CIG vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CIG offers the higher yield at 7.66%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and CIG looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 125% above its share price).
Key facts: CIG vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais - CEMIG (CIG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.66%, versus 3.28% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CIG's dividend safety C (58/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, CIG has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CIG pays out 79% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CIG's fair-value estimate is 125% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so CIG looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CIG vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cig-vs-so
| Metric | CIG | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 7.66% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $0.15 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 79% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 2 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.4% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 30% | 52% |
| Dividend safety score | 58 (C) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $4.30 | $91.60 |
| Upside to fair value | +125% | -1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.5B | $106.5B |
| P/E ratio | 6.2 | 22.3 |
Higher yield
CIG
7.66%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
CIG
+125% upside
CIG vs SO — FAQ
Is CIG or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CIG offers the higher yield (7.66%), 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, CIG or SO?
CIG has the higher forward dividend yield at 7.66%, versus 3.28% for SO.
Is CIG or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 58/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CIG or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, CIG looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 125% above its share price (undervalued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.