UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934
(AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted
by Rule 14a-6(e) (2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Materials Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
THE SOUTHERN COMPANY
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
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NOTICE OF 1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT
SO
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SOUTHERN
COMPANY
ENERGY TO SERVE YOUR WORLD-SM-
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CONTENTS
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General Information 1
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Corporate Governance 2
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Nominees for Election as Directors 4
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Compensation and Management Succession Committee Report 6
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Executive Compensation Information 9
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Stock Ownership Table 10
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Summary Compensation Table 11
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Option Grants Table 12
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Option Exercises Table 12
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Long-Term Incentive Awards Tables 13
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Pension Plan Table 14
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Five-Year Performance Graph 15
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LETTER TO STOCKHOLDERS
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A.W. Dahlberg
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer [LOGO]
SOUTHERN
COMPANY
ENERGY TO SERVE YOUR WORLD-SM-
Dear Fellow Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend our 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at
10:00 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 26, 1999 at The Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham,
Alabama.
At the meeting, I will report on the state of our business and our plans for the
future. Also, we will elect our board of directors.
Your vote is important. Please review the proxy material and return your proxy
instructions as soon as possible.
I look forward to seeing you on May 26.
Sincerely,
/s/ A.W. Dahlberg
A.W. Dahlberg
[PHOTO]
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SOUTHERN
COMPANY
ENERGY TO SERVE YOUR WORLD-SM-
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS -- MAY 26, 1999
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TIME
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10:00 a.m. CDT, on Wednesday, May 26, 1999
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BUSINESS
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(1) Elect 12 members of the board of directors, and
(2) Transact other business properly coming before the meeting.
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DOCUMENTS
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The Proxy Statement, proxy card, and Southern Company Annual Report are included
in this mailing.
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PLACE
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The Wynfrey Hotel
1000 Riverchase Galleria
Birmingham, Alabama
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RECORD DATE
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Stockholders owning Company shares at the close of business on March 29, 1999,
are entitled to attend and vote at the meeting.
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VOTING
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Even if you plan to attend the meeting in Birmingham, please provide us your
voting instructions in one of the following ways as soon as possible:
(1) Internet - use the internet address on the proxy card
(2) Telephone - use the toll-free number on the proxy card
(3) Mail - mark, sign, and date the proxy card and return in the enclosed
postage-paid envelope
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TOMMY CHISHOLM, SECRETARY, APRIL 12, 1999
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GENERAL INFORMATION
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PROXY STATEMENT
Q: WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND CARD?
A: The board of directors of Southern Company is soliciting your proxy for the
1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournments thereof. The
meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Wednesday, May 26, 1999,
at The Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria, Birmingham, Alabama. This
Proxy Statement and card are initially being provided to stockholders on or
about April 12, 1999.
Q: WHAT'S BEING VOTED UPON AT THE MEETING?
A: The election of 12 directors. We are not aware of any other matters to be
presented to the meeting; however, the holders of the proxies will vote in
their discretion on any other matters properly presented.
Q: HOW DO I GIVE VOTING INSTRUCTIONS?
A: You may attend the meeting and give instructions in person or by the
internet, by telephone, or by mail. Instructions are on the proxy card. The
proxy committee, named on the enclosed proxy card, will vote all properly
executed proxies that are delivered pursuant to this solicitation and not
subsequently revoked in accordance with the instructions given by you.
Q: CAN I CHANGE MY VOTE?
A: Yes, you may revoke your proxy by submitting a subsequent proxy or by
written request received by the Company's secretary before the meeting.
Q: WHO CAN VOTE?
A: All stockholders of record on the record date of March 29, 1999. On that
date, there were 698,687,795 Southern Company common shares outstanding and
entitled to vote.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES EACH SHARE COUNT?
A: Each share counts as one vote, except votes for directors may be
cumulative. For directors, you may multiply the number of shares you own
by the number of directors to be elected and then cast the resulting number
among the nominees as you wish. Abstentions are counted to determine a
quorum. Shares held by a broker that the broker fails to vote are not.
Neither are counted for or against the matters being considered.
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
A: You will receive a proxy card for each account that you have. Please vote
proxies for all accounts to ensure that all your shares are voted. If you
wish to consolidate multiple accounts, please contact Stockholder Services
at (800) 554-7626.
Q: WHEN ARE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE FOR THE YEAR 2000 ANNUAL MEETING OF
STOCKHOLDERS?
A: The deadline for the receipt of stockholder proposals is December 13, 1999.
They must be submitted in writing to Tommy Chisholm, Corporate Secretary,
Southern Company, 270 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.
Q: WHO PAYS THE EXPENSE OF SOLICITING PROXIES?
A: The Company pays the cost of soliciting proxies. The officers or other
employees of the Company or its subsidiaries may solicit proxies to have a
larger representation at the meeting.
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SOUTHERN
COMPANY
ENERGY TO SERVE YOUR WORLD-SM-
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
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HOW IS THE COMPANY ORGANIZED?
