Summary
Southern Company (SO) operates as a major utility company, providing electricity to millions of customers across the Southeastern United States. The company's diverse operations include regulated utilities in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, as well as a competitive wholesale generation subsidiary, Southern Power. The company's 2014 annual report highlights significant investments in construction programs, with substantial capital expenditures planned for new generation, environmental compliance, generation maintenance, transmission, and distribution upgrades. A key focus for Southern Company is managing the costs and timelines of its major construction projects, notably the development of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 and the Kemper IGCC, which represent substantial capital commitments and potential risks. The company's financial performance in 2014 was impacted by charges related to the Kemper IGCC project, but it also saw increases in retail revenues due to base rate adjustments and favorable weather conditions. Southern Company remains committed to its dividend payments, with a history of consistent payouts to shareholders.
Financial Highlights
45 data points| Revenue | $18.47B |
| Operating Expenses | $14.82B |
| Operating Income | $3.64B |
| Net Income | $2.03B |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.19 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $2.18 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 897.00M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 901.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Southern Company's primary business is electricity sales through its four traditional operating companies (Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power) and its wholesale generation subsidiary, Southern Power.
- 2The company is undertaking significant construction programs, with projected capital expenditures of approximately $6.7 billion in 2015, $5.4 billion in 2016, and $4.3 billion in 2017.
- 3Key construction projects include Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (nuclear generation) and the Kemper IGCC (integrated coal gasification combined cycle), which are subject to cost overruns and delays.
- 4Environmental compliance remains a significant focus, with substantial capital expenditures planned for pollution control equipment and adherence to evolving regulations, including those related to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.
- 5Southern Company is subject to substantial governmental regulation from federal, state, and local agencies, including state Public Service Commissions and the FERC, which can impact rates, service regulations, and asset acquisition/disposition decisions.
- 6The company's financial performance in 2014 showed an increase in net income compared to 2013, primarily driven by higher retail revenues, though this was partially offset by increased operating expenses.
- 7Southern Company maintained its focus on shareholder returns, paying dividends on its common stock since 1948, with the dividend payout ratio in 2014 at 95%.