AWK vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 5 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.27%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price).
Key facts: AWK vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 2.51% for American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AWK's dividend safety A (85/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, AWK has raised its dividend for 17 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK pays out 59% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, AWK's fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AWK vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/awk-vs-so
| Metric | AWK | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.51% | 3.27% |
| Annual dividend | $3.58 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 59% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 17 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.6% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -15% | 52% |
| Dividend safety score | 85 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $113.04 | $91.15 |
| Upside to fair value | -21% | -2% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $28.4B | $106.9B |
| P/E ratio | 24.7 | 22.6 |
Higher yield
SO
3.27%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
AWK
8.6%
Better value
SO
-2% upside
AWK vs SO — FAQ
Is AWK or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SO offers the higher yield (3.27%), while SO has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AWK or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.27%, versus 2.51% for AWK.
Is AWK or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 85/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AWK or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price (fairly valued). For AWK, its fair-value estimate is 21% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.