Is SO or T a better dividend investment in 2026?

SO currently yields 3.42% with a 3.1% 5-year dividend growth rate. T yields 6.24% with -8.2% growth. The better choice depends on your goal: T offers higher current income, while SO is better for long-term compounding. Use the DRIP calculator above to model your specific scenario.

What is the dividend yield difference between SO and T?

SO has a forward dividend yield of 3.42% (2.88/share annually). T yields 6.24% (1.11/share annually). The yield gap is 2.82 percentage points.

How much would $10,000 in SO vs T pay in dividends per year?

With $10,000 invested: SO would pay approximately $342/year in dividends. T would pay approximately $624/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these amounts grow substantially due to compounding.

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SO vs T: Dividend Comparison 2026

Q: Does SO or T pay monthly dividends?

SO pays quarterly dividends. T pays quarterly dividends. Monthly payers are preferred by investors who want regular cash flow to cover living expenses.

SO yields 3.42% · T yields 6.24% · See full DRIP projection below

vsEnter any two US tickers

After 10 years · $10,000 invested · DRIP enabled

🏆 SO wins by $12.6K in total portfolio value

INVESTMENT

TIME HORIZON10 years

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 →

AT&T Inc.

6.24%

Share price

$17.80

Annual div

$1.11

5Y div CAGR

-8.2%

Payout ratio

58%

After 10 yrs · $10,000 · DRIP

Portfolio value

$9.1K

Annual income

$432.01

Full T calculator →

Portfolio growth — SO vs T

Annual dividend income

MetricSOT

Forward yield	3.42%	6.24% ✓
Annual dividend / share	$2.88 ✓	$1.11
Payout ratio	72%	58% ✓
1-year div growth	3% ✓	0%
5-year div CAGR	3.1% ✓	-8.2%
Portfolio after 10y	$21.7K ✓	$9.1K
Annual income after 10y	$613.85 ✓	$432.01
Total dividends collected	$4.7K	$5.0K ✓
Payment frequency	quarterly	quarterly
Sector	Utilities	Telecom

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

Year	SO Portfolio	SO Income/yr	T Portfolio	T Income/yr	Gap
1	$10,833	$352.65	$9,962	$572.46	+$871.00 → SO
2	$11,728	$375.81	$9,912	$557.56	+$1.8K → SO
3	$12,692	$400.29	$9,850	$542.34	+$2.8K → SO
4	$13,727	$426.14	$9,776	$526.88	+$4.0K → SO
5	$14,839	$453.42	$9,691	$511.23	+$5.1K → SO
6	$16,034	$482.21	$9,595	$495.45	+$6.4K → SO
7	$17,316	$512.58	$9,489	$479.58	+$7.8K → SO
8	$18,692	$544.59	$9,374	$463.69	+$9.3K → SO
9	$20,167	$578.32	$9,250	$447.82	+$10.9K → SO
10	$21,749	$613.85	$9,118	$432.01	+$12.6K → SO

SO vs T: Complete Analysis 2026

SO — Utilities

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 →

T — Telecom

AT&T is one of the largest telecom companies in the US. After spinning off WarnerMedia in 2022 and cutting its dividend, AT&T has stabilized its payout at $1.11/year. High yield makes it attractive for pure income investors, though dividend growth has been absent. The company is focused on debt reduction and fiber network expansion.

Full T Calculator →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SO or T better for dividend income in 2026?

SO currently offers a 3.42% yield (2.88/share/year) while T offers 6.24% (1.11/share/year). T provides higher current income. However, SO has grown its dividend faster (3.1% 5Y CAGR), which may lead to better long-term income through compounding.

How much would $10,000 in SO vs T earn per year?

With $10,000 invested today: SO pays approximately $342/year. T pays approximately $624/year. With DRIP reinvestment over 10 years, these grow to $614/year (SO) and $432/year (T).

Does SO or T pay monthly dividends?

SO pays quarterly dividends. T 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.