D vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. D offers the higher yield at 4.15%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO trades at the larger discount to fair value (+11%).
| Metric | D | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.15% | 3.49% |
| Annual dividend | $2.67 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 92% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -5.0% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -12% | 41% |
| Dividend safety score | 63 (C) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $64.03 | $96.70 |
| Upside to fair value | -1% | +11% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $56.6B | $100.3B |
| P/E ratio | 22.3 | 21.0 |
Higher yield
D
4.15%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
SO
+11% upside
D vs SO — FAQ
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.


