Utility stocks occupy a distinct place in investor portfolios, combining regulated cash flows, dividend income, and modest but steady growth. DUK, EXC, and PNW are three prominent names in the regulated electric utility space, yet they operate under very different business models and geographic exposures. This stock comparison is most relevant to income-oriented investors, defensive-positioning traders, and anyone weighing how electricity-demand growth from data centers and reshoring is reshaping the sector. Understanding each company's relative performance, market positioning, and risk factors helps clarify which profile fits a given objective in the current market environment.
Duke Energy Corporation is America's largest regulated electric utility, serving roughly 8.9 million electric customers across the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, alongside natural gas operations. Its scale and Southeast footprint position it directly in the path of accelerating power demand. In recent weeks, the company's shares have held a relatively stable range, with sentiment shaped by both opportunity and financing concerns. Duke has secured approximately 4.5 gigawatts of data-center load under electric service agreements and is executing the largest regulated capital plan in the industry at about $103 billion through 2030. However, that spending has compressed its credit cushion: funds-from-operations-to-debt (FFO-to-debt, a measure of cash generated against total debt) sits near 14.8%, just below the 15% threshold Moody's associates with its current Baa2 rating. Supporting factors include a $6 billion minority investment from Brookfield in Duke Energy Florida and the roughly $2.5 billion sale of its Tennessee natural gas distribution business. The company has paid quarterly dividends for 100 consecutive years.
Exelon Corporation is a Chicago-based, transmission and distribution (T&D) focused holding company operating six regulated utilities, including ComEd, PECO, and BGE, across Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. Unlike Duke and Pinnacle West, Exelon does not own merchant generation, making it a pure regulated wires-and-delivery business. Recent market activity has been constructive, with the shares benefiting from a $41.3 billion capital plan through 2029 that emphasizes transmission investment and from a dividend increase. For 2025, Exelon reported adjusted operating earnings of $2.77 per share, up from $2.50 the prior year, and guided 2026 earnings to $2.81 to $2.91 per share. The company has grown earnings at a 7.4% annualized rate since 2021 and targets 5% to 7% growth through 2029. Its diversification across seven regulatory jurisdictions reduces single-state risk, though higher financing costs and affordability pressures remain watchpoints.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation is a Phoenix-based holding company whose principal subsidiary, Arizona Public Service (APS), supplies electricity to about 1.4 million customers. It is the smallest of the three by market capitalization but arguably the most leveraged to a single high-growth demand story: Arizona's expanding semiconductor, manufacturing, and data-center economy. Pinnacle West also holds a 29% stake in the Palo Verde nuclear generating station, the largest nuclear plant in the United States. Recent performance has been mixed. Full-year 2025 earnings of $5.05 per share declined from the prior year, largely due to cooler summer weather that reduced demand, and the shares have traded in a choppy range around a pivotal Arizona rate case and a KeyBanc downgrade. The company plans to invest over $2.5 billion annually through 2028 to meet demand growth, but its concentrated geography exposes it more directly to weather variability and regulatory outcomes than its larger peers.
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The clearest contrast is structural. Duke Energy is a diversified, integrated utility whose growth depends on converting signed data-center agreements into regulated earnings, while absorbing the financing strain of an enormous capital plan. Exelon is a pure transmission and distribution operator with no generation exposure, giving it a lower commodity-risk profile but tying its outlook closely to transmission investment and cost recovery across seven states. Pinnacle West Capital offers the most concentrated, demand-driven growth story but also the highest single-state regulatory and weather sensitivity. On balance-sheet strength, Duke carries the heaviest debt burden relative to its growth ambitions, while Exelon and Pinnacle West face their own financing and regulatory lags. Valuation is broadly similar across the group, with all three trading near the high teens on trailing price-to-earnings, so relative positioning hinges more on risk tolerance and growth conviction than on a clear valuation discount.
Based on observable trend consistency, stability, and catalyst positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely favor EXC in the current environment. Its transmission-heavy capital plan, diversified regulatory footprint, accelerating rate-base growth near 8%, and recent dividend increase provide a comparatively consistent trend profile with less single-factor risk than either peer. DUK presents strong long-term demand catalysts but a credit metric sitting near a ratings threshold, which introduces balance-sheet uncertainty. PNW carries the most attractive demand narrative but also the most concentrated weather and rate-case risk. This assessment reflects a probabilistic, factor-based view rather than a definitive forecast, and relative rankings can shift as new earnings, regulatory, and price-trend data arrive.
