Southern Company reports third-quarter 2025 earnings

Core Insights - Southern Company reported third-quarter earnings of $1.7 billion, or $1.55 per share, for 2025, an increase from $1.5 billion, or $1.40 per share, in the same quarter of 2024 [1] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, earnings were $3.93 billion, or $3.56 per share, compared to $3.87 billion, or $3.53 per share, for the same period in 2024 [1] Financial Performance - Excluding certain items, Southern Company earned $1.8 billion, or $1.60 per share, in Q3 2025, up from $1.6 billion, or $1.43 per share, in Q3 2024 [2] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, excluding these items, earnings were $4.1 billion, or $3.76 per share, compared to $3.9 billion, or $3.56 per share, in the same period of 2024 [2] - Operating revenues for Q3 2025 were $7.8 billion, a 7.5% increase from $7.3 billion in Q3 2024 [5] - Year-to-date operating revenues reached $22.6 billion, up 10.7% from $20.4 billion in the same period of 2024 [5] Earnings Drivers - Key drivers for adjusted earnings in Q3 2025 included higher utility revenues, which were partially offset by increased depreciation, amortization, interest expenses, and milder weather conditions [4] - The increase in earnings per share was attributed to traditional electric operating companies, while Southern Power and the parent company reported declines [16] Customer Metrics - Total kilowatt-hour sales for Q3 2025 were 56,627 million, a 1.1% increase from 56,035 million in Q3 2024 [25] - The number of regulated utility customers increased to 8,934 thousand, up 0.8% from 8,865 thousand in the previous year [25] Management Commentary - The CEO emphasized the company's focus on meeting growing electric demand and providing reliable service to its 9 million customers, positioning the company for a strong finish to the year [6]