Southern Company is a holding company managed by a core group of officers and
governed by a board of directors that has been set at 12 members. The nominees
for election as directors consist of nine non-employees and three executive
officers of the Company.
WHAT ARE DIRECTORS PAID FOR THEIR SERVICES?
Only non-employee directors are compensated for board service. The pay
components are:
ANNUAL RETAINERS:
- - $40,000 if first elected as a director before 1997, of which $10,000 is
deferred in shares of Company common stock until board membership ends
- - $49,000 if first elected as a director in 1997 or later, of which $19,000
is deferred in shares of Company common stock until board membership ends
- - $5,000 additional annual retainer if serving as chairman of a board
committee
MEETING FEES:
- - $1,250 for each board meeting attended
- - $1,000 for each committee meeting attended
Directors may elect to defer up to 100 percent of their compensation until
membership on the board ends.
There is no pension plan for non-employee directors; however, Dr. Shatto elected
in 1997 to participate under the terms of the then Outside Directors Pension
Plan. She is entitled upon retirement from the board to receive annual benefits
of $30,000 for the greater of her lifetime or 10 years. Dr. Shatto also was paid
$1,000 in 1998, for service on the Southern Company College board of advisors.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
AUDIT COMMITTEE:
- - Members are Mr. Hardman, Chairman; Mr. Gordon; Dr. Pate; Mr. St. Pe; and
Mr. Stockham
- - Met four times in 1998
- - Oversees the Company's auditing, accounting, financial reporting, legal
compliance, and internal control functions
- - Reviews independent accountants' report on the Company's financial
statements, significant changes in accounting principles and practices,
significant proposed adjustments, and any unresolved disagreements with
management concerning accounting or disclosure matters
- - Recommends independent accountants and reviews their services, fees, and
the scope and timing of audits
Upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, the board of directors has selected
Arthur Andersen LLP as independent accountants for 1999. Representatives of
Arthur Andersen LLP are expected to be present at the meeting and will have an
opportunity to make a statement if they desire and respond to appropriate
questions from stockholders.
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COMPENSATION & MANAGEMENT
SUCCESSION COMMITTEE:
- - Members are Mr. Correll, Chairman; Mr. Hardman; Mr. St. Pe; and Mr.
Stockham
- - Met six times in 1998
- - Evaluates performance of executive officers and recommends their
compensation
- - Administers executive compensation plans
- - Reviews management succession plans
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:
- - Members are Mr. Rushton, Chairman; Mr. Adams; Mr. Gordon; and Dr. Shatto
- - Met twice in 1998
- - Reviews corporate governance issues
- - Considers and recommends nominees for election as directors and recommends
director compensation
The Governance Committee expects to identify from its own resources qualified
nominees but will accept from stockholders recommendations of individuals to be
considered as nominees. Stockholder recommendations, together with a description
of the proposed nominee's qualifications, relevant biographical information, and
signed consent to serve, should be submitted in writing to the Company's
secretary and received by that office by December 13, 1999. Stockholder
recommendations will be considered by the Governance Committee in determining
nominees to recommend to the board. The final selection of the board's nominees
is within the sole discretion of the board of directors.
FINANCE COMMITTEE:
- - Members are Mr. Edwards, Chairman; Mr. Adams; Mr. Correll; Mr. Rushton; and
Dr. Shatto
- - Met seven times in 1998
- - Reviews the Company's financial affairs, recommends actions to the board,
and approves certain capital expenditures of subsidiaries
NUCLEAR OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE:
- - Membership consists of Dr. Pate, Chairman
- - Was established in 1999
- - Reviews nuclear operations activities
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The Board of Directors met eight times in 1998. Average director attendance at
all board and committee meetings was 91 percent. Mr. St. Pe attended less than
75 percent of his applicable meetings.
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NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS
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ITEM NO.1 -- ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The persons named on the enclosed proxy card will vote, unless instructed
otherwise, each properly executed proxy for the election of the following
nominees as directors. If any named nominee becomes unavailable for election,
the board may substitute another nominee. In that event, the proxy would be
voted for the substitute nominee unless instructed otherwise on the proxy card.
DORRIT J. BERN
Ms. Bern, 49, is chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer
of Charming Shoppes, Inc., retail apparel stores. She served as group vice
president of Sears, Roebuck and Co. from 1993 to August 1995, and as vice
chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer of Charming
Shoppes from August 1995 until January 1997, when she was appointed to her
current position.
THOMAS F. CHAPMAN
Mr. Chapman, 55, is president and chief executive officer of Equifax Inc.,
information services and transaction processing company. He served as executive
vice president and group executive from 1993 to August 1997, and as president
and chief operating officer of Equifax from August 1997 to January 1998, when he
was appointed to his current position. He is a director of Equifax Inc.
A. D. CORRELL - Director since 1994
Mr. Correll, 57, is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of
Georgia-Pacific Corporation, manufacturers and distributors of building
products, pulp, and paper. He is a director of Georgia-Pacific Corporation,
Sears, Roebuck and Co., and SunTrust Banks, Inc.
