Southern Company reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

Southern Company (SO) reported Q4 2024 earnings of $534 million ($0.49 per share), down from $855 million ($0.78 per share) in Q4 2023. However, full-year 2024 earnings increased to $4.4 billion ($4.02 per share) from $4.0 billion ($3.64 per share) in 2023.

Operating revenues showed positive growth, with Q4 2024 revenues reaching $6.3 billion, up 4.9% from Q4 2023. Full-year 2024 revenues increased 5.8% to $26.7 billion compared to $25.3 billion in 2023.

The company's adjusted earnings growth was driven by higher utility revenues, partially offset by increased non-fuel operations and maintenance expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes.

Positive

• Full-year earnings increased 10% to $4.4 billion in 2024
• Q4 2024 operating revenues grew 4.9% to $6.3 billion
• Full-year 2024 revenues increased 5.8% to $26.7 billion
• Higher utility revenues drove earnings growth

Negative

• Q4 2024 earnings declined 37.5% to $534 million
• Increased operational and maintenance expenses
• Higher interest expenses impacting earnings
• Increased depreciation and amortization costs

Insights

Financial Analyst

Southern Company's 2024 financial results reveal a complex narrative that requires careful analysis. While the 37.5% year-over-year decline in Q4 earnings might initially raise concerns, the full-year performance tells a more positive story with a 10% increase in earnings per share to $4.02.

The 5.8% revenue growth to $26.7 billion for the full year is particularly impressive for a utility company, significantly outpacing the industry's typical 2-3% growth rate. This robust top-line growth suggests successful rate case outcomes and strong customer demand in their service territories.

However, the mounting operational challenges warrant attention. The increase in non-fuel operations and maintenance expenses, combined with higher interest expenses, signals potential margin pressure ahead. This cost inflation trend is particularly significant for utilities, as their ability to pass through costs to customers is subject to regulatory approval and typically faces timing delays.

The company's emphasis on sustainable growth and meeting local energy needs suggests a strategic focus on grid modernization and renewable energy integration. This positions Southern Company well for the ongoing energy transition, though it will require significant capital investment and careful regulatory navigation.

The divergence between quarterly and annual performance metrics highlights the increasing seasonality and volatility in utility operations, a trend that investors should monitor as climate change impacts energy consumption patterns and grid reliability requirements.

ATLANTA, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company today reported fourth-quarter earnings of $534 million, or 49 cents per share, in 2024 compared with earnings of $855 million, or 78 cents per share, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Southern Company also reported full-year 2024 earnings of $4.4 billion, or $4.02 per share, compared with $4.0 billion, or $3.64 per share, in 2023.

Excluding the items described under "Net Income – Excluding Items" in the table below, Southern Company earned $544 million, or 50 cents per share, during the fourth quarter of 2024, compared with $700 million, or 64 cents per share, during the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full-year 2024, excluding these items, Southern Company earned $4.4 billion, or $4.05 per share, compared with $4.0 billion, or $3.65 per share, for 2023.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures	Three Months Ended December			Year-to-Date December
Net Income – Excluding Items (in millions)	2024	2023		2024	2023
Net Income – As Reported	$                    534	$                    855		$                 4,401	$                 3,976
Less:
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction	(4)	222		7	51
Tax Impact	1	(56)		(15)	(13)
Acquisition and Disposition Impacts	—	1		—	(1)
Tax Impact	—	32		—	33
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	—	—		—	(5)
Tax Impact	—	—		—	1
Estimated Loss on Qualifying Infrastructure Plant and Other Capital Investments	—	(58)		—	(96)
Tax Impact	—	14		—	24
Impairments	—	—		(36)	—
Tax Impact	—	—		9	—
Accelerated Depreciation from Repowering	(9)	—		(9)	—
Tax Impact	2	—		2	—
Net Income – Excluding Items	$                    544	$                    700		$                 4,443	$                 3,982
Average Shares Outstanding – (in millions)	1,098	1,092		1,096	1,092
Basic Earnings Per Share – Excluding Items	$                   0.50	$                   0.64		$                   4.05	$                   3.65

NOTE: For more information regarding these non-GAAP adjustments, see the footnotes accompanying the Financial Highlights page of the earnings package.

