NEE vs WTRG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, NEE (NextEra Energy, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. WTRG offers the higher yield at 3.35%, NEE has the higher dividend-safety score, and NEE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price).
Key facts: NEE vs WTRG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 3.04% for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NEE's dividend safety A (90/100) and WTRG's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, NEE has raised its dividend for 30 consecutive years and WTRG for 34.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, NEE pays out 44% of its earnings as dividends and WTRG pays out 70%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, NEE's fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price and WTRG's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price, so NEE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NEE vs WTRG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nee-vs-wtrg
| Metric | NEE | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.04% | 3.35% |
| Annual dividend | $2.49 | $1.44 |
| Payout ratio | 44% | 70% |
| Years of growth | 30 yr | 34 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 10.1% | 6.6% |
| 5-yr total return | -5% | -9% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $94.84 | $33.68 |
| Upside to fair value | +16% | -22% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $172.2B | $12.2B |
| P/E ratio | 14.8 | 22.0 |
Higher yield
WTRG
3.35%
Safer dividend
NEE
Grade A
Faster growth
NEE
10.1%
Better value
NEE
+16% upside
NEE vs WTRG — FAQ
Is NEE or WTRG a better dividend stock?
On the data, NEE wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). WTRG offers the higher yield (3.35%), while NEE has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, NEE or WTRG?
WTRG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 3.04% for NEE.
Is NEE or WTRG safer?
NEE has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NEE or WTRG better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, NEE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 16% above its share price (undervalued). 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.