AVA vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of July 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. AVA offers the higher yield at 4.70%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and AVA trades at the larger discount to fair value (+7%).
| Metric | AVA | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.70% | 3.19% |
| Annual dividend | $1.97 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 78% | 76% |
| Years of growth | 23 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.9% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -0% | 45% |
| Dividend safety score | 87 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $44.79 | $93.61 |
| Upside to fair value | +7% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.4B | $106.5B |
| P/E ratio | 16.6 | 24.4 |
Higher yield
AVA
4.70%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
AVA
3.9%
Better value
AVA
+7% upside
AVA vs SO — FAQ
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.