DUK vs NWE: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NWE offers the higher yield at 3.59%, 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 NWE
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc. (NWE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.59%, versus 3.57% for Duke Energy Corporation (DUK).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DUK's dividend safety A (92/100) and NWE's A (84/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, DUK has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and NWE for 17.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK pays out 64% of its earnings as dividends and NWE pays out 96%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, DUK's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price and NWE's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DUK vs NWE: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/duk-vs-nwe
| Metric | DUK | NWE |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.57% | 3.59% |
| Annual dividend | $4.34 | $2.68 |
| Payout ratio | 64% | 96% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 17 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.0% | 1.9% |
| 5-yr total return | 25% | 35% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 84 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.84 | $59.12 |
| Upside to fair value | -1% | -21% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $94.7B | $4.6B |
| P/E ratio | 18.3 | 27.0 |
Higher yield
NWE
3.59%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
DUK
2.0%
Better value
DUK
-1% upside
DUK vs NWE — FAQ
Is DUK or NWE a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NWE offers the higher yield (3.59%), 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 NWE?
NWE has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.59%, versus 3.57% for DUK.
Is DUK or NWE safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 84/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DUK or NWE 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 NWE, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.