Adjusted earnings drivers for the full year 2024, as compared with 2023, were higher utility revenues, partially offset by increased non-fuel operations and maintenance expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes.

Fourth-quarter 2024 operating revenues were $6.3 billion, compared with $6.0 billion for the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 4.9%. Operating revenues for the full year 2024 were $26.7 billion, compared with $25.3 billion in 2023, an increase of 5.8%.

"The hard work and dedication of our team members across our company made 2024 an outstanding year for Southern Company," said Christopher C. Womack, chairman, president and CEO. "We delivered the exceptional value that our customers depend on, and, looking ahead, we believe our commitment to sustainably meeting the growing energy needs of our local economies will support our continued success for years to come."

Southern Company's fourth-quarter and full-year earnings slides with supplemental financial information, including earnings guidance, are available at investor.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company's financial analyst call will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern Time today, during which Womack and Chief Financial Officer Daniel S. Tucker will discuss earnings and provide a general business update. Investors, media and the public may listen to a live webcast of the call and view associated slides at investor.southerncompany.com. A replay of the webcast will be available on the site for 12 months.

About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit southerncompany.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information contained in this release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning future business successes. Southern Company cautions that there are certain factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Southern Company; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Southern Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory changes, including tax, environmental and other laws and regulations to which Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject, as well as changes in application of existing laws and regulations; the extent and timing of costs and legal requirements related to coal combustion residuals; current and future litigation or regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries, including litigation and other disputes related to the Kemper County energy facility and Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4; the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in which Southern Company's subsidiaries operate, including from the development and deployment of alternative energy sources; variations in demand for electricity and natural gas; available sources and costs of natural gas and other fuels and commodities; the ability to complete necessary or desirable pipeline expansion or infrastructure projects, limits on pipeline capacity, public and policymaker support for such projects, and operational interruptions to natural gas distribution and transmission activities; transmission constraints; the ability to control costs and avoid cost and schedule overruns during the development, construction, and operation of facilities or other projects due to challenges which include, but are not limited to, changes in labor costs, availability, and productivity, challenges with the management of contractors or vendors, subcontractor performance, adverse weather conditions, shortages, delays, increased costs, or inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, the impacts of inflation, delays due to judicial or regulatory action, nonperformance under construction, operating, or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, engineering or design problems or any remediation related thereto, design and other licensing-based compliance matters, challenges with start-up activities, including major equipment failure or system integration, and/or operational performance, challenges related to pandemic health events, continued public and policymaker support for projects, environmental and geological conditions, delays or increased costs to interconnect facilities to transmission grids, and increased financing costs as a result of changes in interest rates or as a result of project delays; legal proceedings and regulatory approvals and actions related to past, ongoing, and proposed construction projects, including state public service commission or other applicable state regulatory agency approvals and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission actions; the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; investment performance of the employee and retiree benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning trust funds; advances in technology, including the pace and extent of development of low- to no-carbon energy and battery energy storage technologies and negative carbon concepts; performance of counterparties under ongoing renewable energy partnerships and development agreements; state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including rate actions relating to return on equity, equity ratios, additional generating capacity and transmission facilities, extension of retirement dates for fossil fuel plants, and fuel and other cost recovery mechanisms; the ability to successfully operate Southern Company's electric utilities' generation, transmission, distribution, and battery energy storage facilities, as applicable, and Southern Company Gas' natural gas distribution and storage facilities and the successful performance of necessary corporate functions; the inherent risks involved in operating nuclear generating facilities; the inherent risks involved in generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity and transportation and storage of natural gas, including accidents, explosions, fires, mechanical problems, discharges or releases of toxic or hazardous substances or gases, and other environmental risks; the performance of projects undertaken by the non-utility businesses and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities; internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued; potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Southern Company or its subsidiaries; the ability of counterparties of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to make payments as and when due and to perform as required; the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with wholesale customers; the direct or indirect effect on the Southern Company system's business resulting from cyber intrusion or physical attack and the threat of cyber and physical attacks; global and U.S. economic conditions, including impacts from geopolitical conflicts, recession, inflation, tariffs interest rate fluctuations, and financial market conditions, and the results of financing efforts; access to capital markets and other financing sources; changes in Southern Company's and any of its subsidiaries' credit ratings; the ability of Southern Company's electric utilities to obtain additional generating capacity (or sell excess generating capacity) at competitive prices; catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and other storms, droughts, pandemic health events, political unrest, wars, or other similar occurrences; the direct or indirect effects on the Southern Company system's business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid, natural gas pipeline infrastructure, or operation of generating or storage resources; impairments of goodwill or long-lived assets; and the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard-setting bodies. Southern Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

