Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved basic adjusted earnings of $4.45 per share for fiscal year 2025, marking a successful year for shareholder value [2] - The board approved a dividend increase of 5.1%, bringing the annualized rate to $3.30 per share, continuing a 23-year streak of annual dividend increases [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2025 saw investments of $922 million, with nearly 90% allocated to utilities, enhancing system reliability and safety [16] - The company reported growth across all segments, driven by infrastructure investments [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a $210 million revenue increase following a positive conclusion to a rate case [4] - New legislation in Missouri established a future test year for rate-setting, allowing utilities to set rates based on projected costs [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, regulatory engagement, financial discipline, and strategic growth, with a commitment to delivering reliable natural gas service [18] - The pending acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business is expected to enhance Spire's scale and diversify its utility portfolio [3][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the business and the ability to deliver strong operational and financial performance [18] - The company remains focused on maintaining customer affordability while executing its capital plan efficiently [21] Other Important Information - The company successfully concluded an annual budget process in Alabama, reinforcing its commitment to constructive regulatory outcomes [4] - The transition planning for the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas is well underway, with an 18-month transition service agreement in place [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current status of the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business - The acquisition is progressing well, with the Hart-Scott-Rodino review complete and awaiting approval from the Tennessee Public Utility Commission [20] Question: Company's business priorities for shareholders in fiscal year 2026 - The priorities include delivering safe and reliable natural gas service, executing the capital plan efficiently, maintaining customer affordability, achieving constructive regulatory outcomes, and successfully closing the Tennessee acquisition [21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved basic adjusted earnings of $4.45 per share for fiscal year 2025, marking a successful year for shareholder value [2] - The board approved a dividend increase of 5.1%, bringing the annualized rate to $3.30 per share, marking the 23rd consecutive year of dividend increases [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiscal year 2025 saw investments of $922 million, with nearly 90% allocated to utilities, enhancing reliability and safety [16] - The company reported growth across all segments, driven by infrastructure investments [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regulatory environment improved, with a $210 million revenue increase approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission [4] - New legislation in Missouri established a future test year for rate-setting, allowing for more effective planning and investment [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence, regulatory engagement, financial discipline, and strategic growth [18] - The pending acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business is expected to enhance Spire's scale and diversify its utility portfolio [3][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the business and the ability to deliver strong operational and financial performance [18] - The company remains committed to delivering safe and reliable natural gas service while maintaining customer affordability [21] Other Important Information - The company successfully concluded an annual budget process in Alabama, reinforcing its commitment to constructive regulatory outcomes [4] - The transition planning for the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas is well underway, with an 18-month transition service agreement in place [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Current status of the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee business - The acquisition is progressing, with the Hart-Scott-Rodino review complete and awaiting approval from the Tennessee Public Utility Commission [20] Question: Company's business priorities for shareholders in fiscal year 2026 - The priorities include delivering safe and reliable natural gas service, executing the capital plan efficiently, maintaining customer affordability, achieving constructive regulatory outcomes, and successfully financing the Tennessee acquisition [21]

Company Overview - Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) is a leading natural gas utility company in the United States, serving over three million customers across several states and known for its stable operations and consistent financial performance [1] Stock Performance - Barclays set a price target of $167 for Atmos Energy, indicating a minor downside potential as the stock was trading at $168.50, which is approximately -0.89% below the target [2][6] - The stock is currently priced at $168.50, reflecting a 1.91% increase or $3.16, with fluctuations between $166.25 and $169.03 during the trading day [5] Earnings Expectations - Atmos Energy is preparing to release its first-quarter 2026 earnings results on February 3rd, with analysts expecting earnings of $2.39 per share and revenue of around $1.2 billion, a significant increase from the previous quarter's earnings of $1.04 per share and revenue of $737.48 million [3] - Analysts project earnings of $7 per share for the current fiscal year and $8 per share for the next fiscal year, indicating positive growth expectations [4] Financial Health - In the previous earnings release, Atmos Energy reported a return on equity of 9.07% and a net margin of 25.49%, highlighting the company's strong financial health [4][6] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $27.25 billion, with a trading volume of 1,896,788 shares on the NYSE [5]

Schedule for 2026 Earnings News Releases, Conference Calls and Webcasts Also Announced  TULSA, Okla., Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS) will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. The ONE Gas executive management team will participate in a conference call the following day, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (10 a.m. Central Standard Time).  The call will also be carried live on the O ...

