AWR vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 18, 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 3.33%, AWR has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price).
Key facts: AWR vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 18, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.33%, versus 2.61% for American States Water Company (AWR).
- As of Oct 18, 2026, SmarterDividends grades AWR's dividend safety A (91/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 18, 2026, AWR has raised its dividend for 23 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AWR pays out 55% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 18, 2026, AWR's fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "AWR vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 18, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/awr-vs-so
| Metric | AWR | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.61% | 3.33% |
| Annual dividend | $2.18 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 55% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 23 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 8.7% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -11% | 49% |
| Dividend safety score | 91 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $73.51 | $91.87 |
| Upside to fair value | -12% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $3.3B | $104.9B |
| P/E ratio | 22.9 | 22.0 |
Higher yield
SO
3.33%
Safer dividend
AWR
Grade A
Faster growth
AWR
8.7%
Better value
SO
+1% upside
AWR vs SO — FAQ
Is AWR or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (5 vs 3). SO offers the higher yield (3.33%), while AWR has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, AWR or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.33%, versus 2.61% for AWR.
Is AWR or SO safer?
AWR has the higher dividend-safety score (91/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is AWR or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 18, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price (fairly valued). For AWR, its fair-value estimate is 12% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.