DUK vs MSEX: 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: DUK vs MSEX
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 2.64% for Middlesex Water Company (MSEX).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DUK's dividend safety A (92/100) and MSEX's A (91/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, DUK has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and MSEX for 22.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK pays out 64% of its earnings as dividends and MSEX pays out 55%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price and MSEX's fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DUK vs MSEX: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/duk-vs-msex
| Metric | DUK | MSEX |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.57% | 2.64% |
| Annual dividend | $4.34 | $1.44 |
| Payout ratio | 64% | 55% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 22 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.0% | 5.8% |
| 5-yr total return | 25% | -47% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 91 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.84 | $38.20 |
| Upside to fair value | -1% | -30% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $94.7B | $1.0B |
| P/E ratio | 18.3 | 21.1 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.57%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
MSEX
5.8%
Better value
DUK
-1% upside
DUK vs MSEX — FAQ
Is DUK or MSEX 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, DUK or MSEX?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.57%, versus 2.64% for MSEX.
Is DUK or MSEX safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 91/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DUK or MSEX 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 MSEX, its fair-value estimate is 30% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.