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DUK vs SO
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Duke Energy (DUK) vs. Southern Company (SO) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Both DUK and SO are large-cap, regulated utilities in the Southeast U.S. benefiting from accelerating data-center electricity demand, but with different geographic and business mixes.
- Duke Energy has a larger, faster-growing contracted data-center pipeline (about 7.8 gigawatts signed) and a roughly $103 billion capital plan, while Southern Company holds a broader, more diversified portfolio including natural gas distribution and nuclear generation.
- Southern Company has shown stronger near-term share-price momentum in recent weeks, while Duke Energy has traded more defensively, with a higher dividend yield and lower valuation multiple.
- Both companies face similar risks, including rate-case outcomes, storm-related costs, and execution of large generation build-outs, but their growth drivers and financial profiles differ meaningfully.
- Analyst sentiment on both names is mixed-to-neutral, with Morgan Stanley recently holding a more cautious stance on Southern Company while maintaining a Hold on Duke Energy.
- For additional detail on each name, visit the DUK Major News and DUK Today's Price Move pages, as well as the SO Major News and SO Today's Price Move pages.
- To see how AI-driven strategies are positioning across this and other tickers, explore the Trending AI Robots section.
Introduction
Investors and traders frequently compare Duke Energy and Southern Company because both are large, dividend-paying electric utilities concentrated in the fast-growing Southeastern United States. Each is at the center of a surge in electricity demand tied to data centers, advanced manufacturing, and electrification, yet the two businesses differ in structure, geography, and financial strategy. This stock comparison is especially relevant for income-oriented investors seeking stability, as well as for traders evaluating relative performance and market positioning among defensive, rate-sensitive equities. By examining recent earnings, load-growth pipelines, regulatory developments, and valuation, readers can better assess how these two utility leaders stack up in the current market environment.
DUK Overview and Recent Performance
Duke Energy is one of the largest regulated electric and gas utilities in the United States, serving roughly 7.9 million electric customers across the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, plus about 1.6 million natural gas customers. Recent weeks have seen the stock hold a relatively defensive profile, trading with low volatility and a dividend yield around 3.6%.
The company's investment narrative centers on an exceptionally large data-center opportunity. Duke Energy has reported securing about 7.8 gigawatts of electric service agreements with data-center customers, with a late-stage pipeline of roughly 15.4 gigawatts, supporting a capital plan of approximately $103 billion. Management has reaffirmed 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of $6.55–$6.80 per share and long-term EPS (earnings per share) growth of 5%–7% through 2030. Balance-sheet actions, including asset sales and a minority stake sale in its Florida utility, have strengthened credit metrics. Near-term sentiment has been tempered by regulatory execution risk, storm costs, and heavy capital-spending requirements.
SO Overview and Recent Performance
Southern Company is a diversified energy holding company operating regulated electric utilities such as Georgia Power and Alabama Power, natural gas distribution businesses, and wholesale generation. It is also a leading nuclear operator, highlighted by its Plant Vogtle units in Georgia. In recent weeks, Southern Company has exhibited comparatively stronger share-price momentum, aided by rising electricity demand and favorable financing developments.
The company has reported contracted large-load agreements exceeding 17 gigawatts across 31 projects, with data-center usage growing sharply and a prospective pipeline above 75 gigawatts. A notable catalyst is its announcement of $26.5 billion in U.S. Department of Energy loan agreements tied to infrastructure investment, expected to generate meaningful long-term customer savings. Southern Company raised its annualized dividend to $3.04 per share, marking its 25th consecutive annual increase, and reaffirmed full-year 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $4.50–$4.60. Despite this momentum, its shares trade at a premium valuation relative to many utility peers.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a broad ecosystem of AI Trading Bots that actively trade thousands of different tickers, yet only a curated subset earns a place in the Trending AI Robots section. These bots span a wide range of trading styles, strategies, timeframes, and performance statistics, and each is paired with its own set of tickers. Because market conditions shift, the robots most suitable for the current environment are highlighted for traders seeking data-driven approaches to entries, exits, and position management. Readers comparing DUK and SO may find value in reviewing these automated strategies to understand how AI interprets momentum and trend signals across utility names. Explore the Trending AI Robots page to review the currently featured bots.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Although both companies are regulated utilities, their profiles diverge in several ways. Duke Energy is more concentrated in the Carolinas and Florida and is betting heavily on contracted data-center load, giving it a larger relative growth pipeline but also substantial exposure to construction and rate-case execution. Southern Company offers greater diversification through its natural gas distribution and wholesale businesses, along with a meaningful nuclear footprint, which can smooth earnings but also introduces different operational and regulatory complexities.
On valuation, Southern Company trades at a higher price-to-earnings multiple than Duke Energy, reflecting stronger recent momentum but leaving less margin for error. Duke Energy offers a higher dividend yield, which may appeal to income investors, while Southern Company's longer dividend-growth streak and DOE-backed financing support its credit story. From a risk standpoint, both face storm exposure, rising interest expense, and affordability concerns in rate proceedings. Market sentiment has favored Southern Company's momentum recently, while Duke Energy's more defensive valuation and larger contracted pipeline present a contrasting trade-off between growth potential and near-term caution.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, relative momentum, catalysts, and risk positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward Southern Company in the current environment, given its stronger recent price momentum, expanding contracted-load book, and favorable financing catalysts. However, Duke Energy's higher dividend yield, lower valuation multiple, and larger data-center pipeline could make it more compelling for investors prioritizing income and valuation over short-term momentum. The verdict reflects probabilistic, model-driven tendencies rather than a definitive prediction, and the balance between the two names may shift as regulatory outcomes, earnings, and market conditions evolve.
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 SO is a Buy.
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.
SO in upward trend: price rose above 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026
SO moved above its 50-day moving average on October 13, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend. In 24 of 40 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 06, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on SO as a result. In 50 of 91 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 SO just turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where SO's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 22 of 38 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
The 10-day moving average for SO crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 8 of 14 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 57%.
Following a +2.39% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SO advanced for three days, in 165 of 328 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 143 of 336 cases where SO Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 43%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SO moved out of overbought territory on October 26, 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 45 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 15 of the 45 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 33%.
The Stochastic Oscillator entered the overbought zone. Expect a price pull-back in the foreseeable future.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SO 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 42%.
SO 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 12 (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 46 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. SO’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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 51 (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 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable 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 70 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly 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 (2.724) is normal, around the industry mean (2.063). P/E Ratio (22.472) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.946) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.032) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.207) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
DUK | SO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 50 | 50 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 53 Fair valued | 70 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 12 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 70 | 62 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 46 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 54 | 51 | |
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 in the same range as SO (70). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
SO's Profit vs Risk Rating (12) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (21). This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
SO's SMR Rating (62) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (70). This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
DUK's Price Growth Rating (40) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as SO (46). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to SO’s over the last 12 months.
SO's P/E Growth Rating (51) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (54). This means that SO’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
| DUK | SO | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 32% | 3 days ago 33% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 43% | 3 days ago 42% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 55% | 3 days ago 55% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 52% | 3 days ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 3 days ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 3 days ago 50% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 51% | 3 days ago 50% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 41% | 7 days ago 42% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 43% | 3 days ago 33% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 49% | 3 days ago 43% |
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 SO’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DUK’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- SO’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 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 SO’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DUK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- SO’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DUK (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +1.93% price change this week, while SO (@Electric Utilities) price change was +0.88% 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.
SO is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 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.
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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.
SO and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SO has been closely correlated with DUK. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if SO jumps, then DUK could also see price increases.