DUK vs XEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, DUK and XEL are closely matched. DUK offers the higher yield at 3.35%, DUK has the higher dividend-safety score, and XEL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: DUK vs XEL
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 2.94% for Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DUK's dividend safety A (92/100) and XEL's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, DUK has raised its dividend for 21 consecutive years and XEL for 22.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, DUK pays out 64% of its earnings as dividends and XEL pays out 55%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, DUK's fair-value estimate is 9% below its share price and XEL's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so XEL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DUK vs XEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/duk-vs-xel
| Metric | DUK | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.35% | 2.94% |
| Annual dividend | $4.34 | $2.37 |
| Payout ratio | 64% | 55% |
| Years of growth | 21 yr | 22 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.0% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 31% | 25% |
| Dividend safety score | 92 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $119.07 | $80.44 |
| Upside to fair value | -9% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $102.2B | $51.3B |
| P/E ratio | 19.7 | 18.6 |
Higher yield
DUK
3.35%
Safer dividend
DUK
Grade A
Faster growth
XEL
5.6%
Better value
XEL
+1% upside
DUK vs XEL — FAQ
Is DUK or XEL a better dividend stock?
DUK and XEL are closely matched. DUK has the higher yield; DUK scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, DUK or XEL?
DUK has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 2.94% for XEL.
Is DUK or XEL safer?
DUK has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DUK or XEL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, XEL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For DUK, its fair-value estimate is 9% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.