DUK vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 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 3.47%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and DUK trades at the larger discount to fair value (+1%).
| Metric | DUK | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.47% | 3.19% |
| Annual dividend | $4.34 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 65% | 76% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.0% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 19% | 45% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $125.83 | $93.61 |
| Upside to fair value | +1% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $98.1B | $106.5B |
| P/E ratio | 19.2 | 24.4 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.47%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
DUK
+1% upside
DUK vs SO — FAQ
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