SO vs WTRG
The Southern Company compared with Essential Utilities, Inc. on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
SO
The Southern Company
TTM yield · Quarterly
WTRG
Essential Utilities, Inc.
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- WTRG yields more today: 3.44% vs 3.42% (forward).
- WTRG has grown its payout faster: 6.4%/yr vs 2.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
- Both pay every quarter.
- WTRG has the longer streak of annual increases: 34 years vs 25.
- Over the last year WTRG delivered the higher total return: +9.7% vs -0.3% (price change plus payouts).
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | SO | WTRG |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $88.99 | $41.94 |
| TTM yield | 3.37% | 3.31% |
| Forward yield | 3.42% | 3.44% |
| Annual payout per share | $3.04 | $1.444 |
| Payment frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Nov 16, 2026 (est.) | Nov 10, 2026 (est.) |
| Payout ratio (earnings) | 72% | 70% |
| 1-year payout growth | +2.7% | +5.2% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +2.9% | +6.4% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 25 years | 34 years |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 97/100 | 95/100 |
| 1-year total return | -0.3% | +9.7% |
| 1-year price return | -3.6% | +6.2% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 102.4B | 11.9B |
| Years paying | 44.6 | 39.6 |
| 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 | WTRG | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 112.4 | 238.4 |
| Income per year | $342 | $344 |
| Income per month (avg) | $28 | $29 |
At forward yields, before taxes. Model SO · Model WTRG
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. |
| WTRG Nov 10, 2026 | Nov 24, 2026 | $0.361 | Est. |
| WTRG Feb 9, 2027 | Feb 23, 2027 | $0.361 | Est. |
| WTRG May 11, 2027 | May 25, 2027 | $0.361 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
SOWTRG
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 WTRG?
SO currently has the higher trailing yield: SO yields 3.37% and WTRG yields 3.31%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do SO and WTRG pay?
SO pays every quarter and WTRG pays every quarter. SO's next ex-date is Nov 16, 2026 and WTRG's is Nov 10, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, SO or WTRG?
WTRG has grown its payout faster: 6.4%/yr vs 2.9%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is SO or WTRG better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. SO and WTRG 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.