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SO vs MCD: Dividend Comparison 2026

SO yields 3.42% · MCD yields 2.27% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 SO wins by $770.00 in total portfolio value
10 years
SO
The Southern Company
3.42%
Share price
$84.20
Annual div
$2.88
5Y div CAGR
3.1%
Payout ratio
72%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$21.7K
Annual income
$613.85
Full SO calculator →
MCD
McDonald's Corporation
2.27%
Share price
$294.50
Annual div
$6.68
5Y div CAGR
8.5%
Payout ratio
72%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$21.0K
Annual income
$652.30
Full MCD calculator →

Portfolio growth — SO vs MCD

Annual dividend income

MetricSOMCD
Forward yield3.42%2.27%
Annual dividend / share$2.88$6.68
Payout ratio72%72%
1-year div growth3%10%
5-year div CAGR3.1%8.5%
Portfolio after 10y$21.7K$21.0K
Annual income after 10y$613.85$652.30
Total dividends collected$4.7K$4.2K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorUtilitiesConsumer Discretionary

Year-by-year: SO vs MCD ($10,000, DRIP)

YearSO PortfolioSO Income/yrMCD PortfolioMCD Income/yrGap
1$10,833$352.65$10,726$246.11+$107.00SO
2$11,728$375.81$11,514$273.29+$214.00SO
3$12,692$400.29$12,371$303.73+$321.00SO
4$13,727$426.14$13,302$337.85+$425.00SO
5$14,839$453.42$14,317$376.12+$522.00SO
6$16,034$482.21$15,423$419.10+$611.00SO
7$17,316$512.58$16,631$467.42+$685.00SO
8$18,692$544.59$17,951$521.82+$741.00SO
9$20,167$578.32$19,396$583.12+$771.00SO
10$21,749$613.85$20,979$652.30+$770.00SO

SO vs MCD: Complete Analysis 2026

SOUtilities

Southern Company is a Dividend Aristocrat with 23+ consecutive years of increases. It serves 9M+ customers across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi through its regulated electric and gas utilities. Vogtle Unit 4 nuclear plant completion in 2024 adds decades of low-carbon baseload generation capacity.

Full SO Calculator →

MCDConsumer Discretionary

McDonald's is a Dividend Aristocrat with 48+ consecutive years of increases. As the world's most visited fast food brand with 40,000+ locations, its franchise model generates high-margin royalties. MCD's real estate holdings (owning land under many franchised locations) create an additional asset floor supporting long-term value.

Full MCD Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SO or MCD better for dividend income in 2026?
SO currently offers a 3.42% yield (2.88/share/year) while MCD offers 2.27% (6.68/share/year). SO provides higher current income. However, MCD has grown its dividend faster (8.5% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in SO vs MCD earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: SO pays approximately $342/year. MCD pays approximately $227/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $614/year (SO) and $652/year (MCD).
Does SO or MCD pay monthly dividends?
SO pays quarterly dividends. MCD pays quarterly dividends. Neither pay monthly — both use a quarterly schedule, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.
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⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.