Charlotte, NC-based Duke Energy Corporation (DUK - Analyst Report) is a diversified energy company with a wide portfolio of domestic and international, natural gas and electric and regulated and unregulated businesses which supplies, delivers and processes energy in North America and selected international markets. It is one of the leading electric utilities in the U.S.

Estimate Trend & Surprise History

Investors should note that Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth quarter earnings of 94 cents per share has decreased by 3 cents over the last 30 days.

The company's track record for earnings surprises has not been encouraging. Duke Energy has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in only one out of last four quarters, resulting in a negative average surprise of 0.43%.

Zacks Rank: Currently, Duke Energy has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). However, since the latest earnings performance is yet to be reflected in the estimate revisions, the rank is subject to change. We have mentioned below some of the vital information from this just-revealed announcement:

Earnings: Duke Energy missed the fourth quarter 2015 earnings. Our consensus called for EPS of 94 cents, and the company reported EPS of 87 cents.

Key Stats: Duke Energy’s total retail sales from regulated utilities for the quarter decreased 2.8% to 48,528 gigawatt hours.

The company provided 2016 adjusted EPS guidance of $4.50−$4.70.