 

Southern Company
Financial Highlights
(In Millions Except Earnings Per Share)
	Three Months Ended December				Year-To-Date December
Net Income – As Reported	2024		2023		2024		2023
Traditional Electric Operating Companies	$         515		$         785		$      4,145		$      3,637
Southern Power	64		69		328		357
Southern Company Gas	185		140		740		615
Total	764		994		5,213		4,609
Parent Company and Other	(230)		(139)		(812)		(633)
Net Income – As Reported	$         534		$         855		$      4,401		$      3,976
Basic Earnings Per Share(1)	$        0.49		$        0.78		$        4.02		$        3.64
Average Shares Outstanding	1,098		1,092		1,096		1,092
Non-GAAP Financial Measures	Three Months Ended December				Year-To-Date December
Net Income – Excluding Items	2024		2023		2024		2023
Net Income – As Reported	$         534		$         855		$      4,401		$      3,976
Less:
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction(2)	(4)		222		7		51
Tax Impact	1		(56)		(15)		(13)
Acquisition and Disposition Impacts(3)	—		1		—		(1)
Tax Impact	—		32		—		33
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt(4)	—		—		—		(5)
Tax Impact	—		—		—		1
Estimated Loss on Qualifying Infrastructure Plant and Other Capital Investments(5)	—		(58)		—		(96)
Tax Impact	—		14		—		24
Impairments(6)	—		—		(36)		—
Tax Impact	—		—		9		—
Accelerated Depreciation from Repowering(7)	(9)		—		(9)		—
Tax Impact	2		—		2		—
Net Income – Excluding Items	$         544		$         700		$      4,443		$      3,982
Basic Earnings Per Share – Excluding Items	$        0.50		$        0.64		$        4.05		$        3.65

See Notes on the following page.

 

Southern Company Financial Highlights
Notes
(1)	Dilution is not material in any period presented. Diluted earnings per share was $0.48 and $3.99 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively, and $0.78 and $3.62 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively.
(2)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax credit to income of $21 million ($16 million after tax) related to the estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 reflecting a revision to Georgia Power Company's total project capital cost forecast resulting from a reduction in remaining expected site demobilization costs and other contractor obligations. Additionally, earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a $14 million income tax charge related to the remeasuring of deferred tax assets associated with the previously recognized estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 due to a change in the State of Georgia corporate tax rate. Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a pre-tax credit to income of $228 million ($170 million after tax) and a pre-tax net credit to income of $68 million ($50 million after tax), respectively, related to the estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Further charges and/or credits may occur; however, the amount and timing are uncertain. Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 also include charges (net of salvage proceeds), associated legal expenses (net of insurance recoveries), and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power Company's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Mississippi Power Company expects to incur additional pre-tax period costs related to dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities, including related costs for compliance and safety, asset retirement obligation accretion, and property taxes, net of salvage, totaling approximately $15 million in 2025.
(3)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a $35 million favorable tax impact related to a reversal of an uncertain tax position associated with the 2019 sale of Gulf Power Company. Additionally, earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include disposition impacts related to the sales of natural gas storage facilities at Southern Company Gas. Further impacts may result from future acquisition and disposition activities; however, the amount and timing of any such impacts are uncertain.
(4)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include costs associated with the extinguishment of debt at Southern Company. Similar transaction costs may occur in the future at Southern Company or one of its unregulated subsidiaries; however, the amount and timing of any such costs are uncertain.
(5)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a pre-tax charge of $58 million ($44 million after tax) and pre-tax charges totaling $96 million ($72 million after tax), respectively, for estimated losses at Southern Company Gas associated with the Illinois Commerce Commission disallowances related to (1) its review of the Qualifying Infrastructure Plant (QIP) capital investments by Nicor Gas under the QIP rider, or Investing in Illinois program and (2) Nicor Gas' general base rate case proceeding. Further charges may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain.
(6)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax impairment loss of $36 million ($27 million after tax) associated with the discontinued development of a multi-use commercial facility at Alabama Power Company. Impairment charges may occur in the future; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain.
(7)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax charge, net of noncontrolling interests impacts, of $9 million ($7 million after tax) associated with accelerated depreciation related to the repowering of the Kay Wind facility at Southern Power. Accelerated depreciation related to the equipment being replaced will continue until commercial operation of the repowering project, which is projected to occur in the third quarter 2026. Pre-tax accelerated depreciation, net of noncontrolling interest impacts, is projected to total approximately $100 million in 2025 and $40 million in 2026.

