Is STAG or SO a better dividend investment in 2026?

STAG currently yields 3.99% with a 1% 5-year dividend growth rate. SO yields 3.42% with 3.1% growth. The better choice depends on your goal: STAG offers higher current income, while SO is better for long-term compounding. Use the DRIP calculator above to model your specific scenario.

What is the dividend yield difference between STAG and SO?

STAG has a forward dividend yield of 3.99% (1.47/share annually). SO yields 3.42% (2.88/share annually). The yield gap is 0.57 percentage points.

How much would $10,000 in STAG vs SO pay in dividends per year?

With $10,000 invested: STAG would pay approximately $399/year in dividends. SO would pay approximately $342/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these amounts grow substantially due to compounding.

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STAG vs SO: Dividend Comparison 2026

Q: Does STAG or SO pay monthly dividends?

STAG pays monthly dividends. SO pays quarterly dividends. Monthly payers are preferred by investors who want regular cash flow to cover living expenses.

STAG yields 3.99% · SO yields 3.42% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers

After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled

🏆 SO wins by $2.3K in total portfolio value

INVESTMENT

TIME HORIZON10 years

STAG

STAG Industrial Inc.

3.99%

Share price

$36.80

Annual div

$1.47

5Y div CAGR

Payout ratio

72%

After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP

Portfolio value

$19.4K

Annual income

$606.20

Full STAG calculator →

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 →

Portfolio growth — STAG vs SO

Annual dividend income

MetricSTAGSO

Forward yield	3.99% ✓	3.42%
Annual dividend / share	$1.47	$2.88 ✓
Payout ratio	72%	72%
1-year div growth	0.5%	3% ✓
5-year div CAGR	1%	3.1% ✓
Portfolio after 10y	$19.4K	$21.7K ✓
Annual income after 10y	$606.20	$613.85 ✓
Total dividends collected	$5.0K ✓	$4.7K
Payment frequency	monthly	quarterly
Sector	REIT	Utilities

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

Year	STAG Portfolio	STAG Income/yr	SO Portfolio	SO Income/yr	Gap
1	$10,723	$403.45	$10,833	$352.65	$110.00 → SO
2	$11,490	$423.42	$11,728	$375.81	$238.00 → SO
3	$12,302	$444.01	$12,692	$400.29	$390.00 → SO
4	$13,161	$465.24	$13,727	$426.14	$566.00 → SO
5	$14,069	$487.12	$14,839	$453.42	$770.00 → SO
6	$15,029	$509.63	$16,034	$482.21	$1.0K → SO
7	$16,042	$532.80	$17,316	$512.58	$1.3K → SO
8	$17,112	$556.61	$18,692	$544.59	$1.6K → SO
9	$18,241	$581.08	$20,167	$578.32	$1.9K → SO
10	$19,431	$606.20	$21,749	$613.85	$2.3K → SO

STAG vs SO: Complete Analysis 2026

STAG — REIT

STAG Industrial is a single-tenant industrial REIT paying monthly dividends. Its portfolio of 500+ warehouses and distribution centers benefits from e-commerce growth. Amazon is its largest tenant. Monthly income frequency makes it attractive for investors who prefer regular cash flow over quarterly payments.

Full STAG Calculator →

SO — Utilities

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is STAG or SO better for dividend income in 2026?

STAG currently offers a 3.99% yield (1.47/share/year) while SO offers 3.42% (2.88/share/year). STAG provides higher current income. However, SO has grown its dividend faster (3.1% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.

How much would $10,000 in STAG vs SO earn per year?

With $10,000 invested today: STAG pays approximately $399/year. SO pays approximately $342/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $606/year (STAG) and $614/year (SO).

Does STAG or SO pay monthly dividends?

STAG pays monthly dividends. SO pays quarterly dividends. STAG pays monthly, 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.