Market Performance Summary for The Southern Company (Ticker: SO) on March 2, 2026
Current Stock Data:
- Current Price: $97.23
- Previous Close: $97.38
- Change: -$0.15
- Percentage Change: -0.15%
- Opening Price: $97.25
- Highest Price: $97.82
- Lowest Price: $97.03
- Volume Traded: Approximately 5.01 million shares
- Market Capitalization: $107.22 billion
- PE Ratio: 24.78
On March 2, 2026, The Southern Company (SO) experienced a slight decline in its stock price, closing at $97.23, down from the previous close of $97.38. The stock opened at $97.25 and reached a high of $97.82 and a low of $97.03 throughout the trading day. The trading volume was approximately 5.01 million shares, indicating a moderate level of trading activity.
Recent Developments and News:
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Historic Loan Guarantees:
The Southern Company received significant attention due to the announcement of a historic $26.5 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy. This funding is aimed at enhancing grid reliability and supporting energy infrastructure improvements across Alabama and Georgia. This investment is expected to bolster the company's operational capabilities and long-term growth prospects.
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Q4 Earnings Report:
The Southern Company reported its fourth-quarter earnings, showing an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.55, slightly below the consensus estimate of $0.56. However, the revenue of $6.98 billion exceeded expectations of $6.41 billion, marking a 10.1% increase year-over-year. The net margin was reported at 14.69%, with a return on equity of 12.52%. Analysts predict an EPS of $4.29 for the current fiscal year.
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Investment Activity:
Notable investment movements were observed, including a new position established by 111 Capital, which purchased 36,169 shares valued at approximately $3.43 million. Other hedge funds also adjusted their positions, indicating a growing interest in The Southern Company among institutional investors.
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Analyst Ratings:
The stock has received mixed ratings from various brokerages. For instance, JPMorgan Chase reduced its price target from $104.00 to $93.00, while Truist Financial set a target of $103.00. Mizuho maintained a target of $104.00, and Scotiabank raised their target from $101.00 to $103.00. The current consensus rating for The Southern Company is "Hold," with an average price target of $97.64.
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Dividend Declaration:
The Southern Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.74 per share, payable on March 6, 2026, to shareholders on record as of February 17, 2026. This dividend represents an annualized yield of approximately 3.0%, reflecting the company’s commitment to returning value to its shareholders.
Conclusion
The Southern Company’s stock performance on March 2, 2026, reflects a slight decline amidst significant developments, including a historic loan guarantee aimed at enhancing energy infrastructure and a mixed earnings report. The company's ongoing investments and dividend declarations signal a commitment to growth and shareholder value, even as it navigates a dynamic market environment. The combination of institutional interest and strategic government support may provide a foundation for future performance, despite the current stock price fluctuations.
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