SO vs XEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 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 3.26%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and XEL looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: SO vs XEL
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.26%, versus 2.94% for Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SO's dividend safety A (90/100) and XEL's A (89/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, SO has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years and XEL for 22.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SO pays out 72% of its earnings as dividends and XEL pays out 55%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SO's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price and XEL's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so XEL looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "SO vs XEL: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/so-vs-xel
| Metric | SO | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.26% | 2.94% |
| Annual dividend | $3.04 | $2.37 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 55% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 22 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.0% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 53% | 25% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 89 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $91.57 | $80.44 |
| Upside to fair value | -3% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $108.5B | $51.3B |
| P/E ratio | 22.7 | 18.6 |
Higher yield
SO
3.26%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
XEL
5.6%
Better value
XEL
+1% upside
SO vs XEL — FAQ
Is SO or XEL a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SO offers the higher yield (3.26%), 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 XEL?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.26%, versus 2.94% for XEL.
Is SO or XEL safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 89/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SO or XEL better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, XEL looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.