SmarterDividends

DUK vs NEE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 16, 2026, DUK and NEE are closely matched. DUK offers the higher yield at 3.65%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and NEE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price).

Key facts: DUK vs NEE

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 16, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.65%, versus 3.16% for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE).
  • As of Oct 16, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DUK's dividend safety A (92/100) and NEE's A (90/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 16, 2026, DUK has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and NEE for 30.
  • As of Oct 16, 2026, DUK pays out 64% of its earnings as dividends and NEE pays out 53%.
  • As of Oct 16, 2026, DUK's fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price and NEE's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price, so NEE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "DUK vs NEE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 16, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/duk-vs-nee

MetricDUKNEE
Forward yield3.65%3.16%
Annual dividend$4.26$2.38
Payout ratio64%53%
Years of growth21 yr30 yr
5-yr dividend growth2.0%10.1%
5-yr total return14%-9%
Dividend safety score92 (A)90 (A)
Fair value estimate$119.47$83.41
Upside to fair value+0%+6%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$92.7B$164.7B
P/E ratio17.917.7

Higher yield

DUK

3.65%

Safer dividend

DUK

Grade A

Faster growth

NEE

10.1%

Better value

NEE

+6% upside

DUK vs NEE — FAQ

Is DUK or NEE a better dividend stock?

DUK and NEE are closely matched. DUK has the higher yield; DUK scores better on safety.

Which has a higher dividend yield, DUK or NEE?

DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.65%, versus 3.16% for NEE.

Is DUK or NEE safer?

DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is DUK or NEE better value right now?

As of Oct 16, 2026, NEE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price (fairly valued). For DUK, its fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.