HTO vs SO: Which Is the Better Dividend Stock?
As of September 2026, HTO (H2O America) screens as the stronger dividend stock, winning 4 of 7 head-to-head metrics. SO offers the higher yield at 3.44%, HTO has the higher dividend-safety score, and HTO trades at the larger discount to fair value (+24%).
| Metric | HTO | SO |
|---|---|---|
| Forward yield | 2.77% | 3.44% |
| 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 | -4% | 42% |
| Dividend safety score | 90 (A) | 90 (A) |
| Fair value estimate | $78.87 | $96.33 |
| Upside to fair value | +24% | +9% |
| Frequency | quarterly | quarterly |
| Market cap | $2.7B | $102.1B |
| P/E ratio | 22.3 | 21.3 |
Higher yield
SO
3.44%
Safer dividend
HTO
Grade A
Faster growth
HTO
5.6%
Better value
HTO
+24% upside
HTO vs SO — FAQ
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