(SO) Southern - Ratings and Ratios

Southern Company is a cornerstone of American energy infrastructure, operating as a diversified energy provider with a rich history dating back to its incorporation in 1945. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company serves approximately 8.9 million electric and gas utility customers across its expansive network. Its core operations span the full spectrum of energy delivery: generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as the distribution of natural gas. This vertically integrated approach positions Southern Company as a reliable provider of essential energy services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

Beyond its traditional utility operations, Southern Company has made significant strides in renewable energy and advanced energy storage. The company owns and operates a diverse portfolio of power generation assets, including nuclear, coal, hydro, solar, wind, battery storage, and fuel cell facilities. This diversification not only strengthens its energy resilience but also aligns with the broader industry shift toward cleaner energy sources. Additionally, Southern Company actively develops and deploys distributed energy solutions, including microgrids, to enhance energy reliability for commercial, industrial, and governmental customers.

The company’s natural gas infrastructure is equally impressive, with approximately 77,900 miles of pipelines and 14 storage facilities boasting a total capacity of 157 billion cubic feet (Bcf). This extensive network ensures a steady supply of natural gas to its customers across Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee. Southern Company also offers gas marketing services and operates various gas pipeline investments, further solidifying its role as a key player in the natural gas sector.

Southern Company’s commitment to innovation extends beyond energy generation and distribution. The company provides digital wireless communications and fiber optics services, leveraging its infrastructure to support modern connectivity needs. This diversification into telecommunications underscores its strategy to remain at the forefront of technological advancements in the energy and utility sectors.

From a financial perspective, Southern Company is a large-cap utility stock with a market capitalization of approximately