DUK vs WTRG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, DUK (Duke Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DUK offers the higher yield at 3.47%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and DUK looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price).
Key facts: DUK vs WTRG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.47%, versus 3.35% for Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DUK's dividend safety A (92/100) and WTRG's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, DUK has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and WTRG for 34.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, DUK pays out 64% of its earnings as dividends and WTRG pays out 70%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, DUK's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price and WTRG's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price, so DUK looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DUK vs WTRG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/duk-vs-wtrg
| Metric | DUK | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.47% | 3.35% |
| Annual dividend | $4.34 | $1.44 |
| Payout ratio | 64% | 70% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 34 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.0% | 6.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 29% | -9% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $122.08 | $33.68 |
| Upside to fair value | -2% | -22% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $97.4B | $12.2B |
| P/E ratio | 18.1 | 22.0 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.47%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
WTRG
6.6%
Better value
DUK
-2% upside
DUK vs WTRG — FAQ
Is DUK or WTRG a better dividend stock?
On the data, DUK wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). DUK offers the higher yield (3.47%), 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 WTRG?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.47%, versus 3.35% for WTRG.
Is DUK or WTRG safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DUK or WTRG better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, DUK looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price (fairly valued). For WTRG, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.