Southern Past Earnings Performance
Past criteria checks 3/6
Southern has been growing earnings at an average annual rate of 11.6%, while the Electric Utilities industry saw earnings growing at 6.7% annually. Revenues have been growing at an average rate of 4.5% per year. Southern's return on equity is 10.8%, and it has net margins of 15.4%.
Key information
11.57%
Earnings growth rate
10.62%
EPS growth rate
| Electric Utilities Industry Growth | 6.28% |
| Revenue growth rate | 4.50% |
| Return on equity | 10.80% |
| Net Margin | 15.43% |
| Last Earnings Update | 30 Jun 2026 |
Recent past performance updates
Recent updates
Seeking Alpha • Sep 11
Southern Company: ROIC, Electricity Pricing, EV/EBITDA All Agree; Buy
Summary Southern Company remains a core long-term utility holding, benefiting from favorable regulatory environments and disciplined management performance. SO offers a 3.4% yield, 24 years of dividend increases, and is positioned for higher dividend growth as Vogtle project headwinds abate. SO's TTM ROIC leads peers, with stock valuation among the sector's lowest and 3–5 year EPS growth expected at 6–8%. Key risks include rising interest rates and political focus on electricity affordability, but SO's pricing and regulatory positioning mitigate long-term threats. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaAnalysis Article • Jun 18
Southern (SO) Stock Looks Fully Priced After Hatch Nuclear License Renewal
Southern (SO) stock is in focus after regulators approved a 20 year license renewal for the Edwin I. Hatch nuclear plant, extending operations at both reactors into the 2050s. See our latest analysis for Southern. Southern stock has eased in recent weeks, with the share price down 1.9% over the last day and 3.8% over 90 days. Its 1 year total shareholder return of 7.8% and 5 year total shareholder return of 81.1% point to momentum that has built over time alongside recent capital raising...
Narrative Update • Jun 17
SO: Future Dividend Strength Will Reflect Data Center Power And Nuclear Progress
Analysts have maintained their price target on Southern at $101.34. This reflects unchanged views on fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E assumptions following the latest review.Narrative Update • Jun 03
SO: Future Dividend Strength Will Reflect Rate Cuts And Dam Safety Progress
Analysts have trimmed Southern's price target slightly to $101.34 from $101.71, reflecting updated assumptions for the discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E that keep the overall valuation framework largely intact. What's in the News The Georgia Public Service Commission approved a Georgia Power rate reduction plan that is expected to save the typical residential customer about US$50 annually and deliver about US$285 million in total customer savings starting in June 2026, according to recent commission filings.Narrative Update • May 10
SO: Fair Outlook Will Weigh Dividend Support Against Dam Safety Progress
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Southern to $101.71 from $101.87 as small shifts in the discount rate, revenue growth assumptions, profit margin outlook, and future P/E estimates narrow their view of the upside from here. What's in the News Southern Company announced a regular quarterly dividend of $0.76 per share on its common stock, payable June 8, 2026, to shareholders of record as of May 18, 2026, with the annualized dividend rate set at $3.04 per share (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Apr 23
SO: Fair View Will Reflect Dam Safety Progress And Dividend Support
Analysts now see Southern’s fair value edging to about $101.87 from roughly $101.24, reflecting updated assumptions for revenue growth, profit margins, the discount rate, and future P/E. These changes slightly adjust the risk and return trade off you may want to watch.Narrative Update • Apr 07
SO: Fair View Will Reflect Dam Safety Progress And Stable Future P/E
Analysts have nudged their price target on Southern slightly higher to $101.24. This reflects small refinements to their models around the discount rate, long term revenue growth, profit margin assumptions, and future P/E expectations.Narrative Update • Mar 23
SO: Fair Value View Will Reflect Dam Safety Compliance And Higher Future P/E
Analysts have lifted their price target for Southern by $1, reflecting updated assumptions that include a slightly lower discount rate, modestly higher revenue growth expectations, a small adjustment to profit margin forecasts, and a marginally higher future P/E multiple. What's in the News Southern Company Generation Hydro Services received a compliance letter from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Office of Energy Projects Division of Dam Safety and Inspections for the Tallulah Falls Development of the North Georgia Project No. 2354-03, following a March 9, 2026 inspection conducted as part of the 12th Part 12D Independent Consultant’s Safety Inspection Comprehensive Assessment (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Mar 07
SO: Fair Value View Will Reflect Modest Revenue Gains And Higher Future P/E
Analysts have raised their price target on Southern to $100.24 from $98.13, reflecting updated assumptions regarding fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin and future P/E. Valuation Changes Fair Value: updated slightly higher to $100.24 from $98.13.Narrative Update • Feb 21
SO: Fair Value Outlook Will Balance Higher Profitability And Slightly Lower Future P/E
