Duke Energy Corp (DUK)

[Timothy Smith]

The recent moves are in line with the company's possible plans to grow throughout the U.S. and not just stay in the Carolina, southeast area.

By establishing itself in the gas industry, Duke is scaling itself for the long-term next step in its growth, which may be to take the company nationwide.

This move would not be any time in the near future, as Duke must first establish itself in the gas industry.