Strong Demand Lifts Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) First-Quarter Profit Despite Extreme Winter Conditions

Core Insights - Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) is recognized as one of the best long-term low-risk stocks to buy now [1] - The company reported a 14.5% increase in first-quarter profit compared to the previous year, driven by steady demand across its gas distribution and pipeline systems [2] Financial Performance - For fiscal Q1 2026, Atmos Energy's net income reached $403 million, translating to $2.44 per diluted share [3] - Capital expenditures for the quarter totaled $1 billion, with over 85% dedicated to safety and reliability initiatives [4] - The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 earnings per share guidance of $8.15 to $8.35 and set an annual dividend of $4 per share, aligning with its long-term EPS growth target of 6% to 8% annually [4] Operational Highlights - The Atmos Pipeline-Texas segment made significant progress, including the installation of 55 miles of 36-inch pipeline and the completion of new interconnect projects that added 700,000 Mcf per day of supply capacity [5] - Customer growth remained robust, with nearly 54,000 new customers added in the 12 months ending December 31, 2025, primarily in Texas [5] - In the first quarter alone, the company added over 1,100 commercial customers and three new industrial customers [5] - Atmos Energy received recognition from J.D. Power and Escalent for its customer service performance [5] Company Overview - Atmos Energy Corporation serves approximately 3.3 million distribution customers across eight states, operating regulated utility businesses in Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia [6]