Q4 2025 Southern Co Earnings Call

February 19, 2026

Speaker #1: Good afternoon. My name is Sherry. I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Southern Company 4th Quarter 2025 Earnings Call.

Operator: Good afternoon. My name is Sherry. I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Southern Company Q4 2025 Earnings Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Greg MacLeod, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #1: All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star 0 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #1: I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Greg MacLeod, Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead, sir.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Sherry. Good afternoon, and welcome to Southern Company's fourth quarter 2025 earnings call. Joining me today are Chris Womack, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Company, and David Poroch, Chief Financial Officer.

Greg MacLeod: Thanks, Sherry. Good afternoon, and welcome to Southern Company's Q4 2025 earnings call. Joining me, joining me today are Chris Womack, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Company, and David Poroch, Chief Financial Officer. Let me remind you that we will make forward-looking statements today in addition to providing historical information. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including those discussed in our Form 10-K and subsequent securities filings. In addition, we will present non-GAAP financial information on this call. Reconciliations to the applicable GAAP measure are included in the financial information we released this morning, as well as the slides for this conference call, which are both available on our investor relations website at investor.southerncompany.com. At this time, I'll turn the call over to Chris.

Speaker #2: Let me remind you that we will make forward-looking statements today in addition to providing historical information. Various important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements, including those discussed in our Form 10-K and subsequent securities filings.

Speaker #2: In addition, we will present non-GAAP financial information on this call. Reconciliations to the applicable GAAP measure are included in the financial information we released this morning, as well as the slides for this conference call, which are both available on our Investor Relations website at investor.southerncompany.com.

Speaker #2: At this time, I'll turn the call over to Chris.

Speaker #3: Thank you, Greg. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. 2025 was an outstanding year for Southern Company, and the operational and financial results we delivered are a testament to the dedication of our nearly 30,000 teammates across this company.

Chris Womack: Thank you, Greg. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. 2025 was an outstanding year for Southern Company, and the operational and financial results we delivered are a testament to the dedication of our nearly 30,000 teammates across this company. We achieved adjusted earnings at the very top of our EPS guidance range in 2025, and it is clear that our commitment to putting customers and communities first while leading the way to a stronger, more resilient energy future, is delivering exceptional value to our customers and investors. And this terrific execution across all aspects of our plan over the last year has substantially strengthened our outlook for 2026 and beyond, ultimately driving higher long-term earnings expectations. David, I'll now turn the call over to you for more details on our financial performance for 2025.

Speaker #3: We achieved adjusted earnings at the very top of our EPS guidance range in 2025, and it is clear that our commitment to putting customers and communities first, while leading the way to a stronger, more resilient energy future, is delivering exceptional value to our customers and investors.

Speaker #3: And this terrific execution across all aspects of our plan over the last year has substantially strengthened our outlook for 2026 and beyond, ultimately driving higher long-term earnings expectations.

Speaker #3: David, I'll now turn the call over to you for more details on our financial performance for 2025.

Speaker #2: Thanks, Chris. And good afternoon, everyone. As you can see from the materials we released this morning, we reported strong adjusted earnings per share of $4.30 for 2025, which, as Chris mentioned earlier, was the very top of our 2025 guidance range and represents 6% growth from adjusted earnings the prior year and 9% average annual growth from 2023.

Dan Poroch: Thanks, Chris, and good afternoon, everyone. As you can see from the materials we released this morning, our reported strong adjusted earnings per share of $4.30 for 2025, which, as Chris mentioned earlier, was the very top of our 2025 guidance range and represents 6% growth from adjusted earnings the prior year and 9% average annual growth from 2023. This also represents adjusted earnings results at the top of or above our annual guidance range for the 11th year in a row. Combined with delivering improving credit metrics and a remarkable dividend track record over the last 78 years, including dividend increases every year for the past 24 years, we are delivering on our objectives of regular, predictable, and sustainable financial results and superior risk-adjusted long-term returns for investors.

Speaker #2: This also represents adjusted earnings results at the top of or above our annual guidance range for the 11th year in a row. Combined with delivering improving credit metrics and a remarkable dividend track record over the last 78 years, including dividend increases every year for the past 24 years, we are delivering on our objectives of regular, predictable, and sustainable financial results and superior risk-adjusted long-term returns for investors.

Speaker #2: The primary drivers for our performance compared to 2024 were continued investment in our state-regulated utilities, customer growth and increased usage in our electric businesses, and growth from wholesale electric and other revenue sources.

Dan Poroch: The primary drivers for our performance compared to 2024 were continued investment in our state-regulated utilities, customer growth, and increased usage in our electric businesses, and growth from wholesale, electric, and other revenue sources. These positive drivers were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expenses, depreciation and amortization, and interest costs. A complete reconciliation of our quarterly and annual adjusted earnings is included in the materials we released this morning. Turning now to electricity sales. Weather normalized total retail electricity sales for the year were up 1.7% compared to 2024. The electric sales growth in 2025 is substantially higher than the growth we've seen in recent history. To put this in perspective, 1.7% year-over-year retail sales growth in 2025 is more than double the cumulative growth we saw over the last decade.

Speaker #2: These positive drivers were partially offset by higher operations and maintenance expenses, depreciation and amortization, and interest costs. A complete reconciliation of our quarterly and annual adjusted earnings is included in the materials we released this morning.

Speaker #2: Turning now to electricity sales, normalized total retail electricity sales for the year were up 1.7% compared to 2024. The electric sales growth in 2025 is substantially higher than the growth we've seen in recent history.

Speaker #2: To put this in perspective, 1.7% year-over-year retail sales growth in 2025 is more than double the cumulative growth we saw over the last decade.

Speaker #2: Each of our electric operating companies saw positive weather-normal sales growth for the year, with Georgia Power growing 2.5% from 2024. In fact, all three customer classes were up for the year, demonstrating a strong and resilient economy in our Southeast service territories.

Dan Poroch: Each of our electric operating companies saw positive weather normal sales growth for the year, with Georgia Power growing 2.5% from 2024. In fact, all three customer classes were up for the year, demonstrating a strong and resilient economy in our Southeast service territories. Commercial sales were particularly strong, led by increased usage from existing and new large load data center customers, which were up 17% year-over-year for the second year in a row. 2025 was another strong year for residential customer growth, with the addition of 39,000 new electric, new residential electric customers and 25,000 new customers across our natural gas distribution businesses. Electricity sales to industrial customers also demonstrated continued strength....

Speaker #2: Commercial sales were particularly strong, led by increased usage from existing and new large-load data center customers, which were up 17% year-over-year for the second year in a row.

Speaker #2: 2025 was another strong year for residential customer growth, with the addition of 39,000 new residential electric customers and 25,000 new customers across our natural gas distribution businesses.

Speaker #2: Electricity sales to industrial customers also demonstrated continued strength, growing 1.4% in 2025 over the prior year, with four of our largest industrial customer segments showing gains, including the primary metals, lumber, paper, and transportation segments.

Dan Poroch: growing 1.4% in 2025 over the prior year, with four of our largest industrial customer segments showing gains, including the primary metals, lumber, paper, and transportation segments. These trends across all three customer classes highlight the broad strength we continue to observe across our electric service territories. Chris, I'll now turn the call back over to you to kick off our long-term business update.

Speaker #2: These trends across all three customer classes highlight the broad strength we continue to observe across our electric service territories. Chris, I'll now turn the call back over to you to kick off our long-term business update.

Speaker #3: Thank you, David. Looking back, I'm convinced that 2025 will stand out as a transformative year for Southern Company—one in which we achieve milestones that will propel the future of our business and customers for generations to come.

Chris Womack: Thank you, David. Looking back, I'm convinced that 2025 will stand out as a transformative year for Southern Company, one in which we achieve milestones that will propel the future of our business and customers for generations to come. We're in the midst of a watershed moment for the energy industry and our nation, and Southern Company is extraordinarily positioned to capture and serve growth in a way that delivers value for both customers and investors. Economic development activity at our utilities is robust and provides a tremendous foundation for sustainable growth. Over the past year, more than 120 companies either made the decision to locate new facilities or announced expanded operations in our electric and gas service territories. These projects are expected to support over 21,000 new jobs, further highlighting the economic strengths of the regions we proudly serve.

Speaker #3: We're in the midst of a watershed moment for the energy industry and our nation. And Southern Company is extraordinarily positioned to capture and serve growth in a way that delivers value for both customers and investors.

Speaker #3: Economic development activity at our utilities is robust and provides a tremendous foundation for sustainable growth. Over the past year, more than 120 companies either made the decision to locate new facilities or announced expanded operations in our electric and gas service territories.

Speaker #3: These projects are expected to support over 21,000 new jobs, further highlighting the economic strengths of the regions we proudly serve. Our companies have proven to be attractive partners for a diverse mix of new customers, including the large technology companies, known as hyperscalers, who have made significant investments in our service territories.

Chris Womack: Our companies are proving to be attractive partners for a diverse mix of new customers, including the large technology companies known as hyperscalers, who have made significant investments in our service territories. In addition to data centers, some of the larger announcements over the past year were in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and metals industry, with familiar names that include General Electric, US Steel, Duracell, and Mercedes-Benz. Our model is continuing to prove well suited to serve customers' growing needs while also enabling our local communities to thrive. Recall, our three electric utilities, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power, operate in vertically integrated markets where we provide a one-stop shop for customers because we own the generation, transmission, and distribution networks to reliably serve their needs, even at significant scale for large load customers.

Speaker #3: In addition to data centers, some of the larger announcements over the past year were in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and metals industry. We're familiar names that include General Electric, U.S. Steel, Duracell, and Mercedes-Benz.

Speaker #3: Our model is continuing to prove well-suited to serve customers' growing needs, while also enabling our local communities to thrive. Recall, our three electric utilities—Alabama Power, Georgia Power, and Mississippi Power—operate in vertically integrated markets, where we provide a one-stop shop for customers because we own the generation, transmission, and distribution networks to reliably serve their needs.

Speaker #3: Even at significant scale for large-load customers, the orderly, transparent, and constructive regulatory processes in which our utilities operate are designed to reliably and sustainably serve growth, while helping to ensure that all customers benefit from that growth.

Chris Womack: The orderly, transparent, and constructive regulatory processes in which our utilities operate are designed to reliably and sustainably serve growth while helping to ensure that all customers benefit from that growth. And this design is proven effective. We are demonstrating the value of this approach through approvals for significant investment in energy infrastructure, while also providing rate stability over the next several years and into the next decade. Our scale, balance sheet strength, and wherewithal in large construction projects further bolster the necessary execution that would be critical for this ongoing expansion. Our four gas utilities, also known as local distribution companies or LDCs, proudly serve over 4 million customers across Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee. This summer will mark the 10-year anniversary of the acquisition of what is now called Southern Company Gas.

Speaker #3: And this design is proven effective. We are demonstrating the value of this approach through approvals for a significant investment in energy infrastructure, while also providing rate stability over the next several years and into the next decade.

Speaker #3: Our scale, balance sheet strength, and wherewithal in large construction projects further bolster the necessary execution that would be critical for this ongoing expansion. Our four gas utilities, also known as local distribution companies or LDCs, proudly serve over 4 million customers across Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee.

Speaker #3: This summer will mark the 10-year anniversary of the acquisition of what is now called Southern Company Gas. Since that acquisition, Southern Company Gas has exceeded all of our expectations, and we're extremely proud to have added these growing businesses.

Chris Womack: Since that acquisition, Southern Company Gas has exceeded all of our expectations, and we're extremely proud to have added these growing businesses. These four state-regulated LDCs have continued to work constructively to make significant investments in safety-related pipeline replacements and other modernization efforts, which have combined to triple their authorized rate base since the acquisition, while increasing customer value. As we look to future growth opportunities, it's important to recognize that our LDCs operate in three of the top data center markets in the country and are active in discussions with several large customers on solutions to directly or indirectly serve this potential growth. Southern Power, our competitive power business, has an industry-leading portfolio of assets with both technology and geographic diversity. Substantially, all its assets are under long-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties, and we don't take meaningful commodity risks in these contracts.

