AWK vs NEE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NEE offers the higher yield at 3.04%, 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: AWK vs NEE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.04%, 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 NEE's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, AWK has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years and NEE for 30.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK pays out 59% of its earnings as dividends and NEE pays out 44%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK's fair-value estimate is 21% below 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, "AWK vs NEE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/awk-vs-nee
| Metric | AWK | NEE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.51% | 3.04% |
| Annual dividend | $3.58 | $2.49 |
| Payout ratio | 59% | 44% |
| Years of growth | 17 yr | 30 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.6% | 10.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -15% | -5% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $113.04 | $94.84 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | +16% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $28.4B | $172.2B |
| P/E ratio | 24.7 | 14.8 |
Higher yield
NEE
3.04%
Safer dividend
NEE
Grade A
Faster growth
NEE
10.1%
Better value
NEE
+16% upside
AWK vs NEE — FAQ
Is AWK or NEE a better dividend stock?
On the data, NEE wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). NEE offers the higher yield (3.04%), 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, AWK or NEE?
NEE has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.04%, versus 2.51% for AWK.
Is AWK or NEE safer?
NEE has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AWK or NEE better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, NEE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). For AWK, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.