SO dividend yield: 3.42%. MRK dividend yield: 3.25%. 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. Merck is a Dividend Aristocrat with 14+ consecutive years of increases. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is the world's best-selling cancer drug and drives exceptional cash generation. The company's oncology and vaccines pipeline provides long-term growth visibility beyond the Keytruda patent cliff in the 2030s.
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.
Merck is a Dividend Aristocrat with 14+ consecutive years of increases. Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is the world's best-selling cancer drug and drives exceptional cash generation. The company's oncology and vaccines pipeline provides long-term growth visibility beyond the Keytruda patent cliff in the 2030s.
SO currently offers a 3.42% yield (2.88/share/year) while MRK offers 3.25% (3.08/share/year). SO provides higher current income. However, MRK has grown its dividend faster (8.2% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in SO vs MRK earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: SO pays approximately $342/year. MRK pays approximately $325/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $614/year (SO) and $950/year (MRK).
Does SO or MRK pay monthly dividends?
SO pays quarterly dividends. MRK 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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