Summary
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is a major natural gas distributor, serving over three million customers across 12 states, primarily in the South. The company's strategy focuses on delivering superior shareholder value and consistent earnings growth through operational excellence and a strong culture. In fiscal year 2011, Atmos Energy reported net income of $207.6 million, or $2.27 per diluted share. The company is undergoing a strategic streamlining, including the announced sale of its distribution operations in Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. Atmos Energy's business is primarily regulated, with a significant portion of its gross margin insulated from weather and commodity price volatility through various rate mechanisms such as purchased gas cost adjustments and weather normalization adjustments. The regulated transmission and storage segment, primarily Atmos Pipeline — Texas, supports the distribution business and serves third parties. The nonregulated segment provides gas management and marketing services, with its financial performance significantly impacted by natural gas price volatility and basis differentials. Looking ahead, Atmos Energy is focused on strengthening its regulatory relationships, optimizing its operations, and managing its capital structure effectively. The company's long-term debt is rated investment grade, and it has access to significant liquidity through its committed credit facilities.
Financial Highlights
46 data points| Gross Profit | $1.30B |
| Operating Expenses | $874.83M |
| Operating Income | $425.99M |
| Interest Expense | $150.76M |
| Net Income | $207.60M |
| EPS (Basic) | $2.28 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $2.27 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 90.20M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 90.65M |
Key Highlights
- 1Atmos Energy reported a net income of $207.6 million ($2.27 per diluted share) for fiscal year 2011, a slight increase from the prior year.
- 2The company is strategically divesting its natural gas distribution operations in Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa, representing approximately 84,000 customers.
- 3Approximately 84% of Atmos Energy's gross margin is protected from volatile margins through rate structures with accelerated recovery mechanisms and weather normalization adjustments.
- 4The regulated transmission and storage segment (Atmos Pipeline — Texas) saw a significant increase in authorized rate base in fiscal 2011 due to a new rate case filing.
- 5The nonregulated segment experienced a loss in fiscal year 2011 due to weak natural gas market fundamentals affecting asset optimization margins, a contrast to its profitability in the prior year.
- 6Atmos Energy's credit ratings were upgraded by Moody's and Fitch in fiscal 2011, reflecting a stable outlook and strategic focus on lower-risk regulated activities.
- 7The company is committed to its capital expenditure program, including a significant steel service line replacement program in its Mid-Tex Division, and has sufficient liquidity to fund its operations.