#United States #Atlanta #financial results #earnings report #Southern Company

Southern Company Earnings Overview

As of July 31, 2025, Southern Company has released its financial performance for the second quarter, indicating both challenges and opportunities for growth. The company reported a net income of $0.9 billion, translating to $0.80 per share, which is a notable decline from the $1.2 billion or $1.10 per share recorded on the same date in 2024. Over the first half of 2025 ending June 30, Southern Company reported a total earnings figure of $2.2 billion or $2.01 per share, down slightly from $2.3 billion or $2.13 per share for the same timeframe last year.

Adjusted Earnings Performance

When adjusted for special items, Southern Company showed earnings of $1.0 billion or $0.92 per share this past quarter, in comparison to $1.2 billion or $1.10 per share from the second quarter of 2024. This reflects ongoing operational challenges including heightened non-fuel operations and maintenance expenses, alongside impacts from regulatory outcomes.

The rise in operating revenue was a bright spot, increasing to $7.0 billion for Q2 2025 from $6.5 billion during the same quarter the previous year, marking a 7.9% improvement. For the first six months of the year, the operating revenue increased to $14.7 billion, a rise of 12.5% compared to $13.1 billion for the first half of 2024.

Key Financial Insights

In the context of Southern Company's performance, CEO Chris Womack expressed optimism, noting that the company exhibits a strong operational foundation and is positioned to meet its objectives set for 2025. Womack emphasized Southern Company’s commitment to balancing growth with reliability and affordability for its customer base.

Significant contributing factors to the adjusted earnings performance included:

• - Increased non-fuel operations and maintenance costs.
• - Gains on the sale of transmission assets from the prior year have impacted revenues.
• - Weather-related impacts have also been relatively mild, contributing to these fluctuations.
• - Taxes, depreciation, and interest expenses have increased, affecting earnings.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, Southern Company remains dedicated to efficient operational practices and strategic investments. The firm anticipates that its collaborative efforts with stakeholders will yield favorable regulatory outcomes, allowing it to continue delivering on its commitments.

The financial analysts' call scheduled at 1 p.m. Eastern Time will provide further insights into the earnings details, with key executives, including Womack and new CFO David P. Poroch, addressing investor inquiries. A replay will also be accessible for a full year at the company’s investor relations website.

About Southern Company

Southern Company, traded on the NYSE under the ticker SO, serves around 9 million customers throughout the southeastern United States and beyond. Its mission centers on providing clean, reliable, and affordable energy, while pushing towards a commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With a range of utilities across different states and an emphasis on innovation and sustainability, Southern Company seeks to enhance its service offerings continuously.

In conclusion, while Southern Company's Q2 results indicate a decline in net income year-on-year, the increase in operational revenues and the management's strong forward outlook indicate a potential trajectory for recovery and ongoing growth in the subsequent quarters.