Speaker #3: These four state-regulated LDCs have continued to work constructively to make significant investments in safety-related pipeline replacements and other modernization efforts, which have combined to triple their authorized rate base since the acquisition while increasing customer value.

Speaker #3: As we look to future growth opportunities, it's important to recognize that our LDCs operate in three of the top data center markets in the country and are active in discussions with several large customers on solutions to directly or indirectly serve this potential growth.

Speaker #3: Southern Power, our competitive power business, has an industry-leading portfolio of assets with both technology and geographic diversity. Substantially all its assets are on long-term contracts with creditworthy counterparties.

Speaker #3: And we don't take meaningful commodity risk in these contracts. In total, Southern Power's portfolio has over 13 gigawatts of capacity across 55 generating facilities in 15 states, including over 7 gigawatts of natural gas generation in the Southeast.

Chris Womack: In total, Southern Power's portfolio has over 13GW of capacity across 55 generating facilities in 15 states, including over 7GW of natural gas generation in the Southeast. The burgeoning need for reliable, dispatchable energy provides significant opportunities for Southern Power. First, as contracts on our existing natural gas fleet come up for renewal beginning in the early 2030s and becoming more meaningful in the mid-2030s, there are significant opportunities for improved upside pricing. The market demand for capacity has increased, pricing roughly 2 to 3 times higher than where many of these assets are currently contracted, and by 2030, Southern Power has an opportunity to remarket approximately 1,000MW of natural gas generation capacity. Second, we're in late-stage discussions to move forward with uprates of up to an additional 700MW of capacity for Southern Power's legacy natural gas fleet....

Speaker #3: The burgeoning need for reliable, dispatchable energy provides significant opportunities for Southern Power. First, as contracts on our existing natural gas fleet come up for renewal, beginning in the early 2030s and becoming more meaningful in the mid-2030s, there are significant opportunities for improved upside pricing.

Speaker #3: The market demand for capacity has increased pricing roughly two to three times higher than where many of these assets are currently contracted, and by 2030, Southern Power has an opportunity to remarket approximately 1,000 megawatts of natural gas generation capacity.

Speaker #3: Second, we're in late-stage discussions to move forward with uprates of up to an additional 700 megawatts of capacity for Southern Power's legacy natural gas fleet to meet future projected market demands.

Chris Womack: to meet future projected market demands. Lastly, Southern Power is exploring opportunities to add new natural gas generation at its existing plant sites in the Southeast, as well as options for new generation resources in other markets to serve data centers and other large load customers. We are very pleased to have successfully developed this incredibly valued business, as it represents a tremendous opportunity to support sustainable growth well into the next decade. We are also excited about the growth opportunities we're seeing at some of our smaller subsidiaries, including PowerSecure and Southern Telecom. PowerSecure specializes in providing utility and energy solutions, including bridge power, to commercial, industrial, and load-serving customers, and it is uniquely positioned to grow as demand for customer-sited solutions increases, including in response to extreme weather events, utility distributed energy resource programs, and bring your own generation mandates.

Speaker #3: And lastly, Southern Power is exploring opportunities to add new natural gas generation at its existing plant sites in the Southeast, as well as options for new generation resources in other markets to serve data centers and other large-load customers.

Speaker #3: We are very pleased to have successfully developed this incredibly valued business, as it represents a tremendous opportunity to support sustainable growth well into the next decade.

Speaker #3: We are also excited about the growth opportunities we’re seeing at some of our smaller subsidiaries, including PowerSecure and Southern Telecom. PowerSecure specializes in providing utility and energy solutions, including bridge power, to commercial, industrial, and load-serving customers, and it is uniquely positioned to grow as demand for customer-sided solutions increases, including in response to extreme weather events, utility distributed energy resource programs, and bring-your-own-generation mandates.

Speaker #3: Southern Telecom, in partnership with our electric utilities, deploys fiber optic infrastructure that serves as an important and attractive additional product offering, enhancing the appeal to data-intensive customers to locate in our southeastern service territory.

Chris Womack: Southern Telecom, in partnership with our electric utilities, deploys fiber optic infrastructure that serves as an important and attractive additional product offering, enhancing the appeal to data-intensive customers to locate in our Southeast service territory. David, I'll now turn the call back over to you to discuss how our strategy and incredible portfolio support the durability of our further strengthened financial outlook.

Speaker #3: David, I'll now turn the call back over to you to discuss our strategy and incredible portfolio support, as well as the durability of our further strengthened financial outlook.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Chris. Starting with our sales forecast, we project retail electric sales to grow at least 3% across our three electric operating companies in 2026.

Dan Poroch: Thanks, Chris. Starting with our sales forecast, we project retail electric sales to grow at least 3% across our three electric operating companies in 2026. On average, from 2026 through 2030, we project annual electricity sales growth of 10%, an increase of two percentage points from our prior long-term sales projections. Georgia Power's total retail electric sales growth is projected to be approximately 13% over the same period. Our long-term sales forecast is supported by robust interest from a wide range of large load customers, including hyperscalers, and as we continue to see momentum grow in Alabama and Mississippi, our total large load pipeline has increased to over 75 gigawatts.

Speaker #1: On average, from 2026 through 2030, we project annual electricity sales growth of 10%, an increase of 2 percentage points from our prior long-term sales projections.

Speaker #1: Georgia Power's total retail electric sales growth is projected to be approximately 13% over the same period. Our long-term sales forecast is supported by robust interest from a wide range of large-load customers, including hyperscalers, and as we continue to see momentum grow in Alabama and Mississippi, our total large-load pipeline has increased to over 75 gigawatts.

Speaker #1: This tangible interest and growing momentum have materialized into 26 signed contracts representing 10 gigawatts of fully contracted electric service agreements as of today, which is two gigawatts higher than what we reported last quarter.

Dan Poroch: This tangible interest and growing momentum have materialized into 26 signed contracts, representing 10 GW of fully contracted electric service agreements today, which is 2 GW higher than what we reported last quarter and 4 GW higher than a year ago. These 26 customer projects, nearly all of which are currently under construction, include load ramps totaling 8 GW by the end of our 5-year planning horizon, ultimately ramping up to 10 GW beyond 2030. Importantly, in addition to these signed contracts, we are in late-stage discussions for another 10 GW of load, 3 GW of which are working through final reviews and are highly likely to progress to an executed contract in the near term.

Speaker #1: And four gigawatts higher than a year ago. These 26 customer projects, nearly all of which are currently under construction, include road load ramps totaling eight gigawatts.

Speaker #1: By the end of our five year planning horizon , ultimately ramping up to ten gigawatts beyond 2030 . Importantly , in addition to these signed contracts , we are in late stage discussions for another ten gigawatts of load , three gigawatts of which are working through final reviews and are highly likely to progress to an executed contract in the near term Based on the timing of the associated load ramps for the projects in our risk adjusted forecast , including the contracts we have signed , we project sales growth and the associated revenues to accelerate into 2027 with an even more pronounced expansion in 2028 .

Dan Poroch: Based on the timing of the associated load ramps for the projects and our risk-adjusted forecast, including the contracts we have signed, we project sales growth and the associated revenues to accelerate into 2027, with an even more pronounced expansion in 2028. Considering the composition and strength of our large load pipeline, we project commercial sales, which currently comprise roughly 1/3 of our total retail sales, to more than double, growing roughly 20% annually through the end of the decade. The framework and methodology under which we approach contracting with large load customers are, we believe, one of the best in the industry and are uniquely designed to benefit and protect existing customers and investors. Across all our electric jurisdictions, our regulatory frameworks allow for bilaterally negotiated contracts for large load customers rather than the use of a standard tariff.

Speaker #1: Considering the composition and strength of our large load pipeline , we project commercial sales , which currently comprise roughly one third of our total retail sales to more than double , growing roughly 20% annually through the end of the decade The framework and methodology under which we approach contracting with large load customers are , we believe , one of the best in the industry and are uniquely designed to benefit and protect existing customers and investors across all our electric jurisdictions .

Speaker #1: Our regulatory frameworks allow for bilaterally negotiated contracts for large load customers, rather than the use of a standard tariff. This provides each utility with the necessary flexibility to appropriately price large load customers in a manner designed to more than cover the incremental cost to serve them, helping to ensure this growth can immediately benefit existing customers.

Dan Poroch: This provides each utility with the necessary flexibility to appropriately price large load customers in a manner designed to more than cover the incremental cost to serve them, helping to ensure this growth can immediately benefit existing customers. Our contracts include a robust set of terms and conditions. Contracts carry minimum terms of at least 15 years for data centers, with some going out even further. Over the term of the contract, there are fixed or minimum bill provisions similar to take or pay structures that factor in the customer's requested load ramps and are designed to cover at least 100% of the annual incremental cost to serve, including the necessary generation and transmission investments, incremental O&M, and our cost of capital.

Speaker #1: Our contracts include a robust set of terms and conditions. Contracts carry minimum terms of at least 15 years for data centers, with some going out even further over the term of the contract.

Speaker #1: There are fixed or minimum bill provisions similar to take-or-pay structures that factor in the customer's requested load ramps and are designed to cover at least 100% of the annual incremental cost to serve, including the necessary generation and transmission investments.

Speaker #1: Incremental O&M and our cost of capital. These contracts also include strong protections in the form of termination payments tied to the incremental cost to serve over the life of the remaining contract, with significant collateral requirements tied to the termination payments to provide an additional layer of security and protection for our retail customers and investors. Our disciplined approach to pricing these large load contracts is already translating into significant benefits and tangible savings for existing customers, largely as a result of their ability to sustainably capture growth. Georgia Power and Alabama Power, our two largest subsidiaries, worked constructively last year with each of their public service commissions to implement multiyear rate stabilization agreements.

Dan Poroch: These contracts also include strong protections in the form of termination payments tied to the incremental cost to serve over the life of the remaining contract, with significant collateral requirements tied to the termination payments to provide additional layer of security and protection for our retail customers and investors. Our disciplined approach to pricing these large load contracts is already translating into significant benefits and tangible savings for existing customers. Largely as a result of their ability to sustainably capture growth, Georgia Power and Alabama Power, our two largest subsidiaries, worked constructively last year with each of their public service commissions to implement multi-year rate stabilization agreements. As we deploy significant capital to serve this extraordinary projected growth, we're working with our public service commissions to help ensure existing customers benefit as this growth serves to support rate stability.

Speaker #1: As we deploy significant capital to serve this extraordinary projected growth, we're working with our public service commissions to help ensure existing customers benefit.

Speaker #1: As this growth serves to support rate stability . In December , as a part of its certification process for new generation , Georgia Power was able to quantify at least approximately $1.7 billion of benefits that will help to lower costs to .

Dan Poroch: In December, as a part of its certification process for new generation, Georgia Power was able to quantify at least approximately $1.7 billion of benefits that will help to lower costs to serve existing customers from 2029 through 2031. This customer benefit is directly attributable to the value created by our approach to contracting and serving new large load customers. Recall, our approach to large load contracts includes minimum bill provisions designed to offset other costs throughout our business, ultimately providing savings to customers while helping to ensure that we deliver on our financial commitments. Combined with continued constructive regulatory outcomes in our states, our unique approach to serving projected growth from large load and data center customers is delivering mutual benefits to all stakeholders.

Speaker #1: Serve existing customers from 2029 through 2031. This customer benefit is directly attributable to the value created by our approach to contracting and serving new, large load customers. Recall, our approach to large load contracts includes minimum build provisions designed to offset other costs throughout our business.

Speaker #1: Ultimately providing savings to customers while helping to ensure that we deliver on our financial commitments. Combined with continued constructive regulatory outcomes in our states, our unique approach to serving projected growth from large load and data center customers is delivering mutual benefits to all stakeholders.

