Dive Summary:

• Southern Co.’s net income rose 6.6 percent in the third quarter of this year even though the utility’s operating revenue fell 7 percent as a result of milder weather this year.
• Southern, which serves 4.4 million customers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi, said that a slower global economy in the most recent quarter was the biggest recent for the revenue decline.
• The utility’s shares fell $1.18 – 2.6 percent – and now sit at $44.59; the company’s net income for the July-September quarter was $976 million.

From the article:

Southern Co.'s net income rose 6.6 percent in the third quarter as lower operation and maintenance costs offset lower electricity sales.

Operating revenue at the nation's second biggest utility by market value fell 7 percent because weather in its service territory was much milder than last year. When summer temperatures are relatively cool, businesses and homes use less electricity to run air conditioners. ...