AQN vs DUK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AQN offers the higher yield at 4.95%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and AQN looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price).
Key facts: AQN vs DUK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.95%, versus 3.57% for Duke Energy Corporation (DUK).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AQN's dividend safety D (46/100) and DUK's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AQN has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and DUK for 21.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AQN pays out 108% of its earnings as dividends and DUK pays out 64%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AQN's fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price and DUK's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so AQN looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AQN vs DUK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/aqn-vs-duk
| Metric | AQN | DUK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.95% | 3.57% |
| Annual dividend | $0.26 | $4.34 |
| Payout ratio | 108% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -15.6% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -61% | 25% |
| Dividend safety score | 46 (D) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $6.12 | $119.84 |
| Upside to fair value | +17% | -1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $4.0B | $94.7B |
| P/E ratio | 21.9 | 18.3 |
Higher yield
AQN
4.95%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
DUK
2.0%
Better value
AQN
+17% upside
AQN vs DUK — FAQ
Is AQN or DUK a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). AQN offers the higher yield (4.95%), 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, AQN or DUK?
AQN has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.95%, versus 3.57% for DUK.
Is AQN or DUK safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 46/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AQN or DUK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, AQN looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 17% above its share price (undervalued). For DUK, its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.