Jefferies Maintains Hold, Raises PT to $102 on The Southern Company (SO) Feb 2026
Jefferies on February 23, 2026 maintained The Southern Company (SO) at Hold and raised the price target to $102. This single action is the latest entry in the SO analyst rating cycle and matters for income and utility equity investors. The change came at 01:06 PM and showed a modest market reaction, with a reported price change of -0.15% ($-0.14). We examine what Jefferies’ note and company context mean for holders and prospective buyers using Meyka AI-powered market analysis platform.
SO analyst rating: Jefferies action and specifics
Jefferies on February 23, 2026 maintained a Hold rating on The Southern Company (SO) and raised the price target to $102. The bulletin appeared on StreetInsider and was timestamped 01:06 PM. Read the firm note here StreetInsider.
Jefferies did not change the underlying rating, which signals measured confidence. The raised price target reflects model updates rather than a shift to an explicit buy stance.
What the SO analyst rating change means for investors
A maintained Hold with a higher price target means Jefferies sees value risks as balanced with yield and steady cash flows. Income investors should view the note as neutral on share accumulation but mildly positive on valuation upside to $102.
Active growth or value traders may read the move as signal to watch catalysts that could push shares toward the new target, such as capex execution or large-load contracts disclosed in recent guidance.
Company context: earnings, guidance, and valuation
Southern Company reported Q4 2025 results and offered guidance supporting 8% annual EPS growth through 2028, which underpins analyst models. See the earnings call transcript for specifics on capital plans and large-load demand Seeking Alpha.
That operating backdrop helps explain why Jefferies raised the price target without upgrading the rating. The firm appears to balance steady earnings growth against regulatory and execution risks.
Historical analyst coverage and where this fits
Analyst coverage for SO has been steady with major firms typically in the Hold to Buy range over the past five years. Jefferies’ maintained Hold is consistent with recent consensus positioning where ratings cluster near Neutral.
Price targets have varied as capital plans and regulatory outcomes evolved. The current action continues a pattern of incremental PT adjustments rather than large directional rating shifts.
Market reaction and direct stock implications
At the note timestamp, reported intraday price change was -0.15% ($-0.14). That muted move is typical when a firm adjusts a target but keeps a neutral rating.
Investors should link future price moves to execution on the company’s $81 billion multi-year capex program and utility regulation outcomes, rather than this single analyst action.
How to use the SO analyst rating in portfolio decisions
Treat this SO analyst rating update as information, not instruction. A maintained Hold with a higher PT favors income retention and selective accumulation on dips. Rebalance decisions should weigh dividend yield, regulatory risk, and capex execution timelines.
Meyka AI rates SO with a grade of B+. This grade factors in S&P 500 benchmark comparison, sector performance, financial growth, key metrics, and analyst consensus. These grades are not guaranteed and we are not financial advisors.
Final Thoughts
Jefferies’ February 23, 2026 note kept The Southern Company (SO) at Hold while lifting the price target to $102. The firm signaled modest optimism on valuation without committing to a Buy stance. For investors the update is neutral-to-slightly constructive: the raised target widens upside but the Hold rating keeps capital allocation decisions cautious. The company’s recent Q4 2025 results and guidance for 8% annual EPS growth through 2028 provide the fundamental basis for analysts to adjust models. With a market capitalization of $104,847,203,150, Southern remains a large utility with predictable cash flow and regulatory exposure. Use the SO analyst rating alongside dividend objectives, regulatory developments, and capex execution when sizing or trimming positions. For real-time tracking, Meyka AI’s platform follows analyst notes and price target moves to help investors contextualize such updates
FAQs
What exactly did Jefferies change on February 23, 2026 for SO?
Jefferies maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target to $102 on February 23, 2026 at 01:06 PM. The firm adjusted valuation models but left the underlying recommendation unchanged.
Does the Jefferies note count as an upgrade or downgrade for SO?
No. Jefferies maintained the Hold rating. Raising the price target without changing the rating is a neutral or data-driven update, not an upgrade or downgrade.
How should dividend investors view this SO analyst rating action?
Dividend investors can view the update as mildly positive for valuation but neutral for income security. The Hold rating suggests no change to long-term income assumptions, while the higher PT signals some upside.
Where can I read the analyst note and the earnings call transcript?
Jefferies’ note summary was posted on StreetInsider. Read it here StreetInsider. The Q4 2025 earnings call transcript is on Seeking Alpha Seeking Alpha.
Disclaimer:
Stock markets involve risks. This content is for informational purposes only. Analyst ratings are opinions and not guarantees of future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Meyka AI PTY LTD provides market analysis and data insights, not financial advice. Always conduct your own research and consider consulting a licensed financial advisor.