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olivLaw · US equity research

SO SO

Electric Services · SIC 4911 · Vertical: Electric Services (SIC 4911)

93.75USD−0.91% · 1 dayClose 03 Nov 2026

Southern Company (SO) is a holding company in the electric services sector that owns three vertically integrated traditional electric utilities, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas. In the first half of 2026, operating revenues were 15.4 billion USD, up 4.2%. Net income attributable to Southern Company was 2.5 billion USD in the first six months.

At the close of 03 Nov 2026, SO (SO) stock was 93.75 USD (−0.91% on the day), with market capitalisation 105.7 bn USD, P/E 24.0 on diluted EPS of 3.90 USD over the last 12 months, dividend yield 3.16%, beta -0.06, 52-week range 82.35–99.11 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q1 2026): revenue of 8.4 bn USD (+8.0% YoY), net income of 1.4 bn USD (+1.6% YoY), diluted EPS 1.20 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
105.7 bn USD
shares as of 31 Mar 2026
P/E (TTM)
24.0
Diluted EPS TTM 3.90 · TTM to 31 Mar 2026
E/P (TTM)
4.16%
TTM to 31 Mar 2026
Dividend yield
3.16%
DPS 12m 2.96
Beta (2y)
-0.06
Volatility (1y) 18%
52-week range
82.3599.11

Price history

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Technical reading

RSI (14)
64.3
strong (55–70)
Bollinger (20, 2)
84.98 – 96.17
in the upper half of the band · %B 0.78 · band width 12.4%
SMA 50 / 200
87.97 / 92.49
mixed trend
MACD (12, 26, 9)
1.88 / 1.53
MACD above signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month+12.0%−2.0%+14.0 pp—
3 months+0.5%−2.2%+2.7 pp—
6 months−2.2%+4.3%−6.5 pp—
Year to date+7.5%+10.6%−3.1 pp—
1 year+0.6%+10.5%−9.8 pp−1.1%
3 years+33.2%+73.7%−40.5 pp+50.4%
5 years+50.0%+61.7%−11.7 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−16.9%
16 Mar 2026 → 28 Sept 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−23.3%
19 Aug 2022 → 12 Oct 2022
Compound annual growth (5y)
+8.4%
S&P 500 +10.1%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q1 2026 · 31 Mar 2026

Revenue
8.4 bn USD
+8.0% YoY
Net income
1.4 bn USD
+1.6% YoY
Diluted EPS
1.20
−0.8% YoY
net / operating
16.1% / 24.0%

Quarterly margins

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ2 '24Q3 '24Q4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26
Revenue6.5 bn7.3 bn6.3 bn7.8 bn7.0 bn7.8 bn7.0 bn8.4 bn
Operating income1.9 bn2.4 bn1.1 bn2.0 bn1.8 bn2.6 bn917.0 m2.0 bn
Depreciation & amortisation1.3 bn ≈1.3 bn ≈1.4 bn1.4 bn1.4 bn ≈1.6 bn ≈1.6 bn1.6 bn
Interest expense694.0 m692.0 m693.0 m714.0 m874.0 m755.0 m895.0 m778.0 m
Pre-tax income1.5 bn1.9 bn545.0 m1.6 bn1.1 bn2.1 bn196.0 m1.6 bn
Income tax290.0 m377.0 m79.0 m280.0 m289.0 m404.0 m-145.0 m228.0 m
Net income1.2 bn1.5 bn534.0 m1.3 bn880.0 m1.7 bn416.0 m1.4 bn
Diluted EPS1.091.390.48 ≈1.210.791.540.37 ≈1.20
Operating cash flow2.7 bn ≈3.6 bn ≈2.2 bn1.3 bn2.2 bn ≈3.8 bn ≈2.6 bn1.2 bn
Capex2.1 bn ≈2.3 bn ≈2.7 bn2.4 bn2.8 bn ≈3.2 bn ≈4.3 bn2.9 bn
Dividends paid754.0 m ≈733.0 m ≈734.0 m736.0 m758.0 m ≈760.0 m ≈761.0 m776.0 m

