Duke Energy vs Southern Company (DUK vs SO)
Duke Energy (DUK) vs Southern Company (SO) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.
Duke Energy (DUK) and Southern Company (SO) compete in utilities and renewables. Here are Duke Energy and Southern Company side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Duke Energy or Southern Company.
Duke Energy vs Southern Company: the figures
| Figure | Duke Energy | Southern Company |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $129.59 (November 4, 2026) | $93.12 (November 4, 2026) |
| Market cap | $101.0 billion | $107.1 billion |
| P/E (TTM) | 19.5x | 22.4x |
| Forward P/E | 18.1x | 18.9x |
| Revenue growth (quarter) | +1.1% | +0.1% |
| Net margin (TTM) | 16.0% | 15.4% |
| Net debt / EBITDA | 5.5x | 5.2x |
| Dividend yield | 3.43% | 3.24% |
| Beta | 0.31 | 0.29 |
Duke Energy and Southern Company figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Duke Energy or Southern Company figure is not available, and we never estimate it.
3 key differences between Duke Energy and Southern Company
- Valuation: Southern Company trades at 22.4x its annual earnings and Duke Energy at 19.5x; the market pays more for each dollar of Southern Company profit, usually because it expects more growth.
- Debt: Duke Energy owes 5.5x its annual operating profit (EBITDA), while Southern Company owes 5.2x its EBITDA.
- Dividend: Duke Energy yields 3.43% at today's price and Southern Company yields 3.24%.
Duke Energy or Southern Company: which fits your profile
- If you want growth: Duke Energy is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
- If you want income (dividends): Duke Energy pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
- If you prefer caution: Southern Company has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
- If price is what matters most to you: Duke Energy trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.
Neither Duke Energy nor Southern Company wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.
How Duke Energy and Southern Company make money
Duke Energy (DUK)
Duke Energy is a regulated utility that earns rates approved by state regulators. Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, its largest segment, generates and delivers power in the Carolinas, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Gas Utilities and Infrastructure distributes natural gas, mainly through Piedmont Natural Gas. Full Duke Energy analysis.
Southern Company (SO)
Southern Company owns regulated utilities in the U.S. Southeast: Georgia Power, the largest, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, which charge rates set by regulators. Southern Power sells electricity wholesale, and Southern Company Gas distributes natural gas through companies like Nicor Gas and Atlanta Gas Light. Full Southern Company analysis.
Frequently asked questions: Duke Energy vs Southern Company
Is Duke Energy or Southern Company the better stock?
Choosing between Duke Energy and Southern Company depends on what you are looking for. Duke Energy is growing faster right now, and Duke Energy trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Duke Energy or Southern Company: it shows you the differences so you can decide.
Which pays a higher dividend, Duke Energy or Southern Company?
As of November 4, 2026, Duke Energy yields 3.43% and Southern Company yields 3.24%. Also check how much of their profit Duke Energy and Southern Company pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.
Which is more expensive, Duke Energy or Southern Company?
On P/E, Southern Company (22.4x) is more expensive than Duke Energy (19.5x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.
Can I own both Duke Energy and Southern Company?
Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Duke Energy and Southern Company, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Duke Energy or Southern Company.
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More companies like Duke Energy and Southern Company: utilities and renewables stocks. Educational content about Duke Energy and Southern Company, not investment advice.