FTS vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 13, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.29%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price).
Key facts: FTS vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 13, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.29%, versus 3.15% for Fortis Inc. (FTS).
- As of Nov 13, 2026, SmarterDividends grades FTS's dividend safety B (70/100) and SO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 13, 2026, FTS has raised its dividend for 10 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 13, 2026, FTS pays out 73% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 68%.
- As of Nov 13, 2026, FTS's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "FTS vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 13, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/fts-vs-so
| Metric | FTS | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.15% | 3.29% |
| Annual dividend | $1.87 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 73% | 68% |
| Years of growth | 10 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 4.2% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 38% | 53% |
| Dividend safety score | 70 (B) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $49.37 | $79.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -17% | -15% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $30.5B | $107.7B |
| P/E ratio | 23.3 | 21.1 |
Higher yield
SO
3.29%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
FTS
4.2%
Better value
SO
-15% upside
FTS vs SO — FAQ
Is FTS or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). SO offers the higher yield (3.29%), 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, FTS or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.29%, versus 3.15% for FTS.
Is FTS or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 70/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is FTS or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 13, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% below its share price (fairly valued). For FTS, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.