Southern Company(US:SO)2025-10-30 18:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the adjusted EPS was $1.60 per share, which is $0.10 above the estimate and $0.17 higher than Q3 2024 [8][9] - Year-to-date adjusted EPS was $3.76 compared to $3.56 for the same period in 2024, indicating a positive trend in earnings [9] - Revenue growth was driven by state-regulated utilities, customer growth, and increased usage, with year-to-date weather-normal retail electricity sales up 1.8% compared to the first three quarters of 2024 [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The commercial sector saw a 3.5% growth in weather-normal retail electricity sales compared to Q3 2024, driven by increased sales to data centers, which were up 17% [10][11] - Residential sales also grew by 2.7% year-over-year, with the addition of approximately 12,000 new electric customers in the quarter [11] - Industrial customer segments, including primary metals, paper, and transportation, were up 4% or higher year-over-year [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Economic development activity in the Southeast remains strong, with 22 companies announcing expansions or new operations, generating nearly 5,000 potential new jobs and expected capital investments of approximately $2.8 billion [11] - The company has contracts in place with large load customers representing 7 gigawatts through 2029, expected to ramp to 8 gigawatts in the 2030s [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on balancing growth and affordability, with a rate plan extension at Georgia Power freezing base rates until at least 2029 [6] - A disciplined approach to forecasting and pricing is emphasized to ensure that growth does not come at the expense of existing customers [6] - The company plans to continue utilizing equity or equity equivalents to support its path towards a 17% FFO to debt ratio within its planning horizon [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future, highlighting strong operational and financial results through the first three quarters of the year [20] - The company is well-positioned to address its long-term equity needs and has made significant progress in sourcing equity in a disciplined manner [14] - Management noted that the Southeast economy remains strong and well-positioned for growth, with robust customer growth and increasing usage in commercial and industrial segments [12] Other Important Information - Southern Company was named to Newsweek's World's Most Trustworthy Companies 2025 list, ranking as the highest energy company in the U.S. [20] - The company plans to provide a complete update on its long-term plan during the fourth quarter 2025 earnings call, including capital investment outlook and sales forecast [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Load growth outlook in Georgia - Management noted that customers understand the long-term commitments being made under the new tariff structure, which has helped bring serious counterparties to the forefront [26][27] Question: Georgia regulatory environment and potential impacts - Management expressed confidence in working constructively with whoever is elected to the Georgia Public Service Commission and highlighted ongoing processes for load forecasts [28] Question: Rebasement timeline and metrics - Management indicated that various factors, including economic performance and large load contracts, will influence the timeline for rebasement decisions [33] Question: Southern Power's asset value and pricing environment - Management confirmed that a large portion of assets are under long-term contracts, with opportunities to renegotiate as contracts expire [40] Question: Nuclear development and federal support - Management expressed excitement about federal actions supporting nuclear development but stated that no announcements regarding new nuclear plants are imminent [55][72] Question: Contracted vs. committed definitions - Management clarified that contracted refers to signed agreements, while committed involves advanced negotiations nearing contract signing [75]