Deutsche Bank Comments On Duke Energy (DUK)

Deutsche Bank commented on Duke Energy DUK in a research report published today. Deutsche Bank has previously given Duke Energy a Hold rating. In the report, Deutsche Bank states, "DUK reported 2010 operating EPS of $1.43 vs. our $1.47E and consensus of $1.42. Q4 EPS of $0.21 were down $0.07 vs. Q409 on weaker EBIT at Commercial Power and International Energy, higher "Other" segment drag, higher interest expense, and higher shares outstanding. DUK does not provide a full income statement in its release, so it is difficult to pin down variances, but it would appear that higher operating and interest expense drove the miss. Management noted that they continue to see signs of economic recovery with weather-adjusted sales up 2% in 2010, driven by a 7% increase in industrial sales." Shares of Duke Energy were trading at $18.16, up 2.60% from Wednesday's market close.