Acting on panic never helps investors, but it's still a good idea to question why you're really buying individual investments.
Consider integrated energy company Duke Energy
Here at The Motley Fool, we like to consider both the good and bad sides of an investment, so in this article, I'm highlighting three of the main bearish arguments on Duke Energy today. Be sure to read the bullish side as well, and then weigh in with your own comments below or rate Duke Energy in CAPS.
1. A new normal?
Like Southern Co.
2. Competition
In Ohio, Duke has already seen some of its customers jump ship for lower rates from competitors, a situation that partially led Standard & Poor's to lower its outlook on the company. According to Janine Migden-Ostrander of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel, Duke's rates are the highest in the state where others such as FirstEnergy
3. Regulatory threats
Some investors are concerned of potential tightening regulations that would require higher capital costs for some of Duke's coal-fired plants, which is a risk Blackstone is taking on in its purchase of Dynegy
To see details of what CAPS members are saying now about Duke Energy, just click on over to Motley Fool CAPS and have a look -- or add your own thoughts directly to this story in the comments box below.
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