DTE vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. DTE offers the higher yield at 3.45%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price).
Key facts: DTE vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, DTE Energy Company (DTE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.45%, versus 3.29% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DTE's dividend safety A (85/100) and SO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, DTE has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, DTE pays out 71% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 68%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, DTE's fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "DTE vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/dte-vs-so
| Metric | DTE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.45% | 3.29% |
| Annual dividend | $4.66 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 71% | 68% |
| Years of growth | 16 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.8% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 25% | 51% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $113.82 | $79.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -16% | -14% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $28.1B | $107.5B |
| P/E ratio | 20.6 | 21.1 |
Higher yield
DTE
3.45%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
DTE
4.8%
Better value
SO
-14% upside
DTE vs SO — FAQ
Is DTE or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). DTE offers the higher yield (3.45%), 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, DTE or SO?
DTE has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.45%, versus 3.29% for SO.
Is DTE or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is DTE or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price (fairly valued). For DTE, its fair-value estimate is 16% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.