DUK vs NRG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 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 3.35%, 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: DUK vs NRG
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 2.28% for NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DUK's dividend safety A (92/100) and NRG's B (70/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, DUK has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and NRG for 6.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, DUK pays out 64% of its earnings as dividends and NRG pays out 48%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, DUK's fair-value estimate is 9% below its share price and NRG's fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DUK vs NRG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/duk-vs-nrg
| Metric | DUK | NRG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.35% | 2.28% |
| Annual dividend | $4.34 | $1.90 |
| Payout ratio | 64% | 48% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 6 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.0% | 8.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 31% | 167% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 70 (B) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.07 | $66.42 |
| Upside to fair value | -9% | -19% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $102.2B | $17.3B |
| P/E ratio | 19.7 | 21.5 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.35%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
NRG
8.0%
Better value
DUK
-9% upside
DUK vs NRG — FAQ
Is DUK or NRG a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). 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, DUK or NRG?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 2.28% for NRG.
Is DUK or NRG safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 70/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DUK or NRG 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 NRG, its fair-value estimate is 19% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.