The Southern Company (so)
SO — Company Overview
The Southern Company (SO) is a large-cap company in the Utilities sector, operating in Utilities - Regulated Electric.
| Ticker | SO |
| Sector | Utilities |
| Industry | Utilities - Regulated Electric |
| Exchange | NYQ |
| Market cap | $96.02B |
| Last price | $83.47 |
| Size category | Large Cap |
SO — Business Description
The Southern Company (SO) operates in Utilities - Regulated Electric within the broader Utilities market. The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of electricity. The company offers electric service to retail customers and wholesale customers; and energy-related products and services to natural gas choice markets. It also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, operates, and manages power generation assets, as well as battery energy storage projects; sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market; and deploys microgrids for commercial, industrial, governmental, and utility customers. In addition, the company is involved in the distribution of natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee; distributes energy and resilience solutions; and invests in telecommunica…
Official website: https://www.southerncompany.com.
SO — Investment Thesis
The investment thesis for The Southern Company (SO) rests on how Utilities dynamics, profitability, and valuation interact at today's price.
- Revenue is expanding at roughly 0.1% year-over-year (public data).
- Trailing P/E of 20.56× sits in a moderate band relative to high-growth peers.
- Forward P/E (16.95×) is below trailing P/E — earnings may be expected to improve.
- Dividend yield near 3.6% adds an income component to total return.
- Equity market capitalization is approximately $96.02B.
See the free estimates and earnings pages for public targets and growth metrics. Ownership, live news, and deeper models remain in Vest Terminal.
SO — Financial Health
Financial health for The Southern Company (SO) is summarized from publicly reported profitability, leverage, and cash-flow metrics.
Profit margin of 15.4% indicates solid bottom-line conversion. Negative free cash flow of $-3.91B may require careful capital allocation. Debt-to-equity of 182.06 warrants monitoring in a higher-rate environment.
| Trailing P/E | 20.56× |
| Forward P/E | 16.95× |
| Price / Sales | 3.18× |
| Price / Book | 2.43× |
| Gross margin | 48.3% |
| Operating margin | 29.6% |
| Profit margin | 15.4% |
| Return on equity | 11.5% |
| Debt / Equity | 182.06 |
| Free cash flow | $-3.91B |
SO — Growth Outlook
Growth outlook for The Southern Company (SO) depends on demand trends in Utilities - Regulated Electric and the company's ability to convert revenue into sustainable earnings.
- Revenue growth of 0.1% suggests steady but measured expansion.
- Earnings growth of 30.4% year-over-year supports improving profitability.
- Price is 17.2% below the 52-week high.
- Shares trade 0.3% above the 52-week low — limited rebound so far.
SO — Competitive Position
The Southern Company (SO) is evaluated against peers on scale, margin structure, and capital efficiency within Utilities.
- Competes within Utilities, specifically in Utilities - Regulated Electric.
- Market capitalization of $96.02B places SO among large-cap peers.
- Gross margin near 48.3% may reflect pricing power or favorable mix.
SO — Strengths
Strengths for The Southern Company (SO) inferred from public financial metrics:
- Earnings growth of 30.4% year-over-year.
- Gross margin of 48.3% supports competitive unit economics.
- Dividend yield of 3.6% for income-oriented holders.
- Large Cap scale ($96.02B) may provide distribution and funding advantages.
SO — Weaknesses
Weaknesses and pressure points for The Southern Company (SO) based on available data:
- Negative free cash flow ($-3.91B).
- Elevated debt-to-equity (182.06).
SO — Opportunities
- Trading 0.3% above the 52-week low — potential recovery if fundamentals stabilize.
- Dividend yield of 3.6% appeals to total-return investors.
- Forward earnings multiple below trailing P/E — potential earnings acceleration ahead.
SO — Risks
- Leverage (debt/equity 182.06) raises sensitivity to credit conditions.
SO — Summary
The Southern Company (SO) is a large-cap Utilities company focused on Utilities - Regulated Electric, listed on NYQ. Last price $83.47 with market cap $96.02B. Trailing P/E 20.56×. Revenue grew 0.1% year-over-year per public data. Notable strengths include earnings growth of 30.4% year-over-year. Key watch items include negative free cash flow ($-3.91b). Public estimates and earnings snapshots for The Southern Company are on this site; ownership, live news, and deeper models remain in Vest Terminal.
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The Southern Company FAQ
What does The Southern Company (SO) do?
The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of electricity. The company offers electric service to retail customers and wholesale customers; and energy-related products and services to natural gas choice markets. It also develops, constructs, acquires, ow…
What is SO's P/E ratio?
The Southern Company has a trailing P/E of 20.56× based on publicly available market data.
Does SO pay a dividend?
Indicated dividend yield: 3.6%. Confirm ex-dates and payout history in Vest Terminal.
What sector is SO in?
The Southern Company is classified in Utilities (Utilities - Regulated Electric) on NYQ.
What is SO's market capitalization?
Approximate market cap: $96.02B.
What are the main risks for SO?
Standard market, competitive, and execution risks apply; see the Risks section.
What are the strengths of SO?
Potential positives include earnings growth of 30.4% year-over-year, gross margin of 48.3% supports competitive unit economics.
Where can I get analyst estimates for SO?
Public analyst price targets and consensus for The Southern Company are on the free /stocks/so/estimates page. Deeper estimate history and models are available in Vest Terminal.