The Southern Company (SO) vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Over the past 10 years, SO lagged SPY — 10.77% vs 14.89% annualized total return (price plus dividends).

A side-by-side comparison of The Southern Company and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of July 28, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: SO is classified in Utilities; SPY is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnSO vs SPY

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 30y
SO +2777.1%SPY +1866.7%SO compounded faster
01k2k3kStart $100200120062011201620212026$2,877$1,967
SO SPY

Metrics side by side

Did SO beat SPY?

Over the past 10 years, SO lagged SPY — 10.77% vs 14.89% annualized total return (price plus dividends).

Total return (annualized)

MetricSOSPY
Total return (1Y)7.30%17.32%
Total return CAGR (3Y)14.57%18.85%
Total return CAGR (5Y)12.97%12.50%
Total return CAGR (10Y)10.77%14.89%

SPY is an index fund, so valuation, profitability, and per-company growth metrics don't apply — the head-to-head here is total return (price plus reinvested dividends).

Frequently asked

Has SO beaten SPY?
Over the past 10 years, SO lagged SPY — 10.77% vs 14.89% annualized total return (price plus dividends).

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified July 28, 2026.