Analysts have reduced their price target for Southern by about $1, reflecting updated assumptions about fair value, discount rate, revenue growth, profit margin, and future P/E expectations. Valuation Changes Fair Value was reduced slightly from $99.23 to $98.13, reflecting updated model inputs.Narrative Update • Dec 04
SO: Composite Equity Units Offering Will Support Future Shareholder Value Upside
Analysts have modestly lowered their price target on Southern by approximately $0.10 to reflect a slightly higher discount rate and marginally less favorable long term valuation assumptions, while leaving core growth and profitability expectations essentially unchanged. What's in the News Southern has completed a $1.75 billion composite equity units offering, issuing 35 million equity derivative units priced at $50 per unit, with a $0.875 discount per security (Key Developments).Narrative Update • Nov 20
SO: Composite Units Offering Is Expected To Drive Shareholder Value Forward
Narrative Update on Southern Analysts have modestly revised their price target for Southern, lowering it by $1.12 per share. This change reflects updated assessments of discount rates, revenue growth, and margin projections.Narrative Update • Nov 05
SO: Recent Equity Offering and Improved Margins Will Shape Future Performance
Analysts have raised their price target for Southern from $100.08 to $100.45 per share. They cited slight improvements in projected profit margins while also noting a marginal reduction in expected revenue growth.Narrative Update • Oct 22
Analysts Lift Southern Price Target on Higher Revenue Growth Despite Lower Margins
Analysts have raised their price target for Southern from $97.15 to $100.08, citing expectations for stronger revenue growth that modestly outweigh a slight decrease in profit margins. Valuation Changes Fair Value has increased modestly, rising from $97.15 to $100.08.Narrative Update • Oct 08
Southeastern US Electrification And Renewables Will Expand Future Markets
Narrative Update on Southern: Analyst Price Target Revision Analysts have slightly increased their price target for Southern by $0.41 to $97.15. This adjustment reflects modest improvements in expected revenue growth, even though the profit margin forecast is marginally lower.Seeking Alpha • Feb 21
Southern Company: Strong 2024 Earnings Reinforce Confidence In The Investment
Summary High-quality utility The Southern Company released its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results yesterday. In this update, I'll take a fresh look at Southern's operating fundamentals, focusing on customer relationships, energy demand, and profitability. I will also provide an update on debt and leverage, largely because of long-term interest rates, which appear rather unfazed by the Federal Reserve's recent rate-cutting measures. I will also touch on recent regulatory changes that should bode well for Southern's longer-term future. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Feb 14
The Southern Company's Good Fuel Mix
Summary The Southern Company, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, operates in regulated utility sectors, primarily electricity but also natural gas. This $95.1 billion market cap company offers a 3.32% dividend. Its stock price increased due to its new nuclear units and heightened growth prospects in the electric utility sector generally. The company's beta is low at 0.51, showing less volatility compared to the overall market, typical for utilities. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 22
SOJF: A 6.5% Investment Grade Baby Bond IPO From The Southern Company
Summary The Southern Company's new 6.50% Junior Subordinated Notes — SOJF — are investment-grade, with a maturity date of 2085 and callable from 2030. SOJF offers a yield to maturity of 6.38% and is fairly priced compared to similar OTC-traded debt issues. SOJF is undervalued compared to similar exchange-traded debt issues, presenting a good diversification opportunity. SO's strong financials and consistent dividend history provide confidence in its ability to cover interest payments on this new debt. SOJF's market cap makes it a potential addition to the ICE Exchange-Listed Preferred & Hybrid Securities Index, influencing its market behavior. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Jan 15
Southern Company: Solid Commercial Data Center Load Trends, Technical Support (Rating Upgrade)
Summary I am upgrading shares of The Southern Company due to a modest undervaluation and improved technical situation. Despite rising interest rates and natural disaster risks, SO's solid earnings growth and high dividend yield make it an attractive investment. SO's Q3 results were strong, with EPS beating estimates and revenue growth driven by higher utility revenues and AI demand. Technical analysis shows SO at key support levels, indicating a potential buying opportunity ahead of its Q4 earnings report next month. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaSeeking Alpha • Nov 01
Southern Company: One Of The Best Utilities At A Lofty Price
Summary The Southern Company has shown remarkable resilience, with a 64% return over three years, driven by demand for energy and successful management of Hurricane Helene's impact. Despite challenges from inflation and rising interest rates, the company expects steady EPS growth of 5-7%, benefiting from economic activity in its operating areas. However, SO stock's current valuation at 23x earnings raises concerns, making it less appealing compared to other income-generating options in the sector. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaRevenue & Expenses Breakdown
Revenue & Expenses Breakdown
How Southern makes and spends money. Based on latest reported earnings, on an LTM basis.
