CMS vs DUK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DUK offers the higher yield at 3.35%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and DUK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 9% below its share price).
Key facts: CMS vs DUK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 3.21% for CMS Energy Corporation (CMS).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CMS's dividend safety A (82/100) and DUK's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, CMS has raised its dividend for 18 consecutive years and DUK for 21.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CMS pays out 80% of its earnings as dividends and DUK pays out 64%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, CMS's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and DUK's fair-value estimate is 9% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CMS vs DUK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cms-vs-duk
| Metric | CMS | DUK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.21% | 3.35% |
| Annual dividend | $2.28 | $4.34 |
| Payout ratio | 80% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 18 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.9% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 19% | 31% |
| Dividend safety score | 82 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $60.04 | $119.07 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | -9% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $22.2B | $102.2B |
| P/E ratio | 25.3 | 19.7 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.35%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
CMS
5.9%
Better value
DUK
-9% upside
CMS vs DUK — FAQ
Is CMS or DUK a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). DUK offers the higher yield (3.35%), 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, CMS or DUK?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 3.21% for CMS.
Is CMS or DUK safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 82/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CMS or DUK better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, DUK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 9% below its share price (fairly valued). For CMS, its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.