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 55% | 3 days ago 57% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 52% | 3 days ago 50% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 3 days ago 51% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 3 days ago 47% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 51% | 11 days ago 54% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 41% | 7 days ago 45% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 43% | 3 days ago 43% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 3 days ago 35% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
DUK’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while PNW’s FA Score has 2 green FA rating(s).
- DUK’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- PNW’s FA Score: 2 green, 3 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
DUK’s TA Score shows that 6 TA indicator(s) are bullish while PNW’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DUK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- PNW’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 5 bearish.
Price Growth
DUK (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +1.93% price change this week, while PNW (@Electric Utilities) price change was +0.38% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +0.47%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +4.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.08%.
Reported Earning Dates
DUK is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
PNW is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Electric Utilities (+0.47% weekly)Electric utilities companies generate, transmit and distribute electricity to businesses/offices and residences. Companies may be owned by the government or investors or public shareholders, or a combination thereof. The industry also includes firms that buy and sell electricity. Companies in this industry typically require significant investments in infrastructure. Many firms in this industry pay substantial and regular dividends to shareholders. However, changes in interest rates (and their impact on debt burdens), natural disasters and changing commodity prices could be factors affecting energy utilities’ profit margins. NextEra Energy, Inc., Duke Energy Corporation, Dominion Energy Inc. and Southern Company are among U.S. electric utilities companies with the largest market capitalizations.
Advertisement
DUK and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DUK has been closely correlated with SO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if DUK jumps, then SO could also see price increases.
PNW and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, PNW has been closely correlated with LNT. These tickers have moved in lockstep 84% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if PNW jumps, then LNT could also see price increases.
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| CRYPTO / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| TRX.X | 0.312812 | 0.010444 | +3.45% |
| TRON cryptocurrency | |||
| LRC.X | 0.007824 | -0.000094 | -1.19% |
| Loopring cryptocurrency | |||
| THETA.X | 0.156441 | -0.002185 | -1.38% |
| Theta Network cryptocurrency | |||
| ARK.X | 0.165093 | -0.006805 | -3.96% |
| Ark cryptocurrency | |||
| HOOK.X | 0.001135 | -0.001068 | -48.47% |
| Hooked Protocol cryptocurrency | |||