10-KPeriod: FY2005

SOUTHERN CO Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2005

Filed February 27, 2006For Securities:SOSOJESOJFSOJCSOJDSOMN

Summary

This 2005 10-K filing for The Southern Company (SO) and its subsidiaries provides a comprehensive overview of the company's operations, financial condition, and strategic direction as of December 31, 2005. The report highlights the regulated utility operations across multiple states, including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, which form the core of the company's business. It also touches upon Southern Power Company, indicating a diversification strategy. Investors can gain insights into the company's capital structure, regulatory environment, and competitive landscape. The filing details the various classes of securities registered and listed on the NYSE, along with information on outstanding shares. Significant emphasis is placed on the established nature of the utility businesses, their service territories, and the regulatory frameworks governing their operations. Potential investors should note the company's status as a large accelerated filer, signifying its substantial market capitalization and reporting history.

Key Highlights

  • 1The Southern Company operates as a holding company for several regulated electric utility subsidiaries, including Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power, serving a significant customer base across the southeastern United States.
  • 2The filing lists multiple classes of common and preferred stock, as well as senior notes, for The Southern Company and its subsidiaries, indicating a complex capital structure.
  • 3All listed subsidiaries are confirmed as 'well-known seasoned issuers' and 'large accelerated filers', suggesting robust financial reporting and substantial market presence.
  • 4The report details the company's registered securities on the New York Stock Exchange, including common stock, mandatorily redeemable preferred securities, and senior notes.
  • 5Southern Power Company is also part of the filing, indicating a strategic move beyond traditional regulated utility operations, though it operates under a reduced disclosure format.
  • 6The filing covers key aspects of the business including construction programs, financing programs, fuel supply, territory served, competition, and the regulatory environment, all critical for understanding operational risks and opportunities.
  • 7The aggregate market value of The Southern Company's common stock held by non-affiliates was $25.9 billion as of June 30, 2005, underscoring its significant size.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary business segments consist of regulated electric utility operations through its subsidiaries: Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company. The company also includes Southern Power Company, which operates under a reduced disclosure format, suggesting a potentially different business model or strategic focus.

The Southern Company and all of its listed utility subsidiaries are identified as 'well-known seasoned issuers' and 'large accelerated filers'. This indicates they meet stringent SEC requirements for reporting, have a substantial public float, and have been subject to SEC filing requirements for a significant period.

The inclusion of Southern Power Company with reduced disclosure suggests it may be a newer or differently structured entity within the Southern Company group. While it's part of the overall reporting, its specific operational details and financial data might be presented less extensively compared to the main regulated utilities, potentially due to its operational or financial independence from the core regulated businesses or specific SEC exemptions.

The Southern Company and its subsidiaries have registered various classes of securities, including Common Stock, Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Securities (including Trust Preferred Securities), and Senior Notes. These securities are primarily listed on the New York Stock Exchange.