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 76 percentile of its own 42-quarter history (min 13.0, median 20.7, max 89.3; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year20182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue23.5 bn21.4 bn20.4 bn23.1 bn29.3 bn25.3 bn26.7 bn29.6 bn
Revenue YoY+2.0%−8.8%−4.9%+13.4%+26.7%−13.8%+5.8%+10.6%
Net income2.3 bn4.7 bn3.1 bn2.3 bn3.4 bn4.0 bn4.4 bn4.3 bn
Net income YoY+148.4%+106.3%−34.6%−25.6%+48.5%+16.0%+10.7%−1.4%
Diluted EPS2.174.502.932.243.263.623.993.92
Diluted EPS YoY+158.3%+107.4%−34.9%−23.5%+45.5%+11.0%+10.2%−1.8%
net %9.8%22.1%15.2%10.0%11.7%15.7%16.5%14.7%
Free cash flow-1.1 bn-1.8 bn-826.0 m-1.4 bn-1.6 bn-1.5 bn833.0 m-2.9 bn

Reported results vs expectations

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Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
1.6 bn USD
Financial debt
722.0 m USD
Net debt
-917.0 m USD
Equity
38.9 bn USD
Total assets
155.7 bn USD
Debt / equity
0.02x
Current ratio
0.65x
ROE
11.5%
ROA
2.9%
FCF margin
-9.9%

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Margins

Income statement · USD

Revenue
2023
25.3 bn
2024
26.7 bn
2025
29.6 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Operating income
2023
5.8 bn
2024
7.1 bn
2025
7.3 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Depreciation & amortisation
2023
5.0 bn
2024
5.3 bn
2025
6.0 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

EBITDA
2023
10.8 bn ≈
2024
12.3 bn ≈
2025
13.3 bn ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026derived

Interest expense
2023
2.4 bn
2024
2.7 bn
2025
3.2 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
4.3 bn
2024
5.2 bn
2025
5.0 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Income tax
2023
496.0 m
2024
969.0 m
2025
828.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Net income
2023
4.0 bn
2024
4.4 bn
2025
4.3 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
3.62
2024
3.99
2025
3.92

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
1.1 bn
2024
1.1 bn
2025
1.1 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Dividend per share
2023
2.78
2024
2.86
2025
2.94

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
748.0 m
2024
1.1 bn
2025
1.6 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Current assets
2023
10.4 bn
2024
10.7 bn
2025
10.9 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Property, plant & equipment, net
2023
99.8 bn
2024
—
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 15 Feb 2024verified

Goodwill
2023
5.2 bn
2024
5.2 bn
2025
5.2 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Intangibles (excl. goodwill)
2023
368.0 m
2024
332.0 m
2025
300.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Total assets
2023
139.3 bn
2024
145.2 bn
2025
155.7 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Accounts payable
2023
2.9 bn
2024
3.7 bn
2025
3.7 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Short-term debt
2023
2.3 bn
2024
1.3 bn
2025
722.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Current liabilities
2023
13.5 bn
2024
16.0 bn
2025
16.9 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Total liabilities
2023
104.1 bn
2024
108.5 bn
2025
116.9 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Equity
2023
35.2 bn
2024
36.7 bn
2025
38.9 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Operating cash flow
2023
7.6 bn
2024
9.8 bn
2025
9.8 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Capex
2023
9.1 bn
2024
9.0 bn
2025
12.7 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Free cash flow
2023
-1.5 bn ≈
2024
833.0 m ≈
2025
-2.9 bn ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026derived

Investing cash flow
2023
-9.7 bn
2024
-9.4 bn
2025
-14.0 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Financing cash flow
2023
999.0 m
2024
-208.0 m
2025
4.7 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Dividends paid
2023
3.0 bn
2024
3.0 bn
2025
3.0 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 19 Feb 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
10.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue CAGR 3Y
0.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Revenue CAGR 5Y
7.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EBIT growth (YoY)
3.1%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income growth (YoY)
-1.4%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income CAGR 3Y
8.2%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Net income CAGR 5Y
6.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EPS growth (YoY)
-1.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
6.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
EPS CAGR 5Y
6.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
FCF growth (YoY)
-452.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2025

Profitability

Gross margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBITDA margin
44.7%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
EBIT margin
24.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Net margin
14.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
FCF margin
-11.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026