Earnings and Revenue History
| Date | Revenue | Earnings | G+A Expenses | R&D Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jun 26 | 30,179 | 4,658 | -607 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 26 | 30,175 | 4,363 | -609 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 25 | 29,553 | 4,341 | -612 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 25 | 28,913 | 4,459 | -612 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 25 | 28,363 | 4,283 | -610 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 25 | 27,853 | 4,606 | -611 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 24 | 26,724 | 4,401 | -610 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 24 | 26,428 | 4,722 | -605 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 24 | 26,134 | 4,608 | -603 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 24 | 25,419 | 4,243 | -598 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 23 | 25,253 | 3,976 | -595 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 23 | 26,255 | 3,034 | -611 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 23 | 27,653 | 3,085 | -625 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 23 | 29,111 | 3,354 | -641 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 22 | 29,279 | 3,524 | -656 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 22 | 27,999 | 3,396 | -634 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 22 | 25,859 | 3,024 | -612 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 22 | 23,851 | 2,290 | -590 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 21 | 23,113 | 2,393 | -569 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 21 | 22,463 | 2,995 | -531 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 21 | 21,845 | 3,147 | -492 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 21 | 21,267 | 3,386 | -455 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 20 | 20,375 | 3,119 | -415 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 20 | 20,172 | 3,173 | -378 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 20 | 20,547 | 3,237 | -342 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 20 | 21,025 | 3,523 | -303 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 19 | 21,419 | 4,739 | -267 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 19 | 21,842 | 4,576 | -259 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 19 | 22,006 | 4,424 | -251 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 19 | 22,535 | 3,372 | -302 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 18 | 23,495 | 2,226 | -235 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 18 | 23,786 | 2,443 | -176 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 18 | 23,828 | 2,349 | -117 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 18 | 23,632 | 1,122 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 17 | 23,031 | 842 | -235 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 17 | 22,584 | 544 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 17 | 22,647 | 613 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 17 | 21,675 | 2,617 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 16 | 19,896 | 2,448 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 16 | 18,283 | 2,522 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Jun 16 | 17,420 | 2,341 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Mar 16 | 17,298 | 2,348 | 0 | 0 |
| 31 Dec 15 | 17,489 | 2,367 | 0 | 0 |
| 30 Sep 15 | 17,938 | 2,379 | 0 | 0 |
Quality Earnings: SO has high quality earnings.
Growing Profit Margin: SO's current net profit margins (15.4%) are higher than last year (15.1%).
Free Cash Flow vs Earnings Analysis
Past Earnings Growth Analysis
Earnings Trend: SO's earnings have grown by 11.6% per year over the past 5 years.
Accelerating Growth: SO's earnings growth over the past year (8.8%) is below its 5-year average (11.6% per year).
Earnings vs Industry: SO earnings growth over the past year (8.8%) did not outperform the Electric Utilities industry 9.1%.
Return on Equity
High ROE: SO's Return on Equity (10.8%) is considered low.
Return on Assets
Return on Capital Employed
Discover strong past performing companies
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/09/20 01:18 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/09/18 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/06/30 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
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| Ownership | 10 years |
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| Management | 10 years |
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| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
Details of the analysis model used to generate this report is available on our Github page, we also have guides on how to use our reports and tutorials on Youtube.
Learn about the who designed and built the Simply Wall St analysis model.
Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
The Southern Company is covered by 30 analysts. 17 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Jacob Kilstein | Argus Research Company |
| Daniel Ford | Barclays |
| Nicholas Campanella | Barclays |