Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy Corporation declared a quarterly dividend of $1.00 per share, indicating an annual dividend of $4.00, marking its 169th consecutive quarterly dividend [1] Company Overview - Atmos Energy Corporation is a natural gas-only distributor and is part of the S&P 500, headquartered in Dallas [1] Dividend Details - The dividend will be paid on March 9, 2026, to shareholders of record on February 23, 2026 [1]

Fiscal Year Highlights The matters discussed in this news release may contain "forward-looking statements†within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements made in good faith by the company and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Whe ...

Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is included among the 12 Most Profitable Dividend Stocks to Buy in 2026. Atmos Energy (ATO) Gains Support From Utility Sector Repricing, Morgan Stanley Says On January 21, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) to $180 from $172. The firm kept an Equal Weight rating. The move came as the firm refreshed its coverage of regulated and diversified utilities and independent power producers in North America. Utilities lagged the S&P 500 ...

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year increase in earnings for ONE Gas, driven by higher revenues, with a focus on how actual results will compare to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - ONE Gas is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.44 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 29.4% [3]. - Revenue projections stand at $382.7 million, marking a 12.4% increase from the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 11.42% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive reassessment by analysts [4]. - A positive Earnings ESP of +0.38% suggests analysts are optimistic about ONE Gas's earnings prospects [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) [10]. - ONE Gas currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2, enhancing the likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, ONE Gas met the expected earnings of $0.53 per share, resulting in no surprise [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has exceeded consensus EPS estimates twice [14]. Conclusion - ONE Gas is positioned as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider additional factors before making investment decisions [17].

Core Insights - CenterPoint Energy has agreed to sell its natural gas local distribution business in Ohio to National Fuel Gas for $2.62 billion [1] Company Summary - CenterPoint Energy is divesting its natural gas distribution operations in Ohio, indicating a strategic shift in its business focus [1] - National Fuel Gas is acquiring the Ohio distribution business, which may enhance its market presence and operational scale in the region [1] Financial Summary - The sale is valued at $2.62 billion, reflecting a significant transaction in the energy sector [1]

Financial Performance - The company increased its fiscal 2025 indicated annual dividend by 8.1% to $3.48 per diluted share[3] - Year-to-date diluted EPS reached $6.40[6] - The company raised its fiscal 2025 EPS guidance range to $7.35 to $7.45, up from $7.20 to $7.30[6] - Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2025, was $186 million, compared to $166 million for the same period in 2024[7] - Capital expenditures year-to-date totaled $2.6 billion, with 86% allocated to safety and reliability spending[6] Financing and Liquidity - The company issued $650 million in 30-year senior notes at 5.00% and $500 million in 10-year senior notes at 5.20%[6] - The company settled $569 million of equity forwards[6] - Available liquidity stood at approximately $5.5 billion[6] - $1.7 billion was available under equity forward agreements[6, 21] Regulatory and Rate Adjustments - Implemented $350.8 million in rate adjustments as of August 6, 2025[6] - Approved annualized operating income increases totaled $350.8 million, with $229.1 million currently in progress[6, 34] - The company implemented a GRIP filing for Atmos Pipeline - Texas (APT), authorizing an increase in annual operating income of $77.2 million[33, 51]

