10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2020

ATMOS ENERGY CORP Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Dec 31, 2019

Filed February 4, 2020For Securities:ATO

Summary

Atmos Energy Corporation's (ATO) third-quarter report for the period ending December 31, 2019, demonstrates solid financial performance driven by effective regulatory outcomes and customer growth in its distribution segment. The company reported a notable increase in net income to $178.7 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, up from $157.6 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, in the prior year's comparable period. This growth is attributed to a $56.7 million increase in annual operating income from implemented ratemaking proceedings and continued expansion of its customer base. Capital expenditures saw a significant 27% increase to $529.2 million, primarily focused on enhancing the safety and reliability of its distribution and transportation systems, with over 80% of the investment directed towards these crucial upgrades. The company also successfully accessed capital markets, raising $791.7 million from a senior notes offering and $259.0 million from equity settlements, strengthening its financial position. A 9.5% increase in the quarterly dividend for fiscal 2020 reflects the company's confidence in its sustained financial performance and cash flow generation.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$875.56M
Cost of Revenue$296.87M
Gross Profit$578.70M
Operating Income$252.78M
Interest Expense$27.23M
Net Income$178.67M
EPS (Basic)$1.47
EPS (Diluted)$1.47
Shares Outstanding (Basic)121.11M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)121.36M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income increased by 13% to $178.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019, compared to $157.6 million for the same period in 2018, with diluted EPS rising to $1.47 from $1.38.
  • 2Capital expenditures increased by 27% to $529.2 million for the quarter, with over 80% dedicated to improving the safety and reliability of distribution and transportation systems.
  • 3The company successfully raised $791.7 million in net proceeds from a public offering of senior notes in October 2019.
  • 4Shareholders' equity grew to $6.13 billion at December 31, 2019, from $5.75 billion at September 30, 2019, indicating strong retained earnings and capital contributions.
  • 5Operating income for the distribution segment rose by 6% to $180.3 million, driven by rate adjustments and customer growth.
  • 6The pipeline and storage segment also saw an increase in operating income by 8% to $72.5 million, mainly due to rate adjustments from the GRIP filing.
  • 7Atmos Energy announced a 9.5% increase in its quarterly dividend for fiscal year 2020, signaling confidence in its financial health and future performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the increase in net income was the positive impact of regulatory outcomes, specifically implemented ratemaking proceedings that resulted in a $56.7 million increase in annual operating income. Customer growth in the distribution segment also contributed to this improvement.

Capital expenditures increased significantly in the quarter, with over 80% of the $529.2 million invested focused on improving the safety and reliability of the company's distribution and transportation systems. A substantial portion of these investments are being made under regulatory mechanisms designed to reduce recovery lag.

As of December 31, 2019, the company's total capitalization was approximately $10.45 billion. The capital structure consisted of approximately 41.4% long-term debt and 58.6% shareholders' equity, with no short-term debt outstanding at the end of the quarter. The company aims to maintain an equity-to-total-capitalization ratio between 50% and 60%.

For its distribution segment, Atmos Energy is largely insulated from commodity price risk through purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms that allow it to pass costs to customers. The company also uses financial instruments, physical storage, and fixed-price forward contracts to manage exposure to natural gas price volatility, particularly during the winter heating season.