AWK vs DUK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DUK offers the higher yield at 3.47%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and DUK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price).
Key facts: AWK vs DUK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.47%, versus 2.51% for American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AWK's dividend safety A (85/100) and DUK's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, AWK has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years and DUK for 21.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK pays out 59% of its earnings as dividends and DUK pays out 64%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and DUK's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AWK vs DUK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/awk-vs-duk
| Metric | AWK | DUK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.51% | 3.47% |
| Annual dividend | $3.58 | $4.34 |
| Payout ratio | 59% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 17 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.6% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -15% | 29% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $113.04 | $122.08 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $28.4B | $97.4B |
| P/E ratio | 24.7 | 18.1 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.47%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
AWK
8.6%
Better value
DUK
-2% upside
AWK vs DUK — FAQ
Is AWK or DUK a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). DUK offers the higher yield (3.47%), 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, AWK or DUK?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.47%, versus 2.51% for AWK.
Is AWK or DUK safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AWK or DUK better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, DUK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price (fairly valued). For AWK, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.