Fool - Investing News·Sep 16, 2026
This Quiet Utility Has a Multi-Decade Dividend Growth Streak -- Here's Why Almost Nobody Talks About ItThis gas utility is a growth powerhouse, and not because of the AI data center boom.
Atmos Energy's investment thesis centers on its accelerating rate base expansion, with PPE net growing 31% from $21.4B in 2024Q2 to $28.0B in 2026Q3, driving revenue growth of 12.9% year-over-year and operating margin expansion to 36.4% in 2026Q3. The company ...
Price trend, volume and key moving averages
Start with the evidence for owning the stock and the risks that can break the thesis.
Revenue grew 12.9% year-over-year in 2026Q3, with operating margin expanding to 36.4% from 30.1% a year earlier, reflecting strong rate base growth and cost pass-through mechanisms.
Atmos Energy operates as a fully regulated natural gas distributor, providing a predictable revenue stream that supports consistent growth. The regulated environment shields the company from market volatility, allowing it to maintain stable earnings year over year.
The company’s extensive pipeline network and large customer base in Texas give it a strong regional foothold. This geographic concentration drives reliability and growth potential in one of the country’s most economically healthy states.
Atmos Energy boasts a robust balance sheet and has consistently delivered earnings per share that exceed analyst expectations. This financial resilience underpins its ability to invest in infrastructure and return value to shareholders.
Trailing total returns as of 9/24/2026, which may include dividends or other distributions. Benchmark is S&P 500 (^GSPC).
Check whether operating performance supports the current valuation.
Recent results and news deserve attention only when they alter the forward view.
| Quarter | EPS (Act vs Est) | Revenue (Act vs Est) |
|---|---|---|
Q3 2026Latest Aug 5, 2026 | $1.43+5.9% vs $1.35 | $879M-2.4% vs $901M |
Q2 2026 May 6, 2026 | $3.47+1.8% vs $3.41 | $2.0B+1.1% vs $1.9B |
Q1 2026 Feb 4, 2026 | $2.44+0.0% vs $2.44 | $1.3B+3.6% vs $1.3B |
Q1 2026 Feb 3, 2026 | $2.44+0.0% vs $2.44 | $1.3B+3.6% vs $1.3B |
This gas utility is a growth powerhouse, and not because of the AI data center boom.
Bank of America Corp DE acquired a new stake in Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 4,180,718 shares of the utilities provider's stock, valued at approximately $720,212,000. Bank of America Corp DE owned approximately 2.47% of Atmos Energy
ATO's $26 billion investment plan through fiscal 2030, backed by rate recovery and demand growth, supports its 6-8% EPS growth outlook.
Markets are bracing for Friday's CPI data after a brutal week of selling across stocks, bonds, and crypto, and Wall Street analysts are already reshuffling their ratings on names like Dell, Shopify, Novo Nordisk, and Fortinet before the dust settles.
Benchmark ATO against direct peers instead of judging its metrics in isolation.
Key metrics vs top competitors for Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)
| Company | Price | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | Rev Growth (1Y) | Net Margin | ROE | Div Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $156.24 | $26.08B | 20.94 | 12.91% | 25.49% | 9.32% | 2.21% | |
| $77.39 | $4.58B | 17.71 | -4.5% | 21.62% | 21.39% | — | |
| $52.22 | $5.27B | 15.68 | 13.94% | 16.38% | 14.42% | — | |
| $82.34 | $5.96B | 13.54 | -62.05% | 29.83% | 12.89% | — | |
| $47.23 | $1.99B | 17.05 | 11.83% | 9.75% | 8.34% | — | |
| $129.64 | $3.11B | 21.72 | 18.14% | 15.12% | 9.33% | — |
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) vs competitors — business, growth, and fundamentals comparison against the closest industry rivals.
Verify the primary filings, follow material updates, and answer the remaining questions.
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) SEC filings — annual & quarterly reports (10-K, 10-Q)
Aug 10, 2026·SEC
Aug 5, 2026·SEC
Jun 18, 2026·SEC
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Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) stock FAQ — growth, dividends, profitability & financials explained
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) reported $4.92B in revenue for fiscal year 2025. This represents a 455% increase from $886.7M in 1996.
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) grew revenue by 12.9% over the past year. This is steady growth.
Yes, Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is profitable, generating $1.40B in net income for fiscal year 2025 (25.5% net margin).
Yes, Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) pays a dividend with a yield of 2.21%. This makes it attractive for income-focused investors.
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) has a return on equity (ROE) of 9.3%. This is below average, suggesting room for improvement.
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) had negative free cash flow of $2.02B in fiscal year 2025, likely due to heavy capital investments.
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) has a dividend payout ratio of 46%. This suggests the dividend is well-covered and sustainable.
