S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
The Most Bought AI Stock by Congress Isn’t NVIDIA
5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now
Chinese leader Xi issues a positive message at a meeting with US business leaders as ties improve
Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
The Most Bought AI Stock by Congress Isn’t NVIDIA
5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now
Chinese leader Xi issues a positive message at a meeting with US business leaders as ties improve
Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
The Most Bought AI Stock by Congress Isn’t NVIDIA
5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now
Chinese leader Xi issues a positive message at a meeting with US business leaders as ties improve
Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
S&P 500   5,248.49
DOW   39,760.08
QQQ   444.83
Stock market today: Asian shares meander after S&P 500 sets another record
The Most Bought AI Stock by Congress Isn’t NVIDIA
5 Dividend Kings Stocks to Load Up on Now
Chinese leader Xi issues a positive message at a meeting with US business leaders as ties improve
Palantir Technologies: Bearish Sentiment, Bullish Chart Signals
Mid-Cap Stocks to Outperform the Market This Cycle
Is DraftKings A Good Bet Ahead of Q1 Earnings?
NYSE:SO

Southern (SO) Stock Price, News & Analysis

$71.06
+1.79 (+2.58%)
(As of 03/27/2024 ET)
Today's Range
$69.60
$71.07
50-Day Range
$66.25
$70.49
52-Week Range
$61.56
$75.80
Volume
4.33 million shs
Average Volume
4.43 million shs
Market Capitalization
$77.53 billion
P/E Ratio
19.58
Dividend Yield
3.94%
Price Target
$73.46

Southern MarketRank™ Stock Analysis

Analyst Rating
Moderate Buy
2.50 Rating Score
Upside/​Downside
3.4% Upside
$73.46 Price Target
Short Interest
Healthy
1.47% of Shares Sold Short
Dividend Strength
Strong
Based on Four Factors
Sustainability
-4.74
Upright™ Environmental Score
News Sentiment
1.05mentions of Southern in the last 14 days
Based on 7 Articles This Week
Insider Trading
Selling Shares
$1.81 M Sold Last Quarter
Proj. Earnings Growth
7.50%
From $4.00 to $4.30 Per Share

Overall MarketRank

New Rank-Based ScoringMarketRank is calculated by averaging available category scores (with extra weight given to analysis and valuation), then ranking the company's weighted average against that of other companies.

4.44 out of 5 stars

Utilities Sector

25th out of 89 stocks

Electric Services Industry

13th out of 38 stocks

SO stock logo

About Southern Stock (NYSE:SO)

The Southern Company is a leading gas and electric utility holding company based in the southern United States. With its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, and executive offices in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has established itself as one of the largest energy providers in the country. Serving approximately 9 million gas and electric utility customers across six states, The Southern Company's subsidiaries operate in various segments of the energy industry.

The mission of The Southern Company is to deliver clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to its customers while fostering innovation and sustainability. The company aims to meet the energy needs of the present and future generations by embracing new technologies, investing in renewable energy sources, and promoting environmental stewardship.

The Southern Company offers products and services to meet the diverse energy requirements of its customers. Its subsidiaries include regulated regional electric utilities such as Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power, which serve specific territories in their respective states. Additionally, Southern Power focuses on wholesale power generation, while Southern Company Gas serves gas utility customers and operates natural gas pipelines.

The key customers of The Southern Company comprise residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The company caters to the energy needs of households, businesses, and various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and more. The Southern Company has established long-standing customer relationships by providing reliable and affordable energy solutions.

The Southern Company has made significant strides in renewable energy development. The company operates or develops renewable facilities across the United States, including solar, wind, and biomass projects. It has also embarked on a notable milestone by constructing the country's first nuclear power units in 30 years at Plant Vogtle near Augusta, Georgia. These initiatives showcase The Southern Company's commitment to a diverse energy portfolio and its dedication to meeting the evolving energy demands of the market.

The leadership team at The Southern Company is composed of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of expertise to their respective roles. Led by Executive Chairman Thomas A. Fanning, the management team drives the company's strategic direction and oversees its operations. Thomas A. Fanning plays a crucial role in the success of The Southern Company. With extensive experience in the energy industry, he has held various leadership positions within the company before assuming the role of Executive Chairman. Fanning's visionary approach and strategic acumen have been instrumental in shaping The Southern Company's growth and expansion. Other key management team members include Christopher C. Womack, the Chief Executive Officer and President. Womack brings a deep understanding of the energy industry and has significantly contributed to the company's operations and customer-focused initiatives.

The Southern Company has exhibited healthy financial performance in recent years, reflecting its ability to meet customer demand and drive profitability. The company's revenue has demonstrated a positive long-term trend, indicating consistent growth and a robust customer base. This steady revenue growth showcases The Southern Company's market presence and ability to provide essential energy services to millions of customers.

