AEP vs DUK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 28, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DUK offers the higher yield at 3.49%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and AEP looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 46% above its share price).
Key facts: AEP vs DUK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 28, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.49%, versus 3.00% for American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP).
- As of Oct 28, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AEP's dividend safety A (88/100) and DUK's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 28, 2026, AEP has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and DUK for 21.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, AEP pays out 66% of its earnings as dividends and DUK pays out 64%.
- As of Oct 28, 2026, AEP's fair-value estimate is 46% above its share price and DUK's fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price, so AEP looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AEP vs DUK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 28, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aep-vs-duk
| Metric | AEP | DUK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.00% | 3.49% |
| Annual dividend | $3.88 | $4.34 |
| Payout ratio | 66% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.7% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 60% | 29% |
| Dividend safety score | 88 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $190.48 | $119.77 |
| Upside to fair value | +46% | -4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $70.9B | $97.3B |
| P/E ratio | 22.6 | 18.8 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.49%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
AEP
5.7%
Better value
AEP
+46% upside
AEP vs DUK — FAQ
Is AEP or DUK a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). DUK offers the higher yield (3.49%), while DUK has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AEP or DUK?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.49%, versus 3.00% for AEP.
Is AEP or DUK safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 88/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AEP or DUK better value right now?
As of Oct 28, 2026, AEP looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 46% above its share price (undervalued). For DUK, its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.