SmarterDividends

DUK-PA vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 27, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 7 head-to-head metrics. DUK-PA offers the higher yield at 6.48%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and DUK-PA looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 57% above its share price).

Key facts: DUK-PA vs SO

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 27, 2026, Duke Energy Corporation (DUK-PA) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.48%, versus 3.28% for The Southern Company (SO).
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades DUK-PA's dividend safety B (75/100) and SO's A (90/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, DUK-PA has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, DUK-PA's fair-value estimate is 57% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so DUK-PA looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "DUK-PA vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/duk-pa-vs-so

MetricDUK-PASO
Forward yield6.48%3.28%
Annual dividend$1.44$3.04
Payout ratio—72%
Years of growth0 yr25 yr
5-yr dividend growth0.0%3.0%
5-yr total return-16%52%
Dividend safety score75 (B)90 (A)
Fair value estimate$34.88$91.60
Upside to fair value+57%-1%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap—$106.5B
P/E ratio4.722.3

Higher yield

DUK-PA

6.48%

Safer dividend

SO

Grade A

Faster growth

SO

3.0%

Better value

DUK-PA

+57% upside

DUK-PA vs SO — FAQ

Is DUK-PA or SO a better dividend stock?

On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 2). DUK-PA offers the higher yield (6.48%), 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, DUK-PA or SO?

DUK-PA has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.48%, versus 3.28% for SO.

Is DUK-PA or SO safer?

SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 75/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is DUK-PA or SO better value right now?

As of Oct 27, 2026, DUK-PA looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 57% above its share price (undervalued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.