Is Atmos Energy (ATO) Outperforming Other Utilities Stocks This Year?

Group 1 - Atmos Energy (ATO) has gained approximately 20.8% year-to-date, outperforming the Utilities sector average return of 13.3% [4] - The Zacks Rank for Atmos Energy is currently 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook with a 0.5% increase in the consensus estimate for full-year earnings over the past 90 days [3] - Atmos Energy is part of the Utility - Gas Distribution industry, which has an average gain of 16% year-to-date, further highlighting ATO's strong performance within its specific industry [5] Group 2 - The Utilities sector consists of 105 individual stocks, with Atmos Energy ranked within this group [2] - Another notable stock in the Utilities sector is Vistra Corp. (VST), which has seen a significant year-to-date increase of 279% and has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [4][5] - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which Vistra Corp. belongs, has a year-to-date gain of 16.2% and is currently ranked 136 [6]