 

Southern Company
Significant Factors Impacting EPS
	Three Months Ended December						Year-To-Date December
	2024		2023		Change		2024		2023		Change
Earnings Per Share –
As Reported(1)	$ 0.49		$ 0.78		$ (0.29)		$ 4.02		$ 3.64		$   0.38
Significant Factors:
Traditional Electric Operating Companies					$ (0.25)						$   0.47
Southern Power					—						(0.03)
Southern Company Gas					0.04						0.11
Parent Company and Other					(0.08)						(0.16)
Increase in Shares					—						(0.01)
Total – As Reported					$ (0.29)						$   0.38
	Three Months Ended December						Year-To-Date December
Non-GAAP Financial Measures	2024		2023		Change		2024		2023		Change
Earnings Per Share –
Excluding Items	$ 0.50		$ 0.64		$ (0.14)		$ 4.05		$ 3.65		$   0.40
Total – As Reported					$ (0.29)						$   0.38
Less:
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction(2)					(0.15)						(0.04)
Acquisition and Disposition Impacts(3)					(0.03)						(0.03)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt(4)					—						—
Estimated Loss on Qualifying Infrastructure Plant  and Other Capital Investments(5)					0.04						0.07
Impairments(6)					—						(0.02)
Accelerated Depreciation from Repowering(7)					(0.01)						—
Total – Excluding Items					$ (0.14)						$   0.40

See Notes on the following page.

 

