SOThe Southern Company demonstrates solid fundamental performance with a stable utility business and dividend growth, supported by thematic tailwinds in energy transition. Technicals suggest a neutral to slightly bearish short-term outlook, warranting a 'Buy' rating for income-focused and growth-oriented investors with a long-term perspective.
The Southern Company is well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing energy transition, with significant investments in renewable energy and grid modernization. However, regulatory environments and evolving energy policies present some uncertainty.
The Southern Company exhibits strong financial health with consistent revenue and earnings growth, robust profitability, and a well-managed balance sheet. Its dividend yield is attractive for income investors.
The Southern Company's stock is trading within a range, with mixed signals from technical indicators. While the long-term trend remains broadly positive, short-term momentum is neutral to slightly bearish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Energy Transition & Renewables | 85 |
| Infrastructure Modernization | 80 |
| Regulatory Environment | 65 |
| Customer Demand Growth | 70 |
| Inflation & Interest Rate Sensitivity | 75 |
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Valuation | 75 |
| Profitability | 85 |
| Growth | 70 |
| Balance Sheet Health | 65 |
| Cash Flow | 55 |
| Dividends | 90 |
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Trend Analysis | 55 |
| Momentum | 50 |
| Support & Resistance | 60 |
| Volume Confirmation | 75 |
| Short-term Indicators | 55 |
Consistent EPS Beat
The company has consistently beaten earnings per share (EPS) estimates for the past several quarters, indicating robust operational performance and effective cost management. For instance, in Q4 2024, actual EPS was $1.43, exceeding the estimate of $1.34 by 6.75%.
Growing Dividend with Attractive Yield
The company offers a dividend yield of 3.03%, coupled with a history of increasing dividend payments. The dividend has grown consistently, with the latest payment of $0.74 and a yield of 3.3% in Q2 2025, suggesting a commitment to shareholder returns and financial stability.
High Debt Burden
The company carries a substantial debt level of $66.28 billion (as of Q4 2024). While it has assets to cover this, high leverage can increase financial risk, especially in a rising interest rate environment or if earnings decline.
Slowing Revenue Growth Trend
While revenue for 2024 was $26.72 billion, up from $25.25 billion in 2023, the year-over-year growth rate appears to be moderating. Further analysis of quarterly revenue trends is needed to confirm a significant slowdown, but the annual figures suggest a potential deceleration.
June 2025
6
Next Dividend Date
July 2025
31
Next Earnings Date
H: $0.91
A: $0.88
L: $0.84
H: 7.05B
A: 6.40B
L: 5.94B
August 2025
18
Ex-Dividend Date
The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee; operates, constructs, and maintains approximately 78,500 miles of natural gas pipelines and 14 storage facilities; and provides gas marketing services, as well as electric services to retail customers. It also offers distributed energy and resilience solutions, and digital wireless communications and fiber optics services, as well as deploys microgrids for commercial, industrial, governmental, utility customers. The Southern Company was incorporated in 1946 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
94.15 USD
The 39 analysts offering 1 year price forecasts for SO have a max estimate of 104.00 and a min estimate of 73.00.