10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2023

ATMOS ENERGY CORP Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Jun 30, 2023

Filed August 2, 2023For Securities:ATO

Summary

Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) reported solid financial results for the nine months ended June 30, 2023, with net income increasing 9% year-over-year to $767.3 million, or $5.33 per diluted share. This growth was primarily driven by positive rate outcomes from significant investments in safety and reliability, coupled with the successful implementation of regulatory mechanisms that reduce regulatory lag. Capital expenditures remained robust at $2.1 billion for the period, with a substantial portion allocated to infrastructure improvements. The company also demonstrated strong financial management by completing approximately $1.5 billion in long-term debt and equity financing and maintaining a healthy equity capitalization ratio of 61.8% as of June 30, 2023. Liquidity remains strong with $3.1 billion in total available resources. The company's commitment to shareholder returns is evident in the 8.8% increase in its quarterly dividend for fiscal year 2023. The positive performance reflects the company's strategic focus on infrastructure modernization and its ability to recover investments through supportive regulatory environments.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$662.73M
Cost of Revenue$44.55M
Gross Profit$618.18M
Operating Income$169.25M
Interest Expense$31.33M
Net Income$137.81M
EPS (Basic)$0.94
EPS (Diluted)$0.94
Shares Outstanding (Basic)146.05M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)146.07M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income for the nine months ended June 30, 2023, increased by 9% to $767.3 million ($5.33 per diluted share) compared to $702.8 million ($5.12 per diluted share) in the prior year period.
  • 2The company invested $2.1 billion in capital expenditures for the nine months ended June 30, 2023, with approximately 86% dedicated to improving the safety and reliability of its distribution and transportation systems.
  • 3Regulatory actions implemented or approved during the first nine months of fiscal 2023 resulted in an increase in annual operating income of $248.6 million, with ongoing proceedings seeking an additional $275.9 million.
  • 4Total liquidity stood at approximately $3.1 billion as of June 30, 2023, comprising cash, equity forward sales, and undrawn credit facilities.
  • 5Atmos Energy increased its quarterly dividend by 8.8% for fiscal year 2023, signaling confidence in its financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns.
  • 6The distribution segment's operating income increased by 12.5% for the nine months ended June 30, 2023, driven by rate adjustments and customer growth.
  • 7The pipeline and storage segment's operating income rose by 10.7% for the nine months ended June 30, 2023, largely due to rate adjustments from GRIP filings and increased through-system activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver for the 9% increase in net income was positive rate outcomes from investments in safety and reliability, coupled with regulatory mechanisms that effectively reduce regulatory lag. These factors allowed the company to recover its investments more efficiently.

The company funds its capital expenditures through a combination of internally generated cash flows and external debt and equity financing. For the nine months ended June 30, 2023, Atmos Energy completed approximately $1.5 billion in long-term debt and equity financing and maintained strong liquidity of approximately $3.1 billion.

The Winter Storm Uri securitization, particularly the Texas securitization completed in March 2023, provided $2.02 billion in proceeds. These proceeds were used to repay debt and relieved a significant regulatory asset related to storm costs. While accounted for as a grant related to income under U.S. GAAP, it had no impact on earnings and improved operating cash flow by a substantial amount in the nine-month period.

Atmos Energy is actively managing its capital structure. As of June 30, 2023, its equity capitalization was 61.8%, demonstrating a strong equity base. The company also has access to significant liquidity and regularly engages in debt and equity financing to support its capital program and maintain its desired capital structure.