Rip, thanks for the info that was exactly what I was looking for.

Joe, I know things are busy and I couldn't figure out how to add a DUK forum, so if you get a chance you can move this post there. I attempted to do an SSG for DUK. I am a novice and I mam using Classic Plus, but I have some questions. Since teh spinoff of Spectra, the price went down severely. How do you work that into your SSG which is mostly based on higher prices. On Ralph Seger's portfolio thread I noticed he stated that the user projections and P/E were the most important part of the SSG. I definitely lack confidence in this area. DUK actually showed weak earnings and sales growth according to the SSG data I dowloaded from NAIC. I also noticed the % pre-tax profit on sales seemed unusally high in 2005, should that be discounted? Same for % earned on equity, although that number had been eclipsed before in 2001. I don't have a lot of confidence in what the spinoff of Spectra means to DUK as far as teh business model. For now I will hold both. Although DUK reduced their dividend accordingly with the spinoff, it is still a good yield. The stock price was growing nicely over the last year before the spinoff. If anyone can add any analysis or suggestions for the SSG, I would appreciate it. Also, if there are any problems with the physical attachment, let me know. Thanks all.

Joe added the DUK forum and I put in a seeder message. I did not include an SSG as the data is not complete with the merger. The price is reflected on the SSG. I believe after a spinoff an investor would usually have the same total value. Example

Say DUK at $34 x 100 sh = $3400. Pre split.

Now DUK is $20 x 100 = $2000

SE is $28 x 50 shares = 1400 (reflects 1 for every 2 shares)

The 2000 and 1400 give you a value of $3400. (of course the prices have changed since 1/02/07)

What do you think of duke energy now that it is down to $14.50 with a yield of almost 5%. Is it too risky at thist stage and is the company have good growth prospects from here on out?

mike schickler