A. W. DAHLBERG - Director since 1985
Mr. Dahlberg, 58, is chairman of the board, president and chief executive
officer of the Company. He served as president of the Company from January 1994
until March 1995, when he was appointed to his current position. He is a
director of Equifax Inc., Protective Life Corporation, SunTrust Banks, Inc., and
Southern system companies - Alabama Power Company and Georgia Power Company.
H. ALLEN FRANKLIN - Director since 1988
Mr. Franklin, 54, is president and chief executive officer of Georgia Power
Company and executive vice president of the Company. He is a director of
SouthTrust Corporation and Georgia Power Company.
BRUCE S. GORDON - Director since 1994
Mr. Gordon, 52, is group president of enterprise business group of Bell
Atlantic, telecommunications. He served as group president - consumer and small
business of Bell Atlantic from 1993 to August 1997, and as group president
retail services of Bell Atlantic from August 1997 until December 1998, when he
was appointed to his current position. He is a director of Barfield Companies.
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L. G. HARDMAN III - Director since 1986
Mr. Hardman, 59, is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of First
Commerce Bancorp, Inc.; chairman of the board of The First National Bank of
Commerce, Georgia; and chairman of the board, president, and treasurer of
Harmony Grove Mills, Inc. He is a director of Georgia Power Company.
ELMER B. HARRIS - Director since 1989
Mr. Harris, 59, is president and chief executive officer of Alabama Power
Company and executive vice president of the Company. He is a director of AmSouth
Bancorporation and Alabama Power Company.
DAVID J. LESAR
Mr. Lesar, 45, is president and chief operating officer of Halliburton Company,
diversified energy services. He was executive vice president of Halliburton
Energy Services from 1993 until June 1995; executive vice president and chief
financial officer of Halliburton Company from June 1995 until June 1997; and
president and chief executive officer of its Brown & Root, Inc. subsidiary from
September 1996 until June 1997, when he was appointed to his current position.
He is a director of Cordant Technologies, Inc.
ZACK T. PATE - Director since 1998
Dr. Pate, 62, is chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Operators and
chairman emeritus of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), an
independent, nonprofit organization promoting safety, reliability, and
excellence in the operation of nuclear electric generating plants. Prior to
1998, he was president and chief executive officer of INPO.
GLORIA M. SHATTO - Director since 1984
Dr. Shatto, 67, is president emerita of Berry College, Mount Berry, Georgia.
Prior to June 1998, she was president of Berry College. She is a director of
Georgia Power Company, Becton Dickinson & Company, and Texas Instruments
Incorporated.
GERALD J. ST. PE - Director since 1995
Mr. St. Pe, 59, is president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, Inc. division of Litton
Industries, Inc. and senior vice president of Litton Industries, Inc.
Each nominee has served in his or her present position for at least the past
five years, unless otherwise noted.
The affirmative vote of a plurality of shares present and entitled to vote is
required for the election of directors.
The board of directors recommends a vote "For" the nominees listed in Item
No. 1.
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COMPANY
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COMPENSATION & MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION COMMITTEE REPORT
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WHAT IS THE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY?
Our intent is to provide a competitive compensation program that is linked
directly to the Company's strategic business objectives and its short- and
long-term operating performance. With the objective of maximizing stockholder
value over time, this policy serves to align the interests of executives and
stockholders.
WHAT COMPRISES TOTAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION?
- - Base pay,
- - Short-term incentives (annual performance bonuses), and
- - Long-term incentives.
TOTAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Total executive compensation targets are set at the median of the marketplace.
With the exception of Messrs. Dahlberg and Boren, the marketplace is defined as
a group of large companies in the electric and gas utility industries. Twenty of
these companies are included in the 27 companies that comprise the Standard &
Poor's Electric Utility Index. This index makes up the peer group used in the
five-year performance graph.
The marketplace for Mr. Dahlberg is determined by using a weighting of:
- - Seventy percent by comparison to the mentioned electric and gas utility
companies, and
- - Thirty percent by comparison to a group of heavy industrial and durable
goods manufacturing companies within a comparable size range.
The marketplace comparison for Mr. Boren is the same group of heavy industrial
and durable goods manufacturing companies.
BASE PAY
A range for base pay is determined for each executive by comparing the base pay
at the appropriate peer group of companies described previously. Base pay is
set at a level that is at or below the median paid at those companies because of
the emphasis on incentive compensation in our executive compensation program.
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE BONUSES
Annual bonuses are paid through the Performance Pay Plan, and except for Mr.
Boren, all of the executives participate in this plan.
PERFORMANCE GOALS
The annual performance bonuses are based on the attainment of corporate and
individual goals that we set at the beginning of the year.
We believe that accomplishing corporate goals is essential for the Company's
continued success and sustained financial performance. For 1998, the corporate
performance goals were to:
- - increase Company earnings,
- - reduce kilowatt-hour cost,
- - reduce overhead cost,
- - increase cash flow, and
- - increase customer satisfaction.
