Southern Company reports $4.4B profit, plans 6% EPS growth by 2025

Southern Company reported a net income of $534 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a decline from $855 million in the same quarter of 2023. The company's earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was 49 cents, missing analysts' expectations of 51 cents, largely due to increased operating costs and higher interest expenses, which rose to $693 million. However, full-year earnings reached $4.4 billion, or $4.02 per share, marking a slight increase from $4.0 billion, or $3.64 per share, in 2023. Operating revenues for the fourth quarter were $6.3 billion, up 4.9% from the previous year, while full-year revenues increased by 5.8% to $26.7 billion. Looking ahead, Southern Company projects adjusted EPS for 2025 to range between $4.20 and $4.30, indicating a 6% growth expectation. CEO Christopher C. Womack emphasized the company's commitment to meeting the growing energy needs of its customers amid ongoing financial challenges.