Southern Co‑The Executives Keep Buying, Signaling Confidence Amid Rising Fiber‑Optic Expansion

Insider Activity Highlights the Utility’s Current Momentum

On January 31 2026, Southern Co-The’s EVP & COO Connally Stan W executed a sizable purchase of 2,634 shares of the company’s common stock—an action that came in the wake of a series of performance‑restricted stock unit (RSU) vestings. The transaction, recorded at $0.00 per share because it was a vesting‑triggered allocation, increased Stan W’s post‑transaction holding to 149,640 shares, or roughly 0.15 % of the outstanding equity. While the absolute number is modest relative to the company’s market capitalization of $97.3 billion, the move is noteworthy for the timing and context: it coincides with a broader wave of insider buying among senior executives that has kept the stock above its 12‑month moving average.

Comparative Insider Activity Signals Confidence

When viewed alongside the other top insiders, Connally’s trade sits comfortably within a pattern of disciplined buying. For instance, Christopher Cummiskey (EVP) added 1,794 shares, while Chairman Christopher Womack purchased 14,159 shares on the same day. Across the board, senior leaders have been net buyers, with total purchases exceeding sales in the current filing cycle. This trend suggests that the executive team believes the company’s strategic initiatives—especially its expansion into fiber‑optic and wireless services—will drive future earnings growth. The fact that the stock’s price remained flat at $90.12 on the day of the transaction, coupled with a 0.02 % change, indicates that the market has already priced in much of the anticipated upside.

Implications for Investors

From an investor’s perspective, the insider activity reinforces a narrative of stability and long‑term confidence. Southern Co-The’s fundamentals remain solid: a P/E ratio of 21.9, a 52‑week high of $100.84, and a yearly gain of 7.45 %. The utility’s diversified revenue streams—from traditional power generation to burgeoning telecommunications services—provide a hedge against regulatory and commodity volatility. The recent influx of institutional purchases from firms such as Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta and Miller Howard Investments further corroborates this view. Conversely, the modest sell‑side activity among insiders, such as the 1,107 shares sold by Connally at the tax‑withholding price of $89.31, reflects routine tax planning rather than a lack of confidence.

Forward‑Looking Outlook

Looking ahead, the combination of insider purchases and the company’s strategic focus on renewable energy and digital infrastructure positions Southern Co-The for a gradual upside. The utility’s market cap of nearly $100 billion and its stable dividend yield make it an attractive long‑term holding for value‑oriented investors. However, potential risks—such as regulatory changes in the electric utilities sector or increased competition in the telecommunications space—must be monitored. Overall, the current transaction, set against a backdrop of consistent insider buying, signals that senior management remains optimistic about Southern Co-The’s trajectory and is willing to stake additional equity in the company’s future.