13 Best Long Term Low Risk Stocks to Buy Now

10. Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO)

Beta (5Y Monthly): 0.76

5-Year Return: 92.9%

Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) said on February 3 that first-quarter profit increased 14.5% from the prior year, supported by steady demand across its gas distribution and pipeline systems.

During the fiscal Q1 2026 earnings report, the chief executive said the quarter reflected extensive preparation and a strong emphasis on safely serving customers and communities during the extreme conditions caused by Winter Storm Fern. He noted that system performance held up well across all operating segments. Fiscal first-quarter net income came in at $403 million, or $2.44 per diluted share.

Capital spending totaled $1 billion during the quarter, with more than 85% allocated to safety and reliability initiatives. Management reaffirmed rebased fiscal 2026 earnings per share guidance of $8.15 to $8.35 and said the annual dividend has been set at $4 per share, in line with the company’s long-term EPS growth target of 6% to 8% annually.

The chief executive also highlighted progress within the Atmos Pipeline-Texas segment. This included the installation of 55 miles of 36-inch pipeline linking Bethel storage to the Groesbeck compressor station, as well as the completion of new interconnect projects that added 700,000 Mcf per day of supply capacity. Customer growth remained solid, with nearly 54,000 new customers added in the 12 months ended December 31, 2025, the majority located in Texas. During the first quarter alone, the company added more than 1,100 commercial customers and three new industrial customers. He also pointed to recent recognition from J.D. Power and Escalent as further support for the company’s customer service performance.

Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) serves about 3.3 million distribution customers across eight states and operates regulated utility businesses in Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.