HTO vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 19, 2026, HTO (H2O America) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.33%, HTO has the higher dividend-safety score, and HTO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price).
Key facts: HTO vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 19, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.33%, versus 3.05% for H2O America (HTO).
- As of Oct 19, 2026, SmarterDividends grades HTO's dividend safety A (90/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 19, 2026, HTO has raised its dividend for 45 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, HTO pays out 61% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Oct 19, 2026, HTO's fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price, so HTO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "HTO vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 19, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/hto-vs-so
| Metric | HTO | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.05% | 3.33% |
| Annual dividend | $1.76 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 61% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 45 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 5.6% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | -14% | 49% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $61.15 | $91.87 |
| Upside to fair value | +6% | +1% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $2.4B | $104.9B |
| P/E ratio | 20.4 | 22.0 |
Higher yield
SO
3.33%
Safer dividend
HTO
Grade A
Faster growth
HTO
5.6%
Better value
HTO
+6% upside
HTO vs SO — FAQ
Is HTO or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, HTO wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). SO offers the higher yield (3.33%), while HTO has the stronger dividend-safety score. The right pick depends on whether you prioritise income, safety or value.
Which has a higher dividend yield, HTO or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.33%, versus 3.05% for HTO.
Is HTO or SO safer?
HTO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is HTO or SO better value right now?
As of Oct 19, 2026, HTO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 6% above its share price (fairly valued). For SO, its fair-value estimate is 1% above its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.