GWRS vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 8, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 6 of 8 head-to-head metrics. GWRS offers the higher yield at 4.18%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and GWRS looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price).
Key facts: GWRS vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 8, 2026, Global Water Resources, Inc. (GWRS) has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.18%, versus 3.29% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Nov 8, 2026, SmarterDividends grades GWRS's dividend safety B (68/100) and SO's A (92/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 8, 2026, GWRS has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, GWRS pays out 380% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 68%.
- As of Nov 8, 2026, GWRS's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price, so GWRS looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "GWRS vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 8, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/gwrs-vs-so
| Metric | GWRS | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 4.18% | 3.29% |
| Annual dividend | $0.30 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 380% | 68% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 0.8% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -58% | 51% |
| Dividend safety score | 68 (B) | 92 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $7.14 | $79.02 |
| Upside to fair value | -2% | -14% |
| Frequency | monthly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $217.9M | $107.5B |
| P/E ratio | 91.0 | 21.1 |
Higher yield
GWRS
4.18%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
GWRS
-2% upside
GWRS vs SO — FAQ
Is GWRS or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (6 vs 2). GWRS offers the higher yield (4.18%), 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, GWRS or SO?
GWRS has the higher forward dividend yield at 4.18%, versus 3.29% for SO.
Is GWRS or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (92/100 vs 68/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is GWRS or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 8, 2026, GWRS looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price (fairly valued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 14% below its share price.
Related comparisons
See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.