Mr. Boren's corporate goals related specifically to the earnings and growth of
Southern Energy, Inc.
Each executive's individual goals are designed so that their accomplishment
contributes to the accomplishment of the corporate performance goals.
A target performance level is set for each goal. Performance above or below the
targets results in proportionately higher or lower bonus payments. No
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bonuses are paid if performance is below a threshold level or if a minimum
earnings level is not reached. Also, no bonuses are paid if the Company's
current earnings are not sufficient to fund the common stock dividend at the
same level as the prior year.
ANNUAL BONUS PAYMENTS
The chairman can exclude extraordinary expenses or income in determining the
amount available for the payment of bonuses. For 1998, the write-down of certain
South American assets of Southern Energy, Inc. was excluded.
Corporate performance met or exceeded the target levels in all areas in 1998.
The annual bonuses paid for 1998 performance reflect the successful
accomplishment of the corporate and individual performance goals, resulting in
bonuses that exceeded the target levels.
Mr. Dahlberg's annual performance bonus under the Performance Pay Plan for
target-level performance was 10 percent of his base pay. His bonus paid for 1998
performance was based 60 percent on the achievement of the corporate performance
goals and 40 percent on his individual goals.
SPECIAL AWARDS
The executive officers, with the exception of Mr. Dahlberg, received cash
awards, in addition to payments under their applicable annual bonus plans. These
awards were for exceptional individual achievements in 1998.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVES
We base a significant portion of our total compensation program on long-term
incentive compensation. Mr. Dahlberg's long-term compensation represented over
60 percent of his total compensation for 1998.
Long-term incentive vehicles are:
- - Productivity Improvement Plan (all executives except Mr. Boren),
- - stock options and performance dividend equivalents, and
- - Value Creation Plan (Mr. Boren, only).
PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
This Plan compensates executives based on the comparison of the Company's
performance over a four-year period with other electric utility companies. The
basis used to measure Company performance under the Plan was changed from return
on equity (ROE) to total shareholder return (TSR) two years ago. We believe that
TSR better reflects long-term shareholder value. The change more closely aligns
executive and shareholder interest. The bonuses paid under the Plan are for the
four-year performance period of January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1998 and
were based on two years of performance under the ROE goals and two years using
TSR.
Each executive participating in this Plan has a long-term bonus target ranging
from 50 to 65 percent of base pay at the beginning of the four-year period. Mr.
Dahlberg's target bonus was 65 percent of his base pay. The actual bonus paid is
based on the Company's performance compared to other utility companies and can
range from 50 percent of the target level to 200 percent.
Factors in determining the bonus are:
- - ROE is compared with that of a group of utility companies in the
southeastern United States.
- - TSR is compared with a group of approximately 80 electric utilities as
reported by Goldman, Sachs & Co.
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COMPENSATION & MANAGEMENT SUCCESSION COMMITTEE REPORT
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- - ROE must reach the second highest quartile for any bonus to be paid. The
maximum amount is paid only if the Company is ranked the best of all peer
group companies.
- - TSR must be at the 30th percentile for any bonus to be paid. If it reaches
the 90th percentile, the maximum bonus is paid.
For the period that ended on December 31, 1998, the Company's ROE ranked eighth
and TSR was at the 51st percentile, resulting in bonus payments that were 91
percent of the target level.
STOCK OPTIONS AND PERFORMANCE DIVIDENDS
Executives are granted options with ten-year terms to purchase the Company's
common stock at the market price on the date of the grant. The estimated
annualized value represented approximately 42 percent of Mr. Dahlberg's total
compensation and 10-15 percent for the other executives. The size of prior
grants and the number of options outstanding were not considered in determining
the size of the grants made in 1998. These options vest over a four-year period.
Executives also are paid performance-based dividend equivalents on stock options
granted after 1996 and held at the end of the year. Dividend equivalents can
range from 50 percent of the common stock dividend rate if TSR is at the 30th
percentile to 100 percent of the dividend rate if TSR reaches the 90th
percentile. Mr. Dahlberg receives twice the amount per share paid to the other
executives. For stock options held on December 31, 1998, Mr. Dahlberg received
$1.38 per share and the other executives received $.69 per share.
VALUE CREATION PLAN
Mr. Boren is awarded rights to the appreciation in value of Southern Energy,
Inc. over a term of ten years. Vested rights may be exercised, and their
valuation is based on the value of Southern Energy on December 31 of the prior
year. The value of Southern Energy calculated under the Plan is verified
annually by a nationally-recognized independent appraisal firm.
POLICY ON INCOME TAX
DEDUCTIBILITY OF EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of an
executive's compensation that exceeds $1 million per year unless the
compensation is paid under a performance-based plan as defined in the Code and
that has been approved by stockholders. The Company has obtained stockholder
approval for its long-term incentive plans; however, our policy is to maximize
long-term stockholder value, and tax deductibility is only one factor considered
in setting compensation.
SUMMARY
We believe that the policies and programs described in this report link pay and
performance and serve the best interest of stockholders. We frequently review
the various pay plans and policies and modify them as we deem necessary to
continue to attract, retain, and motivate talented executives.