Earnings metrics have also shown a positive trajectory, underscoring the company's profitability and efficiency in managing its operations. The Southern Company's consistent earnings growth is a testament to its strong market position and effective cost management strategies.

The net profit margin, a key financial indicator, has remained healthy. This metric highlights The Southern Company's ability to generate profits relative to its revenue. The company's ability to maintain a favorable net profit margin reflects its commitment to operational excellence and efficient utilization of its resources.

The Southern Company's valuation metrics should be compared to its industry peers to gain insights into its market position and investor sentiment. The company's growth potential, financial performance, and market perception drive its valuation. Various factors, including industry trends, regulatory developments, and market conditions, can influence investor sentiment. Monitoring changes in investor sentiment provides valuable information for understanding the market's perception of The Southern Company and its prospects for future growth.

The Southern Company operates within the broader electric services industry. As a leading utility holding company, it faces competition from other players in the industry who provide similar gas and electric services. However, The Southern Company has established a strong competitive position due to its extensive infrastructure, reliable service, and customer-focused approach.

One of the advantages The Southern Company possesses is its diversified energy portfolio. The company operates in both the gas and electric sectors, allowing it to cater to a wide range of customer needs. This diversification reduces dependence on a single energy source and provides flexibility in meeting changing market demands.

Additionally, The Southern Company has significantly invested in renewable energy projects, positioning itself as a leader in clean energy generation. By embracing renewable sources such as solar and wind power, the company contributes to environmental sustainability while capitalizing on the growing demand for clean energy solutions.

The Southern Company also benefits from its strong regional presence. Operating in states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, the company has established a deep understanding of the local market dynamics and regulatory frameworks. This localized knowledge enables The Southern Company to effectively adapt its services and strategies to meet each region's unique requirements.

However, the industry presents challenges and disadvantages that The Southern Company must navigate. The regulatory environment can be complex and subject to change, requiring the company to stay abreast of evolving regulations and compliance requirements. Furthermore, technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences pose challenges as the industry transitions to a more decentralized and sustainable energy landscape.

The Southern Company has several growth opportunities in the evolving energy market. The increasing focus on renewable energy presents a significant avenue for expansion. By continuing to invest in renewable energy projects and exploring new technologies, The Southern Company can capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy solutions and reduce its carbon footprint.

The transition to electric transportation also provides growth potential for The Southern Company. As the adoption of electric vehicles increases, the company can play a pivotal role in supporting the infrastructure needed for widespread charging stations and grid integration.

Moreover, The Southern Company can leverage its expertise in nuclear energy to contribute to expanding the clean energy sector. The company's ongoing nuclear projects demonstrate its commitment to nuclear power as a reliable and sustainable energy source.

While The Southern Company has positioned itself for growth, it faces certain risks and challenges. One of the primary risks is the potential impact of regulatory changes. Changes in regulations and policies can affect the company's operations, costs, and profitability. Adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks and maintaining compliance is crucial for The Southern Company to mitigate regulatory risks.

The energy industry also faces uncertainties related to environmental concerns and climate change. Increased emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources may require significant investments and operational changes for The Southern Company. Adapting to these changes while ensuring the affordability and reliability of energy services poses a challenge.

Another risk is the volatility of commodity prices, including natural gas and fuel costs. Fluctuations in these prices can impact The Southern Company's profitability and cost structure. Effective risk management strategies, including hedging and fuel cost recovery mechanisms, are essential for mitigating these risks.

The Southern Company must also navigate technological disruptions and maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly digitized energy landscape. Embracing technological advancements, such as smart grid solutions and digital customer engagement, can enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

SO Stock Price History

SO Stock News Headlines

[BUY ALERT] Our #1 A.I. Stock for March
It's the one AI stock nobody is talking about. Cathy Wood just bought 11 million shares of it.
[BUY ALERT] Our #1 A.I. Stock for March
It's the one AI stock nobody is talking about. Cathy Wood just bought 11 million shares of it.
Vogtle Unit 4 reaches initial criticality
The Returns At Southern (NYSE:SO) Aren't Growing
See More Headlines
Receive SO Stock News and Ratings via Email

Sign-up to receive the latest news and ratings for Southern and its competitors with MarketBeat's FREE daily newsletter.

