AVA vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, AVA and SO are closely matched. AVA offers the higher yield at 5.30%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and AVA trades at the larger discount to fair value (+32%).
| Metric | AVA | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.30% | 3.46% |
| Annual dividend | $1.97 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 71% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 23 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.9% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -6% | 41% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $49.60 | $96.70 |
| Upside to fair value | +32% | +10% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.1B | $100.3B |
| P/E ratio | 13.4 | 21.2 |
Higher yield
AVA
5.30%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
AVA
3.9%
Better value
AVA
+32% upside
AVA vs SO — FAQ
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