ATO vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, ATO (Atmos Energy Corporation) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.26%, ATO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price).
Key facts: ATO vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.26%, versus 2.27% for Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ATO's dividend safety A (95/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, ATO has raised its dividend for 36 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ATO pays out 46% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ATO's fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ATO vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ato-vs-so
| Metric | ATO | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.27% | 3.26% |
| Annual dividend | $4.00 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 46% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 36 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 9.0% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 91% | 53% |
| Dividend safety score | 95 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $141.90 | $91.57 |
| Upside to fair value | -20% | -3% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $29.9B | $108.5B |
| P/E ratio | 21.1 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
SO
3.26%
Safer dividend
ATO
Grade A
Faster growth
ATO
9.0%
Better value
SO
-3% upside
ATO vs SO — FAQ
Is ATO or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, ATO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). SO offers the higher yield (3.26%), while ATO has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, ATO or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.26%, versus 2.27% for ATO.
Is ATO or SO safer?
ATO has the higher dividend-safety score (95/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ATO or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price (fairly valued). For ATO, its fair-value estimate is 20% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.