Returns

ROE
11.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
ROA
2.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
ROIC
16.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
ROCE
5.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
75.8%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Payout ratio (FCF)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive

Balance sheet

Net debt
692.0 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Net debt / EBITDA
0.1x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Debt / equity
0.0x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Interest coverage
2.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026

Liquidity

Current ratio
0.7x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Quick ratio
unavailable
input data missing
Cash ratio
0.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026

Cash

Operating cash flow
9.8 bn USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Capital expenditure
13.2 bn USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Free cash flow
-3.5 bn USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
FCF conversion
-79.4%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Cash conversion
72.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Days payables outstanding
unavailable
input data missing

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
105.7 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Enterprise value
106.4 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Market cap / net income TTM
24.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
P/E (TTM)
24.0x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Earnings yield
4.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
P/B
2.6x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
P/S
3.5x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
EV/EBITDA
7.9x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
EV/EBIT
14.6x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
EV/Sales
3.5x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
P/FCF
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
FCF yield
-3.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Dividend yield
3.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Shareholder yield (distributions)
2.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026

3 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Neutral profile

Score: 60 / 100

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

Closing price

93.75 USD

03 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 105.7 bn USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
105.7 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
P/E (TTM)
24.0x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
P/B
2.6x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
EV/EBITDA
7.9x
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
ROE
11.3%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026 · balance sheet at 31 Mar 2026
Net margin
14.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026
Revenue growth (YoY)
10.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Dividend yield
3.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 31 Mar 2026

Coverage and freshness

28/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 31 Mar 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 31 Mar 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 31 Mar 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 30 Apr 2026
verified 2346derived 179

Score by group

  • Balance sheet54
  • Valuation64
  • Quality85
  • Growth46
  • Returns58

Estimated value range

Low
80.40
USD per share
Mid
89.96
USD per share
High
100.33
USD per share
Price: 93.75 USD
The price is within the range
Potential to the central value: -4.0% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: -4.2% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: low · 3 methods used · 2 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 38.63 – 167.17 USD.

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · the base of the ratio is not positive
  • Dividend discount (DDM)38.63 – 51.96 (Mid 44.32)
  • Peers: EV/EBITDA126.23 – 167.17 (Mid 152.71)
    10 companies used · median multiple 12.8x · quartiles 10.6x – 14.0x
    AEP, CEG, CNP, D, EIX, ES, ETR, NEE, NRG, VST
  • Peers: P/E80.40 – 100.33 (Mid 89.96)
    11 companies used · median multiple 23.0x · quartiles 20.6x – 25.7x
    AEP, CEG, CNP, D, ES, ETR, FE, NEE, NRG, PPL, VST
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Electric Services (SIC 4911)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Neutral profile · Score 60/100

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROIC · Quality16.2%100 (vs peers)6%
Net margin · Quality14.5%69 (vs peers)6%
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth0.3%23 (on a fixed band)6%
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth6.3%63 (on a fixed band)9%
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheet0.1x100 (vs peers)13%
Interest coverage · Balance sheet2.2x20 (on a fixed band)11%
Current ratio · Balance sheet0.7x0 (on a fixed band)4%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation24.0x42 (vs peers)13%
EV/EBITDA · Valuation7.9x91 (vs peers)11%
Dividend yield · Returns3.2%58 (vs peers)15%
Payout ratio (EPS) · Returns75.8%57 (on a fixed band)6%

Score groups

  • Balance sheet54/100 · 3/3 factors with a value
  • Growth46/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Quality85/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Returns58/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Valuation64/100 · 2/2 factors with a value

Memo

SOUTHERN CO (SO). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-03-31.

Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 29.6 bn USD in 2025; YoY growth 10.6%; net margin 14.5%; ROE 11.3%; net debt/EBITDA 0.1x.

The estimated value range is 80.40–100.33 USD per share (median of 3 methods, agreement: low); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 89.96 USD, the price of 93.75 USD leaves a potential of -4.0% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of -4.2% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

olivLaw score 60/100, methodological classification: neutral profile (score, margin of safety and method agreement together; not a judgement of the right price). Not investment advice.

