PPLC vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 3 of 4 head-to-head metrics. PPLC offers the higher yield at 3.48%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: PPLC vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, PPL Corporation (PPLC) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.48%, versus 3.33% for The Southern Company (SO).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, PPLC has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, PPLC's fair-value estimate is 37% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "PPLC vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/pplc-vs-so
| Metric | PPLC | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.48% | 3.33% |
| Annual dividend | $1.12 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | — | 72% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | — | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | — | 49% |
| Dividend safety score | — | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $29.32 | $91.87 |
| Upside to fair value | -37% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | — | $104.9B |
| P/E ratio | — | 22.0 |
Higher yield
PPLC
3.48%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
SO
+1% upside
PPLC vs SO — FAQ
Is PPLC or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (3 vs 1). PPLC offers the higher yield (3.48%), 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, PPLC or SO?
PPLC has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.48%, versus 3.33% for SO.
Is PPLC or SO safer?
Compare each stock's payout ratio, growth streak and cut history on its detail page to judge safety.
Is PPLC or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For PPLC, its fair-value estimate is 37% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.