The Southern Company is rated a Buy after a 15% pullback, offering a stable, income-producing utility with multiple growth catalysts for 2026. SO projects 5–7% annual EPS growth, supported by 8% regulated rate base and electric load growth through 2029, with 90% of earnings from regulated utilities. The company's $76 billion capital plan is 77% equity-funded through 2029, and SO will become a Dividend Aristocrat in 2025, likely driving ETF demand.
Southern Company faces stock underperformance, yet rising large-load demand, strong regulation and $76B growth pipeline strengthen its long-term outlook.
Southern Company (SO) is rated Buy with a $96 target, offering 12% upside and a 3.5% dividend yield. Q3 results exceeded expectations, driven by strong demand from data centers and regional economic growth. SO's revenue structure is shifting, with long-term sales growth underpinned by contracted industrial and data center clients.
| Electric Utilities Industry | Utilities Sector | Christopher C. Womack CEO | XMUN Exchange | US8425871071 ISIN |
| US Country | 28,314 Employees | 17 Nov 2025 Last Dividend | 3 Apr 2001 Last Split | 31 Dec 1981 IPO Date |
The Southern Company is a leading energy company that has been operational since 1945. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, it engages in various aspects of the energy sector, primarily focusing on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Its operations extend to developing, constructing, acquiring, owning, and managing power generation assets. These assets span a broad spectrum, including renewable energy projects, which allows The Southern Company to play a significant role in the wholesale electricity market. Additionally, it is involved in the distribution of natural gas across several states and offers a range of related services. The company's vast infrastructure includes significant natural gas pipelines and storage facilities, ensuring reliable supply to its customers. Serving approximately 8.9 million electric and gas utility customers, The Southern Company also ventures into newer domains such as distributed energy solutions, resilience solutions, and digital communications, further diversifying its portfolio and strengthening its market position.
The Southern Company offers a comprehensive array of products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Each product and service is tailored to leverage the company's extensive expertise in the energy sector, ensuring high-quality options for both residential and commercial consumers.