SO vs UTL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. UTL offers the higher yield at 3.51%, 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: SO vs UTL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, Unitil Corporation (UTL) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.51%, versus 3.33% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SO's dividend safety A (90/100) and UTL's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, SO has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years and UTL for 11.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SO pays out 72% of its earnings as dividends and UTL pays out 58%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SO's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price and UTL'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, "SO vs UTL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/so-vs-utl
| Metric | SO | UTL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.33% | 3.51% |
| Annual dividend | $3.04 | $1.90 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 58% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 11 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.0% | 3.7% |
| 5-yr total return | 49% | 30% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $91.87 | $53.26 |
| Upside to fair value | +1% | -1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $104.9B | $986.1M |
| P/E ratio | 22.0 | 17.1 |
Higher yield
UTL
3.51%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
UTL
3.7%
Better value
SO
+1% upside
SO vs UTL — FAQ
Is SO or UTL a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). UTL offers the higher yield (3.51%), 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, SO or UTL?
UTL has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.51%, versus 3.33% for SO.
Is SO or UTL safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SO or UTL 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 UTL, its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.