Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is a top distributor of natural gas and is worth a market cap of $21.3 billion. The Dallas, Texas-based company provides natural gas marketing and procurement services to large customers, as well as manages storage and pipeline assets. ATO is expected to announce its fiscal first-quarter earnings for 2024 after the market closes on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Ahead of the event, analysts expect ATO to report a profit of $2.23 per share on a diluted basis, up 7.2% from $2.08 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on another occasion.
For the full year 2025, analysts expect ATO to report EPS of $7.18, up 5.1% from $6.83 in fiscal 2024. Its EPS is expected to rise 7.5% year over year to $7.72 in fiscal 2026.
ATO stock has underperformed the S&P 500’s ($SPX) 21.8% gains over the past 52 weeks, with shares up 16.1% during this period. Similarly, it underperformed the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund’s (XLU) 17.3% gains over the same time frame.
ATO shares gained 1.8% on Nov. 6 following the release of its Q4 earnings, highlighted by a $33.4 million boost in operating income from higher rates in the distribution segment. Investor sentiment was further lifted by an 8.1% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.87 per share and an encouraging full-year EPS outlook of $7.05 to $7.25.
Analysts’ consensus opinion on ATO stock is reasonably bullish, with a “Moderate Buy” rating overall. Out of 12 analysts covering the stock, six advise a “Strong Buy” rating, one suggests a “Moderate Buy” rating, and five give a “Hold.” ATO’s average analyst price target is $151.25, indicating a potential upside of 10.4% from the current levels.
On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here. More news from BarchartThe views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
