Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $6.83, representing a 12% increase over fiscal '23, marking the 22nd consecutive year of EPS growth [8][20] - Fiscal '24 capital investment exceeded $2.9 billion, with a 5% increase or $131 million compared to the previous year, primarily focused on safety and reliability improvements [9][24] - Consolidated operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses, excluding bad debt, increased by $65 million, driven by higher employee-related costs and increased operational activities [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Distribution segment saw strong customer growth, adding over 59,000 new residential and commercial customers, with nearly 3,500 new commercial customers, a 19% increase year-over-year [10][12] - The Pipeline & Storage segment experienced a decrease in capital spending by about $191 million, primarily due to the timing of cash payments for completed safety and reliability work [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The housing market in the DFW Metroplex remains robust, with new home closings reaching a record high, reflecting a nearly 1% increase over the prior year [11] - Texas added approximately 327,000 jobs from September 2023 to September 2024, continuing to outpace national job growth [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest approximately $24 billion over the next five years, focusing on system modernization and safety, with over 80% of the investment dedicated to safety and reliability [16][29] - The strategy includes maintaining a strong balance sheet through a mix of equity and long-term debt financing, with a target of 6% to 8% annual EPS growth [27][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook, citing strong operational and financial performance in fiscal '24 as a foundation for sustained success [41] - The company anticipates continued robust demand for natural gas driven by economic growth in its service territories [15][18] Other Important Information - The company completed $1.2 billion of long-term financing, finishing the fiscal year with an equity capitalization of 61% and approximately $4.8 billion in available liquidity [25] - The Board of Directors approved an 8.1% increase in the annual dividend for fiscal '25, bringing it to $3.48 [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Financing and Capital Program - The company plans to maintain a balance of equity and long-term debt to support its capital program, with an incremental $15 billion financing assumption over the next five years [45][46] Question: CapEx and System Investment - The higher pace of system investment is driven by robust customer growth and the need to meet anticipated winter demands, alongside risk models guiding pipe replacement [50][51] Question: EPS Growth vs. Rate Base Growth - The company maintains a conservative EPS growth outlook of 6% to 8%, despite higher rate base growth, due to various external factors and increased O&M costs [53][54] Question: Interest Costs and Debt Management - The company is comfortable with its current debt-to-capitalization ratio and will consider interest rate hedging to maintain cost stability [47] Question: Bad Debt Expense and Customer Growth - Bad debt expense is expected to normalize, with customer growth assumptions aligned with recent trends in Texas [71][72]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 8-K Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 November 6, 2024 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) | --- | --- | --- | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------- ...

Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is scheduled to release fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 results on Nov. 6, after market close. The company delivered an earnings surprise of 2.9% in the last reported quarter.Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.Let’s discuss the factors that are likely to be reflected in the upcoming quarterly results.Key Factors That Might Have Impacted ATO's Q4 EarningsAtmos Energy continues to benefit from strategic investments and its focus on modernizing th ...

In its upcoming report, Atmos Energy (ATO) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $0.84 per share, reflecting an increase of 5% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $830.65 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 41.4%.Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted upward by 0.5% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during ...

Natural gas distribution companies offer services to transport natural gas from the region of production to millions of consumers across the United States. The utilities under the Zacks Utility Gas Distribution industry control miles of underground pipeline network to provide natural gas services to customers. The rising demand for clean, burning natural gas will create more opportunities for natural gas distribution companies.Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) , with its widespread transmission and distributio ...

From my perspective, investing is all about quality and valuation. On the quality side, there are considerations, such as earnings growth consistency, dividend safety and growth, and balance sheet strength. For truly great businesses, the quality aspect ofHi, my name is Kody. Aside from my weekly articles here on Seeking Alpha, I am also a contributor to Sure Dividend, Dividend Kings, and iREIT+Hoya Capital. I have been investing since September 2017 and interested in dividend investing since about 2009.Sin ...

October generally remains volatile on Wall Street. This year, volatility has set in U.S. stock markets from the beginning of this month. October’s volatility is expected to persist due to better-than-expected job data for September, expectations of Fed rate cut in a gradual fashion rather than more aggressive way, jump in the yield of the benchmark 10-Year Treasury Note, intensified geopolitical conflict in the Middle East and the upcoming U.S. Presidential election on Nov. 5.At this stage, it will be fruit ...

Atmos Energy Corporation’s (ATO) long-term investment plans should further increase the safety and reliability of its natural gas pipelines and distribution and transportation systems. Solid contributions from residential customers help boost the company’s top line. Given its growth opportunities, ATO makes for a solid investment option in the utility sector.Let’s focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment pick at the moment.ATO’s Growth Projections & Surprise Histor ...

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Atmos Energy (ATO) . Shares have added about 3.5% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Atmos due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers. Atmos Energy Q3 Earnings Top Estimates, Sales Rise Y/ ...

Many people believe a recession is looming as macro indicators flash red across the board. The Sahm Rule was recently activated. An inverted yield curve has also historically preceded recessions. Moreover, with the Federal Reserve poised to cut rates and unemployment figures rising, the writing seems to be on the wall.In my view, it’s time to start battening down the hatches. I’d consider taking some profits on high-flying stocks that have rallied hard over the past couple of years. Rotating those profits i ...