Members of the Committee:
A. D. Correll
L. G. Hardman III
G. J. St. Pe
H. Stockham
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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EMPLOYMENT AND CHANGE
IN CONTROL AGREEMENTS
The Company entered into Change in Control Agreements with each of its executive
officers, including those shown on the Summary Compensation Table on page 11. If
an executive is involuntarily terminated, other than for cause, or voluntarily
terminates for good reason - defined as a material diminution of duties, a
significant reduction in compensation or benefits, or relocation - within two
years following a change in control of the Company, the Agreements provide for:
- - lump sum payment of three times annual compensation,
- - up to five years' coverage under group health and life insurance plans,
- - immediate vesting of all stock options and stock appreciation rights
previously granted,
- - payment of any accrued long-term and short-term bonuses and dividend
equivalents, and
- - payment of any excise tax liability incurred as a result of payments made
under the Agreement.
A change in control is defined under the Agreements as:
- - acquisition of at least 20 percent of the Company's stock,
- - a change in the majority of the members of the Company's board of
directors,
- - a merger or other business combination that results in the Company's
stockholders immediately before the merger owning less than 65 percent of
the voting power after the merger, or
- - a sale of substantially all the assets of the Company.
If a change in control affects only a subsidiary of the Company, these payments
would be made only to executives of the affected subsidiary who are
involuntarily terminated as a result of that change in control.
The Company also has amended its short- and long-term incentive plans to provide
for pro-rata payments at not less than target-level performance if a change in
control occurs and the plans are not continued or replaced with comparable
plans.
On February 28, 1998, the Company and Georgia Power Company entered into a
Deferred Compensation Agreement with Mr. Franklin. On the fifth anniversary of
the Agreement, if still employed by the Company or one of its subsidiaries, Mr.
Franklin will receive the cash value of the number of shares of common stock
that could have been purchased for $500,000 on February 28, 1998, and on which
dividends were reinvested throughout the five-year period. If certain
performance goals are met, Mr. Franklin also will receive the estimated income
tax expense on the compensation. Mr. Franklin may elect to defer receipt of the
award until termination of employment.
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STOCK OWNERSHIP TABLE
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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance: During 1998, Messrs.
Correll and Franklin each filed one late report with the Securities and Exchange
Commission representing one transaction each in Company common stock.
The shares owned by all directors, nominees, and executive officers as a group
constitute less than one percent of the total number of shares of the respective
classes outstanding as of December 31, 1998, except for Ms. Bern whose number of
shares are given as of March 30, 1999.
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Shares Beneficially Owned Include:
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SHARES Shares Individuals
BENEFICIALLY Have Rights to Acquire Shares Held by
TITLE OF SECURITY OWNED (1) within 60 days (2) Family Members (3)
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JOHN C. ADAMS Southern Company common stock 15,263
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DORRIT J. BERN Southern Company common stock 1,500
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THOMAS G. BOREN Southern Company common stock 57,732 43,633 10
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THOMAS F. CHAPMAN Southern Company common stock -
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A. D. CORRELL Southern Company common stock 18,815
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A. W. DAHLBERG Southern Company common stock 355,291 289,787
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PAUL J. DENICOLA Southern Company common stock 139,642 103,158 12,072
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JACK EDWARDS Southern Company common stock 19,544 312
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H. ALLEN FRANKLIN Southern Company common stock 177,239 149,760
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BRUCE S. GORDON Southern Company common stock 2,443
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L. G. HARDMAN III Southern Company common stock 16,062 100
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ELMER B. HARRIS Southern Company common stock 222,887 183,510 310
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DAVID J. LESAR Southern Company common stock -
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ZACK T. PATE Southern Company common stock 5,770
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WILLIAM J. RUSHTON, III Southern Company common stock 8,148
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GLORIA M. SHATTO Southern Company common stock 18,830 14,113
Georgia Power Company preferred stock 1,200 1,200
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GERALD J. ST. PE Southern Company common stock 31,421 1,750
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HERBERT STOCKHAM Southern Company common stock 8,919
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DIRECTORS, NOMINEES, Southern Company common stock 1,314,790 891,409 29,867
AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Subsidiary companies preferred stock 1,200 1,200
AS A GROUP (23 PEOPLE)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) "Beneficial Ownership" means the sole or shared power to vote, or to direct
the voting of, a security, or investment power with respect to a security,
or any combination.
(2) Indicates shares of the Company's common stock that certain executive
officers have the right to acquire within 60 days. Shares indicated are
included in the Shares Beneficially Owned column.
(3) Each director disclaims any interest in shares held by family members.
Shares indicated are included in the Shares Beneficially Owned column.
MS. BERN AND MESSRS. CHAPMAN AND LESAR ARE FIRST-TIME NOMINEES.
