NI vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.55%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO trades at the larger discount to fair value (+13%).
| Metric | NI | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.96% | 3.55% |
| Annual dividend | $1.20 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 62% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 14 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.9% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 64% | 37% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $43.44 | $96.70 |
| Upside to fair value | +7% | +13% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $19.5B | $98.4B |
| P/E ratio | 21.6 | 20.6 |
Higher yield
SO
3.55%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
NI
5.9%
Better value
SO
+13% upside
NI vs SO — FAQ
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