AWK vs NGG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK (American Water Works Company, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NGG offers the higher yield at 3.96%, AWK has the higher dividend-safety score, and NGG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price).
Key facts: AWK vs NGG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, National Grid plc (NGG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.96%, 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 NGG's C (51/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, AWK has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years and NGG for 0.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK pays out 59% of its earnings as dividends and NGG pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and NGG's fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price, so NGG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AWK vs NGG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/awk-vs-ngg
| Metric | AWK | NGG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.51% | 3.96% |
| Annual dividend | $3.58 | $3.24 |
| Payout ratio | 59% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 17 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.6% | -0.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -15% | 24% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 51 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $113.04 | $100.15 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | +22% |
| Frequency | quarterly | semiannual |
| Market cap | $28.4B | $82.3B |
| P/E ratio | 24.7 | 18.6 |
Higher yield
NGG
3.96%
Safer dividend
AWK
Grade A
Faster growth
AWK
8.6%
Better value
NGG
+22% upside
AWK vs NGG — FAQ
Is AWK or NGG a better dividend stock?
On the data, AWK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). NGG offers the higher yield (3.96%), while AWK 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 NGG?
NGG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.96%, versus 2.51% for AWK.
Is AWK or NGG safer?
AWK has the higher dividend-safety score (85/100 vs 51/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AWK or NGG better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, NGG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 22% above its share price (undervalued). 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.