Atmos Energy is a premier regulated natural gas utility with 23 years of consecutive EPS growth and robust fundamentals. ATO's premium valuation—Forward P/E of 21x— limits the upside as there is no potential for multiple expansion anymore; a more attractive entry is at 18x–19x. Texas regulatory tailwinds, especially House Bill 4384, underpin a $26B CAPEX plan and 6–8% annual EPS growth guidance through 2030.

The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrat ETF (NOBL) underperformed SPY in 2025, gaining 7.2% versus SPY's 18.42%. Despite average underperformance, select Aristocrats like CAH (+74.18%), ALB (+66.90%), and CHRW (+61.22%) delivered strong double-digit returns. Dividend growth for the Aristocrats slowed to 5.52% in 2025, down from 5.78% in 2024, with 68 of 69 raising payouts.

With consumer confidence sliding, low-beta defensive picks like ATO, AWR, SRE and INGR stand out as investors look to limit downside risk.

Dividends are one of the best benefits to being a shareholder, but finding a great dividend stock is no easy task. Does Atmos (ATO) have what it takes?

Atmos (ATO) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.

Investors interested in Utility - Gas Distribution stocks are likely familiar with Spire (SR) and Atmos Energy (ATO). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?

Here is how Atmos Energy (ATO) and Lumen (LUMN) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.

Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) by 45.9% in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 12,560 shares of the utilities provider's stock after acquiring an additional 3,951 shares during the quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions

Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its stake in shares of Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) by 515.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 211,221 shares of the utilities provider's stock after buying an additional 176,916 shares during the quarter.

Demand for natural gas is rising in the United States and internationally due to its clean-burning nature. High volume of 24/7 clean energy demand from AI-driven data centers, reshoring of some industries, higher usage of electric vehicles and higher domestic demand during cold winters continue to boost demand for natural gas.