Atmos Energy (ATO)2025-05-08 15:02Financial 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 [4][10] - Operating income increased to $1.1 billion, representing a 14.6% increase for the first six months of the fiscal year [10] - The fiscal year 2025 earnings per share guidance was updated to a range of $7.2 to $7.3, up from the previous range of $7.05 to $7.25 [4][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rate increases in both operating segments totaled $185 million, contributing to operating income growth [11] - Revenues in the Pipeline and Storage segment increased by $11.4 million, driven by a 10% increase in volumes transported [11] - The company added nearly 59,000 new customers year to date, with approximately 46,000 of those in Texas [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texas added jobs at a faster rate than the national average, with nearly 192,000 jobs added over the last twelve months, representing a 1.4% annual growth rate [5] - Industrial demand for natural gas remained strong, with the addition of nine new industrial customers during the second quarter [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage systems while providing reliable service to 3.4 million customers across eight states [4] - Ongoing projects include the installation of new pipelines to support growth in the DFW Metroplex, enhancing safety, reliability, and supply diversification [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's performance, citing robust growth driven by favorable employment trends in Texas [4] - The company anticipates that the remaining contribution to fiscal year 2025 earnings per share will be recognized somewhat evenly by quarter in the back half of the fiscal year [17][18] 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 [17] - The company is actively monitoring legislative developments across its operating states, which could impact its business [47][48] 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 finalizing fiscal year 2026 plans, acknowledging current market volatility [26] 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 could be a pull forward from 2026, emphasizing proactive maintenance and compliance efforts [27][28] 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 [37] Question: Can you discuss any quantifiable backlog of projects? - Management clarified that while there is no backlog per se, they are focused on high-priority projects and scheduled work based on reliability and safety [40][42] Question: What key bills are being monitored that could benefit your business? - Management is monitoring various legislative sessions and bills but refrained from making predictions until final decisions are made [47][48] Question: Should the new EPS guidance midpoint be used as the new EPS base for calculating the five-year CAGR? - Management indicated that using the new EPS guidance midpoint as a base for calculations is a safe assumption [49][50] Question: What are the underlying growth assumptions for APT expansion projects? - Management explained that growth assumptions are based on city models and anticipated demand, with ongoing reviews to adjust plans as necessary [69][71]