SO vs XEL: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 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 3.19%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and XEL trades at the larger discount to fair value (+78%).
| Metric | SO | XEL |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.19% | 3.01% |
| Annual dividend | $3.04 | $2.37 |
| Payout ratio | 76% | 66% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 22 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.0% | 5.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 45% | 15% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 87 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $93.61 | $139.98 |
| Upside to fair value | -2% | +78% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $106.5B | $49.1B |
| P/E ratio | 24.4 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
SO
3.19%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
XEL
5.6%
Better value
XEL
+78% upside
SO vs XEL — FAQ
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