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