rising utility dividend outperforms bond substitute
Southern Company (SO) is one of my most trusted holdings because it’s paying rising dividends (a recent 2.7% hike took it from about $3,300 to ~$3,400 per year) and has served as the portfolio’s “bond portion” with strong total returns versus bonds.
Southern Company recently raised its dividend 2.7%, lifting annual income from about $3,300 to ~$3,400, while delivering stronger total returns than bonds over the holding period. The combination of dividend growth and bond-like stability reinforces its trusted anchor status.