The Southern Company
The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the sale of electricity. The company offers electric service to retail customers and wholesale customers; and energy-related products and services to natural gas choice markets. It also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, operates, and man…
What to know about SO
The Southern Company is a large Utilities company with a mixed financial profile. It scores well on risk and size, but health is worth keeping an eye on.
Should you consider SO?
Based on 31 financial metrics and sector comparison. Not financial advice.
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The Southern Company is a large-cap Utilities company with a mixed overall financial profile — it is in the lower half of its Utilities peers (22 of 31).
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Profitability is roughly average for the S&P 500 — not a standout in either direction.
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Valuation is in the middle of the pack — neither obviously cheap nor stretched.
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Growth has been slower than most peers. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it means the investment case rests more on current earnings than future expansion.
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There is a small dividend (0.03%), but income-focused investors will likely find better yields elsewhere in the market.
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Risk is relatively low — the stock tends to be less volatile than the broader market, which typically means a smoother ride during uncertain periods.
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This is a mixed picture — real strengths in some areas, but areas that need watching too. Do your homework on the sector before deciding.
At a glance
How it scores
We look at 31 different financial metrics and group them into categories. Here's how SO compares to the other S&P 500 stocks.
Dive deeper — all 31 metrics 9 categories · valuation, growth, health, dividends & more Show all Hide
Valuation
Is the stock cheap or expensive relative to its earnings, sales, and assets? Lower multiples often mean better value.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| P/E Ratio (Trailing) | 23.81 | Above avg |
| Forward P/E | 18.93 | Average |
| PEG Ratio | 2.68 | Below avg |
| Price to Sales | 3.48 | Average |
| Price to Book | 2.83 | Above avg |
| EV/EBITDA | 13.18 | Above avg |
| Earnings Yield | 4.20% | Above avg |
Profitability
How efficiently does the company turn revenue into profit? Higher margins mean more money kept from each dollar earned.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Margin | 48.00% | Above avg |
| Operating Margin | 25.82% | Above avg |
| Net Profit Margin | 14.46% | Above avg |
| Return on Equity | 10.99% | Average |
| Return on Invested Capital | 3.24% | Average |
Growth
How fast is the business expanding? Strong growth in revenue and earnings signals increasing market demand.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue Growth (YoY) | 8.00% | Average |
| Revenue Growth (3Y CAGR) | 0.31% | Below avg |
| EPS Growth (YoY) | -0.80% | Below avg |
| Free Cash Flow Growth | -452.34% | Below avg |
Health
Can the company cover its debts and obligations? A healthy balance sheet reduces the risk of financial trouble.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Current Ratio | 0.65 | Below avg |
| Debt to Equity | 1.90 | Below avg |
| Interest Coverage | 2.54 | Below avg |
| Altman Z-Score | 0.99 | Below avg |
Dividends
Does the company pay shareholders, and is that payment growing and sustainable?
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | 3.22% | Top 25% |
| Payout Ratio | 75.70% | Below avg |
| Dividend Growth (5Y) | -10.55% | Average |
Cash Flow
Is real cash flowing into the business — not just accounting profits? Strong cash flow funds growth and dividends.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Free Cash Flow Yield | -3.30% | Below avg |
| OCF to Sales | 32.41% | Top 25% |
Risk
How volatile is the stock compared to the broader market? Lower beta and volatility mean a smoother ride.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (1-Year) | 0.34 | Top 25% |
| Volatility (30-Day) | 19.12% | Top 25% |
Sentiment
What do analysts and short-sellers think? High analyst ratings and low short interest signal broad confidence.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Short % of Float | 2.64% | Above avg |
| Avg. Analyst Rating | 2.58 | Below avg |
| Target Upside % | 8.86% | Average |
Size
How large is the company by market value? Size affects stability, growth potential, and index inclusion.
| Metric | Value | vs S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| Market Capitalization | 104.94B | Top 25% |
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