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On Thursday, Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) analyst Andrew Weisel reaffirmed a Sector Outperform rating and a price target of $98.00 on Southern Co . (NYSE:SO), currently trading at $91.46 with a market capitalization of $100.75 billion, after the company reported its first-quarter earnings. According to InvestingPro data, the stock is trading near its 52-week high with relatively low volatility. Weisel praised the company for its consistent and predictable earnings per share (EPS) growth and low risks due to operating in favorable regulatory environments.
Southern Co. reported an EPS of $1.23 for the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.20 and Scotiabank’s own estimate of $1.21. The company also confirmed its financial guidance for the year. Weisel noted that despite soft demand trends in the first quarter, management’s reassuring tone suggested a positive outlook for the company.
The analyst highlighted Southern Co.’s strategic position to capitalize on the growth of data centers and domestic manufacturing. Weisel also commended the company for addressing its equity needs proactively and managing its tariff exposure, which is estimated to be a minimal 1%-3% of its capital expenditure plan. The company maintains a strong dividend track record, with a current yield of 3.22% and 23 consecutive years of dividend increases.
Scotiabank’s continued bullish stance on Southern Co. is partly due to a lack of large-cap alternatives in the market, which could benefit the company from a funds flow perspective. Weisel believes that investors are increasingly recognizing the stock’s value, even if somewhat reluctantly, due to the limited options available in the sector.
In conclusion, Scotiabank’s reiteration of the Sector Outperform rating on Southern Co. is based on the company’s strong first-quarter performance, strategic positioning, and manageable risks, despite a busy regulatory calendar anticipated for 2025.
In other recent news, Southern Company reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025, exceeding expectations with an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.23, surpassing the forecast of $1.19. The company also reported revenue of $7.78 billion, which was higher than the projected $7.31 billion. These results were driven by strategic investments and favorable weather conditions, despite a slight decline in retail electricity sales. Data center sales grew by 11% year-over-year, contributing positively to the company’s performance. Southern Company continues to focus on extending plant life and modernizing facilities, with significant investments proposed in its Georgia Power 2025 Integrated Resource Plan. Looking ahead, the company estimates its Q2 2025 adjusted EPS to be $0.85 per share. The company maintains its long-term EPS growth target of 5-7%. Southern Company’s board of directors also approved an 8¢ per share increase in its annual common dividend, marking the 24th consecutive annual increase.
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