UPDATE: Duke Energy Posts Lower Q4 Earnings

reported downbeat earnings for the fourth quarter. For 2015, Duke Energy projects earnings of $4.55 to $4.75 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $4.76 per share. The Charlotte, North Carolina-based company posted a quarterly profit of $97 million, or $0.14 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $688 million, or $0.97 per share. Excluding certain items, the company earned $0.86 per share, versus analysts' estimates of $0.88 per share. The international energy segment posted a loss of $301 million, versus a year-ago profit of $108 million. The company's regulated utilities segment posted income of $449 million, compared to $572 million. "2014 was a year of great accomplishment and challenge," said President and CEO Lynn Good. "Our system reliably met record customer demands during the 2014 polar vortex. Our teams quickly and safely responded to over 1.7 million customer outages following two major ice storms early in the year." Duke Energy shares fell 0.56% to close at $79.39 yesterday.