ORA vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SO (The Southern Company) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 7 of 8 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.26%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price).
Key facts: ORA vs SO
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Nov 5, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.26%, versus 0.51% for Ormat Technologies, Inc. (ORA).
- As of Nov 5, 2026, SmarterDividends grades ORA's dividend safety A (80/100) and SO's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Nov 5, 2026, ORA has raised its dividend for 0 consecutive years and SO for 25.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ORA pays out 24% of its earnings as dividends and SO pays out 72%.
- As of Nov 5, 2026, ORA's fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price and SO's fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "ORA vs SO: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Nov 5, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/ora-vs-so
| Metric | ORA | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 0.51% | 3.26% |
| Annual dividend | $0.48 | $3.04 |
| Payout ratio | 24% | 72% |
| Years of growth | 0 yr | 25 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 1.8% | 3.0% |
| 5-yr total return | 19% | 53% |
| Dividend safety score | 80 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $53.30 | $91.57 |
| Upside to fair value | -42% | -3% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $5.7B | $108.5B |
| P/E ratio | 45.0 | 22.7 |
Higher yield
SO
3.26%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
SO
3.0%
Better value
SO
-3% upside
ORA vs SO — FAQ
Is ORA or SO a better dividend stock?
On the data, SO wins more head-to-head categories (7 vs 1). SO offers the higher yield (3.26%), 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, ORA or SO?
SO has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.26%, versus 0.51% for ORA.
Is ORA or SO safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 80/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is ORA or SO better value right now?
As of Nov 5, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 3% below its share price (fairly valued). For ORA, its fair-value estimate is 42% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.