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DUK vs WEC
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) vs. WEC Energy Group (WEC) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- DUK and WEC are both large-cap, dividend-paying regulated utilities, but they differ sharply in scale, geography, and growth drivers.
- Duke Energy commands a roughly $90 billion market capitalization versus WEC Energy Group's approximately $34 billion, yet WEC currently screens slightly more expensive on a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) basis.
- Both stocks have pulled back over the past several months, with utilities broadly lagging during a period of shifting interest-rate expectations.
- Duke's growth narrative centers on surging electricity demand across the Southeast, while WEC is leaning into data-center-driven load growth in Wisconsin.
- WEC carries a 23-year streak of annual dividend increases, while Duke offers a comparable yield with a larger, more diversified customer base.
Introduction
Investors evaluating defensive, income-oriented equities frequently turn to regulated electric and gas utilities, a segment prized for stable cash flows and consistent dividends. This stock comparison examines two prominent names within that category: Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) and WEC Energy Group (WEC). Although both operate in the same sector, their relative performance, market positioning, and growth catalysts diverge in meaningful ways. For long-term dividend investors, sector allocators, and traders seeking to understand near-term momentum, contrasting these two companies offers a useful lens on how scale, regional demand, and regulatory dynamics can shape outcomes even among otherwise similar businesses.
DUK Overview and Recent Performance
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) is one of the largest regulated utilities in the United States, serving roughly 8 million electric and gas customers across the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. Its portfolio includes a substantial nuclear fleet alongside natural gas, coal, and a growing slate of renewables, positioning it at the center of rising electricity demand in the fast-growing Southeast.
In recent market activity, DUK shares have traded in the low-$120s after retreating from earlier 2026 highs, with the stock now sitting below its 200-day moving average and reflecting a beta (a measure of volatility relative to the market) of roughly 0.36. The company's most recent quarterly results showed adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.43, ahead of consensus, while management reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance and a 5% to 7% long-term EPS growth target. Sentiment has been tempered by broader utility-sector weakness tied to interest-rate expectations, though analysts have generally maintained constructive ratings and price targets above the current price.
WEC Overview and Recent Performance
WEC Energy Group (WEC) is a Milwaukee-based holding company serving approximately 4.7 million customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota. It operates through regulated utility, electric transmission, and non-utility energy infrastructure segments, with a generation mix spanning natural gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables.
WEC shares have followed a similar trajectory to the broader utility complex in recent weeks, trading near $107 and below both their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, with a beta of about 0.44. The company reported first-quarter EPS of $2.45, beating expectations, and reaffirmed its 2026 EPS outlook of $5.51 to $5.61. Management has emphasized a $37.5 billion five-year capital plan supporting 7% to 8% annual EPS growth, anchored by expanding demand from large data-center customers in Wisconsin. Recent analyst actions have leaned cautious, with several firms trimming price targets amid the sector-wide pullback, even as the consensus rating remains a "Buy."
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most immediate contrast between these two utilities is scale and diversification. Duke Energy (DUK) serves roughly twice as many customers across five states, giving it a broader revenue base and exposure to some of the country's fastest-growing electricity markets. WEC Energy Group (WEC) is more concentrated, with a heavy emphasis on Wisconsin, but is positioning itself around an emerging catalyst: multi-gigawatt demand from data-center development, a driver Duke also shares but weights differently across its footprint.
On valuation, the two are closer than their size difference might suggest. Duke trades near 17 times trailing earnings versus roughly 20 times for WEC, reflecting WEC's slightly richer multiple despite its smaller scale and a forward P/E of about 16.9. Dividend yields are comparable at approximately 3.6%, though WEC's 23 consecutive years of increases appeal to pure dividend-growth investors. Risk profiles also diverge: Duke carries meaningful nuclear exposure and hurricane-related weather risk in the Southeast, while WEC faces regulatory concentration and a heavier reliance on continued data-center execution to justify its premium valuation. Market sentiment has cooled toward both names recently, with analyst price-target reductions outpacing upgrades across the sector.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, catalysts, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely give a modest current edge to DUK. Duke's broader geographic diversification, lower relative valuation, and robust electricity-demand growth in the Southeast provide a steadier trend foundation than WEC's more concentrated, data-center-dependent story. WEC's larger earnings growth target and dividend-growth streak are meaningful strengths, but its richer multiple and narrower catalyst set introduce additional variability. That said, both names remain highly correlated as interest-rate-sensitive utilities, and the verdict is probabilistic rather than definitive, subject to shifting rate expectations and upcoming earnings results.
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 WEC 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 Indicator 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.
WEC's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for WEC turned positive on October 02, 2026. Looking at past instances where WEC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 28 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 64%.
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 WEC as a result. In 45 of 89 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 51%.
WEC 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.
The 10-day moving average for WEC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 6 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 43%.
Following a +5.04% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where WEC advanced for three days, in 151 of 315 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 109 of 258 cases where WEC Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 42%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator has been in the overbought zone for 1 day. Expect a price pull-back in the near future.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 17 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 WEC 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%.
WEC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 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 27 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 39 (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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 43 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. WEC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 63 (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 72 (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 (2.676) is normal, around the industry mean (2.063). P/E Ratio (22.364) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.917). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.992) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.033) settles around the average of (0.053) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (3.342) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
DUK | WEC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 25 | 39 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 53 Fair valued | 72 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 21 | 27 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 70 | 63 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 40 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 54 | 39 | |
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 WEC (72). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to WEC’s over the last 12 months.
DUK's Profit vs Risk Rating (21) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as WEC (27). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to WEC’s over the last 12 months.
WEC's SMR Rating (63) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (70). This means that WEC’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 WEC (43). This means that DUK’s stock grew similarly to WEC’s over the last 12 months.
WEC's P/E Growth Rating (39) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (54). This means that WEC’s stock grew similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
| DUK | WEC | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 32% | 2 days ago 46% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 49% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 55% | 2 days ago 51% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 52% | 2 days ago 64% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 50% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 46% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 51% | 2 days ago 48% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 41% | 27 days ago 42% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 43% | 2 days ago 44% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 49% | 2 days ago 42% |
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 WEC’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- DUK’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- WEC’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 WEC’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- DUK’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
- WEC’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
DUK (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +1.93% price change this week, while WEC (@Electric Utilities) price change was +4.48% 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.
WEC is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
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.
WEC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, WEC has been closely correlated with AEE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 87% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if WEC jumps, then AEE could also see price increases.