Reasons to Add Atmos Energy (ATO) to Your Portfolio Now
Atmos Energy Corporation ATO and its subsidiaries are engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage business. Solid contribution from residential customers, returns within one year of investment and customer additions will continue to boost the company’s performance.
Let’s focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock a strong investment pick at the moment. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Growth Projection
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2022 has moved up 0.8% in the past 60 days to $5.47 per share. Fiscal 2022 revenue estimates of $4.01 billion imply year-over-year growth of 17.8%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2023 has moved up 1.2% in the past 60 days to $5.83 per share. Fiscal 2023 revenue estimates of $4.01 billion indicate year-over-year growth of 5.2%.
Stable Investments
Atmos Energy makes consistent investments to upgrade and maintain the existing infrastructure as well as expand operations. ATO invested $2 billion in fiscal 2021 and anticipates investing in the range of $2.4-$2.5 billion in fiscal 2022.
Atmos Energy is planning to invest $13-$14 billion from fiscal 2022 through 2026, out of which 80% will be allocated to enhance the safety of existing operations. The planned investment will result in 6-8% annual earnings growth over the same time frame.
Surprise History & Long-Term Earnings Growth
Atmos Energy has an impressive earnings surprise history. Its trailing four-quarter earnings surprise is 6.5%, on average.
ATO’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth is currently pegged at 7.3%.
Dividend
Atmos Energy has a dividend yield of 2.66%, higher than the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s average of 1.35%. The company’s board of directors raised the quarterly dividend by 8.8% in November 2021, which marks the 152nd consecutive quarterly dividend. Atmos Energy targets annual dividend growth in the range of 6-8% and a long-term payout ratio of 50%.
Strong Credit Rating and Ample Liquidity
Atmos Energy has been assigned top-tier credit ratings by rating agencies. The strong ratings will allow the company to get quicker approval for loans. As of Sep 30, 2021, it had $2.9 billion available liquidity, which was enough to meet the current obligations. At fiscal fourth quarter-end, the company’s times interest earned ratio was 10.8, which improved 100 basis points from 9.8 at fourth-quarter fiscal 2020-end.
Price Performance
In the past six months, the stock has gained 3.8% against the industry’s decline of 2.3%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other Stocks to Consider
Other top-ranked stocks in the Zacks Utilities sector include Duke Energy Corporation DUK, California Water Service Group CWT and Chesapeake Utilities CPK, each holding a Zacks Rank #2.
Duke Energy, California Water Service, and Chesapeake Utilities delivered an earnings surprise of 2.3%, 10.8% and 12.6%, respectively, on average, in the last four quarters.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2022 earnings per share of Duke Energy, California Water Service and Chesapeake Utilities has moved up 0.2%, 3.2% and 0.4%, respectively, in the past 60 days.
Year to date, shares of Duke Energy, California Water Service and Chesapeake Utilities have returned 12.5%, 28.4% and 31%, respectively, compared with the sector’s 6.6% growth.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (CPK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) : Free Stock Analysis Report
California Water Service Group (CWT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
