CWEN vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 27, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. CWEN offers the higher yield at 5.91%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price).
Key facts: CWEN vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 27, 2026, Clearway Energy, Inc. (CWEN) has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.91%, versus 3.28% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Oct 27, 2026, SmarterDividends grades CWEN's dividend safety C (59/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 27, 2026, CWEN has raised its dividend for 6 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CWEN pays out 237% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 27, 2026, CWEN's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "CWEN vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 27, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/cwen-vs-so
| Metric | CWEN | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 5.91% | 3.28% |
| Annual dividend | $1.86 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 237% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 6 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 11.0% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -17% | 52% |
| Dividend safety score | 59 (C) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $26.97 | $91.60 |
| Upside to fair value | -14% | -1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $7.7B | $106.5B |
| P/E ratio | 40.8 | 22.3 |
Higher yield
CWEN
5.91%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
CWEN
11.0%
Better value
SO
-1% upside
CWEN vs SO — FAQ
Is CWEN or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). CWEN offers the higher yield (5.91%), 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, CWEN or SO?
CWEN has the higher forward dividend yield at 5.91%, versus 3.28% for SO.
Is CWEN or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 59/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is CWEN or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 27, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 1% below its share price (fairly valued). For CWEN, its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.