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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 30 of 48 similar past instances, the stock price increased further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
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 49 of 98 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
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 23 of 46 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
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 11 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 61%.
Following a +1.66% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where DUK advanced for three days, in 168 of 338 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
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 10 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.
The Aroon Indicator for DUK entered a downward trend on October 08, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 22 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock better than average.
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 (1.818) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (18.829) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.112) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.035) settles around the average of (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.756) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 55 (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 PE Growth Rating for this company is 58 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to average 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.
The 10-day moving average for EXC crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 22, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 10 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 71%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 07, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on EXC as a result. In 46 of 87 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 53%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for EXC just turned positive on October 05, 2026. Looking at past instances where EXC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 28 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
EXC moved above its 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
Following a +4.23% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where EXC advanced for three days, in 173 of 334 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 52%.
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 11 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 EXC 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 48%.
EXC 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.
The Aroon Indicator for EXC entered a downward trend on October 06, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 38 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating well-balanced risk and returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock slightly better than average.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 48 (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 (1.556) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (16.429) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.167) is also within normal values, averaging (1.785). Dividend Yield (0.037) settles around the average of (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.709) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
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 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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 57 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating fairly steady price growth. EXC’s price grows at a lower rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 72 (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 Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for PNW turned positive on October 01, 2026. Looking at past instances where PNW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 26 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 58%.
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 50 of 93 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 54%.
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.
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 9 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 47%.
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 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 14 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 46%.
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.
The Aroon Indicator for PNW entered a downward trend on October 06, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 10 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating low risk on high returns. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 52, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 36 (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. PNW’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 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 Seasonality Score of 75 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly overvalued 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 88 (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 (1.837) is normal, around the industry mean (2.074). P/E Ratio (20.039) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.519). 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 (0.052) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (2.106) is also within normal values, averaging (187.392).
DUK | EXC | PNW | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 28 | 42 | 42 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 53 Fair valued | 48 Fair valued | 88 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 22 | 38 | 10 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 70 | 72 | 73 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 55 | 57 | 43 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 58 | 54 | 36 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 50 | 50 | 75 |
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.
EXC's Valuation (48) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (53) and is somewhat better than the same rating for PNW (88). This means that EXC's stock grew similarly to DUK’s and somewhat faster than PNW’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's Profit vs Risk Rating (10) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (22) and is in the same range as EXC (38). This means that PNW's stock grew similarly to DUK’s and similarly to EXC’s over the last 12 months.
DUK's SMR Rating (70) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as EXC (72) and is in the same range as PNW (73). This means that DUK's stock grew similarly to EXC’s and similarly to PNW’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's Price Growth Rating (43) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as DUK (55) and is in the same range as EXC (57). This means that PNW's stock grew similarly to DUK’s and similarly to EXC’s over the last 12 months.
PNW's P/E Growth Rating (36) in the Electric Utilities industry is in the same range as EXC (54) and is in the same range as DUK (58). This means that PNW's stock grew similarly to EXC’s and similarly to DUK’s over the last 12 months.
| DUK | EXC | PNW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 32% | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 47% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 37% | 1 day ago 44% | 1 day ago 48% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 54% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 62% | 1 day ago 58% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 51% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 54% | 1 day ago 47% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 10 days ago 50% | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 54% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 23 days ago 41% | 30 days ago 48% | 30 days ago 46% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 32% | 1 day ago 43% | 1 day ago 45% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 25% | 1 day ago 31% | 1 day ago 27% |
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 EXC’s FA Score has 0 green FA rating(s), and PNW’s FA Score reflects 1 green FA rating(s).
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 5 TA indicator(s) are bullish while EXC’s TA Score has 5 bullish TA indicator(s), and PNW’s TA Score reflects 5 bullish TA indicator(s).
DUK (@Electric Utilities) experienced а +5.48% price change this week, while EXC (@Electric Utilities) price change was +5.58% , and PNW (@Electric Utilities) price fluctuated +4.95% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Electric Utilities industry was +1.42%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +1.67%, and the average quarterly price growth was -9.16%.
DUK is expected to report earnings on Nov 05, 2026.
EXC is expected to report earnings on Oct 30, 2026.
PNW is expected to report earnings on Nov 03, 2026.
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.
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, DUK has been closely correlated with SO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 86% 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.
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, EXC has been closely correlated with FE. These tickers have moved in lockstep 77% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if EXC jumps, then FE could also see price increases.
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.