Lpl Financial 13F: Adds $3.4M to Atmos Energy (ATO) Stake

LPL Financial has boosted its position in Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) by 11.2%, according to its latest Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm added 19,622 shares during the reporting period, bringing its total holdings to 194,277 shares valued at approximately $33.53 million. This filing reflects holdings as of the end of the reporting period and may not represent the investor's current position.

What Changed in LPL Financial's Atmos Energy Position

LPL Financial increased its stake in Atmos Energy by 11.2%, adding 19,622 shares to its portfolio. The firm now holds 194,277 shares, up from 174,655 shares previously, with the value of its investment reaching about $33.53 million.

Other Institutional Activity in Atmos Energy

Other institutional investors have also been active in Atmos Energy. BlackRock, Inc. grew its holdings by 428,484 shares, ending with 17,451,963 shares worth approximately $3.22 billion, marking a 2.5% increase. State Street Corp added 586,392 shares, bringing its total to 11,372,750 shares valued at $2.10 billion, a 5.4% increase. Vanguard Capital Management LLC opened a new position with 10,735,547 shares valued at $1.98 billion. Meanwhile, Wellington Management Group LLP reduced its stake by 359,036 shares, now holding 9,651,472 shares worth about $1.78 billion, a 3.6% decrease. Capital International Investors decreased its holdings by 4,567,048 shares, a 38.4% reduction, leaving it with 7,326,778 shares valued at $1.35 billion.

Atmos Energy Corporation Stock Up 7.7%

Shares of Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) traded near $172.59 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of approximately $28.31 billion and a P/E ratio of 20.91. Its stock has seen a 52-week low of $149.98 and a high of $192.51, with a 50-day moving average of $179.06 and a 200-day moving average of $175.25. The company maintains a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.61, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 64.59.

Recent Earnings

In its most recent earnings report, Atmos Energy reported revenue of $4.88 billion, reflecting a growth of 0.6%. The company achieved a net margin of 27.6% and a return on equity of 9.6%. With earnings per share (EPS) of $8.11, the next earnings announcement is expected on August 5, 2026.

Dividend

Atmos Energy offers a dividend rate of $4.00 per share, translating to a yield of 2.35%. The dividend payout ratio stands at 46.1%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Atmos Energy Corporation

Insider trading at Atmos Energy has been active. On May 2, 2026, President and CEO John Akers bought 16,850 shares at an average price of $189.74. Senior Vice President of Human Resources Matt Robbins purchased 2,815 shares at the same price. Additionally, CFO Christopher Forsythe acquired 3,970 shares, also at $189.74. Conversely, Akers sold 6,235 shares at $187.74, and Senior Advisor Karen Hartsfield sold 1,042 shares at $189.74.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Analysts have maintained a 'hold' rating on Atmos Energy. On May 29, 2026, Mizuho set a price target of $184.00. Truist Securities maintained its target at $187.00 on May 18, while TD Cowen set a target of $196.00 on May 15. The consensus among analysts is a 'hold' rating, with a mean target price of $186.18 based on 11 analyst opinions.

About Atmos Energy Corporation

Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a leading natural gas distributor and pipeline operator in the United States. The company operates through two segments: Distribution, which serves about 3.4 million customers across eight states, and Pipeline and Storage, which manages extensive transmission lines and storage facilities. Founded in 1906, Atmos Energy continues to play a significant role in the regulated utilities sector under the leadership of CEO John Kevin Akers.

Bottom Line

LPL Financial's increased stake in Atmos Energy highlights the firm's confidence in the utility company's prospects. Investors often track such filings to gauge institutional sentiment. However, it's important to remember that 13F filings are backward-looking and may not reflect current positions. Atmos Energy remains a significant player in the utilities sector, with a steady dividend and active insider trading.