Speaker #1: In addition to our recent large load customer outcomes . Earlier this week , Georgia Power made filings for its storm and fuel cost recoveries that if approved , would collectively lower rates for customers starting this summer Turning to our capital plan , our base capital investment forecast is $81 billion over the next five years , 95% of which is at our state regulated utilities .

Dan Poroch: In addition to our recent large load customer outcomes, earlier this week, Georgia Power made filings for its storm and fuel cost recoveries that, if approved, would collectively lower rates for customers starting this summer. Turning to our capital plan, our base capital investment forecast is $81 billion over the next 5 years, 95% of which is at our state-regulated utilities. This represents an $18 billion or approximately 30% increase from our forecast just 1 year ago. The main drivers of this capital plan's increase are related to new generation facilities, most of which were announced or approved in 2025, and the approved Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP, in Georgia, which included incremental investments in existing infrastructure. These investments include uprates for more capacity at existing natural gas and nuclear facilities, as well as modernization of hydroelectric dams.

Speaker #1: This represents an $18 billion, or approximately 30% increase from our forecast just one year ago. The main drivers of this capital plan's increase are related to new generation facilities.

Speaker #1: Most of which were announced or approved in 2025 , and the approved Integrated Resource Plan , or IRP , in Georgia , which included incremental investments in existing infrastructure .

Speaker #1: These investments include upgrades for more capacity at existing natural gas and nuclear facilities, as well as modernization of hydroelectric dams through 2030.

Dan Poroch: Through 2030, we expect to invest roughly $42 billion or over half of our total five-year capital plan, to reliably serve projected growth through the combination of new generation, enhancements to existing generation assets, and expansions of our transmission and interstate pipeline systems. Our capital investment plan supports projected long-term state-regulated average annual rate-based growth of approximately 9%, a 2% increase from our forecast 1 year ago. Our base capital investment forecast reflects an approach to capital planning that is consistent with our approach in the past. We do not include capital placeholders, nor do we include potential capital investments which remain subject to regulatory processes. Beyond our base forecast, there are several opportunities for our capital plan to continue to grow.

Speaker #1: We expect to invest roughly $42 billion, or over half of our total five-year capital plan, to reliably serve projected growth through the combination of new generation, enhancements to existing generation assets, and expansions of our transmission and interstate pipeline systems.

Speaker #1: Our capital investment plan supports projected long term state regulated average annual rate , base growth of approximately 9% , a 2% increase from our forecast one year ago .

Speaker #1: Our base capital investment forecast reflects an approach to capital planning that is consistent with our approach in the past. We do not include capital placeholders, nor do we include potential capital investments which remain subject to regulatory processes beyond our base forecast.

Speaker #1: There are several opportunities for our capital plan to continue to grow. For example, Alabama Power and Georgia Power have either begun or are expected to begin.

Dan Poroch: For example, Alabama Power and Georgia Power have either begun or are expected to begin request for proposal or RFP processes to procure generation resource needs forecasted in the early to mid-2030s. These RFPs could represent several gigawatts of additional new generation. In addition, as we've highlighted before, there are also potential natural gas pipeline investments, either through our FERC-regulated interstate pipelines or through midstream-like investments at our LDCs to directly or indirectly serve projected growing energy needs. Similarly, we have not included the opportunities Chris mentioned earlier for Southern Power in our base capital plan. Ultimately, based on our traditional disciplined planning methodologies, combined with the additional opportunities we see to serve projected growth, as we get more line of sight on specific projects, it is reasonable to expect that our capital forecast could continue to increase.

Speaker #1: Requests for proposal, or RFP, processes to procure generation resource needs forecasted in the early to mid-2030s. These RFPs could represent several gigawatts of additional new generation.

Speaker #1: In addition , as we've highlighted before , there are also potential natural gas pipeline investments , either through our Ferc regulated interstate pipelines or through midstream like investments at our LDCs to directly or indirectly serve projected growing energy needs Similarly , we have not included the opportunities Chris mentioned earlier for Southern power in our base capital plan Ultimately , based on our traditional disciplined planning methodologies combined with the additional opportunities we see to serve projected growth , as we get more line of sight on specific projects , it is reasonable to expect that our capital forecast could continue to increase .

Speaker #1: The updated financing and equity plan we provided supports our base capital plan and continues to fund the business in a credit-supportive manner, preserving our strong investment grade credit ratings. Continuing to preserve our strong investment grade credit ratings remains a priority, as we believe that to be a premium equity investment, a company must also be a high-quality credit.

Dan Poroch: The updated financing and equity plan we provided supports our base capital plan and continues to fund the business in a credit-supportive manner. Preserving our strong investment-grade credit ratings continues to be a priority, as we believe that to be a premium equity investment, a company must also be a high-quality credit. There is no greater evidence of our commitment to credit quality than our actions in 2025 to proactively address $9 billion of equity needs. In addition to our internal equity plans and issuances of junior subordinated notes, which received 50% equity treatment from the rating agencies, our recent actions included pricing $4 billion of equity through our At the Market, or ATM program, with forward contracts that settle through 2026.

Speaker #1: There is no greater evidence of our commitment to credit quality than our actions in 2025 . To proactively address $9 billion of equity needs , in addition to our internal equity plans and issuances of junior subordinated notes , which receive 50% equity treatment from the rating agencies , a recent actions included pricing $4 billion of equity through our at the market or ATM program .

Speaker #1: With forward contracts that settle through 2026 . Additionally , in November , we issued $2 billion of equity units through a mandatory convertible , which will settle in shares in 2028 .

Dan Poroch: Additionally, in November, we issued $2 billion of equity units through a mandatory convertible, which will settle in shares in 2028. Importantly, in our forecast, nearly all $9 billion of the equity we have already addressed is expected to be issued or settled by 2028. Consistent with our increased capital investment plan, we project a remaining need for equity or equity equivalents of approximately $2 billion through 2030 to continue supporting our long-term credit objectives. We plan to remain proactive in our approach as we seek to sustain or improve upon current credit metric profile of roughly 15% FFO to debt through 2027, as we continue to deploy significant capital investment to serve our forecasted growth.

Speaker #1: Importantly , in our forecast , nearly all $9 billion of equity . We have already addressed is expected to be issued or settled by 2028 , consistent with our increased capital investment plan .

Speaker #1: We project the remaining need for equity or equity equivalents of approximately $2 billion through 2030 to continue supporting our long-term credit objectives.

Speaker #1: We plan to remain proactive in our approach as we seek to sustain or improve upon the current credit metric profile of roughly 15% FFO to debt through 2027.

Speaker #1: As we continue to deploy significant capital investment to serve our forecasted growth beyond 2027, improved projected cash flows from large load customers and the broad growth we project across our businesses, along with the completion of several large capital projects in our base plan, credit metrics are projected to improve and ultimately position us to achieve credit metrics consistent with our continued objective of approximately 17% FFO to debt by 2029.

Dan Poroch: Beyond 2027, improved projected cash flows from large load customers and the broad growth we project across our businesses, along with the completion of several large capital projects in our base plan, credit metrics are projected to improve and ultimately position us to achieve credit metrics consistent with our continued objective of approximately 17% FFO to Debt by 2029. To the extent incremental capital opportunities materialize, our credit quality objectives will remain consistent. Accordingly, we would expect to finance incremental capital investment above our current plan with approximately 40% equity or equity equivalents. We expect to continue to be flexible and to use the same shareholder-focused discipline we have demonstrated historically when it comes to sourcing incremental equity or equity equivalents.

Speaker #1: To the extent incremental capital opportunities materialize, our credit quality objectives will remain consistent. Accordingly, we would expect to finance incremental capital investment above our current plan with approximately 40% equity or equity. We expect to continue to be flexible and to use the same shareholder-focused discipline.

Speaker #1: We have demonstrated historically, when it comes to sourcing incremental equity or equity equivalents. As I mentioned earlier, we have a remarkable dividend track record, as Southern Company has paid a dividend that is greater than or equal to the previous year for 78 consecutive years, with consecutive increases over each of the last 24 years.

Dan Poroch: As I mentioned earlier, we have a remarkable dividend track record, as Southern Company has paid a dividend that is greater than or equal to the previous year for 78 consecutive years, with consecutive increases over each of the last 24 years. For decades, our dividend has been an integral part of our value proposition for shareholders. While future dividend increases are subject to approval by our board of directors, we project continued modest increases in the dividend over the next several years. This should serve to lower our dividend payout ratio into the low to mid 60% range in the latter portion of our forecast horizon. As we balance our equity needs, we fund the growth we are projecting.

Speaker #1: For decades, our dividend has been an integral part of our value proposition for shareholders. While future dividend increases are subject to approval by our board of directors.

Speaker #1: We project continued modest increases in the dividend over the next several years. This should serve to lower our dividend payout ratio into the low to mid-60% range.

Speaker #1: In the latter portion of our forecast horizon, as we balance our equity needs, we fund the growth we are projecting at that point.

Dan Poroch: At that point, subject to board approval, we will be in a position to reevaluate the pace of dividend growth, potentially increasing the rate at which we grow annual dividends to shareholders. Turning now to our earnings guidance for 2026 and beyond. Our adjusted earnings per share guidance range for 2026 is $4.50 to $4.60 per share. Our adjusted guidance range represents 7% growth from the top and bottom of our 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range. The estimate for adjusted EPS for Q1 is $1.20. As we've highlighted today, execution and the achievements across our businesses over the prior year have meaningfully strengthened our outlook, and we are positioned for exceptional growth.

Speaker #1: Subject to board approval, we will be in a position to reevaluate the pace of dividend growth, potentially increasing the rate at which we grow annual dividends to shareholders. Turning now to our earnings guidance for 2026 and beyond, our adjusted earnings per share guidance range for 2026 is $4.50 to $4.60 per share.

Speaker #1: Our adjusted guidance range represents 7% growth from the top and bottom of our 2025 adjusted EPS guidance range. The estimate for adjusted EPS for the first quarter is $1.20.

Speaker #1: As we highlighted today, execution and the achievements across our businesses over the prior year have meaningfully strengthened our outlook, and we are positioned for exceptional growth over the next three years.

Dan Poroch: Over the next 3 years, we expect to grow adjusted earnings per share 8 to 9% from 2026 through 2028. In recognition of the timing, visibility, and confidence associated with projected growth during this period, we are establishing initial guidance ranges for each of these years. In addition to the 2026 range I provided, our initial guidance range for 2027 is adjusted earnings per share of $4.85 to 4.95, which represents approximately 8% growth from 2026. For 2028, we project adjusted earnings per share to grow approximately 9% from 2027, resulting in initial guidance range of $5.25 to 5.45. Longer term, we expect adjusted earnings to grow approximately 7 to 8% from our 2028 guidance range.

Speaker #1: We expect to grow adjusted earnings per share 8 to 9% from 2026 through 2028. In recognition of the timing, visibility, and confidence associated with projected growth during this period, we are establishing initial guidance ranges for each of these years.

Speaker #1: In addition to the 2026 range, I provided our initial guidance range for 2027 is adjusted earnings per share of $4.85 to $4.95, which represents approximately 8% growth from 2026.

Speaker #1: For 2028, we project adjusted earnings per share to grow approximately 9% from 2027, resulting in a guidance range of $5.25 to $5.45.

Speaker #1: Longer term, we expect adjusted earnings to grow approximately 7% to 8% from our 2028 guidance range. This projected earnings growth trajectory provides for an average annual adjusted earnings growth profile of 8% from the 2026 guidance midpoint to 2030.

Dan Poroch: This projected earnings growth trajectory provides for an average annual adjusted earnings growth profile of 8% from the 2026 guidance midpoint to 2030. We expect this outlook to be durable, supported by a large and growing portfolio of large load contracts, a robust capital investment plan, and visibility on an efficient equity and debt financing plan that is designed to support credit quality and customer rate stability. With the potential for continued momentum on growth above our base plan and the incremental capital deployment opportunities that would be required to serve it, as well as the success we expect to in repricing portions of Southern Power's capacity through the next decade, we believe there could ultimately be upside to our long-term outlook beyond what we laid out today. With that, I'll now turn it back over to Chris for closing remarks.