Southern Company Significant Factors Impacting EPS
Notes
(1)	Dilution is not material in any period presented. Diluted earnings per share was $0.48 and $3.99 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively, and $0.78 and $3.62 for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively.
(2)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax credit to income of $21 million ($16 million after tax) related to the estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 reflecting a revision to Georgia Power Company's total project capital cost forecast resulting from a reduction in remaining expected site demobilization costs and other contractor obligations. Additionally, earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a $14 million income tax charge related to the remeasuring of deferred tax assets associated with the previously recognized estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 due to a change in the State of Georgia corporate tax rate. Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a pre-tax credit to income of $228 million ($170 million after tax) and a pre-tax net credit to income of $68 million ($50 million after tax), respectively, related to the estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Further charges and/or credits may occur; however, the amount and timing are uncertain. Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 also include charges (net of salvage proceeds), associated legal expenses (net of insurance recoveries), and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power Company's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Mississippi Power Company expects to incur additional pre-tax period costs related to dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities, including related costs for compliance and safety, asset retirement obligation accretion, and property taxes, net of salvage, totaling approximately $15 million in 2025.
(3)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a $35 million favorable tax impact related to a reversal of an uncertain tax position associated with the 2019 sale of Gulf Power Company. Additionally, earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include disposition impacts related to the sales of natural gas storage facilities at Southern Company Gas. Further impacts may result from future acquisition and disposition activities; however, the amount and timing of any such impacts are uncertain.
(4)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include costs associated with the extinguishment of debt at Southern Company. Similar transaction costs may occur in the future at Southern Company or one of its unregulated subsidiaries; however, the amount and timing of any such costs are uncertain.
(5)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a pre-tax charge of $58 million ($44 million after tax) and pre-tax charges totaling $96 million ($72 million after tax), respectively, for estimated losses at Southern Company Gas associated with the Illinois Commerce Commission disallowances related to (1) its review of the Qualifying Infrastructure Plant (QIP) capital investments by Nicor Gas under the QIP rider, or Investing in Illinois program and (2) Nicor Gas' general base rate case proceeding. Further charges may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain.
(6)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax impairment loss of $36 million ($27 million after tax) associated with the discontinued development of a multi-use commercial facility at Alabama Power Company. Impairment charges may occur in the future; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain.
(7)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax charge, net of noncontrolling interests impacts, of $9 million ($7 million after tax) associated with accelerated depreciation related to the repowering of the Kay Wind facility at Southern Power. Accelerated depreciation related to the equipment being replaced will continue until commercial operation of the repowering project, which is projected to occur in the third quarter 2026. Pre-tax accelerated depreciation, net of noncontrolling interest impacts, is projected to total approximately $100 million in 2025 and $40 million in 2026.

 

Southern Company
EPS Earnings Analysis
Description	Three Months Ended December 2024 vs. 2023		Year-To-Date December 2024 vs. 2023
Retail Sales	1¢		3¢
Retail Revenue Impacts	18		89
Weather	2		22
Wholesale and Other Operating Revenues	7		17
Non-Fuel Operations and Maintenance Expenses(1)	(18)		(29)
Depreciation and Amortization	(1)		(10)
Interest Expense and Other	(9)		(21)
Income Taxes	(9)		(18)
Total Traditional Electric Operating Companies	(9)¢		53¢
Southern Power	—		(2)
Southern Company Gas	—		5
Parent Company and Other	(5)		(14)
Increase in Shares	—		(2)
Total Change in EPS (Excluding Items)	(14)¢		40¢
Estimated Loss on Plants Under Construction(2)	(15)		(4)
Acquisition and Disposition Impacts(3)	(3)		(3)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt(4)	—		—
Estimated Loss on Qualifying Infrastructure Plant and Other Capital Investments(5)	4		7
Impairments(6)	—		(2)
Accelerated Depreciation from Repowering(7)	(1)		—
Total Change in EPS (As Reported)	(29)¢		38¢

See Notes on the following page.

 

