AVA vs NEE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AVA offers the higher yield at 5.28%, NEE has the higher dividend-safety score, and NEE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).
Key facts: AVA vs NEE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Avista Corporation (AVA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.28%, versus 3.04% for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AVA's dividend safety A (85/100) and NEE's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, AVA has raised its dividend for 23 consecutive years and NEE for 30.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AVA pays out 71% of its earnings as dividends and NEE pays out 44%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, AVA's fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price and NEE's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price, so NEE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AVA vs NEE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ava-vs-nee
| Metric | AVA | NEE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.28% | 3.04% |
| Annual dividend | $1.97 | $2.49 |
| Payout ratio | 71% | 44% |
| Years of growth | 23 yr | 30 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.9% | 10.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -2% | -5% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $40.73 | $94.84 |
| Upside to fair value | +9% | +16% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.1B | $172.1B |
| P/E ratio | 13.4 | 14.8 |
Higher yield
AVA
5.28%
Safer dividend
NEE
Grade A
Faster growth
NEE
10.1%
Better value
NEE
+16% upside
AVA vs NEE — FAQ
Is AVA or NEE a better dividend stock?
On the data, NEE wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). AVA offers the higher yield (5.28%), while NEE has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AVA or NEE?
AVA has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.28%, versus 3.04% for NEE.
Is AVA or NEE safer?
NEE has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AVA or NEE better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, NEE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). For AVA, its fair-value estimate is 9% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.