What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this Form 8-K is to publicly disclose Southern Company's earnings results for the fiscal quarter and full year ended December 31, 2005, along with supporting financial information. It includes a press release and several other exhibits detailing financial performance and operational metrics.

Why is Southern Company providing non-GAAP financial measures?

Southern Company is providing non-GAAP financial measures to offer investors a more insightful view of its ongoing operational performance. Specifically, they adjusted earnings to exclude a one-time gain from an IRS audit resolution, believing this provides a better indication of continuing results and aids management in planning and forecasting.

What is the significance of the adjusted kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales data?

The adjusted kWh sales data is provided to enhance comparability between 2004 and 2005. Certain industrial customers of Georgia Power were reclassified to commercial customers in 2005 to align with rate structure approvals. The adjusted data reclassifies 2004 sales to match this 2005 presentation, allowing for a more consistent year-over-year performance analysis of energy sales.

Is the information in this filing considered 'filed' with the SEC?

No, the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including the attached exhibits, is furnished and not considered 'filed' for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This means it does not carry the same legal liabilities as officially filed information and is not automatically incorporated into other SEC filings unless explicitly stated.

SOUTHERN CO 8-K: Earnings & Results

Summary

This Form 8-K filing from Southern Company (SO), dated January 26, 2006, primarily serves to furnish the company's earnings release and related financial information for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2005. Investors should note that the filing includes both GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and non-GAAP financial measures. The non-GAAP measures are presented to provide a clearer view of ongoing operational performance by excluding certain one-time items and to ensure comparability between reporting periods.

Key Highlights

1Southern Company reported its earnings for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2005, through an attached press release (Exhibit 99.01).
2The filing includes additional financial information and highlights for the period as Exhibits 99.02 through 99.06.
3The company utilized non-GAAP earnings data to exclude a one-time gain of $24 million (or $0.03 per share) related to an IRS audit resolution for 2000-2001, aiming to show continuing operating results.
4Adjusted kilowatt-hour (kWh) sales data was also provided to ensure comparability between 2004 and 2005 by reclassifying certain Georgia Power industrial customers to commercial to align with approved rate structures.
5The report is a combined filing for Southern Company and its subsidiaries: Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, and Southern Power Company.
6The information furnished is not deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, nor is it automatically incorporated by reference into other SEC filings unless specifically stated.

SOUTHERN CO 8-K Report, Financial Results (Jan 26, 2006)

Summary

Key Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions