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NYSE:SO

Southern (SO) Stock Price, News & Analysis

$77.80
-0.24 (-0.31%)
(As of 07/8/2024 ET)
Today's Range
$77.62
$78.22
50-Day Range
$73.50
$80.71
52-Week Range
$61.56
$80.84
Volume
2.36 million shs
Average Volume
3.28 million shs
Market Capitalization
$85.07 billion
P/E Ratio
20.10
Dividend Yield
3.70%
Price Target
$76.14

Southern MarketRank™ Stock Analysis

Analyst Rating
Hold
2.46 Rating Score
Upside/​Downside
2.1% Downside
$76.14 Price Target
Short Interest
Bearish
2.18% of Shares Sold Short
Dividend Strength
Strong
Based on Four Factors
Sustainability
-5.56
Upright™ Environmental Score
News Sentiment
0.91mentions of Southern in the last 14 days
Based on 15 Articles This Week
Insider Trading
Selling Shares
$2.15 M Sold Last Quarter
Proj. Earnings Growth
7.25%
From $4.00 to $4.29 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.

4.60 out of 5 stars

Utilities Sector

14th out of 90 stocks

Electric Services Industry

6th out of 42 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

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See More Headlines
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Company Calendar

Last Earnings
5/02/2024
Ex-Dividend for 6/6 Dividend
5/17/2024
Dividend Payable
6/06/2024
Today
7/09/2024
Next Earnings (Confirmed)
8/01/2024
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
$76.14
High Stock Price Target
$90.00
Low Stock Price Target
$66.00
Potential Upside/Downside
-2.1%
Consensus Rating
Hold
Rating Score (0-4)
2.46
Research Coverage
13 Analysts

Profitability

Net Income
$3.98 billion
Pretax Margin
18.66%

Debt

Sales & Book Value

Annual Sales
$25.42 billion
Cash Flow
$8.20 per share
Book Value
$32.30 per share

Miscellaneous

Outstanding Shares
1,093,426,000
Free Float
1,091,458,000
Market Cap
$85.07 billion
Optionable
Optionable
Beta
0.51

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Should I Buy Southern Stock? SO Pros and Cons Explained

Pros

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

  • The Southern Company reported higher than expected earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, indicating strong financial performance.
  • The company has a solid return on equity of 12.07%, showcasing efficient utilization of shareholder funds.
  • Recent increase in quarterly dividend to $0.72 per share, reflecting a positive outlook on future cash flows and shareholder returns.
  • Analysts have set a target price range of $76.00 to $79.00, suggesting potential for stock price appreciation.
  • The company's revenue growth of 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year demonstrates business expansion and stability.

Cons

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

  • One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, indicating some concerns in the market about the company's performance.
  • Despite positive aspects, the company's stock has been downgraded by some analysts, potentially signaling underlying issues.
  • There is insider selling activity, with the CEO selling a significant number of shares, which could raise questions about future prospects.
  • Some analysts have revised price targets downwards, suggesting a possible lack of confidence in the stock's growth potential.
  • Market consensus rating is "Moderate Buy," indicating mixed opinions among analysts about the stock's future performance.
These pros and cons were generated based on recent news and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest and most accurate insights. They were last updated on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Please send any questions or comments about these Southern pros and cons to contact@marketbeat.com.

SO Stock Analysis - Frequently Asked Questions

How have SO shares performed this year?

Southern's stock was trading at $70.12 at the beginning of 2024. Since then, SO stock has increased by 11.0% and is now trading at $77.80.
View the best growth stocks for 2024 here
.

How were Southern's earnings last quarter?

The Southern Company (NYSE:SO) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May, 2nd. The utilities provider reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.13. The company's revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year.
Read the conference call transcript
.

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.

Does Southern have any subsidiaries?

Southern subsidiaries include Mankato Energy Center LLC, PowerSecure International Inc, AGL Resources, Adobe Solar LLC, Alabama Power, Alabama Power Capital Trust V, Alabama Property Company, and others.

Who are Southern's major shareholders?

Southern's top institutional investors include Confluence Investment Management LLC (0.16%), DNB Asset Management AS (0.04%), Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV (0.01%) and Institutional & Family Asset Management LLC (0.01%). Insiders that own company stock include Thomas A Fanning, James Y Kerr II, Stephen E Kuczynski, Kimberly S Greene, Anthony L Wilson, Martin Bernard Davis, Bryan D Anderson, David P Poroch, Christopher Cummiskey, Sloane N Drake, Christopher C Womack, Daniel S Tucker and Ann P Daiss.
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.

What other stocks do shareholders of Southern own?

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

This page (NYSE:SO) was last updated on 7/9/2024 by MarketBeat.com Staff

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