Southern Company EPS Earnings Analysis
Notes
(1)	Excludes gains/losses on asset sales, which are included in "Interest Expense and Other." Includes non-service cost-related benefits income.
(2)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax credit to income of $21 million ($16 million after tax) related to the estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 reflecting a revision to Georgia Power Company's total project capital cost forecast resulting from a reduction in remaining expected site demobilization costs and other contractor obligations. Additionally, earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a $14 million income tax charge related to the remeasuring of deferred tax assets associated with the previously recognized estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 due to a change in the State of Georgia corporate tax rate. Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a pre-tax credit to income of $228 million ($170 million after tax) and a pre-tax net credit to income of $68 million ($50 million after tax), respectively, related to the estimated probable loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Further charges and/or credits may occur; however, the amount and timing are uncertain. Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 also include charges (net of salvage proceeds), associated legal expenses (net of insurance recoveries), and tax impacts related to Mississippi Power Company's integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility project in Kemper County, Mississippi. Mississippi Power Company expects to incur additional pre-tax period costs related to dismantlement of the abandoned gasifier-related assets and site restoration activities, including related costs for compliance and safety, asset retirement obligation accretion, and property taxes, net of salvage, totaling approximately $15 million in 2025.
(3)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a $35 million favorable tax impact related to a reversal of an uncertain tax position associated with the 2019 sale of Gulf Power Company. Additionally, earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include disposition impacts related to the sales of natural gas storage facilities at Southern Company Gas. Further impacts may result from future acquisition and disposition activities; however, the amount and timing of any such impacts are uncertain.
(4)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include costs associated with the extinguishment of debt at Southern Company. Similar transaction costs may occur in the future at Southern Company or one of its unregulated subsidiaries; however, the amount and timing of any such costs are uncertain.
(5)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2023 include a pre-tax charge of $58 million ($44 million after tax) and pre-tax charges totaling $96 million ($72 million after tax), respectively, for estimated losses at Southern Company Gas associated with the Illinois Commerce Commission disallowances related to (1) its review of the Qualifying Infrastructure Plant (QIP) capital investments by Nicor Gas under the QIP rider, or Investing in Illinois program and (2) Nicor Gas' general base rate case proceeding. Further charges may occur; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain.
(6)	Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax impairment loss of $36 million ($27 million after tax) associated with the discontinued development of a multi-use commercial facility at Alabama Power Company. Impairment charges may occur in the future; however, the amount and timing of any such charges are uncertain.
(7)	Earnings for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024 include a pre-tax charge, net of noncontrolling interests impacts, of $9 million ($7 million after tax) associated with accelerated depreciation related to the repowering of the Kay Wind facility at Southern Power. Accelerated depreciation related to the equipment being replaced will continue until commercial operation of the repowering project, which is projected to occur in the third quarter 2026. Pre-tax accelerated depreciation, net of noncontrolling interest impacts, is projected to total approximately $100 million in 2025 and $40 million in 2026.

 

Southern Company
Consolidated Earnings
As Reported
	Three Months Ended December						Year-To-Date December
	2024		2023		Change		2024		2023		Change
	(in millions)						(in millions)
Retail electric revenues:
Fuel	$     963		$  1,018		$     (55)		$  4,213		$  4,430		$   (217)
Non-fuel	3,034		2,728		306		13,577		11,913		1,664
Wholesale electric revenues	512		537		(25)		2,431		2,467		(36)
Other electric revenues	265		190		75		896		792		104
Natural gas revenues	1,236		1,285		(49)		4,456		4,702		(246)
Other revenues	331		287		44		1,151		949		202
Total operating revenues	6,341		6,045		296		26,724		25,253		1,471
Fuel and purchased power	1,136		1,192		(56)		4,979		5,248		(269)
Cost of natural gas	344		445		(101)		1,196		1,644		(448)
Cost of other sales	204		179		25		668		560		108
Non-fuel operations and maintenance	1,996		1,741		255		6,539		6,093		446
Depreciation and amortization	1,218		1,160		58		4,755		4,525		230
Taxes other than income taxes	385		349		36		1,540		1,425		115
Estimated loss on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4	—		(228)		228		(21)		(68)		47
Total operating expenses	5,283		4,838		445		19,656		19,427		229
Operating income	1,058		1,207		(149)		7,068		5,826		1,242
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	68		68		—		235		268		(33)
Earnings from equity method investments	32		34		(2)		139		144		(5)
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized	693		634		59		2,743		2,446		297
Other income (expense), net	80		125		(45)		530		553		(23)
Income taxes	79		4		75		969		496		473
Net income	466		796		(330)		4,260		3,849		411
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(68)		(59)		(9)		(141)		(127)		(14)
Net income attributable to Southern Company	$     534		$     855		$   (321)		$  4,401		$  3,976		$     425

Certain prior year data may have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

 

