AES vs DUK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AES offers the higher yield at 4.68%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and DUK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price).
Key facts: AES vs DUK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, The AES Corporation (AES) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.68%, versus 3.49% for Duke Energy Corporation (DUK).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AES's dividend safety A (87/100) and DUK's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, AES has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and DUK for 21.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AES pays out 26% of its earnings as dividends and DUK pays out 64%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AES's fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price and DUK's fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AES vs DUK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aes-vs-duk
| Metric | AES | DUK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.68% | 3.49% |
| Annual dividend | $0.70 | $4.34 |
| Payout ratio | 26% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 12 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.2% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -36% | 29% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $13.94 | $119.77 |
| Upside to fair value | -7% | -4% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $10.7B | $97.0B |
| P/E ratio | 5.6 | 18.7 |
Higher yield
AES
4.68%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
AES
4.2%
Better value
DUK
-4% upside
AES vs DUK — FAQ
Is AES or DUK a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). AES offers the higher yield (4.68%), 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, AES or DUK?
AES has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.68%, versus 3.49% for DUK.
Is AES or DUK safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 87/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AES or DUK better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, DUK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 4% below its share price (fairly valued). For AES, its fair-value estimate is 7% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.