10-KPeriod: FY2016

SOUTHERN CO Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2016

Filed February 22, 2017For Securities:SOSOJESOJFSOJCSOJDSOMN

Summary

Southern Company (SO) filed its 2016 10-K report on February 22, 2017, detailing its operations and financial performance for the year ending December 30, 2016. The report highlights the company's significant strategic move with the completion of the merger with Southern Company Gas in July 2016, consolidating its position as a major energy provider across both electric and natural gas sectors. SO's traditional electric utilities continue to serve customers across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, while Southern Power focuses on wholesale electricity sales from various generation assets. Southern Company Gas, now a wholly-owned subsidiary, is a key player in natural gas distribution across seven states, complemented by marketing, wholesale, and midstream operations. The company's financial performance in 2016 showed an increase in consolidated net income attributable to Southern Company, driven by earnings from the newly acquired Southern Company Gas, higher retail electric revenues, and favorable weather. However, this was partially offset by increased interest expenses and higher non-fuel operations and maintenance costs. Investors should note the ongoing construction of major projects like Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 and the Kemper IGCC, which represent significant capital investments and potential future rate recovery complexities. The company's financial health remains supported by access to capital markets and strong credit arrangements, though subject to the ongoing influence of regulatory environments and evolving environmental standards.

Financial Highlights

47 data points
Beta

Revenue

$19.90B

Net Income

$2.53B

12.7% Net Margin

EPS (Diluted)

$2.55

Total Assets

$109.70B

Cash & Equivalents

$1.98B

Free Cash Flow

-$2.42B

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$19.90B
Operating Expenses$15.41B
Operating Income$4.49B
Net Income$2.53B
EPS (Basic)$2.57
EPS (Diluted)$2.55
Shares Outstanding (Basic)951.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)958.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Completion of Merger: Southern Company successfully completed the acquisition of Southern Company Gas on July 1, 2016, for approximately $8.0 billion, integrating a substantial natural gas business into its portfolio.
  • 2Growth in Electric Operating Revenues: The electricity business reported a $499 million increase in operating revenues to $17.9 billion in 2016, driven by higher retail electric revenues from rate increases and warmer weather, alongside growth in wholesale revenues.
  • 3Southern Power's Expansion: Southern Power continued its growth strategy, acquiring or commencing construction on approximately 2,134 MWs of additional solar, wind, and natural gas facilities in 2016.
  • 4Construction Projects Underway: Key capital projects like Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (nuclear) and Mississippi Power's Kemper IGCC are progressing, representing significant investments and future operational capacity.
  • 5Dividend Payout Ratio: Southern Company maintained a consistent dividend payment, with a payout ratio of 86% in 2016.
  • 6Increased Debt Load: Long-term debt significantly increased by $17.9 billion in 2016, largely due to financing for the Southern Company Gas merger and other capital expenditures.
  • 7Focus on Renewables: Southern Power is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, with significant MWs of solar and wind facilities acquired or under construction.
  • 8Operational Performance: Despite significant investments and operational complexities, the company reported generally stable plant availability and reliability metrics for its electric system.

Frequently Asked Questions

The merger with Southern Company Gas, completed on July 1, 2016, for approximately $8.0 billion, led to a significant increase in Southern Company's assets, goodwill, and long-term debt. Southern Company Gas' results of operations and financial condition were consolidated into Southern Company's statements from the acquisition date. This strategic move expanded Southern Company's service offerings to include natural gas distribution across seven states.

Southern Company is significantly invested in two major construction projects: Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 (nuclear generating units) and Mississippi Power's Kemper IGCC (integrated coal gasification combined cycle) plant. These projects represent substantial capital expenditures and are crucial for future generation capacity. However, they also involve risks related to construction costs, project timelines, and regulatory approval for cost recovery, with the Kemper IGCC, in particular, facing significant cost overruns and potential disallowances.

Southern Company's traditional electric operating companies and Southern Company Gas utilities generally recover fuel and purchased gas costs through cost recovery clauses approved by regulatory agencies, which helps to offset the direct impact on net income. Southern Power's strategy of entering into long-term PPAs with counterparties responsible for fuel costs also limits its exposure. The company also utilizes derivative instruments, such as swaps and options, as economic hedges to manage commodity price risk and interest rate risk.

The filing highlights significant risks including utility regulatory and legislative changes, potential litigation, environmental compliance costs and regulations (such as those related to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions), operational risks (including equipment failure, cyber threats, and natural disasters), construction project risks (delays, cost overruns, and recovery of investments), competition from new technologies, and financial and market risks related to energy prices. The Kemper IGCC project, in particular, is noted for its cost overruns and associated financial and regulatory risks.