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Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) generates and delivers electricity and natural gas to millions of customers across the Southeast and Midwest, making it one of the largest regulated utilities in the United States. The stock recently traded around $121.50 per share with a market value of about $95 billion.
Once a collection of regional power companies, Duke has grown into a dominant force in the U.S. energy landscape. Known for its stable cash flows, regulated rate structure, and reliable dividend, Duke has long been a core holding for income-focused investors.
Its 3.6% dividend yield, steady investment in grid modernization and renewables, and defensive profile make it a cornerstone for pension funds, index providers, and long-term asset managers seeking stability. While insider ownership is limited, the stock is widely held by some of the world’s largest institutions, highlighting its role as a dependable utility giant in global portfolios.
Looking at Duke’s shareholder base and insider trades gives us a sense of how big investors see this dividend stock today.
Who Are Duke’s Top Shareholders?
See whether Duke’s top shareholders are buying or selling today >>>
Duke Energy generates and delivers electricity and natural gas to millions of U.S. customers, making it one of the largest regulated utilities in the country. Its stock is primarily held by passive index giants, while active managers have taken more selective positions.
- Vanguard Group: 75.0M shares (9.65%), ~$9.1B. Added 1.13M (+1.5%).
- BlackRock: 48.9M shares (6.29%), ~$5.9B. Added 802K (+1.7%).
- State Street: 41.7M shares (5.36%), ~$5.1B. Added 1.15M (+2.8%).
- Geode Capital: 18.7M shares (2.40%), ~$2.3B. Added 319K (+1.7%).
- MFS Investment: 16.7M shares (2.15%), ~$2.0B. Cut 900K (-5.1%).
- Wellington Management: 13.2M shares (1.70%), ~$1.6B. Cut 985K (-6.9%).
- Fidelity Management: 11.9M shares (1.53%), ~$1.4B. Cut 506K (-4.1%).
- GQG Partners: 10.9M shares (1.40%), ~$1.3B. Added 607K (+5.9%).
- Charles Schwab IM: 8.7M shares (1.12%), ~$1.1B. Small increase (+0.4%).
- Franklin Advisers: 6.8M shares (0.87%), ~$822M. Cut 224K (-3.2%).
One highlight from last quarter is Balyasny Asset Management, led by Dmitry Balyasny, which lifted its Duke stake by 435%. The fund now owns about 43K shares worth $5.1 million, a big percentage jump that points to growing interest even if the dollar amount remains modest.
Another notable move came from Squarepoint Ops, which boosted its holdings by 72% to roughly 254K shares valued at $30 million. This step-up suggests the firm may see value in Duke’s defensive profile at current levels.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Grantham’s firm GMO raised its position by 63% to about 15.6K shares worth $1.8 million. While the position size is small, the increase shows selective appetite for Duke’s steady dividend stream.
Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street keep Duke firmly anchored in index portfolios. The hedge fund activity leans more positive, though traditional managers like Wellington and MFS trimmed.
Investors appear split between viewing Duke primarily as a dependable income play versus a stock with further upside potential.
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Duke’s Recent Insider Trades
Insider trading can give hints about how leadership views the stock. At Duke, recent activity leaned toward selling, though the trades were small.
Here are some recent insider sales:
- Thomas Gillespie (Officer): Sold ~6,700 shares at ~$124
- Bonnie Titone (Officer): Sold ~2,000 shares at ~$124
- Alexander Weintraub (Officer): Sold ~400 shares at ~$122
- Theodore Craver (Director): Sold ~2,431 shares
- Louis Renjel (Officer): Sold ~1,580 shares at ~$126
- E. Marie McKee (Director): Sold ~1,610 shares at ~$125
These appear like modest trims, possibly linked to diversification or option exercises. With no notable insider buying, management does not seem eager to add to positions at current levels.
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What the Ownership & Insider Trade Data Tell Us
Duke Energy’s base of institutional holders is strong, anchored by Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street. Active managers are split, with GQG and several hedge funds adding, while Wellington and MFS cut back.
Insider trades lean toward small sales without offsetting purchases. This may suggest leadership is comfortable holding but not rushing to increase exposure.
For investors, Duke stands out as a steady dividend stock backed by stable institutional support. The signals from hedge funds and insiders look mixed, pointing to Duke’s role as a reliable income play rather than a high-conviction growth bet.
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