SO vs WEC
The Southern Company compared with WEC Energy Group, Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
SO
The Southern Company
TTM yield · Quarterly
WEC
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- WEC yields more today: 3.56% vs 3.42% (forward).
- WEC has grown its payout faster: 7.1%/yr vs 2.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- SO has the longer streak of annual increases: 25 years vs 22.
- Over the last year WEC delivered the higher total return: +4.0% vs -0.3% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | SO | WEC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $88.99 | $107.06 |
| TTM yield | 3.37% | 3.50% |
| Forward yield | 3.42% | 3.56% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.04 | $3.812 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Nov 16, 2026 (est.) | Nov 14, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 72% | 72% |
| 1-year payout growth | +2.7% | +6.8% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +2.9% | +7.1% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 25 years | 22 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 97/100 | 94/100 |
| 1-year total return | -0.3% | +4.0% |
| 1-year price return | -3.6% | +0.5% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 102.4B | 34.9B |
| Years paying | 44.6 | 39.8 |
| Payout risk (heuristic) | Low | Low |
| Sector / category | Utilities | Utilities |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| SO | WEC | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 112.4 | 93.4 |
| Income per year | $342 | $356 |
| Income per month (avg) | $28 | $30 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO Nov 16, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | $0.76 | Est. |
| SO Feb 15, 2027 | Mar 1, 2027 | $0.76 | Est. |
| SO May 17, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | $0.76 | Est. |
| WEC Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | $0.953 | Est. |
| WEC Feb 14, 2027 | Feb 28, 2027 | $0.953 | Est. |
| WEC May 17, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | $0.953 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
SOWEC
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, SO or WEC?
WEC currently has the higher trailing yield: SO yields 3.37% and WEC yields 3.50%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do SO and WEC pay?
SO pays every quarter and WEC pays every quarter. SO's next ex-date is Nov 16, 2026 and WEC's is Nov 14, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, SO or WEC?
WEC has grown its payout faster: 7.1%/yr vs 2.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is SO or WEC better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. SO and WEC differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.