Utility Southern Co. said late Monday it has increased its dividend by 8 cents a share on an annualized basis to $2.40 a share. That's the 17th straight year that Southern raises its dividend. The company's regular quarterly dividend, including the increase of 2 cents a share over the prior quarter, of 60 cents a share, is payable June 6 to shareholders of record as of May 21. Shares of Southern rose 0.1% in late trading after ending the regular session up 2.6%.