This marks the 75th consecutive year that Southern Company has paid a dividend on its common stock that is equal to or greater than the previous quarter. Additionally, it is the 22nd consecutive year that Southern Company has raised its dividend.
Southern Company also announced today a regular quarterly dividend – including the increase of 2 cents per share over the prior quarter – of 70 cents per share, payable June 6, 2023, to shareholders of record as of May 15, 2023.
"We believe this transaction provides an excellent outcome for all of Triton's stakeholders," commented Brian M. Sondey, Chief Executive Officer of Triton. "The sale price provides significant value to our investors and represents a 35% premium to yesterday's closing share price. For our long-term shareholders, this transaction crystalizes a total shareholder return of approximately 700% since the 2016 merger of Triton and TAL International. For our customers and employees, Brookfield Infrastructure's significant resources and long-term investment horizon will support Triton's franchise, underpin our commitment to providing unrivaled service, and support continued investment in our growing business."
Transaction Consideration
The total consideration of $85.00 per Triton common share ("Triton Share") will consist of $68.50 in cash and $16.50 in BIPC class A exchangeable shares ("BIPC Shares") (NYSE: BIPC, TSX: BIPC). At closing, BIP's equity investment is expected to be approximately $1 billion, inclusive of the BIPC shares.
Approvals and Timing
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2023, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Triton's shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals. The transaction has been unanimously approved and recommended by the Board of Directors of Triton. The transaction has also received all required approvals from Brookfield Infrastructure, is not subject to a financing condition, and is not subject to approval from BIPC shareholders.
Prior to closing, Triton intends to maintain its current quarterly dividend on the Triton common shares. Upon the closing of the transaction, Triton's common shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. Triton's Series A-E cumulative redeemable perpetual preference shares will remain outstanding.
Triton has been my best investment so far, so it is sad to see it go but hey...quite a nice profit coming
The Company will also pay a supplemental distribution of $0.12 per share to holders of its common stock in June 2023. The board of directors will continue to evaluate the amount and timing of any future supplemental distributions in future periods.
Common Stock: $0.08 per share of common stock for each of April, May, and June 2023, and a supplemental distribution of $0.12 per share of common stock in June 2023, payable per the table below.
Record Date | Payment Date | Cash Distribution |
April 21 | April 28 | $ 0.08 |
May 23 | May 31 | $ 0.08 |
June 5 | June 15 | $ 0.12* |
June 21 | June 30 | $ 0.08 |
Total for the Quarter: | $ 0.36 | |
*Denotes supplemental distribution to common stockholders