Atmos Energy (US:ATO)2025-05-08 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fiscal year to date, the company reported a net income of $837 million, or $5.26 per diluted share, reflecting a 6.7% increase over the prior year period [2][9] - Operating income increased to $1.1 billion, representing a 14.6% increase for the first six months of the fiscal year [9] - The fiscal year 2025 earnings per share guidance was updated to a range of $7.2 to $7.3, up from a previous range of $7.05 to $7.25 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rate increases in both operating segments totaled $185 million, contributing to the operating income growth [10] - Revenues in the Pipeline and Storage segment increased by $11.4 million, reflecting a 10% increase in volumes transported across the system [10] - The company added nearly 59,000 new customers year to date, with approximately 46,000 of those in Texas [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texas added jobs at a faster rate than the nation, with nearly 192,000 jobs added over the last twelve months, representing a 1.4% annual growth rate [4] - Industrial demand for natural gas remained strong, with nine new industrial customers added during the second quarter, expected to have an annual load of approximately 8 Bcf [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage systems while safely providing reliable service to 3.4 million customers across eight states [3] - Ongoing projects include the installation of approximately 44 miles of pipe to support growth in the DFW Metroplex, expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fiscal year 2025 performance, attributing it to the strength of APT's three-system business and favorable market conditions [16] - The company anticipates O&M expenses to be in the range of $860 million to $880 million, with a significant portion of the year-over-year increase already recognized [17] Other Important Information - The company has extended its credit facilities totaling $3.1 billion and had $5.3 billion in available liquidity at quarter end [15] - The company is monitoring legislative developments across its operating states, with potential implications for its business [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the higher guidance for 2025 a fair base to think about growth going forward? - Management indicated that they will assess market conditions before releasing fiscal year 2026 guidance, acknowledging current market volatility [22][23] Question: How are you thinking about the higher O&M this year and any efforts to derisk 2026? - Management noted that some of the higher O&M for 2025 may be a pull forward from 2026, emphasizing proactive maintenance and compliance efforts [24][25] Question: Can you update us on the equity financing for the rest of the year? - Management confirmed that their financing strategy remains balanced, utilizing a combination of equity and long-term debt, with equity needs anticipated for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 [34] Question: What are some of the key bills you are monitoring legislatively? - Management is monitoring various bills across their eight states but refrained from making predictions until the legislative process is complete [44][45] Question: What are the underlying growth assumptions for APT expansion projects? - Management explained that growth assumptions are based on population increases and anticipated capacity requirements, with ongoing reviews to adjust plans as necessary [65][66]