Jefferies raises Duke Energy PT on favorable North Carolina legislation

Jefferies raises price target for utility Duke Energy DUK.N to $141 from $133

New PT represents about 13% upside to the stock's last close

Brokerage says PT raise is due to higher peer utility multiples and a premium boost for the Carolinas business following favorable North Carolina legislation

Jefferies continues to see the upper half of the earnings per share compound annual growth rate in the outer years as achievable

Brokerage notes data center ramps extend to late 2027 reflecting construction realities and not demand weakness

9 out of 21 brokerages rate stock "buy" or higher, and 12 "hold"; median PT is $131 - data compiled by LSEG

Including session's moves, DUK shares up 16.2% YTD