Speaker #1: We expect this outlook to be durable , supported by a large and growing portfolio of large load contracts . A robust capital investment plan , and visibility on an invisibility on an efficient equity and debt financing plan that is designed to support credit quality and customer rate stability , with the potential for continued momentum on growth above our base plan and the incremental capital deployment opportunities , that would be required to serve it , as well as the success we expect in repricing portions of Southern powers capacity through the next decade .

Speaker #1: We believe there could ultimately be upside to our long-term outlook beyond what we laid out today. With that, I'll now turn it back over to Chris for closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Thank you . David . We are clearly in a phase of execution . The plan large scale build out across our system in the southeast over the next several years is tremendous .

Chris Womack: Thank you, David. We are clearly in a phase of execution. The planned large-scale build-out across our electric system in the Southeast over the next several years is tremendous, and Southern Company's experience, expertise, and scale support the necessary execution. We secured the labor and equipment for these projects through early EPC agreements and reservation payments well in advance, and are leveraging relationships across our vast supply chain. We have unique experience with large construction projects, recently completing the only 2 new nuclear units in 3 decades, showing we can do hard things. The lessons learned from completing Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, along with other recent generation projects, have helped inform our robust set of project controls and tools to assist our team's efforts and help ensure we are well positioned for timely execution.

Speaker #2: And Southern Company's experience, expertise, and scale support the necessary execution. We secured the labor and equipment for these projects through early EPC agreements and reservation payments well in advance, and are leveraging relationships across our vast supply chain.

Speaker #2: We have unique experience with large construction projects, recently completing the only two new nuclear units in three decades, showing we can do hard things.

Speaker #2: The lessons learned from completing Plant Vogel Units three and four , along with other recent generation projects , have helped inform our robust set of project controls and tools to assist our team's efforts and help ensure we are well positioned for timely execution Our focus on operational excellence extends into every facet of how we serve customers , including through even the most extreme weather conditions Over the last two months , the daily lives of millions across the eastern United States , including those in the territories we're privileged to serve , have been impacted by extreme cold weather , temperatures and severe weather conditions .

Chris Womack: Our focus on operational excellence extends into every facet of how we serve customers, including through even the most extreme weather conditions. Over the last two months, the daily lives of millions across the Eastern United States, including those in the territories we are privileged to serve, have been impacted by extreme cold weather temperatures and severe weather conditions. I'm incredibly proud of the way Southern Company's electric and gas teams safely performed under these harsh conditions for our 9 million customers.

Speaker #2: I'm incredibly proud of the way Southern Company's electric and gas teams safely, safely performed under these harsh conditions for our 9 million customers.

Speaker #2: Events such as Winter Storm Fern in January served our systems with the second highest winter peak—an electric load of over 39,000 MW.

Chris Womack: Events such as Winter Storm Fern in January, where our system served the second-highest winter peak electric load of over 39,000MW, demonstrate the value that our vertically integrated system brings to our customers and the importance of continued strategic investments in the resilience and expansion of energy infrastructure. Our team's exceptional performance, providing reliable energy and quick response to service interruptions throughout these events, also speaks to the thorough preparation and commitment of our employees. Innovations such as recently deployed AI tools that helped our leaders pre-position crews to be ready to safely and quickly respond, and self-healing networks that allow transmission and distribution lines to isolate outages and reroute power, highlight the value that our continued infrastructure investments provide to accelerate restoration efforts and support delivery of the energy on which our customers depend.

Speaker #2: Demonstrate the value that our vertically integrated system brings to our customers and the importance of continued strategic investments in resilience and expansion of energy infrastructure .

Speaker #2: Our team's exceptional performance, providing reliable energy and quick response to service interruptions throughout these events, also speaks to the thorough preparation and commitment of our employees. Innovations such as recently deployed AI tools that helped our leaders pre-position crews to be ready to safely and quickly respond, and self-healing networks that allow transmission and distribution lines to isolate outages and reroute power, highlight the value that our continued infrastructure investments provide to accelerate restoration efforts and support delivery of the energy on which our customers depend.

Speaker #2: Our energy-leading innovation is focused on resilience and our deep commitment to the people and communities we are privileged to serve are but a few key drivers of why Southern Company was recently recognized as the number one electric and gas utility in Fortune magazine's list of Most Admired Companies for 2026, an honor.

Chris Womack: Our energy-leading innovation, our focus on resilience, and our deep commitment to the people and communities we are privileged to serve are but a few key drivers of why Southern Company was recently recognized as the number 1 electric and gas utility in Fortune magazine's list of most admired companies for 2026. An honor we are proud to receive and a standard we endeavor to earn each and every day. As we conclude our discussion today, I want to emphasize how excited we are about the future here at Southern Company. We are experiencing incredible growth, and we are making investments in all parts of our business to recognize the value of the extraordinary opportunities in front of us, while ensuring that rate stability and reliability and value to customers remains our top priorities.

Speaker #2: We are proud to receive an A standard we endeavor to earn each and every day. As we conclude our discussion today, I want to emphasize how excited we are about the future here at Southern Company.

Speaker #2: We are experiencing incredible growth, and we are making investments in all parts of our business to recognize the value of the extraordinary opportunities in front of us.

Speaker #2: While ensuring that rate, stability, reliability, and value to customers remain our top priorities, Southern Company was built to serve growing economies and to foster economic prosperity in the territories we serve.

Chris Womack: Southern Company was built to serve growing economies and to foster economic prosperity in the territories we serve. I am proud of how we are leading the way with this mission and working to ensure that enduring impact from this extraordinary growth opportunities is unquestionably positive for all stakeholders. While the size and velocity of this growth is arguably unprecedented, the discipline and customer-focused approaches investors expect from our company remain evident in both our outlook and our execution. Whether it's the long-term stability of our customer rates, the economic benefits we're capturing for existing customers, our measured risk-adjusted approach to load forecasting, the high priority we place on balance sheet strength and credit quality, or our focus on the long-term durability of EPS guidance.

Speaker #2: I am proud of how we are leading the way with this mission and working to ensure that enduring impact from this extraordinary growth opportunity is unquestionably positive for all stakeholders.

Speaker #2: While the size and velocity of this growth is arguably unprecedented, the discipline and customer-focused approaches investors expect from our company remain evident in both our outlook and our execution.

Speaker #2: Whether it's the long term stability of our customer rates , the economic benefits we're capturing for existing customers , our measured risk adjusted approach to load forecasting , the high priority we placed on balance sheet strength and credit quality , or our focus on the long term durability of EPs guidance .

Speaker #2: We endeavor every day to be the premier must-own utility and to deliver regular, predictable, and sustainable results and superior risk-adjusted returns to investors over the long term.

Chris Womack: We endeavor every day to be the premier must-own utility and to deliver regular, predictable, and sustainable results and superior risk-adjusted returns to investors over the long term. Thank you for joining us this afternoon, and thank you for your continued interest in Southern Company. Operator, we are now ready to take questions.

Speaker #2: Thank you for joining us . This afternoon . And thank you for your continued interest in Southern Company . Operator . We are now ready to take questions .

Speaker #3: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue.

Operator: Thank you. If you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad. Confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue, and for participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up the handset before pressing the star keys. Our first question is from Nick Campanella with Barclays. Please proceed.

Speaker #3: You may press star two if you would like to remove your question from the queue. And for a participant using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up the handset before pressing the star keys. Our first question is from Nick Campanella with Barclays.

Speaker #3: Please proceed .

Speaker #2: Hey, Nick, how are you doing, man?

Chris Womack: Hey, Nick. How are you doing, man?

Speaker #4: Hey , how's it going ? Good afternoon , and thanks for all the updates . Appreciate it So I guess , you know , you've always been a pretty conservative company and you've taken five to seven to 7 to 8 .

Nicholas Campanella: Hey, how's it going? Good afternoon, and thanks for all the updates. Appreciate it. So I guess, you know, you've always been a pretty conservative company, and you've, you've taken 5 to 7 to 7 to 8. I know it takes a lot to go there. Appreciate the new outlook. Maybe just wondering how you're kind of trending in the beyond 2028 time frame at the base level. Just acknowledging your comments that you kind of said that, the Southern Power repricing might put you higher, maybe at the top end. So is, is, this plan really built for the midpoint in 2029 and 2030? And what would kind of put you lower or higher in the range based on the range of outcomes?

Speaker #4: I know it takes a lot to go there. Appreciate the new outlook. Maybe you're just wondering how you're kind of trending in the beyond '28 time frame at the base level.

Speaker #4: Just acknowledging your comments that, you kind of said that the Southern Power repricing might put you higher up—maybe at the top end.

Speaker #4: So is this plan really built for the midpoint in '29 and 2030? And what would kind of put you lower or higher in the range, based on a range of outcomes?

Speaker #2: Nick I mean , I think you got to go back to your initial comment . I mean , you know , us . I mean , you know , how disciplined we are .

Chris Womack: Nick, I mean, I think we got to go back to your initial comment. I mean, you know us. I mean, you know how disciplined we are, you know how thoughtful we are in terms of setting expectations. And so as we look forward in terms of the execution around these 10 gigawatts of projects and what we see, the 3 gigawatts in final stages, the 7 gigawatts in late stages, and looking at the pipeline of some 75 gigawatts, I mean, that gave us confidence to make the changes and the adjustments that we've announced today. And not only here through 2026, but as we speak to additional growth in 2027 and 2028, I mean, this work, this activity we see supports what we've outlined. I mean, we've also announced the economic expansion that we see all across the company.

Speaker #2: You know , how thoughtful we are in terms of setting expectations . And so as we look forward in terms of the execution around these ten gigawatts of projects and what we see us , the three gigawatts in final stages of seven gigawatts in late stages and looking at the pipeline of some 75GW , I mean , that gave us confidence to make the changes in the adjustments that that we've announced today .

Speaker #2: And not only here through 26 , but as we speak to additional growth in 27 and 28 , I mean , this work , this activity , we see supports what we've outlined .

Speaker #2: I mean , we've also announced the economic expansion that we see all across the company , 120 companies locating in our territory , 21,000 jobs .

Chris Womack: 120 companies locating in our territory, 21,000 jobs, the 17% year-over-year data center growth, sales growth this year of 1.7%, and what we've spoken to going into the latter part of the decade. So we see the strength, we see, as we talked about, the potential upside from Southern Power. So yeah, I mean, we're very confident, and we, as we talked about earlier, in years past, it was important for us to see that the durability, a long-term focus for us, that we thought was necessary to make this adjustment.

Speaker #2: The 17% year over year data center growth , sales growth this year of 1.7% . And what we've spoken to going into the latter part of the decade .

Speaker #2: So, we see this strength. We see, as we talked about, the potential upside from Southern Power. So, yeah, I mean, we're very confident.

Speaker #2: And we as we talked about earlier in years past , it was important for us to see that the durability , the long term focus for us that we thought was necessary to make this adjustment .

Speaker #1: And , you know , I might , I might add on to that , that , you know , we put we put guidance , expectations out there .

Dan Poroch: You know, I might add on to that, you know, we put guidance expectations out there, and they're a target for us to go get. We'd be pretty disappointed if we didn't achieve near the top end of that. Now, 2028 is a long way out, but we do see opportunities out there that provide upside, and there's potential to be higher.

Speaker #1: And they're a target for us to go get, and we'd be pretty disappointed if we didn't achieve near the top end of that. Now, 2028 is a long way out, but we do see opportunities out there that provide upside.

Speaker #1: And there's potential to be higher.

Speaker #4: Thanks . Thanks for the thoughts . And then maybe just , you know , as we think about the three gigawatts that you highlighted on the load side , which seem to be much more near term , just would that be served entirely with with gas and can we do the math on what that CapEx would be , if it's all new build or how you kind of thinking about sourcing the generation for that ?

