Duke Energy vs NextEra Energy (DUK vs NEE)
Duke Energy (DUK) vs NextEra Energy (NEE) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Duke Energy (DUK) and NextEra Energy (NEE) compete in utilities and renewables. Here are Duke Energy and NextEra Energy side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Duke Energy or NextEra Energy.
Duke Energy vs NextEra Energy: the figures
| Figure | Duke Energy | NextEra Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $129.59 (November 4, 2026) | $88.45 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $101.0 billion | $185.5 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 19.5x | 15.9x |
| Forward P/E | 18.1x | 20.2x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +1.1% | +1.6% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 16.0% | 40.4% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 5.5x | 8.1x |
| Dividend yield | 3.43% | 2.96% |
| Beta | 0.31 | 0.60 |
Duke Energy and NextEra Energy figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Duke Energy or NextEra Energy figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Duke Energy and NextEra Energy
- Profitability: for every 100 of sales, NextEra Energy keeps 40.4 as net profit and Duke Energy keeps 16.0.
- Debt: NextEra Energy owes 8.1x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Duke Energy owes 5.5x its EBITDA.
- Valuation: Duke Energy trades at 19.5x its annual earnings and NextEra Energy at 15.9x; the market pays more for each dollar of Duke Energy profit, usually because it expects more growth.
Duke Energy or NextEra Energy: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: NextEra Energy is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Duke Energy pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Duke Energy has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: NextEra Energy trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Duke Energy nor NextEra Energy wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Duke Energy and NextEra Energy make money
Duke Energy (DUK)
Duke Energy is a regulated utility that earns rates approved by state regulators. Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, its largest segment, generates and delivers power in the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Gas Utilities and Infrastructure distributes natural gas, mainly through Piedmont Natural Gas. Full Duke Energy analysis.
NextEra Energy (NEE)
NextEra Energy has two businesses. Florida Power & Light, the larger, is a regulated utility that generates, transmits and sells electricity to Florida homes and businesses at approved rates. NextEra Energy Resources builds and runs wind, solar and battery projects across the U.S. and Canada, selling power under long-term contracts. Full NextEra Energy analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Duke Energy vs NextEra Energy
Is Duke Energy or NextEra Energy the better stock?
Choosing between Duke Energy and NextEra Energy depends on what you are looking for. NextEra Energy is growing faster right now, and NextEra Energy trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Duke Energy or NextEra Energy: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Duke Energy or NextEra Energy?
As of November 4, 2026, Duke Energy yields 3.43% and NextEra Energy yields 2.96%. Also check how much of their profit Duke Energy and NextEra Energy pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Duke Energy or NextEra Energy?
On P/E, Duke Energy (19.5x) is more expensive than NextEra Energy (15.9x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Duke Energy and NextEra Energy?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Duke Energy and NextEra Energy, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Duke Energy or NextEra Energy.
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More companies like Duke Energy and NextEra Energy: utilities and renewables stocks. Educational content about Duke Energy and NextEra Energy, not investment advice.