10
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This table shows information concerning the Company's chairman of the board,
president, and chief executive officer, and each of the other four most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company serving as of December 31, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES LONG-TERM ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING INCENTIVE PLAN COMPENSATION
POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS ($) COMPENSATION ($) STOCK OPTIONS (#) PAYOUTS ($) (1) ($) (2)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A. W. DAHLBERG 1998 897,820 218,625 11,067 161,757 438,061 50,135
Chairman, President & CEO 1997 817,644 206,250 27,485 135,882 433,247 49,766
Southern Company 1996 782,409 118,534 6,833 154,610 770,216 43,850
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T. G. BOREN 1998 370,833 425,938 15,162 20,809 - 19,943
President 1997 345,000 387,625 14,868 18,941 - 19,415
Southern Energy 1996 291,086 275,000 13,757 14,250 - 16,293
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P. J. DENICOLA 1998 448,531 144,600 14,709 24,139 242,539 25,342
President 1997 416,452 62,980 8,731 29,638 239,874 25,493
Southern Company Services 1996 400,491 56,520 3,325 26,330 426,442 22,894
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. A. FRANKLIN 1998 564,329 237,502 7,078 30,521 283,629 31,590
President 1997 511,505 129,426 14,219 36,544 280,513 31,350
Georgia Power Company 1996 482,658 73,260 10,992 31,853 498,688 27,334
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. B. HARRIS 1998 545,102 192,751 19,060 29,411 249,971 30,180
President 1997 500,700 101,002 20,453 35,648 247,224 30,172
Alabama Power Company 1996 480,310 72,697 7,112 31,608 439,508 25,068
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Payouts made in 1997, 1998, and 1999 for the four-year performance periods
ending December 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998, respectively.
(2) Company contributions in 1998 to the Employee Savings Plan, Employee Stock
Ownership Plan, and non-pension related accruals under the Supplemental
Benefit Plan are provided in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESP ESOP SBP
-------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
A. W. Dahlberg $7,200 $1,046 $41,889
-------------------------------------------------------------
T. G. Boren 7,200 1,046 11,697
-------------------------------------------------------------
P. J. DeNicola 7,200 1,046 17,096
-------------------------------------------------------------
H. A. Franklin 7,200 1,046 23,344
-------------------------------------------------------------
E. B. Harris 5,792 1,046 23,342
-------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
[LOGO]
SOUTHERN
COMPANY
ENERGY TO SERVE YOUR WORLD-SM-
11
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK OPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION GRANTS IN 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF TOTAL
SECURITIES OPTIONS GRANTED EXERCISE OR GRANT DATE
UNDERLYING TO EMPLOYEES BASE PRICE EXPIRATION PRESENT
NAME OPTIONS GRANTED (1) IN FISCAL YEAR (2) ($/SH) (1) DATE (1) VALUE ($) (3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A. W. DAHLBERG 161,757 10 27.03125 5/01/2008 1,429,932
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T. G. BOREN 20,809 1 27.03125 7/20/2008 118,403
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P. J. DENICOLA 24,139 1 27.03125 7/20/2008 137,351
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. A. FRANKLIN 30,521 2 27.03125 7/20/2008 173,664
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. B. HARRIS 29,411 2 27.03125 5/01/2007 167,349
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Performance Stock Plan grants were made on July 20, 1998, and vest annually
at a rate of 25 percent on the anniversary date of the grant. Grants fully
vest upon termination because of death, total disability, or retirement.
Exercise price is the average of the high and low fair market value of the
Company's common stock on the date granted.
(2) A total of 1,659,519 stock options were granted in 1998.
(3) Value was calculated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The
actual value, if any, ultimately realized depends on the market value of
the Company's common stock at a future date. Significant assumptions are
shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK-FREE RATE DIVIDEND DISCOUNT FOR FORFEITURE RISK:
VOLATILITY OF RETURN OPPORTUNITY TERM BEFORE VESTING BEFORE EXPIRATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CHAIRMAN 19.16% 5.46% 100% 10 years 9.61% 20.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHERS 19.16% 5.46% 50% 10 years 9.61% 15.51%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
These assumptions reflect the effects of cash dividend equivalents paid to
participants under the Performance Dividend Plan assuming targets are met.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1998 AND YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
SHARES VALUE OPTIONS AT YEAR-END YEAR-END ($) (2)
ACQUIRED ON REALIZED ----------------------------- -----------------------------
NAME EXERCISE ($) (1) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A. W. DAHLBERG Not exercised - 289,787 354,025 2,572,413 1,690,485
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
T. G. BOREN Not exercised - 43,633 45,464 361,310 221,170
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P. J. DENICOLA Not exercised - 103,158 66,265 941,519 352,578
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. A. FRANKLIN 3,560 56,404 149,760 81,846 1,480,720 432,104
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. B. HARRIS Not exercised - 183,510 79,994 1,929,365 424,248
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The "Value Realized" is ordinary income, before taxes, and represents the
amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the
time of exercise above the exercise price.
(2) These columns represent the excess of the fair market value of the
Company's common stock of $29.0625 per share, as of December 31, 1998,
above the exercise price of the options. The amounts under the Exercisable
column report the "value" of options that are vested and therefore could be
exercised. The Unexercisable column reports the "value" of options that are
not vested and therefore could not be exercised as of December 31, 1998.
