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VYM vs SO: Dividend Comparison 2026

VYM yields 2.91% · SO yields 3.42% · 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
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 →
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 →

Portfolio growth — VYM vs SO

Annual dividend income

MetricVYMSO
Forward yield2.91%3.42%
Annual dividend / share$3.44$2.88
Payout ratio45%72%
1-year div growth6.2%3%
5-year div CAGR7.8%3.1%
Portfolio after 10y$31.3K$21.7K
Annual income after 10y$785.17$613.85
Total dividends collected$5.2K$4.7K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorETFUtilities

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

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

VYM vs SO: Complete Analysis 2026

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 →

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VYM or SO better for dividend income in 2026?
VYM currently offers a 2.91% yield (3.44/share/year) while SO offers 3.42% (2.88/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 VYM vs SO earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: VYM pays approximately $291/year. SO pays approximately $342/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $785/year (VYM) and $614/year (SO).
Does VYM or SO pay monthly dividends?
VYM pays quarterly dividends. SO 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.