The Southern Company (SO): A Hidden Gem in the Dividend Champions List

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) is included among the Best Dividend Stocks for a Dividend Champions List.

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) runs electric and gas utilities, but its operations don’t stop there. It also provides fiber-optic and wireless communication services and is active in wholesale energy sales. Altogether, it serves more than 9 million people across the Southeast.

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) has carved out a leading role in nuclear energy. Through its arm, Southern Nuclear, it oversees eight reactors at three different facilities. That includes Vogtle Units 3 and 4, brought online in 2023 and 2024. These projects stand out as the first commercial reactors built in the US in roughly thirty years.

Utility stocks are usually seen as steady investments, largely because energy demand is constant and regulation helps keep prices predictable while ensuring ongoing investment in infrastructure. The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) has built a solid reputation on that front, with 24 years of back-to-back dividend increases and a remarkable record of paying dividends without interruption for 78 years. The company’s quarterly dividend comes in at $0.74 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.15%, as of October 2.

While we acknowledge the potential of SO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 12 Best REIT Dividend Stocks to Buy Now and 11 Best Affordable Dividend Stocks to Buy Now.

Disclosure: None.