Atmos Energy Corp. ATO

Atmos Energy Corporation, incorporated on February 6, 1981, is a fully-regulated, natural-gas-only distributor engaged primarily in the regulated natural gas distribution and pipeline businesses, as well as other nonregulated natural gas businesses. The Company operates through three segments: regulated distribution segment, which includes its regulated distribution and related sales operations; regulated pipeline segment, which includes the pipeline and storage operations of its Atmos Pipeline-Texas Division, and nonregulated segment, which includes its nonregulated natural gas management, nonregulated natural gas transmission, storage and other services. As of August 2, 2017, the Company delivered natural gas through regulated sales and transportation arrangements to over three million gas distribution customers in over 1,400 communities in eight states from Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. The Company also manages its natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including the intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. The Company's nonregulated businesses provide natural gas management, marketing, transportation and storage services to municipalities, local gas distribution companies, including certain of its natural gas distribution divisions and industrial customers principally in the Midwest and Southeast.

Regulated Distribution Segment

The Company's regulated distribution segment consists of six regulated natural gas distribution divisions. Its divisions include Mid-Tex, Kentucky/Mid-States, Louisiana, West Texas, Mississippi and Colorado-Kansas. The Company operates in its service areas under terms of non-exclusive franchise agreements granted by the various cities and towns that it serves. As of September 30, 2016, the Company holds 1,003 franchises having terms generally ranging from 5 to 35 years.

Regulated Pipeline Segment

The regulated pipeline segment consists of the regulated pipeline and storage operations of Atmos Pipeline-Texas Division. The Atmos Pipeline-Texas Division provides transportation and storage services to its Mid-Tex Division, other third party local distribution companies, industrial and electric generation customers, marketers and producers. As part of its pipeline operations, Atmos Pipeline-Texas Division owns and operates five underground storage reservoirs in Texas.

Nonregulated Segment

The nonregulated operations are conducted through Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc. (AEH), a subsidiary of the Company. AEH's primary business is to buy, sell and deliver natural gas to approximately 1,000 customers located primarily in the Midwest and Southeast areas of the United States. AEH also earns storage and transportation demand fees primarily from its regulated distribution operations in Louisiana and Kentucky.