Compared to Estimates, Southern Co. (SO) Q4 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics

Core Insights - Southern Co. reported $6.98 billion in revenue for the quarter ended December 2025, marking a year-over-year increase of 10.1% and an EPS of $0.55 compared to $0.50 a year ago, with revenue exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.86 billion by 1.7% [1] Financial Performance - The company delivered an EPS surprise of -1.79%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.56 [1] - Southern Co. shares returned +2.1% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite experienced a -0.8% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance against the broader market in the near term [3] Operating Revenues Breakdown - Southern Power reported operating revenues of $472 million, below the estimated $510.01 million, but reflecting a +13.2% change year-over-year [4] - Total retail sales reached $35.33 billion, surpassing the three-analyst average estimate of $34.88 billion [4] - Southern Company Natural Gas generated $1.49 billion in operating revenues, exceeding the $1.27 billion estimate, with a year-over-year increase of +20.7% [4] - Georgia Power - Other Revenues were $222 million, below the two-analyst average estimate of $273.36 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -17.5% [4] - Mississippi Power - Retail Revenues were $261 million, exceeding the estimated $232.24 million, with a +15.5% year-over-year change [4] - Southern Company Gas - Gas Distribution Operations reported $1.31 billion, surpassing the $1.1 billion estimate, reflecting a +21.9% year-over-year change [4] - Retail Electric revenues were $4.27 billion, slightly below the $4.28 billion estimate, with a +6.7% year-over-year change [4] - Alabama Power reported $1.94 billion, slightly above the two-analyst average estimate of $1.93 billion, with a +10.6% year-over-year change [4] - Georgia Power generated $2.71 billion, exceeding the $2.65 billion estimate, reflecting a +4.9% year-over-year change [4] - Mississippi Power reported $394 million, surpassing the $356.15 million estimate, with a +14.2% year-over-year change [4]