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy Corporation is positioned for stable growth with positive earnings expectations and strong operational performance, despite some macroeconomic concerns affecting investor sentiment [2][8]. Financial Performance - Atmos Energy is expected to report diluted EPS of $2.39 for fiscal 2026 Q1, reflecting a 7.2% increase from $2.23 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Analysts project a diluted EPS of $8.08 for fiscal 2026, indicating an 8.3% year-over-year growth, followed by a further increase to $8.61 in fiscal 2027, representing a 6.6% growth [3]. - For fiscal 2025, Atmos Energy reported a diluted EPS of $7.46, up from $6.83 in fiscal 2024, marking the 23rd consecutive year of earnings growth [7]. Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Atmos Energy's stock gained 22.7%, although it is slightly down on a year-to-date basis [4]. - In comparison, the S&P 500 Index increased by 16.2% over the same period, with a year-to-date gain of 1.5% [4]. - The State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) rose by 12.6% over the last year, indicating that Atmos Energy's performance is driven by company-specific factors rather than broader sector trends [5]. Recent Developments - Following the release of its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings, Atmos Energy's shares rose by 1.7% as EPS reached $1.07, surpassing analyst estimates of $0.95 and showing a year-over-year increase of 24.4% [6]. - Net income for the same quarter increased by 30.6% year-over-year to $175 million [6]. Market Sentiment - Despite strong operational results, macroeconomic factors are influencing market sentiment, with Morgan Stanley downgrading Atmos Energy's stock to "Equal Weight" from "Overweight" and reducing its target price from $182 to $172, citing concerns over political and regulatory risks [8].

Core Viewpoint - National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity, particularly following its acquisition of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business, which is expected to enhance its regulated cash flows and market presence [2][4][5]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - National Fuel Gas Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis [3][4]. - The acquisition values the business at approximately 1.6 times its estimated 2026 rate base of $1.6 billion, and it includes a workforce that operates around 5,900 miles of distribution and transmission pipelines [4]. - The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, significantly expanding National Fuel's regulated footprint and doubling its gas utility rate base [5]. Group 2: Market Outlook and Analyst Ratings - JPMorgan analyst Zach Parham raised the price target for National Fuel Gas Company to $96 from $95, maintaining a Neutral rating, citing a shift in natural gas demand and growing supply-side risks for oil and liquids [2]. - The firm notes that the long-awaited demand inflection for natural gas has finally arrived, which could positively impact National Fuel's market position [2].

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is recognized as a leading US company in the regulated natural gas utilities sector, with a strong history of consistently increasing earnings per share [1]. Group 1: Company Performance - Atmos Energy has an impressive track record of consistently increasing its earnings per share, indicating strong financial performance and stability [1].

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is recognized as a leading US company in the regulated natural gas utilities sector, with a strong history of consistently increasing earnings per share [1]. Company Summary - Atmos Energy has demonstrated an impressive track record in financial performance, particularly in earnings per share growth [1].

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) is experiencing mixed analyst calls, with UBS raising its price target while Morgan Stanley downgrades its rating, reflecting differing outlooks on the utility sector and company performance [1][2]. Analyst Ratings - UBS raised its price target on Atmos Energy to $174 from $159, maintaining a Neutral rating, indicating a more positive view on valuation despite ongoing sector risks [1]. - Morgan Stanley downgraded Atmos Energy to Equal Weight from Overweight and reduced its price target to $172 from $182, citing expectations for utility stock performance influenced by data center demand and regulatory risks in an election year [2]. Operational Performance - Atmos Energy reported its Q4 2025 earnings, marking the 14th consecutive year of executing its strategy focused on safety and reliability, with capital spending in FY25 totaling $3.6 billion, of which 87% was allocated to safety and reliability investments [3]. Shareholder Returns - Atmos Energy announced a 15% increase in its quarterly dividend, extending its dividend growth streak to 41 consecutive years, which is significant for income-focused investors [4].

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy (ATO) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [3]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [3]. Business Improvement Indicators - The upgrade in ratings and rising earnings estimates suggest an improvement in Atmos Energy's underlying business, which could lead to higher stock prices as investors respond positively [4]. Importance of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Tracking earnings estimate revisions is crucial for investment decisions, and the Zacks Rank system effectively leverages this information [5]. - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance of Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging a +25% annual return since 1988 [6]. Specific Earnings Estimates for Atmos - For the fiscal year ending September 2026, Atmos Energy is expected to earn $8.02 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2.7% over the past three months [7]. Zacks Rating System Overview - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings across over 4,000 stocks, with only the top 20% receiving a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating [8][9]. - Atmos Energy's upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9].