DUK 10-K Analysis: The 108-Basis-Point Bet on $200B in Regulated Returns
Duke Energy deployed $14 billion in capital in FY2025 — the most any US regulated utility has ever spent — earning just 108 basis points above its 4.41% borrowing cost. The 10-K reveals a $200-220 billion decade capital plan the earnings release never mentioned. Meanwhile, free cash flow collapsed to -$1.7 billion, O&M costs surged 24% hidden by a fuel cost decline, and $10 billion in planned equity issuance contradicts the 'avoiding dilution' narrative. Four funding sources. One self-cannibalizing growth plan.