D vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 2, 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 4.01%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price).
Key facts: D vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 2, 2026, Dominion Energy, Inc. (D) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.01%, versus 3.24% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Nov 2, 2026, SmarterDividends grades D's dividend safety C (59/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 2, 2026, D has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, D pays out 88% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Nov 2, 2026, D's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "D vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 2, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/d-vs-so
| Metric | D | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.01% | 3.24% |
| Annual dividend | $2.67 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 88% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | -5.0% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -6% | 53% |
| Dividend safety score | 59 (C) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $56.36 | $91.57 |
| Upside to fair value | -15% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $58.6B | $107.8B |
| P/E ratio | 22.0 | 22.6 |
Higher yield
D
4.01%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
SO
-2% upside
D vs SO — FAQ
Is D or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). D offers the higher yield (4.01%), 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, D or SO?
D has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.01%, versus 3.24% for SO.
Is D or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is D or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 2, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price (fairly valued). For D, its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.