Nicholas Campanella: ... Thanks, thanks for the thoughts. And then, maybe just, you know, as we think about the 3GW that you highlighted on the load side, which seem to be much more near term, just would that be served entirely with gas? And can we do the math on what that CapEx would be if it's all new build? Or how are you kind of thinking about sourcing the generation for that?

Speaker #2: It continued to support all of the above strategy . Clearly . I mean , I think there's as we talked about in our plan , there's a lot of gas in the plan , but you kind of can continue to see battery energy storage .

Chris Womack: It continues to support our all-of-the-above strategy. Clearly, I mean, I think there's, as we talked about in our plan, there's a lot of gas in the plan, but you're going to continue, continuously battery energy storage. I mean, some of the upright opportunities that we have, I mean, we'll look at all the resources in terms of how we meet this growth opportunity going forward from an all-of-the-above approach.

Speaker #2: I mean , some of the upright opportunities that we have , I mean , we'll look at look at all the resources in terms of how we meet this growth opportunity going forward from an all and above approach

Speaker #4: Thanks for the updates .

Nicholas Campanella: Thanks for the updates.

Speaker #2: Thanks . Thanks , Nick

Dan Poroch: Thanks.

Chris Womack: Thanks, Nick.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Steve Fleishman with Wolfe Research. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Steve Fleishman with Wolfe Research. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey , Steve .

Chris Womack: Hey, Steve.

Speaker #1: Hey , Steve .

Dan Poroch: Hey, Steve.

Speaker #5: Hey . How are you all doing So thanks for the very extensive update and a couple questions . So first , on the you mentioned the three gigawatts that are in late stage Highly likely .

Steve Fleishman: Hey, how are you all doing? So, thanks for the very extensive update. And a couple questions. So first on the you mentioned the 3GW that are in late stage, highly likely, just would those when would those impact the current plan, or would they come on afterward? Just how do we think about the timing of the, you know, investment for that? Is that part of your kind of potential upsides comment?

Speaker #5: Just would those—would those impact the current plan, or would they come on afterward? Just, how do we think about the timing of the investment for that?

Speaker #5: Is that part of your kind of potential upsides? Comment.

Speaker #1: Yeah . Steve , those contracts I mean , they're they're very near term and they're working through our counterparties approval process , you know , board approvals , all that .

Dan Poroch: Yes, Steve. Those contracts, I mean, they're very near term, and they're working through our counterparties' approval process, you know, board approvals, all that. So we see those contracts being signed imminently, and they are baked into our forecast today. Keep in mind, these have ramp rates that move out beyond our planning horizon right now. But they are baked in. And keep in mind, we also have a very conservative risk-adjusted approach to modeling our loads, and those load models then drive into our revenue expectations and projections, which bake into our plan. So they're in there, but they do extend beyond our planning horizon, and they just help us in with the confidence in what we're trying to achieve.

Speaker #1: So we see those contracts being signed imminently, and they are baked into our forecast today. Keep in mind, these have ramp rates that move out beyond our planning horizon right now.

Speaker #1: But they are baked in. And keep in mind, we also have a very conservative, risk-adjusted approach to modeling our loads.

Speaker #1: And those load models . Then drive into our revenue expectations and projections , which bake into our plan . So they're in there , but they do go beyond .

Speaker #1: They do extend beyond our planning horizon, and they just help us with the confidence in what we're trying to achieve.

Speaker #5: Okay , so just maybe I didn't understand this . So the the current plan that you laid out through 2030 includes the ten gigawatts that are signed , plus this , three gigawatts that are highly likely

Steve Fleishman: Okay. So just maybe I didn't understand this. So the current plan that you laid out through 2030 includes the 10 gigawatts that are signed, plus this 3 gigawatts that are highly likely?

Speaker #1: Correct .

Dan Poroch: Correct.

Speaker #5: Okay . And but that's it . The stuff beyond that is not included . Correct .

Steve Fleishman: Okay. And, but that's it. The stuff beyond that is not included.

Dan Poroch: Correct. Yep.

Speaker #1: Yep .

Speaker #5: All right . Good . And then when the when you talk about the upside to the growth rate , is that within the plan to 2030 or is it thinking like beyond 2030 or both Could you kind of talk about Southern power and a lot of those drivers ?

Steve Fleishman: All right, good. And then when you talk about the upside to the growth rate, is that within the plan to 2030, or is it thinking like beyond 2030 or both? Because you kind of talked about Southern Power and a lot of those drivers, I think-

Speaker #5: I think you talked about our kind of 2030 and beyond.

Dan Poroch: Yeah.

Steve Fleishman: you talked about are kind of 2030 and beyond.

Speaker #1: Yeah . Steve , great . You know , it really is kind of both . I mean , we see the opportunity to grow at that 7 to 8% trajectory beyond 2030 .

Dan Poroch: Yeah, Steve, great observation. You know, it really is kind of both. I mean, we see the opportunity to grow at that 7 to 8% trajectory beyond 2030. I can't necessarily commit that that's indefinite, but it certainly goes beyond our planning horizon right now. And everything we see in front of us with the contracts that are near-term, the contracts that we've signed, what we've been able to accomplish on the regulatory front, just give us a lot of confidence in where we're looking.

Speaker #1: I can't necessarily commit that . That's indefinite . But it certainly goes beyond our planning horizon right now . And everything we see in front of us with the contracts that are near term , the contracts that we've signed , what we've been able to accomplish on the regulatory front , just give us a lot of confidence in where we're looking .

Speaker #5: Okay , two other quick questions . First , just on the data center growth in Georgia . Just there's been I think generally more noise in a lot of states , but also in Georgia on data center siting and zoning .

Steve Fleishman: Okay, two other quick questions. First, just on the data center growth in, in Georgia. Just there's been, I think, generally more noise in a lot of states, but also in Georgia, on data center siting and zoning. Just how do you feel about the 13 gigawatts, I guess, in your plan on, on that? Are they all pretty much zoned and the like? And how are you thinking about that issue?

Speaker #5: Just how do you feel about the 13GW , I guess , in your plan on on that , or are they all pretty much zoned and and the like ?

Speaker #5: And how are you thinking about that issue?

Speaker #2: Those 13 what I think the ten gigs are under construction . So we feel very confident about the projects that the numbers we're talking about across Georgia , Alabama and Mississippi .

Chris Womack: Those 13 what? I think the 10 gigs are under construction, so we feel-

Steve Fleishman: Okay

Chris Womack: ... very confident about the products we-- that the numbers we're talking about, across Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, we feel good about those projects. And yeah, there's a lot of conversation, but these projects continue to advance and progress across our states.

Speaker #2: We feel good about those projects. And yeah, there's a lot of conversation, but these projects continue to advance and progress across our states.

Speaker #5: Okay , great . I'll leave it there . I'll let others ask . Thanks for your time .

Steve Fleishman: Okay, great. I'll leave it there. I'll let others ask. Thanks for the time.

Speaker #2: Thanks , Steve .

Chris Womack: Thanks, Steve.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Steve .

Dan Poroch: Thank you, Steve.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Julien Dumoulin-Smith with Jefferies. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Julian Dumoulin-Smith with Jefferies. Please proceed.

Speaker #6: Hey , Julien .

Chris Womack: Hey, Julian.

Speaker #7: Hey . Good morning . Chris . David , thank you for the time . As always . I'll pick it up . Where Steve left off .

Julien Dumoulin-Smith: Hey, good morning, Chris, David. Thank you for the time as always. I'll pick it up where Steve left off, honestly. You know, as you said, it's reasonable to expect CapEx increases, right? And you've alluded to this Alabama Power RFP for 2031 and 2032, Georgia Power's own further RFP for 2032 and 2033. Can you speak to what you're seeing at the leading edge on those? Rather than talking about the demand side, let's talk about the procurement side, and try to feather that against how you would think about that increase in CapEx even through 2030. What's the total scope? And then also, maybe in light of the latest quarterly large load update, I think that increased by 15GW in the latest update, I think, from last week.

Speaker #7: Honestly , you know , as you said , it's reasonable to expect CapEx increases . Right ? And you've alluded to this Alabama Power RFP for 31 and 32 .

Speaker #7: Georgia's powers own further RFP for 32 and 33 . Can you speak to what you're seeing ? The leading edge on those rather than talking about the demand side ?

Speaker #7: Let's talk about the procurement side, and try to feather that against how you would think about that increased CapEx even through 2030.

Speaker #7: What's the total scope . And then also maybe in light of the latest quarterly large load update , I think that increased by 15GW in the latest update , I think , from last week .

Speaker #7: How does that impact the scope of that RFP? When you think about what could credibly get done here?

Julien Dumoulin-Smith: How does that impact the scope of that RFP when you think about what could credibly get done here?

Speaker #1: Yeah . Julien , great question . You know , the portfolio grows across all three of our electric . The opportunities grow across all three of our electric companies .

Dan Poroch: Yeah, Julian, great question. You know, the, the portfolio grows across all three of our electric-- the opportunities grow across all three of our electric companies. And, you know, last couple of quarters, we talked about growing momentum, conversations spreading to the West, and, and we're really seeing that. You know, what you noticed in the Georgia Power large load update is just normal churn, coming in, in and out of the, the pipeline. And we actually look at that being really healthy in terms of getting the, the, the highest opportunities to contract to the top of the list.... And as we get closer in, in terms of contracting in these negotiations, you know, our counterparties really start to refine and sharpen their pencils about what their needs really are.

Speaker #1: And you know, last couple of quarters we talked about growing momentum, conversations spreading to the West. And we're really seeing that. You know, what you noticed in the Georgia Power large load update is just normal churn coming in and out of the pipeline.

Speaker #1: And we actually look at that as being really healthy in terms of getting the, the, the highest opportunities to contract to the top of the list.

Speaker #1: And as we get closer, in terms of contracting in these negotiations, you know, our counterparties really start to refine and sharpen their pencils about what their needs really are.

Speaker #1: And so , you know , I think you pointed out a good observation that that that kind of short end of , of that pipeline is contracted a little bit , but that really brings more precision to us .

Dan Poroch: And so, you know, I think you pointed out a good observation that that kind of short end of that pipeline is contracted a little bit, but that really brings more precision to us, and we're really pretty excited about getting those better opportunities to the front of the line. You know, in terms of opportunities beyond what we have in the capital plan, you know, if you think about a rough rule of thumb, I would think you could probably maybe estimate $2 billion for a gig of incremental generation. You know, I think that's kind of what we're seeing in the marketplace and what our expectations might be.

Speaker #1: And we're really pretty excited about getting those better opportunities to the front of the line . You know , in terms of opportunities beyond what we have in the capital plan , you know , if you think about a rough rule of thumb , I would think you could probably maybe estimate two , $2 billion for a gig of incremental generation .

Speaker #1: You know, I think that's kind of what we're seeing in the marketplace, and what our expectations might be.

Speaker #7: Yeah , that's that's sizable . In turn . Then and then maybe if I can write the release last week flagged a potential divot in the near term .

Julien Dumoulin-Smith: Yeah, that's, that's pretty sizable in turn then. And then maybe if I can, right, the, the release last week flagged a potential divot in the near term, right? The energization ramp, if you will, for 2028, 2029. Slight downtick in that period of time. What exactly are customers doing? Are they deferring initial energization dates? Are they starting at lower utilization? Are they restructuring their ramp profiles? And then maybe in terms of earnings impact, you guys provided this latest update. How does, how do, like, the minimum bill protections in your contracts potentially insulate earnings from these, you know, what seem like every quarter, some slight fluctuations in the near years of this ramp?

Speaker #7: Right . The Energization ramp , if you will , for 28 , 29 , slight downtick in that period of time , what exactly are customers doing ?

Speaker #7: Are they deferring initial energization dates? Are they starting at lower utilization? Are they restructuring the ramp profiles? And then, maybe in terms of earnings impact, you guys provided this latest update.

Speaker #7: How did how did the minimum build protections in your contracts potentially insulate earnings from these . You know , what seemed like every quarter , some slight fluctuations in the near years of this ramp .

