SO vs WTRG: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of Oct 24, 2026, WTRG (Essential Utilities, Inc.) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. WTRG offers the higher yield at 3.35%, SO has the higher dividend-safety score, and SO looks like the better value (its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price).
Key facts: SO vs WTRG
Data as of · Source: SmarterDividends data
- As of Oct 24, 2026, Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG) has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 3.27% for The Southern Company (SO).
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SmarterDividends grades SO's dividend safety A (90/100) and WTRG's A (90/100).
- By SmarterDividends' count as of Oct 24, 2026, SO has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years and WTRG for 34.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SO pays out 72% of its earnings as dividends and WTRG pays out 70%.
- As of Oct 24, 2026, SO's fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price and WTRG's fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price, so SO looks like the better value of the two on SmarterDividends' blended model.
Cite this page
SmarterDividends, "SO vs WTRG: Dividend Yield, Safety & Value Compared," updated Oct 24, 2026, https://smarterdividends.com/compare/so-vs-wtrg
| Metric | SO | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 3.27% | 3.35% |
| Annual dividend | $3.04 | $1.44 |
| Payout ratio | 72% | 70% |
| Years of growth | 25 yr | 34 yr |
| 5-yr dividend growth | 3.0% | 6.6% |
| 5-yr total return | 52% | -9% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $91.15 | $33.68 |
| Upside to fair value | -2% | -22% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $106.9B | $12.2B |
| P/E ratio | 22.6 | 22.0 |
Higher yield
WTRG
3.35%
Safer dividend
SO
Grade A
Faster growth
WTRG
6.6%
Better value
SO
-2% upside
SO vs WTRG — FAQ
Is SO or WTRG a better dividend stock?
On the data, WTRG wins more head-to-head categories (4 vs 3). WTRG offers the higher yield (3.35%), 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, SO or WTRG?
WTRG has the higher forward dividend yield at 3.35%, versus 3.27% for SO.
Is SO or WTRG safer?
SO has the higher dividend-safety score (90/100 vs 90/100), reflecting stronger payout coverage and dividend-growth history.
Is SO or WTRG better value right now?
As of Oct 24, 2026, SO looks like the better value: its fair-value estimate is 2% below its share price (fairly valued). For WTRG, its fair-value estimate is 22% below its share price.
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See more dividend stock comparisons · data refreshes daily · for informational purposes only, not investment advice.