Company Calendar

Last Earnings
2/15/2024
Ex-Dividend for 3/6 Dividend
2/16/2024
Dividend Payable
3/06/2024
Today
3/27/2024
Next Earnings (Estimated)
4/25/2024
Fiscal Year End
12/31/2024

Industry, Sector and Symbol

Sector
Utilities
Industry
Electric services
Sub-Industry
Electric Utilities
CUSIP
84258710
Employees
28,100
Year Founded
1945

Price Target and Rating

Average Stock Price Target
$73.46
High Stock Price Target
$82.00
Low Stock Price Target
$67.00
Potential Upside/Downside
+3.4%
Consensus Rating
Moderate Buy
Rating Score (0-4)
2.50
Research Coverage
12 Analysts

Profitability

Net Income
$3.98 billion
Pretax Margin
17.21%

Debt

Sales & Book Value

Annual Sales
$25.25 billion
Cash Flow
$8.38 per share
Book Value
$32.30 per share

Miscellaneous

Outstanding Shares
1,091,020,000
Free Float
1,086,978,000
Market Cap
$77.53 billion
Optionable
Optionable
Beta
0.49

Social Links

Beginner's Guide to Pot Stock Investing Cover

Click the link below and we'll send you MarketBeat's guide to pot stock investing and which pot companies show the most promise.

Get This Free Report

Should I Buy Southern Stock? SO Pros and Cons Explained

These insights were generated using artificial intelligence. They are based on proprietary MarketBeat data, news articles, and custom LLM A.I. algorithms. This analysis of Southern was last updated on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 11:46 AM.

Pros

Here are some ways that investors could benefit from investing in The Southern Company:

  • The Southern Company is a major player in the electric services industry, providing stability and potential growth opportunities in a crucial sector.
  • The company's diversified portfolio of power generation assets, including renewable energy projects, positions it well for the shift towards cleaner energy sources.
  • With a strong focus on developing distributed energy and resilience solutions, The Southern Company is adapting to changing market demands and technological advancements.
  • Recent stock price performance indicates a positive trend, offering potential capital appreciation for investors.
  • The company's extensive natural gas distribution network and services provide a stable revenue stream and diversification within the energy sector.

Cons

Investors should be bearish about investing in The Southern Company for these reasons:

  • Regulatory challenges and changes in energy policies could impact the company's operations and profitability.
  • Fluctuations in commodity prices, such as natural gas, could affect the company's margins and financial performance.
  • Competition within the electric utilities industry may lead to pricing pressures and reduced market share for The Southern Company.
  • Environmental concerns and regulations could increase costs for the company's traditional energy generation facilities, impacting overall profitability.
  • Economic downturns or disruptions in energy demand could negatively impact the company's revenue and earnings growth.

SO Stock Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy or sell Southern stock right now?

12 Wall Street research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Southern in the last year. There are currently 1 sell rating, 5 hold ratings, 5 buy ratings and 1 strong buy rating for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street research analysts is that investors should "moderate buy" SO shares.
View SO analyst ratings
or view top-rated stocks.

What is Southern's stock price target for 2024?

12 Wall Street analysts have issued 12 month price targets for Southern's shares. Their SO share price targets range from $67.00 to $82.00. On average, they expect the company's stock price to reach $73.46 in the next twelve months. This suggests a possible upside of 3.4% from the stock's current price.
View analysts price targets for SO
or view top-rated stocks among Wall Street analysts.

How have SO shares performed in 2024?

Southern's stock was trading at $70.12 on January 1st, 2024. Since then, SO stock has increased by 1.3% and is now trading at $71.06.
View the best growth stocks for 2024 here
.

When is Southern's next earnings date?

The company is scheduled to release its next quarterly earnings announcement on Thursday, April 25th 2024.
View our SO earnings forecast
.

How were Southern's earnings last quarter?

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February, 15th. The utilities provider reported $0.64 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts' consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.05. The utilities provider earned $6.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $6.90 billion. Southern had a net margin of 15.79% and a trailing twelve-month return on equity of 11.40%. Southern's quarterly revenue was down 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.26 earnings per share.
Read the conference call transcript
.

How often does Southern pay dividends? What is the dividend yield for Southern?

Southern declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, January 18th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.70 per share on Wednesday, March 6th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.94%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 16th.
Read our dividend analysis for SO
.

Is Southern a good dividend stock?

Southern (NYSE:SO) pays an annual dividend of $2.80 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 4.01%. SO has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The company has been increasing its dividend for 23 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio is 77.14%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, SO will have a dividend payout ratio of 65.12% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend.
Read our dividend analysis for SO.

What guidance has Southern issued on next quarter's earnings?

Southern issued an update on its first quarter 2024 earnings guidance on Friday, February, 16th. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 0.900-0.900 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 0.900. The company issued revenue guidance of -.

What is Thomas A. Fanning's approval rating as Southern's CEO?

235 employees have rated Southern Chief Executive Officer Thomas A. Fanning on Glassdoor.com. Thomas A. Fanning has an approval rating of 85% among the company's employees.

What other stocks do shareholders of Southern own?

Based on aggregate information from My MarketBeat watchlists, some companies that other Southern investors own include AT&T (T), Verizon Communications (VZ), AbbVie (ABBV), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Duke Energy (DUK), Pfizer (PFE), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Coca-Cola (KO), Altria Group (MO) and Chevron (CVX).