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • ROIC: 16.2%
  • Net debt / EBITDA: 0.1x
  • EV/EBITDA: 7.9x

What contradicts it

  • Revenue CAGR 3Y: 0.3%
  • Interest coverage: 2.2x
  • Current ratio: 0.7x
  • The valuation methods diverge

Versus the vertical median

Electric Services (SIC 4911) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 13 companies

Only companies with a capitalisation between 13.2 bn and 846.1 bn (within 8× of the company's); 39 of the vertical were left out.

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
24.0x
vertical median 22.4x
above median (+7.1%)
EV/EBITDA
7.9x
vertical median 13.4x
below median (−41.1%)
P/S
3.5x
vertical median 3.0x
above median (+18.5%)
P/B
2.6x
vertical median 2.4x
above median (+9.0%)
ROE
11.3%
vertical median 11.1%
at median
Net margin
14.5%
vertical median 11.6%
above median (+25.2%)
EBIT margin
24.2%
vertical median 22.5%
above median (+7.4%)
Revenue YoY
10.6%
vertical median 9.8%
above median (+8.4%)
Net debt/EBITDA
0.1x
vertical median 5.4x
below median (−99.0%)
Dividend yield
3.2%
vertical median 3.0%
above median (+5.5%)

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
NEENextera Energy Inc175.9 bn21.415.6%31.5%+9.8%−2% / +44%
SOSouthern Co105.7 bn24.011.3%14.5%+10.6%+1% / +33%
CEGConstellation Energy Corporation93.3 bn25.715.3%11.1%+8.3%−28% / +118%
AEPAmerican Electric Power Company, Inc.70.7 bn19.012.8%16.9%+10.9%+5% / +63%
DDominion Energy, Inc58.7 bn19.810.5%16.9%+14.2%+6% / +47%
ETREntergy Corp49.9 bn27.711.1%13.6%+9.0%+12% / +115%
VSTVistra Operations Company LLC46.9 bn23.043.1%11.6%+3.0%−22% / +294%
CNPCenterpoint Energy Inc27.8 bn26.19.6%11.4%+8.3%+6% / +50%
FEFirstenergy Corp27.3 bn25.78.4%6.9%+12.0%−1% / +28%
PPLPPL Corp26.9 bn21.88.3%13.1%+6.9%−3% / +37%
ESEversource Energy26.0 bn17.99.1%10.4%+13.8%+3% / +16%
EIXEdison International22.9 bn6.320.8%19.6%+9.8%+1% / −11%
NRGNRG Energy, Inc20.2 bn24.923.8%2.6%+9.2%−43% / +101%
TLNTalen Energy Corporation15.5 bn—-16.7%-6.4%+22.0%−9% / +523%

1- and 3-year price returns: for SO from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.

Bear
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Base
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Bull
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Nothing is saved.

Estimated price (USD)

Estimated priceBearBaseBull
1 years
52.62
Total return -42% · Per year -42%
93.23
Total return 3% · Per year 3%
140.69
Total return 54% · Per year 54%
3 years
46.86
Total return -43% · Per year -17%
93.81
Total return 10% · Per year 3%
156.04
Total return 78% · Per year 21%
5 years
41.73
Total return -45% · Per year -11%
94.39
Total return 16% · Per year 3%
173.05
Total return 106% · Per year 16%
What moves the 3-year price the most
  • Exit P/E± 23.45
  • Net margin± 16.42
  • Annual revenue growth± 14.04
  • Annual dilution± 1.38

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

In brief

Southern Company (SO) is a holding company in the electric services sector that owns three vertically integrated traditional electric utilities, Southern Power, and Southern Company Gas. In the first half of 2026, operating revenues were 15.4 billion USD, up 4.2% 3. Net income attributable to Southern Company was 2.5 billion USD in the first six months 2.

SWOT

Strengths

  • A broad regional customer base and growing demand provide revenue from regulated activities.
  • Long-term contracts at Southern Power provide high coverage of investment in generation assets.
  • The integrated structure of generation, transmission and distribution allows coordinated system operation.

Weaknesses

  • The large investment needs could place pressure on financing and debt levels.
  • Cost recovery depends on regulatory approvals, which may delay or reduce rate increases.
  • Some natural gas investments have been challenged in court, adding uncertainty to revenues.

