MDDNF 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. MDDNF offers the higher yield at 4.31%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and MDDNF looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price).
Key facts: MDDNF vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, Meridian Energy Limited (MDDNF) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.31%, versus 3.26% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MDDNF's dividend safety D (47/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, MDDNF has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MDDNF pays out 434% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, MDDNF's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price, so MDDNF looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MDDNF vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mddnf-vs-so
| Metric | MDDNF | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.31% | 3.26% |
| Annual dividend | $0.13 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 434% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.6% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -2% | 53% |
| Dividend safety score | 47 (D) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $2.98 | $91.57 |
| Upside to fair value | -1% | -3% |
| Frequency | semiannual | quarterly |
| Market cap | $8.0B | $108.5B |
| P/E ratio | 100.0 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
MDDNF
4.31%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
MDDNF
-1% upside
MDDNF vs SO — FAQ
Is MDDNF or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). MDDNF offers the higher yield (4.31%), 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, MDDNF or SO?
MDDNF has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.31%, versus 3.26% for SO.
Is MDDNF or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 47/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MDDNF or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, MDDNF looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% below 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.