SO vs SPH: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SPH offers the higher yield at 7.17%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO trades at the larger discount to fair value (-2%).
| Metric | SO | SPH |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.19% | 7.17% |
| Annual dividend | $3.04 | $1.30 |
| Payout ratio | 76% | 66% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 0 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.0% | -6.3% |
| 5-yr total return | 45% | 19% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 61 (C) |
| Fair value estimate | $93.61 | $17.72 |
| Upside to fair value | -2% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $106.5B | $1.2B |
| P/E ratio | 24.4 | 9.3 |
Higher yield
SPH
7.17%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
SO
-2% upside
SO vs SPH — FAQ
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.