Summary
Southern Company's (SO) third quarter 2017 report (filed November 1, 2017, for the period ending September 29, 2017) indicates a mixed financial performance across its operating companies. While overall revenues saw a slight increase year-over-year for the consolidated entity, driven largely by Southern Power's wholesale energy sales, net income attributable to Southern Company declined. This decline was influenced by factors such as milder weather affecting retail revenues for some utilities (Alabama Power, Georgia Power), increased expenses (non-fuel O&M for Alabama Power), and a significant financial impact from the ongoing issues with Mississippi Power's Kemper IGCC project, which resulted in substantial charges and a net loss for that segment. Key operational highlights include Georgia Power's continued challenges and financial impacts related to the Vogtle nuclear plant construction, including settlements with Toshiba and the engagement of a new primary contractor. Mississippi Power reported a substantial net loss due to further charges related to the Kemper IGCC project, which is being restructured to operate solely on natural gas. Southern Power demonstrated growth in operating revenues due to new solar and wind facilities, though net income attributable to Southern Power decreased due to lower tax benefits and higher interest expenses. Southern Company Gas reported improved net income, driven by infrastructure replacement programs and base rate increases at Atlanta Gas Light, but is facing significant regulatory and market dynamics in its wholesale gas services segment.
Financial Highlights
46 data points| Revenue | $6.20B |
| Operating Expenses | $4.21B |
| Operating Income | $1.99B |
| Net Income | $1.11B |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.07 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.06 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 1.00B |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 1.01B |
Key Highlights
- 1Mississippi Power recorded significant charges related to the Kemper IGCC project, resulting in a substantial net loss for the segment and impacting overall consolidated results.
- 2Georgia Power continues to manage significant costs and complexities associated with the Vogtle Units 3 and 4 nuclear construction project, including a settlement with Toshiba and a new construction management agreement.
- 3Southern Power showed revenue growth driven by new solar and wind facilities coming online, contributing to an increase in total operating revenues for the Southern Company system.
- 4Mild weather impacted retail revenues for Alabama Power and Georgia Power in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year, leading to slight revenue declines for these segments.
- 5Southern Company Gas reported improved net income due to rate increases and infrastructure investments at Atlanta Gas Light, alongside a settlement in a contractor litigation matter.
- 6The company's disclosure control and procedures and internal control over financial reporting were evaluated and found to be effective by management.
- 7Southern Company's consolidated credit rating outlook was revised from stable to negative by S&P in March 2017, impacting several of its subsidiaries.