MDU vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MDU and SO are closely matched. SO offers the higher yield at 3.28%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and MDU looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: MDU vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 29, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.28%, versus 2.88% for MDU Resources Group, Inc. (MDU).
- As of Oct 29, 2026, SmarterDividends grades MDU's dividend safety C (61/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 29, 2026, MDU has raised its dividend for 1 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MDU pays out 60% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 29, 2026, MDU's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price, so MDU looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "MDU vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 29, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/mdu-vs-so
| Metric | MDU | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.88% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $0.57 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 60% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 1 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 11.2% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 86% | 52% |
| Dividend safety score | 61 (C) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $19.66 | $91.60 |
| Upside to fair value | +1% | +0% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $4.1B | $105.3B |
| P/E ratio | 20.7 | 22.1 |
Higher yield
SO
3.28%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
MDU
11.2%
Better value
MDU
+1% upside
MDU vs SO — FAQ
Is MDU or SO a better dividend stock?
MDU and SO are closely matched. SO has the higher yield; SO scores better on safety.
Which has a higher dividend yield, MDU or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.28%, versus 2.88% for MDU.
Is MDU or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 61/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is MDU or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 29, 2026, MDU looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 0% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.