NJR vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 23, 2026, NJR (New Jersey Resources Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. NJR offers the higher yield at 3.73%, NJR has the higher dividend-safety score, and NJR looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price).
Key facts: NJR vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 23, 2026, New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.73%, versus 3.24% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Oct 23, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NJR's dividend safety A (93/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 23, 2026, NJR has raised its dividend for 30 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, NJR pays out 53% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 23, 2026, NJR's fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price, so NJR looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "NJR vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 23, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/njr-vs-so
| Metric | NJR | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.73% | 3.24% |
| Annual dividend | $2.00 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 53% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 30 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 7.4% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 45% | 52% |
| Dividend safety score | 93 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $61.47 | $91.87 |
| Upside to fair value | +15% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.4B | $107.9B |
| P/E ratio | 14.9 | 21.8 |
Higher yield
NJR
3.73%
Safer dividend
NJR
Grade A
Faster growth
NJR
7.4%
Better value
NJR
+15% upside
NJR vs SO — FAQ
Is NJR or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, NJR wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). NJR offers the higher yield (3.73%), while NJR has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, NJR or SO?
NJR has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.73%, versus 3.24% for SO.
Is NJR or SO safer?
NJR has the higher dividend-safety score (93/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is NJR or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 23, 2026, NJR looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 15% above its share price (fairly valued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.