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SO vs MSFT: Dividend Comparison 2026

SO yields 3.42% · MSFT yields 0.72% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers
After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled
🏆 MSFT wins by $55.1K 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 →
MSFT
Microsoft Corporation
0.72%
Share price
$415.20
Annual div
$3.00
5Y div CAGR
10.2%
Payout ratio
24%
After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP
Portfolio value
$76.9K
Annual income
$198.68
Full MSFT calculator →

Portfolio growth — SO vs MSFT

Annual dividend income

MetricSOMSFT
Forward yield3.42%0.72%
Annual dividend / share$2.88$3.00
Payout ratio72%24%
1-year div growth3%10.5%
5-year div CAGR3.1%10.2%
Portfolio after 10y$21.7K$76.9K
Annual income after 10y$613.85$198.68
Total dividends collected$4.7K$1.3K
Payment frequencyquarterlyquarterly
SectorUtilitiesTechnology

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

YearSO PortfolioSO Income/yrMSFT PortfolioMSFT Income/yrGap
1$10,833$352.65$12,290$79.62$1.5KMSFT
2$11,728$375.81$15,094$88.32$3.4KMSFT
3$12,692$400.29$18,528$97.90$5.8KMSFT
4$13,727$426.14$22,731$108.46$9.0KMSFT
5$14,839$453.42$27,874$120.09$13.0KMSFT
6$16,034$482.21$34,167$132.92$18.1KMSFT
7$17,316$512.58$41,865$147.05$24.5KMSFT
8$18,692$544.59$51,280$162.62$32.6KMSFT
9$20,167$578.32$62,793$179.77$42.6KMSFT
10$21,749$613.85$76,869$198.68$55.1KMSFT

SO vs MSFT: 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 →

MSFTTechnology

Microsoft has grown its dividend 10%+ annually for a decade, making it one of the best dividend growth stories in tech. Azure cloud dominance and AI integration (Copilot) drive strong cash generation. Low payout ratio of ~24% means dividends are extremely safe with significant room to grow.

Full MSFT Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SO or MSFT better for dividend income in 2026?
SO currently offers a 3.42% yield (2.88/share/year) while MSFT offers 0.72% (3.00/share/year). SO provides higher current income. However, MSFT has grown its dividend faster (10.2% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.
How much would $10,000 in SO vs MSFT earn per year?
With $10,000 invested today: SO pays approximately $342/year. MSFT pays approximately $72/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $614/year (SO) and $199/year (MSFT).
Does SO or MSFT pay monthly dividends?
SO pays quarterly dividends. MSFT 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.