12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS TABLES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These tables show long-term incentive plan awards made for the performance
period January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2001.
PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERFORMANCE OR ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER
OTHER PERIOD NON-STOCK PRICE BASED PLANS
NUMBER UNTIL MATURATION ----------------------------------------------------
NAME OF UNITS(1) OR PAYOUT (1) THRESHOLD ($) (2) TARGET ($) (2) MAXIMUM ($) (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
A. W. DAHLBERG 510,845 4 years 255,423 510,845 1,021,690
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P. J. DENICOLA 282,836 4 years 141,418 282,836 565,672
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. A. FRANKLIN 330,751 4 years 165,376 330,751 661,502
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. B. HARRIS 291,502 4 years 145,751 291,502 583,004
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) A performance unit is a method of assigning a dollar value to a performance
award opportunity. Under the Productivity Improvement Plan of the Company
(the "Plan"), the number of units granted to executive officers (except Mr.
Boren who does not participate in the Plan) is 50 percent to 65 percent of
their base salary range midpoint, with each unit valued at $1.00. No awards
are paid unless the participant remains employed by the Company through the
end of the performance period.
(2) The threshold, target, and maximum value of a unit under the Plan is $0.50,
$1.00, and $2.00, respectively, and can vary based on the Company's return
on common equity and total shareholder return relative to selected groups
of electric and gas utilities. If certain minimum performance relative to
the selected groups is not achieved, there will be no payout; nor is there
a payout if the current earnings of the Company are not sufficient to fund
the dividend rate paid in the last calendar year. The Plan provides that,
in the discretion of the Compensation & Management Succession Committee,
extraordinary income may be excluded for purposes of calculating the amount
available for the payment of awards. All awards are payable in cash at the
end of the performance period.
SOUTHERN ENERGY'S VALUE CREATION PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERFORMANCE OR ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER
OTHER PERIOD NON-STOCK PRICE BASED PLANS
NUMBER UNTIL MATURATION ------------------------------------------------------
NAME OF UNITS(1) OR PAYOUT (1) THRESHOLD ($) (2) TARGET ($) (2) MAXIMUM ($) (2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
T. G. BOREN 126,711 4-10 years - 243,285 -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Compensation & Management Succession Committee awarded Mr. Boren
126,711 rights to the appreciation in the value of Southern Energy, Inc.
over a term of 10 years from March 15, 1998, under the Southern Energy,
Inc. Value Creation Plan. Each unit of phantom interest in Southern Energy,
Inc. had an initial value and exercise price of $9.73. Appreciation rights
vest annually at a rate of 25 percent on the anniversary date of the grant.
(2) The target value of a unit under the Southern Energy, Inc. Value Creation
Plan is not determinable. The actual value, if any, a participant may
realize ultimately depends on the value of Southern Energy, Inc. at a
future date. As of December 31, 1998, each unit of phantom interest in
Southern Energy, Inc. had a value of $11.65. Based on 1998 performance, the
rights awarded to Mr. Boren under this plan would have a value of $243,285.
[LOGO]
SOUTHERN
COMPANY
ENERGY TO SERVE YOUR WORLD-SM-
13
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENSION PLAN TABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF ACCREDITED SERVICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPENSATION 15 20 25 30 35 40
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000 $ 25,500 $ 34,000 $ 42,500 $ 51,000 $ 59,500 $ 68,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
300,000 76,500 102,000 127,500 153,000 178,500 204,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
500,000 127,500 170,000 212,500 255,000 297,000 340,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
700,000 178,500 238,000 297,500 357,000 416,500 476,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
800,000 204,000 272,000 340,000 408,000 476,000 544,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
900,000 229,500 306,000 382,500 459,000 535,500 612,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,100,000 280,500 374,000 467,500 561,000 654,500 748,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,300,000 331,500 442,000 552,500 663,000 773,500 884,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,500,000 382,500 510,000 637,500 765,000 892,500 1,020,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,700,000 433,500 578,000 722,500 867,000 1,011,500 1,156,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
This table shows the estimated annual pension benefits payable at normal
retirement age under Southern's qualified Pension Plan, as well as non-qualified
supplemental benefits, based on the stated compensation and years of service
with Southern's subsidiaries. Compensation for pension purposes is limited to
the average of the highest three of the final 10 years' compensation - base
salary plus the excess of annual and long-term incentive compensation over 25
percent of base salary (reported under columns titled "Salary", "Bonus", and
"Long-Term Incentive Plan Payouts" in the Summary Compensation Table on
page 11).
As of December 31, 1998, the applicable compensation levels and accredited
service for determination of pension benefits would have been:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCREDITED
COMPENSATION SERVICE
--------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
T. G. Boren $ 348,333 28
--------------------------------------------------
A. W. Dahlberg 1,448,444 37
--------------------------------------------------
P. J. DeNicola 748,496 28
--------------------------------------------------
H. A. Franklin 920,468 27
--------------------------------------------------
E. B. Harris 844,132 39
--------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The amounts shown in the table were calculated according to the final average
pay formula and are based on a single life annuity without reduction for joint
and survivor annuities or computation of Social Security offset that would apply
in most cases.
