SmarterDividends

NSARO vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?

As of Oct 27, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. NSARO offers the higher yield at 6.32%, NSARO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price).

Key facts: NSARO vs SO

Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data

  • As of Oct 27, 2026, NSTAR Electric Company (NSARO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.32%, versus 3.28% for The Southern Company (SO).
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades NSARO's dividend safety A (91/100) and SO's A (90/100).
  • By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, NSARO has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
  • As of Oct 27, 2026, NSARO's fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page

SmarterDividends, "NSARO vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/nsaro-vs-so

MetricNSAROSO
Forward yield6.32%3.28%
Annual dividend$4.78$3.04
Payout ratio—72%
Years of growth0 yr25 yr
5-yr dividend growth0.0%3.0%
5-yr total return-26%52%
Dividend safety score91 (A)90 (A)
Fair value estimate$62.55$91.60
Upside to fair value-17%-1%
Frequencyquarterlyquarterly
Market cap—$106.5B
P/E ratio—22.3

Higher yield

NSARO

6.32%

Safer dividend

NSARO

Grade A

Faster growth

SO

3.0%

Better value

SO

-1% upside

NSARO vs SO — FAQ

Is NSARO or SO a better dividend stock?

On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). NSARO offers the higher yield (6.32%), while NSARO has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.

Which has a higher dividend yield, NSARO or SO?

NSARO has the higher forward dividend yield at 6.32%, versus 3.28% for SO.

Is NSARO or SO safer?

NSARO has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.

Is NSARO or SO better value right now?

As of Oct 27, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price (fairly valued). For NSARO, its fair-value estimate is 17% below its share price.

See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.