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SO vs HTGC: Dividend Comparison 2026

SO yields 3.42% · HTGC yields 10.22% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 HTGC wins by $31.9K in total portfolio value
10 years
SO
The Southern Company
3.42%
Share price
$84.20
Annual div
$2.88
5Y div CAGR
3.1%
Payout ratio
72%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$21.7K
Annual income
$613.85
Full SO calculator →
HTGC
Hercules Capital Inc.
10.22%
Share price
$18.40
Annual div
$1.88
5Y div CAGR
4.2%
Payout ratio
90%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$53.7K
Annual income
$3,064.35
Full HTGC calculator →

Portfolio growth — SO vs HTGC

Annual dividend income

MetricSOHTGC
Forward yield3.42%10.22%
Annual dividend / share$2.88$1.88
Payout ratio72%90%
1-year div growth3%5.6%
5-year div CAGR3.1%4.2%
Portfolio after 10y$21.7K$53.7K
Annual income after 10y$613.85$3,064.35
Total dividends collected$4.7K$19.5K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorUtilitiesBDC

Year-by-year: SO vs HTGC ($10,000, DRIP)

YearSO PortfolioSO Income/yrHTGC PortfolioHTGC Income/yrGap
1$10,833$352.65$12,045$1,064.65$1.2KHTGC
2$11,728$375.81$14,442$1,216.94$2.7KHTGC
3$12,692$400.29$17,242$1,384.73$4.5KHTGC
4$13,727$426.14$20,501$1,568.89$6.8KHTGC
5$14,839$453.42$24,280$1,770.26$9.4KHTGC
6$16,034$482.21$28,649$1,989.67$12.6KHTGC
7$17,316$512.58$33,685$2,227.97$16.4KHTGC
8$18,692$544.59$39,472$2,485.98$20.8KHTGC
9$20,167$578.32$46,104$2,764.50$25.9KHTGC
10$21,749$613.85$53,687$3,064.35$31.9KHTGC

SO vs HTGC: Complete Analysis 2026

SOUtilities

Southern Company is a Dividend Aristocrat with 23+ consecutive years of increases. It serves 9M+ customers across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi through its regulated electric and gas utilities. Vogtle Unit 4 nuclear plant completion in 2024 adds decades of low-carbon baseload generation capacity.

Full SO Calculator →

HTGCBDC

Hercules Capital specializes in lending to venture-backed technology and life sciences companies. This unique focus allows it to capture higher yields than traditional BDCs. Strong origination network with leading VC firms. HTGC pays regular plus supplemental dividends, making total yield among the highest in BDC space.

Full HTGC Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SO or HTGC better for dividend income in 2026?
SO currently offers a 3.42% yield (2.88/share/year) while HTGC offers 10.22% (1.88/share/year). HTGC provides higher current income. However, HTGC has grown its dividend faster (4.2% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in SO vs HTGC earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: SO pays approximately $342/year. HTGC pays approximately $1022/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $614/year (SO) and $3,064/year (HTGC).
Does SO or HTGC pay monthly dividends?
SO pays quarterly dividends. HTGC pays quarterly dividends. Neither pay monthly — both use a quarterly schedule, which is preferred by investors who need regular cash flow.
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⚠️ Educational purposes only. Not financial advice. All projections use historical data; actual results will vary.