14
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIVE-YEAR PERFORMANCE GRAPH
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This performance graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Company's common stock with the Standard & Poor's Electric Utility Index and the
Standard & Poor's 500 Index for the past five years. The graph assumes that $100
was invested on December 31, 1993 in the Company's common stock and each of the
above indices, and that dividends are reinvested. The shareholder return shown
below for the five-year historical period may not be indicative of future
performance.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURNS AMONG
SOUTHERN COMPANY COMMON STOCK, S&P ELECTRIC UTILITY INDEX AND
S&P 500 INDEX
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Southern Company Common Stock $100 $ 96 $125 $122 $147 $174
S & P Electric Utility Index 100 87 114 114 144 166
S & P 500 Index 100 101 139 171 229 294
</TABLE>
[LOGO]
SOUTHERN
COMPANY
ENERGY TO SERVE YOUR WORLD-SM-
15
<PAGE>
[PRINTED ON RECYCYCLED PAPER.LOGO]
EXPLANATION OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
CIRCULATION DOCUMENT AND ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT
Notice of Annual meeting and Proxy Statement
1. The back cover contains the phase "Printed on Recycled Paper" with the
appropriate logo.
Form of Proxy
1. The circulated document includes a map with directions to the annual
meeting site.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
ADMISSION TICKET [GRAPHIC OMITTED]
(Not Transferable)
1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
10 a.m. (CDT), May 26, 1999
The Wynfrey Hotel Ballroom
1000 Riverchase Galleria
Birmingham, Alabama 35244
205-987-1600
Directions to The Wynfrey Hotel:
[Directions and map omitted]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Detach and Mail Bottom Portion - - - - - - - - - - -
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PROXY FORM PROXY FORM
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 26, 1999
The undersigned hereby appoints A. W. DAHLBERG and W. L. WESTBROOK, or either of
them, proxies with full power of substitution in each, to vote all shares the
undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of THE
SOUTHERN COMPANY, to be held at the Wynfrey Hotel, 1000 Riverchase Galleria,
Birmingham, Alabama at 10:00 a.m. (CDT), and any adjournments thereof, on all
matters legally coming before the meeting including, without limitation, the
proposal listed on the reverse side of this form.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO CHOICE IS
INDICATED, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS.
Please date, sign exactly as your name appears on the form, and mail the proxy
promptly. When signing as an attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, or
guardian, please give your full title as such. If shares are held jointly, both
owners must sign.
Continued and to be voted and signed on reverse.
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
MULTIPLE WAYS TO VOTE!
Southern Company encourages you to take
advantage of VOTING by Internet or telephone.
These are convenient and cost-saving ways to
vote your shares. If you wish, you may still
vote by mail.
VOTE BY INTERNET: Go to the Web address:
http://www.proxyvoting.com/south
VOTE BY TELEPHONE:
You will be asked to
enter the 10 digit
control number
located to the left
of these
instructions.
To vote as the Board recommends, Press 1
To vote on Proposal 1, Press 0
To vote FOR ALL nominees, press 1
To WITHHOLD on ALL nominees, press 9
To withhold on an individual nominee, mark your
card accordingly and vote by mail.
When asked, confirm your vote by pressing 1.
Call on a U. S. touch tone phone.
INTERNET/PHONE CONTROL NO 1-888-457-2963 *ANYTIME*
- ------------------------- There is NO CHARGE for this call.
- -------------------------
NOTE: The last ballot received, either paper or electronic, will be
the last tabulated. If you vote by phone or vote using the Internet,
please do not mail your proxy card.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING
FOLD AND DETACH HERE FOLD AND DETACH HERE
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED BELOW, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" PROPOSAL 1.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" proposal 1.
(1) ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: D. J. Bern, T. F. Chapman, A. D. Correll,
A. W. Dahlberg, H. A. Franklin, B. S. Gordon, L. G. Hardman III,
E. B. Harris, D. J. Lesar, Z. T. Pate, G. M. Shatto, G. J. St. Pe'
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
( ) FOR ( ) WITHHOLD (INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any
all nominees, listed above authority to vote for all individual nominees, write that nominee's name in the space
(except as marked to the nominees listed above. provided below.)
contrary to the right).
--------------------------------------------------------
( ) Mark here if attending annual meeting.
( ) Mark here to suspend mailing of future Annual Reports
on this account.
( ) Mark here if you are interested in distribution of
future Annual Reports and Proxy Statements via the
Internet.
</TABLE>
Please fill in ballot ovals completely with a No. 2 pencil or blue or
black pen.
Mark, sign, date, and forward bottom portion in postage-paid envelope
provided.
Signature(s) ----------------------------
----------------------------
Date ---------------------------- , 1999