Opportunities

  • Contracts with data centers and other large customers could significantly expand the revenue base.
  • Storage projects and turbine upgrades could add new generating capacity.
  • Economic growth in the Southeastern United States could support long-term demand.

Threats

  • Environmental compliance costs could rise faster than approved rates.
  • Changes to tax incentives for renewable energy could reduce project profitability.
  • Political pressure and customer opposition to rate increases could limit revenue growth.

Risks

  • Cost recovery through rateshigh

    Regulators may alter the timing or amount of costs recoverable through rates, which could affect profitability.

  • Environmental and ARO costshigh

    Compliance with air, water and coal ash rules requires significant investment, and recovery of these costs is not assured.

  • Greenhouse gas policymedium

    Emission reduction goals could prove difficult to achieve, and associated costs may not be fully recovered.

  • Federal tax changesmedium

    Changes to tax credits for renewable energy could affect revenues from Southern Power projects.

  • Large construction project executionmedium

    Delays or cost overruns on major projects could reduce returns on investment and add financing pressure.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • If data center demand materializes under the signed contracts, regulated revenues could grow steadily over several years.
  • High contract coverage at Southern Power could provide predictability for generation revenues.
  • If regulators continue approving recovery of investment costs, the asset base could generate earnings growth.

What would break the thesis

  • If regulators limit rates because of affordability concerns, revenues could lag behind the investments made.
  • Environmental and compliance costs could rise more than expected, compressing profit margins.
  • If large projects are delayed or exceed budget, returns on investment could be reduced.

What to watch

  • Illinois Supreme Court decision on the Nicor Gas capital structure petitionQ3 2026
  • Quarterly results and updated 2026 outlookQ3 2026
  • Commencement of service under the large load data center contracts2028

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

The business

Southern Company is a holding company that owns all outstanding common stock of three traditional electric utilities, Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power, which provide electric service to retail customers in three Southeastern states 1. It also owns Southern Power, which develops and operates generation assets, including battery energy storage projects, and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market 1. Southern Company Gas distributes natural gas in four states, serving approximately 4.4 million customers 1.

Segments

Southern Power

Southern Power sells electricity in the wholesale market, mainly under long-term fixed-price contracts. At June 30, 2026, its investment coverage ratio was 97% through 2030 2. The company has announced turbine upgrade projects at its Franklin and Wansley gas facilities that could add incremental capacity if completed on schedule 2.

Market context

The company operates in the Southeastern United States, where management describes strong economic development and power demand 3. Demand from data centers and other large load customers has produced contracts covering about nine GWs, which could support revenue growth if investments and rates are recovered 1.

Trends

  • Rising electricity demandtailwind

    Projections point to significant demand growth led by data centers, which could support revenues of electric utilities if investments are recovered through rates.

  • Rate and affordability pressureheadwind

    Rates may face resistance because of rising costs and affordability concerns for customers, which could limit cost recovery.

  • Climate policy and GHG goalsmixed

    Emission reduction goals and GHG regulation could raise compliance costs, though they may also support demand for carbon-free sources.

  • Changes in federal renewable incentivesmixed

    Federal changes to tax incentives for renewable energy could affect project returns, while they may also create storage investment opportunities.

Competitive position

Southern Company operates in regulated markets and in the competitive wholesale market, where it competes with independent power producers and other energy providers. Sources also point to competition from new alternative energy sources and storage technologies 3.

  • Other Southeastern electric utilities

    Utilities serving the same region and participating in the Southeast energy market.

  • Independent power producers

    Operators selling power in the wholesale market and competing with Southern Power through PPAs.

  • Alternative energy providers

    New energy sources and storage technologies that could compete with traditional generation assets.

  • Natural gas distributors

    Companies distributing natural gas in the same regions and competing for customers in choice markets.

News & filings

In the press

SEC filings

  • Current report22 Oct 2026
    Amendments to articles or bylaws · Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report06 Aug 2026
    Creation of a direct financial obligation · Item 3.02 · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report04 Aug 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report03 Aug 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report08 Jun 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report15 May 2026
    Shareholder vote · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Proxy statement03 Apr 2026
  • Current report19 Mar 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Departure or appointment of officers
  • Current report06 Nov 2025
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / SO · 19 Feb 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / SO · 30 Jul 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / SO · 30 Jul 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.