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SO

Southern Company

S&P 500
SO|Utilities|Utilities - Regulated Electric|$93.98|P/E 25.0|MCap 110.9B|NYSE

Last update: Mar 25, 2026 at 04:53

About Southern Company

Southern Company is a holding company that generates and sells electricity through its subsidiaries. It operates across three primary segments: Traditional Electric Operating Companies, which are vertically integrated utilities owning generation, transmission, and distribution facilities serving retail and wholesale electric customers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi; Southern Power, which develops, owns, and operates power generation assets including natural gas, renewables, and battery energy storage projects sold primarily under long-term contracts across the US; and Southern Company Gas, which provides energy-related products and services in natural gas choice markets and distributes natural gas in four states. The company supplies electricity to approximately 9 million customers, with a focus on regulated rate base expansion, grid modernization, and meeting growing demand from commercial loads such as data centers and industrial developments through large-load contracts. Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Southern Company plays a vital role in the US utilities sector by ensuring reliable power delivery and supporting regional economic growth.

Dividend Overview

Dividend Yield

2.99%

Annual Dividend

$2.96

Frequency

Quarterly

Payout Ratio

75.00%

FCF Payout Ratio

-102.73%

Stock Price

$93.98

52-Week Range

$83.09 $100.84

Dividend Health Score

60/ 100Safe

SO's dividend appears safe and well-supported. Strengths include a 75.0% earnings payout ratio & 30.0% cfo payout ratio. Areas of concern: -102.7% fcf payout ratio & 2.5x interest coverage. As a utility, higher payout ratios and leverage are typical for this regulated sector.

Based on 15 of 15 metrics

Payout & Coverage

Caution
Earnings Payout Ratio
75.0%Safe
FCF Payout Ratio
-102.7%Danger
CFO Payout Ratio
30.0%Safe
Interest Coverage
2.5xWarning

Balance Sheet

Caution
Net Debt / Total Assets
46.5%Caution
Current Ratio
0.6xDanger
Debt-to-Equity
190.6Safe

Profitability

Safe
Return on Equity
11.0%Caution
Operating Margin
12.7%Caution
Gross Margin
40.0%Safe
Profit Margin Stability
StableSafe

Dividend Track Record

Very Safe
Dividend Streak
11+ yrsVery Safe
Dividend Cut
NoneVery Safe
5-Year Dividend CAGR
3.0%Caution
Earnings Stability
GrowingVery Safe

Dividend History (2016–2025)

SO annual dividend per share and yield history

Earnings & Profitability

SO earnings per share and net profit margin

Key Dates

Next Ex-Dividend Date

February 17, 2026

Next Payment Date

March 6, 2026

Dividend Growth

3-Year Dividend CAGR

2.88%

5-Year Dividend CAGR

2.97%

10-Year Dividend CAGR

3.17%

3-Year Total Growth

8.89%

5-Year Total Growth

15.75%

10-Year Total Growth

36.59%

Income Calculator

SO Dividend Calculator

Total Investment

$9,398.00

Annual Income

$296.00

Quarterly Income

$74.00

Monthly Income

$24.67

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is SO's current dividend yield?
Southern Company (SO) currently has a dividend yield of 2.99%, based on a stock price of $93.98 and an annual dividend of $2.96.
When is SO's next dividend payment date?
SO's next ex-dividend date is 2026-02-17 and the next payment date is 2026-03-06. You must own the stock before the ex-dividend date to receive the upcoming payment.
How much does SO pay in dividends per year?
Southern Company paid $2.94 per share in annual dividends in 2025. The dividends are paid quarterly.
Has SO been increasing its dividend?
Southern Company has grown its dividend at a 5-year CAGR of 2.97% and a 10-year CAGR of 3.17%.
Is SO's dividend safe?
Southern Company has a payout ratio of 75.00%. The payout ratio is moderate. Monitor earnings to ensure sustainability.
How is SO's Dividend Health Score calculated?
The Dividend Health Score evaluates Southern Company's dividend sustainability across four categories: Payout & Coverage (40%), Balance Sheet (20%), Profitability (20%), and Dividend Track Record (20%). Each metric is rated from "Very Safe" to "Danger" based on industry-standard thresholds, with sector-specific adjustments for utilities companies. The overall score ranges from 0 to 100.

Want to understand how we rate dividend safety? Read our full methodology

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This page is not investment advice. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Always do your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Financial data, including dividend history, earnings, balance sheet metrics, and the Dividend Health Score, is provided for informational purposes only. Data may be delayed or differ from official filings. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always verify with official sources before making investment decisions.

Market data provided by Twelve Data.