Speaker #1: There's a lot in there . Julien . Let's start to unpack some of that . So in terms of the way we design the contracts , you know , we we talked about the minimum bills and what that looks like .

Dan Poroch: There's a lot in there, Julian. Let's start to unpack some of that. So, in terms of the way we design the contracts, you know, the we talked about the minimum bills and what that looks like, and so we have the opportunity to negotiate exactly what our counterparties ask of us. And like I mentioned before, as you make your way through the pipeline and we start having conversations about your needs and have those negotiations, counterparties are really sharpening their pencils about what they need. Keep in mind, as we have those conversations, counterparties are also posting collateral, so they're really having to put up some assets backing up their asks. And so that kind of motivates people to sharpen their pencils as well.

Speaker #1: And so we have the opportunity to negotiate exactly what our counterparties ask of us. And like I mentioned before, as you make your way through the pipeline and we start having conversations about your needs and have those negotiations, counterparties are really sharpening their pencils about what they need.

Speaker #1: Keep in mind , as we have those conversations , counterparties are also posting collateral , so they're really having to to put up some some assets backing up their asks .

Speaker #1: And so that kind of motivates people to sharpen their pencils as well. And so, in terms of what we see out in the future, we look through these things moving through our pipeline and are really excited about the ability to close on these contracts.

Dan Poroch: And so in terms of what we see out in the future, we look through these things moving through our pipeline and are really excited about the ability to close on these contracts.

Speaker #6: And .

Speaker #2: Doing one thing , I'd add , one of the things we're experiencing as we see this existing data centers come online . We're learning about their profiles , their ramp rates , and so like the past two years , we've seen 70% year over year .

Chris Womack: And, Julian, one thing I'd add, one of the things we're experiencing as we see this existing data centers come online, we're learning about their profiles, their ramp rates. And so, like, the past two years, we've seen 70% year-over-year. I mean, so we're learning how this is playing out, and that factors into the plan, but we know it will be... It may be variable to some extent, but we-- it's a great learning that we're experiencing through these existing data centers that we already have online.

Speaker #2: I mean , so we're learning how this is playing out and and that factors into the plan . But we know it will be it may be variable to some extent , but it's a great learning that we're experiencing through these existing data centers that we already have online .

Speaker #1: Yeah. And those learnings really drive into how we shape the outlook and how we formulate the load forecast. And that translates into how we drive our revenue expectations.

Dan Poroch: Yeah, and those learnings really drive into how we shape the outlook and how we formulate the load forecast, and that translates into how we drive our revenue expectations.

Speaker #7: Awesome, guys. Thank you.

Julien Dumoulin-Smith: Awesome, guys. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thanks , Julien

Chris Womack: Thanks, Julian.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Carly Davenport with Goldman Sachs. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Carly Davenport with Goldman Sachs. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey , Carly .

Chris Womack: Hey, Carly.

Speaker #8: Hey . Good afternoon . Thanks for taking the questions . Maybe just on on the data center outlook in Georgia and just some of the noise around affordability .

Carly Davenport: Hey, good afternoon. Thanks for taking the questions. Maybe just on the data center outlook in Georgia and just some of the noise around affordability. You know, there's been some legislation introduced on moratoriums or other regulations around data centers. So could you just provide, you know, your views on how much teeth you think some of those pieces of legislation have, and if it's kind of coming up in any of your conversations with prospective customers?

Speaker #8: You know, there’s been some legislation introduced on moratoriums or other regulations around data centers. So could you just provide your views on how much teeth you think some of those pieces of legislation have?

Speaker #8: And if it's kind of coming up in any of your conversations with prospective customers?

Speaker #2: I mean , yeah , I mean , there's a lot of conversations and activity around data centers . All across the country . As you know very well , the thing that we're excited about here is that the projects continue to advance the pipeline continues to grow .

Chris Womack: I mean, yeah. I mean, there's a lot of conversations and activity around data centers, all across the country, as you know very well. The thing that we're excited about here is that, the projects continue to advance, the pipeline continues to grow. We continue to bring these data centers online, continue to reach agreements, with projects that we've talked about, with projects that are in final stages and late stages. The momentum here, it will continue. Yes, I think there will be continued conversations around what will be the impact on pricing. I think we have to continue to tell the story about the benefits to all existing customers, because of these projects.

Speaker #2: We continue to bring these data centers online, continue to reach agreements with projects that we've talked about, with projects that are in final stages, in late stages.

Speaker #2: The momentum here will continue. Yes, I think there will be continued conversations around what would be the impact on pricing. I think we have to continue to tell the story about the benefits to all existing customers.

Speaker #2: Because of these projects, and also the things that I also get excited about, is some of the data center partners that we have, their involvement in the communities across the state, making charitable investments in these communities to show the benefits that they bring to those communities.

Chris Womack: And also, the things that I also get excited about is some of the data center partners that we have, their involvement in the communities across the state, making charitable investments in these communities to show the benefits that they bring to those communities. So I think support for communities, also how we price these projects in terms of support for lower cost and also the value they bring, I mean, those are stories we got to tell, and I think we'll continue to see strong support across our territories for these projects.

Speaker #2: So I think support for communities also—how we price these projects in terms of support for lower cost, and also the value they bring.

Speaker #2: I mean, those are stories we got to tell. And I think we'll continue to see strong support across our territories for these projects.

Speaker #8: Got it . Great . Thank you for that . And then I think you had mentioned in your prepared just some opportunities on on site or sort of bridge power solutions that power secure .

Carly Davenport: Got it. Great. Thank you for that. And then I think you had mentioned in your prepared just some opportunities on-site or sort of bridge power solutions at PowerSecure. Could you talk to us a little bit about demand for those types of solutions that you're seeing in your conversations, and maybe what you think the duration of that opportunity set could be?

Speaker #8: Could you talk just a little bit about demand for those types of solutions that you're seeing in your conversations, and maybe what you think the duration of that opportunity set could be?

Speaker #2: Probably a couple of things there . I mean , I think it's a combination of the conversations that we're in the midst of , but I also think as you look across the entire sector , across the country , where there may be a need for it , for temporary power .

Chris Womack: Carly, a couple of things there. I mean, I think it's a combination of the conversations that we're in the midst of, but I also think as you look across the entire sector, across the country, where there may be a need for temporary power. So these bridge solutions, I think, will provide great value, for these customers, but also, these resources can provide some degree of resiliency in later stages as well. So we think in the near term, there will be continued opportunities, for bridge solutions, in the market as we see it today.

Speaker #2: And so these bridge solutions , I think , will provide great value for these customers , but also this these resources will can provide some some degree of resiliency in later stages as well .

Speaker #2: So, we think in the near term there will be continued opportunities for bridge solutions in the market, as we see it today.

Speaker #8: Great. Thank you so much.

Carly Davenport: Great. Thank you so much.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Steve D'Ambrosi with RBC Capital Markets. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Steve D'Ambrosi with RBC Capital Markets. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey , Steve .

Chris Womack: Hey, Steve.

Speaker #9: Hey , Chris . How's it going ? Thanks for taking my question . Just had a couple of quick ones just on the Southern power opportunity .

Dan Poroch: Hey, Chris, how's it going? Thanks for taking my question. Just had a couple of quick ones. On the Southern Power opportunity, can you give a little—it sounded like you said that you have a potential to recontract a gigawatt and capacity prices have moved up 2 to 3x. Can you just give us a little flavor on what the all, like, energy plus capacity or how impactful that could be? Because it looks like on the slide, in 2035, you open up a pretty significant amount, almost 4 gigs. I just want to understand kind of what that opportunity could be, and then how to follow up on the gas expansion and what the hurdle is there. Sure. Hey, Steve, David here. I'll take a crack at that.

Steve D'Ambrosi: Hey, Chris, how's it going? Thanks for taking my question. Just had a couple of quick ones. On the Southern Power opportunity, can you give a little—it sounded like you said that you have a potential to recontract a gigawatt and capacity prices have moved up 2 to 3x. Can you just give us a little flavor on what the all, like, energy plus capacity or how impactful that could be? Because it looks like on the slide, in 2035, you open up a pretty significant amount, almost 4 gigs. I just want to understand kind of what that opportunity could be, and then how to follow up on the gas expansion and what the hurdle is there. Sure. Hey, Steve, David here. I'll take a crack at that.

Speaker #9: Can you give a little... It sounded like you said that you have a potential to recontract a gigawatt and capacity prices have moved up 2 to 3x.

Speaker #9: Can you just give us a little flavor on, like, what the—all, like, energy plus capacity—or how impactful that could be? Because it looks like, on the slide...

Speaker #9: You know, in 2035 you open up a pretty significant amount, almost four gigs. And so just want to understand kind of what that opportunity could be.

Speaker #9: And then, how do we follow up on the gas expansion, and what is the hurdle there?

Speaker #1: Sure . Hey , Steve . David here . I'll take a crack at that . Yeah . As we look into the next decade , we do see opportunities rising up through the portfolio as these contracts come up for renewal .

Dan Poroch: Yeah, as we look into the next decade, we do see opportunities rising up through the portfolio as these contracts come up for renewal. You know, we're seeing data points and examples in the marketplace that similar capacity is being recontracted at 2 to 3 times the rate at which we're in right now. And, you know, we're seeing examples in the marketplace around $20, maybe $25 a kilowatt month. So, you know, I think that might be a good rule of thumb to think about what that opportunity can look like out in the future for us.

Speaker #1: You know, we're seeing data points and examples in the marketplace that similar capacity is being recontracted at two to three times the rate at which we're in right now.

Speaker #1: And , you know , we're seeing examples in the marketplace of around 20 , maybe $25 a kilowatt month . So , you know , I think that might be a good rule of thumb to think about what that opportunity can look like out in the future .

Speaker #1: For us

Speaker #9: Okay . That's really helpful . Sorry . Is that 20 to 25 incremental or is that the that's the .

Chris Womack: Okay, that's really helpful. Sorry, is that 2025 incremental or is that the-- that's the...

Steve D'Ambrosi: Okay, that's really helpful. Sorry, is that 2025 incremental or is that the-- that's the...

Speaker #1: That's the .

Dan Poroch: That's the price.

Speaker #9: Price. Yeah, okay. Perfect.

Chris Womack: Yeah. Okay, perfect.

Steve D'Ambrosi: Yeah. Okay, perfect.

Speaker #1: That's what we're seeing. Yeah.

Dan Poroch: That's what we're seeing. I don't, you know.

Speaker #9: Yep, yep. And then just on the evaluating new gas expansion at six brownfield sites, just can you talk to, I guess, how big that could be?

Chris Womack: Yep. Yep. And then just on, you know, the evaluating new gas expansion at 6 brownfield sites, just can you talk to, I guess, how big that could be, and then what effectively you'd be looking for and, and your ability to potentially marry those, those expansions with some of your data center offtakers or provide UIOG solutions, or just what that opportunity set looks like for you guys? I mean, we're, we're not going to change the, the risk profile of Southern Power. We're going to have a long-term contract agreement with a creditworthy counterparty. And right now, we're just looking at evaluating some 6 brownfield sites in the Southeast for potential new gas development. And so that's kind of, in kind of a very disciplined way, how we will approach this as we always do. Once again, you guys know us.

Steve D'Ambrosi: Yep. Yep. And then just on, you know, the evaluating new gas expansion at 6 brownfield sites, just can you talk to, I guess, how big that could be, and then what effectively you'd be looking for and, and your ability to potentially marry those, those expansions with some of your data center offtakers or provide UIOG solutions, or just what that opportunity set looks like for you guys?

Speaker #9: And then what, effectively, you'd be looking for is your ability to potentially marry those expansions with some of your data center off-takers, or provide big solutions, or just what that opportunity set looks like for you guys.

Speaker #2: I mean, we're not going to change the risk profile of Southern Power. We're going to have a long-term contract agreement with a creditworthy counterparty.

