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SO vs VYM: Dividend Comparison 2026

SO yields 3.42% · VYM yields 2.91% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 VYM wins by $9.5K 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 →
VYM
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
2.91%
Share price
$118.40
Annual div
$3.44
5Y div CAGR
7.8%
Payout ratio
45%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$31.3K
Annual income
$785.17
Full VYM calculator →

Portfolio growth — SO vs VYM

Annual dividend income

MetricSOVYM
Forward yield3.42%2.91%
Annual dividend / share$2.88$3.44
Payout ratio72%45%
1-year div growth3%6.2%
5-year div CAGR3.1%7.8%
Portfolio after 10y$21.7K$31.3K
Annual income after 10y$613.85$785.17
Total dividends collected$4.7K$5.2K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorUtilitiesETF

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

YearSO PortfolioSO Income/yrVYM PortfolioVYM Income/yrGap
1$10,833$352.65$11,223$313.20$390.00VYM
2$11,728$375.81$12,592$347.33$864.00VYM
3$12,692$400.29$14,123$385.04$1.4KVYM
4$13,727$426.14$15,835$426.70$2.1KVYM
5$14,839$453.42$17,748$472.73$2.9KVYM
6$16,034$482.21$19,887$523.54$3.9KVYM
7$17,316$512.58$22,276$579.64$5.0KVYM
8$18,692$544.59$24,945$641.54$6.3KVYM
9$20,167$578.32$27,925$709.84$7.8KVYM
10$21,749$613.85$31,251$785.17$9.5KVYM

SO vs VYM: 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 →

VYMETF

VYM tracks the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, holding ~450 large-cap US companies with above-average dividend yields. With an ultra-low 0.06% expense ratio, it's one of the cheapest dividend ETFs available. Excellent core holding for long-term dividend growth investors seeking broad diversification and reliable income.

Full VYM Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SO or VYM better for dividend income in 2026?
SO currently offers a 3.42% yield (2.88/share/year) while VYM offers 2.91% (3.44/share/year). SO provides higher current income. However, VYM has grown its dividend faster (7.8% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in SO vs VYM earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: SO pays approximately $342/year. VYM pays approximately $291/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $614/year (SO) and $785/year (VYM).
Does SO or VYM pay monthly dividends?
SO pays quarterly dividends. VYM 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.