Southern Company Earnings Preview: Analyts Expect Higher Earnings, Revenue from Prior Quarter

Southern Company SO announces its next round of earnings this Wednesday, July 27, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Southern Company's second quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Ahead of the company's earnings announcement, analysts are expecting a positive EPS reading of 64 cents per share and revenues of $4.46 billion. Wall Street will be looking to see how this quarter's numbers compare to the year-ago quarter's positive EPS of 62 cents per share on revenues of $4.21 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Southern Company reports a rise in EPS and revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are expecting.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Stock Performance:

Shares of Southern Company were trading at $40.80 as of July 21, 2011. Shares are up 9.4% year to date. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 12.9%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for Southern Company is a Hold. Over the past three months this rating's strength has declined slightly.

Competitors:

Wondering how some of the other utilities companies are doing? Here are a few of Southern Company's peers in that sector.

• American Electric Power Company AEP: Hold with a $0.82 recent quarter EPS
• Duke Energy DUK: Moderate Sell with a $0.39 recent quarter EPS
• Entergy ETR: Hold with a $1.38 recent quarter EPS
• Dominion Resources (D): Hold with a $0.93 recent quarter EPS

The utility-electric power company's industry has seen price/earnings growth of 3.4% during the current fiscal year.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: Southern Company through its operating companies, provides electric service in four Southeastern states.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at Southern Company's upcoming earnings numbers, keep an eye out for any surprises in the report and be ready to take action. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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