CWT vs DUK: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DUK offers the higher yield at 3.57%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and DUK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price).
Key facts: CWT vs DUK
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.57%, versus 2.89% for California Water Service Group (CWT).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CWT's dividend safety A (89/100) and DUK's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, CWT has raised its dividend for 22 consecutive years and DUK for 21.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CWT pays out 57% of its earnings as dividends and DUK pays out 64%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, CWT's fair-value estimate is 39% below its share price and DUK's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CWT vs DUK: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cwt-vs-duk
| Metric | CWT | DUK |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.89% | 3.57% |
| Annual dividend | $1.34 | $4.34 |
| Payout ratio | 57% | 64% |
| Years of growth | 22 yr | 21 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.8% | 2.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -26% | 25% |
| Dividend safety score | 89 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $28.39 | $119.84 |
| Upside to fair value | -39% | -1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $2.9B | $94.7B |
| P/E ratio | 20.8 | 18.3 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.57%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
CWT
7.8%
Better value
DUK
-1% upside
CWT vs DUK — FAQ
Is CWT or DUK a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). DUK offers the higher yield (3.57%), 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, CWT or DUK?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.57%, versus 2.89% for CWT.
Is CWT or DUK safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CWT or DUK better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price (fairly valued). For CWT, its fair-value estimate is 39% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.