Who are Southern's major shareholders?

Southern's stock is owned by a variety of institutional and retail investors. Top institutional investors include Vanguard Group Inc. (9.13%), Vanguard Group Inc. (9.13%), Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD (2.74%), Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA (2.33%), Capital International Investors (1.51%) and Franklin Resources Inc. (1.44%). Insiders that own company stock include Ann P Daiss, Bryan D Anderson, Bryan D Anderson, Christopher C Womack, Christopher C Womack, Christopher Cummiskey, Daniel S Tucker, David P Poroch, James Y Kerr II, Kimberly S Greene, Martin Bernard Davis, Stephen E Kuczynski, Stephen E Kuczynski and Thomas A Fanning.
View institutional ownership trends
.

How do I buy shares of Southern?

Shares of SO stock can be purchased through any online brokerage account. Popular online brokerages with access to the U.S. stock market include Charles Schwab, E*TRADE, Fidelity, and Vanguard Brokerage Services.
Compare Top Brokerages Here.

Does Southern have any subsidiaries?
The following companies are subsidiares of Southern: AGL Resources, Adobe Solar LLC, Alabama Power, Alabama Power Capital Trust V, Alabama Property Company, Apex Nevada Solar LLC, Atlanta Gas Light Company, BNB Lamesa Solar LLC, BSP Holding Company LLC (4), Bethel Wind Farm Class B Holdings LLC, Bethel Wind Farm Holdings LLC, Bethel Wind Farm LLC, Blackwell Solar Holdings LLC, Blackwell Solar LLC, Boulder Solar Power LLC, Boulder Solar Power Parent LLC, Cactus Flats Holdings LLC (10), Calipatria LLC, Campo Verde Solar LLC, Desert Stateline Holdings LLC (5), Desert Stateline LLC, East Pecos Solar LLC, Evergreen Enterprise Holdings LLC, Georgia Natural Gas Company, Georgia Power Company, Grant County Interconnect LLC (7), Grant Plains Wind LLC, Grant Wind LLC, Granville Solar LLC, Kay Wind LLC, Lost Hills Blackwell Holdings LLC (4), Lost Hills Solar Holdco LLC, Lost Hills Solar LLC, Macho Springs Solar 2 LLC, Macho Springs Solar LLC, Mankato Energy Center II LLC, Mankato Energy Center LLC, Mississippi Power Company, Morelos Solar LLC, NS Solar Holdings LLC (4), Nacogdoches Power LLC, North Star Solar LLC, Northern Illinois Gas Company (12), Ottawa Acquisition LLC, Parrey Holding Company LLC (4), Parrey LLC, Parrey Parent LLC, Passadumkeag Windpark LLC, Piedmont-Forrest Corporation, PowerSecure International Inc, RE Garland A LLC, RE Garland Holdings LLC, RE Garland LLC, RE Gaskell West 1 LLC, RE Roserock Holdings LLC (2), RE Roserock LLC, RE Silverlake Holdings LLC (4), RE Tranquillity BAAH LLC, RE Tranquillity Holdings LLC (4), RE Tranquillity LLC, Reading Wind Energy LLC, Rutherford Farm LLC, SG2 Holdings LLC (4), SG2 Imperial Valley LLC, SP Butler Solar Farm LLC, SP Butler Solar LLC, SP Cactus Flats Class B Holdings LLC, SP Cactus Flats Wind Energy LLC, SP Cimarron Capital LLC, SP Cimarron I LLC, SP Decatur County Solar LLC, SP Decatur Parkway Solar LLC, SP Gaskell West 1 Class B Holdings LLC, SP Gaskell West 1 Holdings LLC (9), SP Pawpaw Solar LLC, SP Sandhills Solar LLC, SP Solar Farms LLC, SP Solar GP Inc., SP Solar Holdings I LP (3), SP TEP Class B Holdings I Inc., SP TEP Formations Inc., SP Wind Development Holdings LLC, SP Wind Holdings II LLC (6), SP Wind Holdings LLC, SPR Development Holdings LLC (11), Salt Fork Wind LLC, Sequent LLC, SouthStar Energy Services LLC, Southern Company Gas, Southern Company Gas Capital Corporation, Southern Company Gas Investments Inc., Southern Company Gas Investments Inc., Southern Company Gas Pipeline Holdings LLC, Southern Electric Generating Company, Southern Power Company, Southern Renewable Energy Inc., Southern Renewable Partnerships LLC, Spectrum Nevada Solar LLC, The Southern Company, Tyler Bluff Wind Project LLC, WWH LLC (8), Wake Wind Class B Holdings LLC, Wake Wind Energy LLC, Wake Wind Holdings LLC, and Wildhorse Wind Energy LLC.
Read More
This page (NYSE:SO) was last updated on 3/28/2024 by MarketBeat.com Staff

From Our Partners