Form 4: Southern Company CEO Christopher Womack Reports Significant Stock Acquisition and Tax-Related Disposition

Southern Company's Chairman, President & CEO, Christopher C. Womack, reported the acquisition of 7,355 shares of common stock through the vesting of restricted stock units and the disposition of 3,285 shares for tax withholding purposes on May 24, 2025.

Summary

• Christopher C. Womack, Chairman, President & CEO of Southern Company (SO), reported transactions involving the company's common stock on May 24, 2025.
• Mr. Womack acquired 7,355 shares of Southern Company Common Stock at a price of $89.64 per share.
• This acquisition resulted from the vesting of the second one-third portion of performance restricted stock units originally granted on May 24, 2023, and included 457 accrued dividend equivalent units.
• Concurrently, 3,285 shares were disposed of at $89.64 per share to satisfy required state and federal tax withholding obligations related to the vesting event.
• Following these transactions, Mr. Womack directly beneficially owns 91,801.9746 shares of Southern Company Common Stock.
• Additionally, Mr. Womack indirectly owns 2,499.4973 shares through a 401(k) plan.
• The remaining one-third of the performance restricted stock units granted on May 24, 2023, are scheduled to vest in 2026.

Sentiment

Score: 7

Explanation: The sentiment is positive as it reflects the vesting of performance-based equity awards, indicating achievement of targets and increased alignment of management's interests with shareholders, despite the routine tax-related share disposition.

Positives

• The acquisition of 7,355 shares indicates the vesting of performance-based restricted stock units, reflecting the achievement of performance targets.
• The vesting of restricted stock units increases the CEO's direct ownership in the company, aligning management's interests with shareholders.

Negatives

• 3,285 shares were disposed of to cover tax withholding requirements, which is a common practice but reduces the net shares acquired.

Future Outlook

The remaining one-third of the performance restricted stock units granted on May 24, 2023, are scheduled to vest in 2026.

Industry Context

This filing is a routine disclosure of executive compensation and share ownership within the utility sector, reflecting standard practices for performance-based equity awards and tax compliance.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Increased alignment of CEO's interests with shareholders due to vested equity, potentially signaling confidence in future performance.
• Employees: No direct impact mentioned, but reflects standard executive compensation practices.
• Customers, Suppliers, Creditors: No direct impact mentioned.

Next Steps

• The remaining one-third of the performance restricted stock units granted on May 24, 2023, are expected to vest in 2026.

Key Dates

Recommendation

Keywords

Southern Company, SO, Christopher C. Womack, SEC Form 4, Insider Trading, Stock Vesting, Restricted Stock Units, Executive Compensation, Share Ownership, Utility Sector