Chris Womack: I mean, we're, we're not going to change the, the risk profile of Southern Power. We're going to have a long-term contract agreement with a creditworthy counterparty. And right now, we're just looking at evaluating some 6 brownfield sites in the Southeast for potential new gas development. And so that's kind of, in kind of a very disciplined way, how we will approach this as we always do. Once again, you guys know us.

Speaker #2: And right now, with this, looking at evaluating some six brownfield sites in the Southeast for potential new gas development. And so that's kind of, and kind of a very disciplined way, how we will approach this, as we always do.

Speaker #2: Once again , you guys know us . You know how we how we work . You know how we how we run this company .

Chris Womack: You know how we, how we work, you know how we, how we run this company, and so that risk profile will not change. So we'll be evaluating the market, working with customers, understanding their needs, and we will make decisions accordingly.

Speaker #2: And so that risk profile will not change. So we'll be evaluating the market, working with customers, understanding their needs. And we will make decisions accordingly.

Speaker #9: Great. Thanks very much. Appreciate the time, guys.

Dan Poroch: Great. Thanks very much. Appreciate the time, guys.

Steve D'Ambrosi: Great. Thanks very much. Appreciate the time, guys.

Speaker #2: Thank you

Chris Womack: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Jeremy Tonet with J.P. Morgan. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Jeremy Tonet with JP Morgan. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey , Jeremy .

Chris Womack: Hey, Jeremy.

Speaker #10: Hey . Good afternoon . Just wanted to come back . If I could , towards the guidance . And what are some of the , you know , the parameters that drive the high and the low end and specifically here , just .

Jeremy Tonet: Hey, good afternoon. Just wanted to come back, if I could, toward the guidance and what are some of the, you know, the parameters that drive the high and the low end? And specifically here, just, are we in equity ratio assumptions, any color, I guess, what, you know, what drives the low end there, or just how we should think about, you know, some of those factors?

Speaker #10: Are we in equity ratio assumptions ? Any color , I guess what ? You know , what drives the low end there or just how we should think about , you know , some of those factors

Speaker #1: Yeah . No . Good question . In building this these expectations that we've communicated today . You know , our disciplined approach , we run through exhaustive scenarios , all kinds of different expectations and outcomes to try to create bounding exercises , if you will , that we feel good about achieving .

Dan Poroch: Yeah. No, good question. In building this, these expectations that we've communicated today, you know, our disciplined approach, we run through exhaustive scenarios, all kinds of different expectations and outcomes to try to create bounding exercises, if you will, that we feel good about achieving. And so, you know, we've got some durability in there, to be able to get to certainly the 7% range. And again, like I said earlier, it's a long ways out, but we do feel good about what we see in terms of the contracts that we're signing, in terms of the in-migration of population into our service territories, customer growth and expansion.

Speaker #1: And so , you know , we've got some durability in there to be able to get to . Certainly the 7% range . And again , like I said earlier , it's a long ways out .

Speaker #1: But we do feel good about what we see in terms of the contracts that we're signing, in terms of the in-migration of population into our service territories, customer growth, and expansion.

Dan Poroch: You know, some of the things that Chris mentioned in the prepared remarks around investment coming into this state, whether it be businesses expanding or relocating into our service territories, all those aspects give us good visibility and durability into those projections. And then, you know, some of the things we talked about create upside to achieve top end or perhaps even expand that band in the future.

Speaker #1: You know , some of the things that Chris mentioned in the prepared remarks around investment coming into the state , whether it be businesses expanding or or relocating into our service territories , all those aspects give us good visibility and durability into those projections .

Speaker #1: And then, you know, some of the things we talked about create upside to achieve top end, or perhaps even expand that band in the future.

Speaker #10: Got it . That's very helpful . Thank you . And just want to follow up , maybe a little bit more with the , you know , the affordability questions there .

Jeremy Tonet: Got it. That's very helpful. Thank you. Just wanted to follow up maybe a little bit more with the, you know, the affordability questions there. It seems like there's so much growth in front of you. You know, just wondering, you know, how that could impact bill trajectory going forward, you know, possible downward pressure there, and any other thoughts you could share on the 2029 and 2030 period for how bill trajectory might look.

Speaker #10: It seems like there's so much growth in front of you . You know , just wondering , you know , how that could impact bill trajectory going forward .

Speaker #10: You know, possible downward pressure there. And any other thoughts you could share on the '29 and '30 period for how bill trajectory might look?

Speaker #2: And you've heard a lot from us on our focus on rate stability in both Georgia and Alabama, in terms of rate stability through '27 and through '28.

Chris Womack: You've heard a lot from us on our focus on rate stability, in both Georgia and Alabama, in terms of rate stability through 2027 and through 2028. Then once again, I think as you look at how we price these projects, how we do our large load projects, the opportunities we have for downward pressure on rates and for existing customers is a real opportunity that we'll take advantage of. So we see the opportunity to continue rate stability, as we move into the future. That's our focus, making sure we continue to provide value to our customers from a service standpoint, but also making sure we have this real disciplined focus on rate stability now and into the future.

Speaker #2: And then once again , I think as you look at how we price these projects , how we do our large load projects , the opportunities we have for downward pressure on rates for for existing customers is a real opportunity that will take advantage of .

Speaker #2: And so we see the opportunity to continue rates to as we move into the future . And so that's our focus , making sure we continue to provide value to our customers from a service standpoint , but also making sure we have this real , disciplined focus on rate stability now and into the future .

Speaker #10: Got it. That's helpful. I'll leave it there.

Jeremy Tonet: Got it. That's helpful. I'll leave it there.

Speaker #2: Thank you

Chris Womack: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Andrew Andrew with Scotiabank. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Andrew, Andrew Vizel with Scotiabank. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey , Andrew .

Chris Womack: Hey, Andrew.

Speaker #1: Andrew .

Dan Poroch: Hey, Andrew.

Speaker #11: Hey , everyone . Just a quick one from me . I think you mentioned potential to accelerate the dividend growth . Could you elaborate ?

Andrew Weisel: Hey, everyone. Just a quick one from me. I think you mentioned the potential to accelerate the dividend growth. Could you elaborate? I think that's new commentary from you. I don't remember hearing you talk about that before. Maybe just a little bit more detail on why you'd talk about that and what you'd be looking for out of it and, and when. Thank you.

Speaker #11: I think that's new commentary from you. I don't remember hearing you talk about that before. Maybe a little bit more detail on why you'd talk about that and what you'd be looking for out of it.

Speaker #11: And when. Thank you.

Dan Poroch: ... Sure, sure. Thanks, Andrew. You know, as we mentioned before, just historically, we believe that the dividend is a very important part of our value proposition. And, you know, obviously, in conjunction with our board, who obviously has to approve every dividend that we offer, we would look to kind of grow-- our earnings would grow into that rate. And at some point, we want to be able to revisit that and, you know, maybe look around the 60%-ish window of dividend payout ratios. But again, that's, you know, out on the horizon and just something to think about. But again, like I mentioned before, it's integral to the long-term value proposition that we see in our stock.

Speaker #1: Sure , sure . Thanks , Andrew . You know , as we mentioned before , just historically , we believe that the dividend is a very important part of our value proposition .

Speaker #1: And , you know , obviously in conjunction with our board , who obviously has to approve every dividend that we that we offer , we would look to kind of grow our earnings would grow into that rate .

Speaker #1: And at some point we want to be able to revisit that . And , you know , maybe look around the 60% ish window of of dividend payout ratios .

Speaker #1: But again , that's , you know , out on the horizon and just something to think about . But again , like I mentioned before , it's it's integral to the long term value proposition that we see in in our stock

Speaker #11: Okay. Sounds good. Thank you.

Nick Amicucci: Okay, sounds good. Thank you.

Andrew Weisel: Okay, sounds good. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thanks , Andrew .

Chris Womack: Thanks, Andrew.

Speaker #1: Thank you .

Dan Poroch: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Shar Pourreza with Wells Fargo. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Char Pereza with Wells Fargo. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Sure .

Chris Womack: Char!

Speaker #12: Hey, good afternoon, everyone. It's actually Alex on for Shar. Thanks for taking our questions.

Shar Pourreza: Hey, good afternoon, everyone. It's actually Alex on for Char. Thanks for taking our questions.

Speaker #1: Hey , Alex .

Dan Poroch: Hey, Alex.

Speaker #2: Alex .

Chris Womack: Alex.

Speaker #12: Hey , hey . Good afternoon . I just want to touch on the 13 gigs that you . You mentioned that you have in the plan .

Shar Pourreza: Hey. Hey, good afternoon. I just want to touch on the 13 gigs that you mentioned that you have in the plan. Can you just remind us what the minimum take is for those contracts? And is that assumed in your current plan? So I guess if you look at it, if customers were to ramp quicker and take on more power over time, would that be accretive to the current plan? Thanks.

Speaker #12: Can you just remind us what the minimum take is for those contracts ? And is that assumed in your current plan ? So I guess if you look at it , if customers were to ramp quicker and take on more power over time , would that be accretive to the current plan ?

Speaker #12: Thanks

Speaker #1: Sure . Oh good question . Yeah . Keep in mind these all these contracts have minimum bills associated with them that are designed to recover 100% of the costs that we incur to serve .

Dan Poroch: Sure. Oh, good question. Yeah, keep in mind, all these contracts have minimum bills associated with them that are designed to recover 100% of the costs that we incur to serve. But you're absolutely right. To the extent that ramps are achieved sooner and maybe go beyond the contract, there is upside to that. That pricing, you know, is sort of at the marginal cost once we get beyond the minimum take. But you know, we do feel really good about the way we structure these contracts to protect everybody.

Speaker #1: But you're absolutely right to the extent that that ramps are achieved sooner and maybe go beyond the contract , there's there is upside to that , that pricing , you know , is is sort of at the marginal cost .

Speaker #1: Once we get beyond the minimum take. But you know, we do feel really good about the way we structure these contracts to protect everybody.

Speaker #2: And Andrew , just adding on and you hear us talk a lot about durability . The what you've mentioned provides greater durability to our plan going forward .

Chris Womack: And Andrew, just adding on, I mean, and you hear us talk a lot about durability. What you mentioned provides greater durability to our plan going forward. And so those are real upside opportunities as we look into the future.

Speaker #2: And so, those are real upside opportunities as we look into the future.

Speaker #12: Got it . That's very helpful I guess just shifting gears here , just look at the regulatory side . You know , obviously , given the growth that you're seeing in Georgia , you have the rate freezes in place until at least 2029 .

Shar Pourreza: Got it. That's, that's very helpful. I guess just shifting gears here, just look at the regulatory side. You know, obviously, given the growth that you're seeing in Georgia, you have the rate freezes in place till at least 2029. So do you see any opportunity where you can extend that rate freeze beyond 2028? And if you could just remind us, do you have to file something with the commission prior to the end of the current terms? Just want to get a sense on what that could potentially look like.

Speaker #12: So, do you see any opportunity where you can extend that rate freeze beyond 2028? And if you could just remind us, do you have to file something with the commission prior to the end of the current terms?

Speaker #12: Just want to get a sense on what that could potentially look like. Thanks.

Chris Womack: Yeah.

Shar Pourreza: Thanks.

Speaker #2: Yeah , yeah , Georgia has to file in 28 and we're not going to get ahead of that process . But as as we continue to look at the opportunity with the growth that's in front of us , how we price these large load contracts to make sure it provides benefits to existing customers .

Chris Womack: Yeah. Yeah, Georgia has to file in 2028. We're not going to get ahead of that process. But as we continue to look at the opportunity with the growth that's in front of us, how we price these large load contracts to make sure it provides benefits to existing customers, we think there are real opportunities to continue to have this deep focus on rate stability. And that's something that we're going to continue to be focused on and continue to make sure we pay attention to in terms of providing value to our customers. So yeah, that's a major principle focus of us as we look into the future.

Speaker #2: We think there are real opportunities to continue to have this deep focus on rate stability, and that's something that we're going to continue to be focused on and continue to make sure we pay attention to in terms of providing value to our customers.

