SmarterDividends

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%).

MetricDSO
Forward yield4.15%3.49%
Annual dividend$2.67$3.04
Payout ratio92%72%
Years of growth0 yr25 yr
5-yr dividend growth-5.0%3.0%
5-yr total return-12%41%
Dividend safety score63 (C)90 (A)
Fair value estimate$64.03$96.70
Upside to fair value-1%+11%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap$56.6B$100.3B
P/E ratio22.321.0

Higher yield

D

4.15%

Safer dividend

SO

Grade A

Faster growth

SO

3.0%

Better value

SO

+11% upside

D vs SO — FAQ

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