FE vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. FE offers the higher yield at 3.94%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and FE looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 3% above its share price).
Key facts: FE vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, FirstEnergy Corp. (FE) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.94%, versus 3.26% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FE's dividend safety B (70/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, FE has raised its dividend for 3 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, FE pays out 88% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, FE's fair-value estimate is 3% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price, so FE looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FE vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fe-vs-so
| Metric | FE | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.94% | 3.26% |
| Annual dividend | $1.86 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 88% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 3 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 2.4% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 25% | 53% |
| Dividend safety score | 70 (B) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $48.33 | $91.57 |
| Upside to fair value | +3% | -3% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $27.2B | $108.5B |
| P/E ratio | 22.7 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
FE
3.94%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
FE
+3% upside
FE vs SO — FAQ
Is FE or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). FE offers the higher yield (3.94%), 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, FE or SO?
FE has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.94%, versus 3.26% for SO.
Is FE or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 70/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FE or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, FE looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 3% above its share price (fairly valued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.