Speaker #2: So, yeah, that's a major principal focus of us as we look into the future.

Speaker #12: Great. I'll leave it there. Thank you.

Shar Pourreza: Great. I'll leave it there. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thank you , thank you

Chris Womack: Thank you.

Dan Poroch: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Nick Amici with Evercore ISI. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Nick Amici with Evercore ISI. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey , Nick .

Chris Womack: Hey, Nick.

Speaker #13: Hey , guys . How are you A couple of quick , couple of quick ones for me . So if I'm just I just wanted to .

Nick Amicucci: Hey, guys. How are you?

Chris Womack: Great.

Nick Amicucci: A couple of quick ones for me. So, I just wanted to look. I was kind of drilling down on slide 39. So it seems like the vast majority of kind of the increased capital investment plan is, you know, associated with new generation. And just kind of in the context of Carly's question before, when we were thinking about the bridge solution. So, should we be considering some potential upside just on the transmission side as we kind of think of these new generation assets, maybe kind of being a standalone asset currently just to meet the ramp rate and then kind of connecting at a later term into the broader grid?

Speaker #13: Look , I was kind of drilling down on slide 39 , so it seems like the vast majority of kind of the increased capital capital investment plan is associated with new generation and just kind of in the in the context of Carly's question before , when we're thinking about the bridge solutions , we should we be considering some potential upside just on the on the transmission side , as we kind of think of these new generation assets , maybe kind of being a standalone asset currently just to meet the ramp rate and then kind of connecting it at a later term into into the broader grid .

Speaker #1: You know , there's a lot of options at play in , in that business . And , you know , we stand ready to , to really take care of whatever the needs are of the customer .

Dan Poroch: You know, there's a lot of options at play in that business. You know, we stand ready to really take care of whatever the needs are of the customer. That's kind of part of the beauty that our three electric companies are operating in, is not necessarily being bound by a static tariff. They have the ability to, you know, bilateral negotiations to get exactly what the customer needs when they need it, and probably have the ability to partner with it to bring those services to bear. Yeah, your question is dead on, and we want to go and explore those opportunities all over the country.

Speaker #1: And that's kind of part of the beauty that that our three electric companies are operating in is not necessarily being bound by a static tariff that they have the ability to , to , you know , bilateral negotiations to get exactly what the customer needs when they need it and probably have the ability to partner with , to , to bring that those services to bear .

Speaker #1: So , yeah , your question is dead on . And we want to go and explore those opportunities all over the all over the country .

Speaker #2: And as we said , I mean , the bridge solutions are very complementary . And yeah , I mean , they also I mean , as we said , I mean , they're at Southern Power and Power Secure .

Chris Womack: Yeah, and as we said, I mean, the bridge solutions are very complementary. And yeah, I mean, they also, I mean, as we said, I mean, there at Southern Power and PowerSecure, those are potential upsides to the plan.

Speaker #2: Those are potential upsides to the plan.

Speaker #9: Great , great .

Nick Amicucci: Great. Great, that makes sense. And then just as we kind of think about, you know, we've talked, we've spoken kind of ad nauseam here about, you know, kind of the minimum, the minimum take on the contract and, and kind of the, the pricing surrounding these, these large load contracts. Any kind of insight as to—because I know those last through the duration of the contract, just any kind of insight into the, the typical time frames that you guys are seeing on the duration? Is there a minimum there that you guys are seeking, or is there some type of appetite for from kind of the counterparties, just on longer duration versus shorter duration?

Speaker #13: That makes sense . And then just as we kind of think about , you know , we've talked . We've spoken kind of ad nauseam here about , you know , kind of the minimum the minimum take on the contracts and kind of the pricing surrounding these , these large contracts , any , any kind of insight as to because I know those are last through the duration of the contract , just any kind of insight into the typical timeframes that you guys are seeing on duration .

Speaker #13: Is there a minimum there that you guys are seeking, or is there some type of appetite from the counterparties just on longer duration versus shorter duration?

Speaker #1: Yeah. Great question. And as we're negotiating these things, we're pretty much pegging to a 15-year window or longer. We want to make sure that we've got durability and a lasting relationship as we sign these contracts.

Dan Poroch: Yeah, great question. And as we're negotiating these things, we're pretty much pegging to a 15-year window or longer. We want to make sure that we've got durability and lasting relationship as we sign these contracts.... Great. Thanks, guys. I'll pass it on.

Speaker #13: Great. Thanks, guys. I'll pass it on.

Speaker #2: Thank you .

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Thank you.

Chris Womack: Thank you.

Speaker #3: Our next question is from Paul Fremont with Ladenburg Thalmann. Please proceed.

Operator: Our next question is from Paul Fremont with Ladenburg Thalmann. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey , Paul .

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Hey, Paul.

Chris Womack: Hey, Paul.

Speaker #1: Hey , Paul .

Dan Poroch: Hey, Paul.

Speaker #2: Thanks .

Paul Fremont: Thanks. Congratulations on a good showing here.

Speaker #14: Congratulations on a on on a good showing here . Thank you very much . I guess my first , first question I think is just a point of clarification .

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Thank you very much.

Chris Womack: Thank you very much.

Paul Fremont: I guess my first question, I think, is just a point of clarification. The gas plants on slide 21, those are all for your regulated utilities, right? So those, none of that includes Southern Power.

Speaker #14: The , the gas plants on slide 21 . Those are all for your regulated utilities . Right ? So those none of the none of that is , is includes Southern power .

Speaker #2: Correct .

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Correct.

Chris Womack: Correct.

Speaker #1: You are correct, Paul. Yep.

Dan Poroch: You are correct, Paul. Yep.

Speaker #14: Okay. So, I guess you talked about 700 MW of upgrades and incremental construction. Would that take place in the '31 through '35 time frame, or when would that take place?

Paul Fremont: Okay, so I guess you talked about 700MW of upgrades and incremental construction. Would that take place in the 2031 through 2035 timeframe, or when would that take place?

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): What? As soon as 29.

Chris Womack: What? As soon as 29.

Speaker #2: As soon as 29 .

Dan Poroch: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Yeah, those are where the opportunities are that we're considering right now, and they'll stretch out over a little bit of a period of time. And those are... Keep in mind, those were some of the upside opportunities that Chris had mentioned related to Southern Power, and they're not included in our plan at the moment.

Speaker #1: Yeah , yeah . Those were those are where the opportunities are that we're considering right now . And they'll stretch out over a little bit of a period of time .

Speaker #1: And, and those are—keep in mind, those were some of the upside opportunities that Chris had mentioned related to Southern Power.

Speaker #1: And they're not included in our plan at the moment.

Speaker #14: Okay . So that would be incremental . And they and it could come in as early as as 29 . And if you did it , it would be fully contracted when it was completed .

Paul Fremont: Okay, so that would be incremental, and it could come in as early as 2029. And if you did it, it would be fully contracted when it was completed, right?

Speaker #14: Right .

Speaker #2: Absolutely .

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Absolutely.

Chris Womack: Absolutely.

Speaker #1: Yep. Consistent with the—yeah, business models not changing at Southern Power.

Dan Poroch: Yep. Consistent with the, yeah, business model is not changing in Southern Power.

Paul Fremont: And then, is it safe to say that those contracts would most likely be with like co-ops and other power companies versus, let's say, selling directly to data centers?

Speaker #14: And then, is it safe to say that those contracts would most likely be with, like, co-ops and other power companies versus, let's say, selling directly to data centers?

Paul Fremont: And then, is it safe to say that those contracts would most likely be with like co-ops and other power companies versus, let's say, selling directly to data centers?

Speaker #1: Yeah, that's a very safe bet.

Dan Poroch: Yeah, that's a very safe bet.

Speaker #2: Yeah, would definitely be a creditworthy counterparty.

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): It would definitely be a creditworthy counterparty.

Chris Womack: It would definitely be a creditworthy counterparty.

Speaker #14: Okay, great. And then, do you need regulatory approval if you get some of the additional contracts that you're talking about? And if you need, let's say, incrementally three gigawatts of generation, does that need to go through commission approval?

Paul Fremont: Okay, great. And then, do you need regulatory approval if you get some of the additional contracts that you're talking about, and you need, let's say, that incremental 3 gigawatts of generation, does that need to go through commission approval?

Speaker #1: Well , we mentioned that there's there's that that all of that would be subject to review . Keep in mind we just closed in December on Wright ten gigawatts at Georgia Power .

Dan Poroch: Well, we mentioned that there's that all of that would be subject to review. Keep in mind, we just closed in December on-

Paul Fremont: Right.

Dan Poroch: 10, 10 gigawatts at Georgia Power, and then we, you know, kind of referred to two proceedings that just are beginning, and then we expect to start between Alabama and Georgia. That will probably take us through 2026 and likely see conclusion in 2027.

Speaker #1: And then we , you know , kind of referred to to proceedings that just are beginning . And then we expect to start between Alabama and Georgia .

Speaker #1: That will probably take us through 2026, and likely a conclusion in 2027.

Speaker #14: Okay . And then last question for me , any sense on who's going to which Republican is going to run for for pride seat on the commission ?

Paul Fremont: Okay. And then last question for me. Any sense on, who's gonna, which Republican is gonna run for, for Pridemore's seat on the commission?

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): We're not political prognosticators. We have no idea. What we do is we work with whoever's there.

Speaker #2: We're not political prognosticators . We have no idea . What we do is we work with whoever's there . We look forward to Thank you .

Chris Womack: We're not political prognosticators. We have no idea. What we do is we work with whoever's there.

Paul Fremont: Great.

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): We look forward to... Thank you.

Chris Womack: We look forward to... Thank you.

Speaker #14: Thank you, thank you very much.

Paul Fremont: Thank you. Thank you very much.

Speaker #1: Thanks , Paul .

Dan Poroch: Thanks, Paul.

Speaker #3: Our final question is from Travis Miller with Morningstar. Please proceed.

Operator: Our final question is from Travis Miller with Morningstar. Please proceed.

Speaker #2: Hey, Travis, thank you.

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Hey, Travis.

Chris Womack: Hey, Travis.

Travis Miller: Thank you very much. Hi. Now, this is a follow-up. You answered most of my questions, so the 28 and 29 projects, in particular, generation projects you outlined, what's the status of the gas supply, and then for the battery ones, battery components, and then in addition, anything beyond 2030? What-- are those going to be constraints, potentially?

Speaker #1: You very much. Hey, this is a follow-up to answer most of my questions. So, the 28 and 29 projects, in particular the Generation project, you outline.

Speaker #1: What's the status of the gas supply . And then for the battery ones . Battery components . And then in addition , anything beyond 2030 , what are those going to be constraints potentially .

Speaker #2: It's all secured

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): It's all secured.

Chris Womack: It's all secured.

Speaker #1: Even the physical is secured, or just financially?

Travis Miller: Even the physical is secured or just financially?

Speaker #2: It is physically secured .

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): It is physically secured.

Chris Womack: It is physically secured.

Speaker #1: Okay, okay. That’s all I had. Appreciate everything.

Travis Miller: Okay. Okay. That's all I had. Appreciate everything.

Speaker #2: Very good .

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Very good.

Chris Womack: Very good.

Speaker #1: Thank you . Travis .

Dan Poroch: Thank you, Travis.

Speaker #3: And that will conclude today's question and answer session . Sir , are there any closing remarks ?

Operator: That will conclude today's question and answer session. Sir, are there any closing remarks?

Speaker #2: Again, let me say thank you. Thank you very much for your continued interest in Southern Company. Have a great day.

[Company Representative] (Southern Company): Again, let me say thank you. Thank you very much for your continued interest in Southern Company. Have a great day.

Chris Womack: Again, let me say thank you. Thank you very much for your continued interest in Southern Company. Have a great day.

Operator: Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the Southern Company's Q4 2025 earnings call. You may now disconnect.

Q4 2025 Southern Co Earnings Call

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