Southern Company Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Higher EPS, Revenue

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) unveils its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Get prepared with Benzinga's ultimate preview for Southern Company's third quarter earnings.

Earnings and Revenue:

Based on estimates, investors are readying for a positive EPS reading of $1.04/share and revenues of $5.72 billion. Southern Company's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of 98 cents/share on revenues of $5.32 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if Southern Company has accomplished the estimated 6.1% rise in EPS and 7.5% increase in revenues on a year-over-year basis.

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

Stock Performance:

As of October 24, 2011, Southern Company's current share price was $43.38. Since January 1st, shares of Southern Company have given investors a return of 17.7%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 20.4%. 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. The strength of this rating has declined slightly over the past three months.

Competitors:

Wondering how Southern Company compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• American Electric Power Company (NYSE: AEP): Hold with a $0.73 recent quarter EPS
• Dominion Resources (NYSE: D): Hold with a $0.59 recent quarter EPS
• Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK): Moderate Sell with a $0.33 recent quarter EPS
• Entergy (NYSE: ETR): Hold with a $1.76 recent quarter EPS

Southern Company is in the utility-electric power industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 28%.

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:

There is your peek into Southern Company's upcoming earnings numbers, including some competitors to watch around the time of the announcement. Check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap. In the meantime, here are some links to explore today.

• To see up-to-date news on Southern Company, click here
• To see other trading ideas, click here
• To see other company earnings recaps, click here