NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) Aug. 10, 2016--S&P Global Ratings today assigned its 'BBB+' senior unsecured debt rating to U.S. utility holding company Duke Energy Corp.'s $3.75 billion of senior notes issued in three series, with maturities ranging from five to 30 years (all due Sept. 1 in each year). The securities are: $750 million 1.800% senior notes due 2021 $1.5 billion 2.650% senior notes due 2026 $1.5 billion 3.750% senior notes due 2046 Duke plans to use proceeds to finance a portion of the costs in connection with the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas Co. Inc. We base our 'A-' issuer credit rating on Duke Energy on the company's excellent business and significant financial risk profiles. Although we view
