AWR vs NEE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 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 3.12%, AWR has the higher dividend-safety score, and NEE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price).
Key facts: AWR vs NEE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 2.61% for American States Water Company (AWR).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AWR's dividend safety A (91/100) and NEE's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AWR has raised its dividend for 23 consecutive years and NEE for 30.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AWR pays out 55% of its earnings as dividends and NEE pays out 53%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AWR's fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price and NEE's fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price, so NEE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AWR vs NEE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/awr-vs-nee
| Metric | AWR | NEE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.61% | 3.12% |
| Annual dividend | $2.18 | $2.49 |
| Payout ratio | 55% | 53% |
| Years of growth | 23 yr | 30 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.7% | 10.1% |
| 5-yr total return | -11% | -8% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $73.51 | $83.50 |
| Upside to fair value | -12% | +5% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.3B | $166.4B |
| P/E ratio | 22.9 | 17.9 |
Higher yield
NEE
3.12%
Safer dividend
AWR
Grade A
Faster growth
NEE
10.1%
Better value
NEE
+5% upside
AWR vs NEE — FAQ
Is AWR or NEE a better dividend stock?
On the data, NEE wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). NEE offers the higher yield (3.12%), while AWR has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AWR or NEE?
NEE has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.12%, versus 2.61% for AWR.
Is AWR or NEE safer?
AWR has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AWR or NEE better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, NEE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 5% above its share price (fairly valued). For AWR, its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.