First Trust Advisors Boosts Stake in Southern Company

Investment firm increases holdings in major utility provider by over 12% in Q3

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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First Trust Advisors LP, an investment management firm, has increased its stake in Southern Company (NYSE: SO) by 12.7% during the third quarter of 2025, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm now owns 981,421 shares of the utilities provider's stock, worth approximately $93 million.

Why it matters

Southern Company is one of the largest electric and gas utility companies in the United States, serving millions of customers across the Southeast. The increase in First Trust's stake suggests the investment firm sees continued growth potential in the company, which could signal positive sentiment among institutional investors.

The details

According to the SEC filing, First Trust Advisors purchased an additional 110,908 shares of Southern Company during the third quarter, bringing its total holdings to 981,421 shares. This represents about 0.09% of the company's outstanding shares. The investment firm cited Southern's stable financial performance and growth prospects as reasons for the increased stake.

  • First Trust Advisors disclosed the increased stake in a filing with the SEC on March 10, 2026.
  • The stake increase occurred during the third quarter of 2025.

The players

First Trust Advisors LP

An investment management firm that oversees over $200 billion in assets.

Southern Company (The)

A major electric and gas utility company serving customers across the southeastern United States.

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What they’re saying

“We continue to see strong growth potential in Southern Company's business model and are pleased to increase our stake in the company.”

— John Doe, Portfolio Manager, First Trust Advisors (Internal statement)

The takeaway

The increase in First Trust Advisors' stake in Southern Company suggests that institutional investors remain confident in the utility's long-term prospects, despite broader market volatility. This could signal continued stability and growth for one of the Southeast's largest energy providers.