Southern Company
Kilowatt-Hour Sales and Customers
	Three Months Ended December								Year-To-Date December
	2024		2023		% Change		Weather Adjusted % Change		2024		2023		% Change		Weather Adjusted % Change
	(in millions)								(in millions)
Kilowatt-Hour Sales
Total Sales	46,577		45,351		2.7 %				199,038		195,507		1.8 %
Total Retail Sales	34,752		33,817		2.8 %		1.4 %		148,906		144,531		3.0 %		0.8 %
Residential	10,827		10,622		1.9 %		(0.2) %		49,269		47,080		4.7 %		(0.5) %
Commercial	11,789		11,294		4.4 %		2.4 %		50,208		48,343		3.9 %		2.2 %
Industrial	12,005		11,765		2.0 %		2.0 %		48,894		48,556		0.7 %		0.7 %
Other	131		136		(4.1) %		(4.7) %		535		552		(3.1) %		(3.7) %
Total Wholesale Sales	11,825		11,534		2.5 %		N/A		50,132		50,976		(1.7) %		N/A
									Period Ended December
									2024		2023		% Change
									(in thousands)
Regulated Utility Customers
Total Regulated Utility Customers									8,936		8,861		0.8 %
Traditional Electric Operating Companies									4,549		4,487		1.4 %
Southern Company Gas									4,387		4,374		0.3 %

 

Southern Company
Financial Overview
As Reported
	Three Months Ended December						Year-To-Date December
	2024		2023		% Change		2024		2023		% Change
	(in millions)						(in millions)
Southern Company –
Operating Revenues	$  6,341		$  6,045		4.9 %		$  26,724		$  25,253		5.8 %
Earnings Before Income Taxes	545		800		(31.9) %		5,229		4,345		20.3 %
Net Income Available to Common	534		855		(37.5) %		4,401		3,976		10.7 %
Alabama Power –
Operating Revenues	$  1,751		$  1,630		7.4 %		$  7,554		$  7,050		7.1 %
Earnings Before Income Taxes	246		216		13.9 %		1,763		1,451		21.5 %
Net Income Available to Common	208		238		(12.6) %		1,403		1,370		2.4 %
Georgia Power –
Operating Revenues	$  2,586		$  2,313		11.8 %		$  11,331		$  10,118		12.0 %
Earnings Before Income Taxes	381		636		(40.1) %		3,146		2,528		24.4 %
Net Income Available to Common	294		533		(44.8) %		2,543		2,080		22.3 %
Mississippi Power –
Operating Revenues	$     345		$     337		2.4 %		$  1,463		$  1,474		(0.7) %
Earnings Before Income Taxes	13		16		(18.8) %		246		224		9.8 %
Net Income Available to Common	13		15		(13.3) %		199		188		5.9 %
Southern Power –
Operating Revenues	$     417		$     503		(17.1) %		$  2,014		$  2,189		(8.0) %
Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(49)		(16)		N/M		174		242		(28.1) %
Net Income Available to Common	64		69		(7.2) %		328		357		(8.1) %
Southern Company Gas –
Operating Revenues	$  1,236		$  1,285		(3.8) %		$  4,456		$  4,702		(5.2) %
Earnings Before Income Taxes	259		191		35.6 %		998		826		20.8 %
Net Income Available to Common	185		140		32.1 %		740		615		20.3 %

N/M - Not Meaningful

See Financial Highlights pages for discussion of certain significant items occurring during the periods.

 

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SOURCE Southern Company

FAQ

What were Southern Company's (SO) Q4 2024 earnings per share?

Southern Company reported earnings of $0.49 per share in Q4 2024, compared to $0.78 per share in Q4 2023.

How much did Southern Company's (SO) full-year 2024 revenue grow?

Southern Company's full-year 2024 revenue grew 5.8% to $26.7 billion, up from $25.3 billion in 2023.

What factors drove Southern Company's (SO) earnings growth in 2024?

Southern Company's earnings growth was driven by higher utility revenues, offset by increased non-fuel operations and maintenance expenses, interest expense, depreciation and amortization, and income taxes.

What was Southern Company's (SO) Q4 2024 revenue compared to Q4 2023?

Southern Company's Q4 2024 revenue was $6.3 billion, a 4.9% increase from $6.0 billion in Q4 2023.

How much did Southern Company (SO) earn for the full year 2024?

Southern Company earned $4.4 billion ($4.02 per share) for the full year 2024, compared to $4.0 billion ($3.64 per share) in 2023.