Core Insights - One Gas reported Q2 2025 results with GAAP earnings per share at $0.53, slightly above estimates, while GAAP revenue was $423.7 million, missing expectations by $108 million [1][5] - Net income increased by 17.6% year over year to $32.0 million, driven by regulatory rate increases and cost controls [1][6] - Management raised full-year earnings and net income guidance for 2025, reflecting positive operational execution [1][12] Financial Performance - Q2 2025 EPS was $0.53, matching estimates, and up 10.4% from $0.48 in Q2 2024 [2] - Revenue of $423.7 million fell short of the $531.6 million estimate, but showed a 19.6% increase from $354.2 million in Q2 2024 [2] - Operating income rose to $71.9 million, a 3.7% increase from $69.3 million in Q2 2024 [2] - Capital expenditures were $190.1 million, slightly down from $194.6 million in Q2 2024 [2] Regulatory Developments - The company secured several rate increases totaling $15.4 million and $8.2 million for Texas operations, and $7.2 million for Kansas operations, effective in mid-2025 [7] - Regulatory weather normalization mechanisms helped stabilize earnings despite weather-related demand fluctuations [7] Operational Highlights - Total gas sales volumes increased to 18.9 billion cubic feet, up from 15.9 billion cubic feet in Q2 2024, although transportation volumes declined by 6.9% year over year [5][6] - Operations and maintenance expenses rose by 7.5% year over year, primarily due to higher labor and benefit costs [6] Capital Investments and Sustainability - Capital spending focused on safety, reliability, and growth, with $190.1 million invested in Q2 2025 [8][11] - The company is investing in renewable natural gas facilities to align with sustainability goals and regulatory interests [11] Future Outlook - Full-year net income guidance was raised to $261–267 million, with EPS guidance adjusted to $4.32–4.42 [12] - Capital expenditure guidance remains at approximately $750 million, indicating ongoing investment in system upgrades [12] - Key areas to monitor include the success of closing further rate cases and progress on alternative energy projects [13]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a sharp retreat after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged in the range of 4.25-4.50% [4][5] - Investor optimism faded following the announcement, leading to increased market volatility [1] - The uncertainty surrounding President Trump's impending tariff decisions is contributing to market fluctuations [1][7] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), and IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) [2] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1), making them suitable for investors seeking stability [3] Company Profiles ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) - OGS is a regulated natural gas distribution utility serving over 2.3 million customers across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas [9] - Expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 9.7%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.2% over the last 60 days [11] - OGS has a beta of 0.80 and a current dividend yield of 3.68% [11] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Fortis operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [12] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 4.2%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.8% over the last 60 days [12] - FTS has a beta of 0.48 and a current dividend yield of 3.63% [12] Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN) - NWN builds and maintains natural gas distribution systems and invests in pipeline projects, serving customers in the U.S. and Canada [13] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 23.6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 1.4% over the last 60 days [14] - NWN has a beta of 0.53 and a current dividend yield of 4.83% [14] IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) - IDA is involved in the transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity services in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon [15] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.3% over the last 60 days [15] - IDA has a beta of 0.56 and a current dividend yield of 2.81% [15]

Core Viewpoint - Spire Inc. has announced the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas's Tennessee local distribution company for $2.48 billion, which is expected to enhance its regulated utility footprint and support long-term earnings growth [2][4][7]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition is structured on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with a purchase price multiple of 1.5x the estimated rate base in 2026 [2]. - The transaction is anticipated to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions [10]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition significantly expands Spire's regulated business scale, adding to its existing operations in Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi [4][7]. - It diversifies and de-risks growth by providing robust customer additions and system integrity investments in a favorable regulatory environment [7]. - Spire aims to increase its utility customer base to nearly two million homes and businesses through this acquisition [5]. Financial Implications - The transaction is expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share and supports long-term growth expectations of 5-7% [2][8]. - It generates significant cash flow to support business investments, shareholder returns, and dividend growth [8]. Financing Structure - The acquisition will be financed through a fully committed bridge facility and a balanced mix of debt, equity, and hybrid securities [9]. - Spire is also considering the sale of non-utility assets as a potential funding source [9]. Customer and Community Focus - Spire emphasizes its commitment to customer service and community engagement, aiming to build on the existing foundation of Piedmont Natural Gas [6][7]. - The integration of Piedmont Natural Gas is expected to enhance service delivery in the Nashville area [3][5].

Group 1 - ONE Gas, Inc. plans to make a public offering of 2,500,000 shares of its common stock [1][3] - The offering includes an option for the underwriter to purchase up to an additional 375,000 shares [1][3] - J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as the sole underwriter for the offering [2] Group 2 - The forward sale agreement allows ONE Gas to sell shares at a price equal to the underwriter's purchase price [3] - Settlement of the forward sale agreement is expected to occur no later than December 31, 2026 [3] - ONE Gas may elect cash settlement or net share settlement for its obligations under the forward sale agreement [4] Group 3 - Proceeds from the offering will be used for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment and capital expenditures [4] - ONE Gas is a regulated natural gas utility serving over 2.3 million customers in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas [7][8] - The company operates divisions including Kansas Gas Service, Oklahoma Natural Gas, and Texas Gas Service [8]