SmarterDividends

ARTNB vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 18, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. ARTNB offers the higher yield at 3.76%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).

Key facts: ARTNB vs SO

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 18, 2026, Artesian Resources Corporation (ARTNB) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.76%, versus 3.33% for The Southern Company (SO).
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ARTNB's dividend safety A (83/100) and SO's A (90/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, ARTNB has raised its dividend for 12 consecutive years and SO for 25.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, ARTNB pays out 55% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
  • As of Oct 18, 2026, ARTNB's fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "ARTNB vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/artnb-vs-so

MetricARTNBSO
Forward yield3.76%3.33%
Annual dividend$1.28$3.04
Payout ratio55%72%
Years of growth12 yr25 yr
5-yr dividend growth4.1%3.0%
5-yr total return-23%49%
Dividend safety score83 (A)90 (A)
Fair value estimate$30.29$91.87
Upside to fair value-11%+1%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$351.2M$104.9B
P/E ratio14.922.0

Higher yield

ARTNB

3.76%

Safer dividend

SO

Grade A

Faster growth

ARTNB

4.1%

Better value

SO

+1% upside

ARTNB vs SO — FAQ

Is ARTNB or SO a better dividend stock?

On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). ARTNB offers the higher yield (3.76%), while SO has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, ARTNB or SO?

ARTNB has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.76%, versus 3.33% for SO.

Is ARTNB or SO safer?

SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 83/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is ARTNB or SO better value right now?

As of Oct 18, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For ARTNB, its fair-value estimate is 11% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.