# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000731802
**File Stem:** 0000731802-25-000056
**Filing Date:** 2025-11
**Character Count:** 552094
**Document Hash:** 5fec6c34dfa75a1f80bd8cac20dd77b4
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0000731802-25-000056.hdr.sgml**: 20251114

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0000731802-25-000056

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 138

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20250930

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20251114

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20251114

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** ATMOS ENERGY CORP
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000731802
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** NATURAL GAS DISTRIBUTION [4924]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 01 Energy & Transportation
- **EIN:** 751743247
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** TX
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 0930

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-10042
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251488053

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1800 THREE LINCOLN CTR
- **STREET 2:** 5430 LBJ FREEWAY
- **CITY:** DALLAS
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75240
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 9729349227

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 1800 THREE LINCOLN CTR
- **STREET 2:** 5430 LBJ FREEWAY
- **CITY:** DALLAS
- **STATE:** TX
- **ZIP:** 75240

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** ENERGAS CO
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19881024

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? ato-20250930

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**Form 10-K** 

**(Mark One)**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;☑&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the fiscal year ended** September 30, 2025

**OR**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the transition period from &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**

**Commission file number 1-10042** 

**Atmos Energy Corporation**

*(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)*

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Texas and Virginia&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;75-1743247** 

***&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;****(State or other jurisdiction of&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(IRS employer*

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;incorporation or organization)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;identification no.)*

*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***1800 Three Lincoln Centre** 

**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5430 LBJ Freeway** 

**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dallas, Texas&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;75240** 

***&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;****(Address of principal executive offices)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Zip code)*

**Registrant's telephone number, including area code:**

**(972) 934-9227** 

**Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Table of each class** | **Table of each class** | **Trading Symbol** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common stock | No Par Value | ATO | New York Stock Exchange |

---

**Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:**

**None**

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes 🗹&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ◻

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes ◻&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No 🗹

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes 🗹&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes 🗹&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ☑ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ◻

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes ☐&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No 🗹

The aggregate market value of the common voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, March 31, 2025, was $24,413,133,216.

As of November 10, 2025, the registrant had 161,693,336 shares of common stock outstanding.

**DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE**

Portions of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 4, 2026 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

------

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Page** |
| **<u>[Glossary of Key Terms](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_10)</u>** | **<u>[Glossary of Key Terms](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_10)</u>** | <u>[3](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_10)</u> |
| | **Part I** | |
| Item 1. | <u>[Business](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_16)</u> | <u>[4](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_16)</u> |
| Item 1A. | <u>[Risk Factors](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_19)</u> | <u>[14](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_19)</u> |
| Item 1B. | <u>[Unresolved Staff Comments](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_22)</u> | <u>[18](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_22)</u> |
| Item 1C. | <u>[Cybersecurity](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_25)</u> | <u>[18](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_25)</u> |
| Item 2. | <u>[Properties](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_28)</u> | <u>[20](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_28)</u> |
| Item 3. | <u>[Legal Proceedings](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_31)</u> | <u>[22](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_31)</u> |
| Item 4. | <u>[Mine Safety Disclosures](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_34)</u> | <u>[22](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_34)</u> |
| | **Part II** | |
| Item 5. | <u>[Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_40)</u> | <u>[22](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_40)</u> |
| Item 6. | <u>[Reserved](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_43)</u> | <u>[24](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_43)</u> |
| Item 7. | <u>[Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_49)</u> | <u>[24](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_49)</u> |
| Item 7A. | <u>[Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_85)</u> | <u>[34](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_85)</u> |
| Item 8. | <u>[Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_88)</u> | <u>[36](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_88)</u> |
| Item 9. | <u>[Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_175)</u> | <u>[86](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_175)</u> |
| Item 9A. | <u>[Controls and Procedures](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_178)</u> | <u>[86](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_178)</u> |
| Item 9B. | <u>[Other Information](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_181)</u> | <u>[88](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_181)</u> |
| Item 9C. | <u>[Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_184)</u> | <u>[88](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_184)</u> |
| | **Part III** | |
| Item 10. | <u>[Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_190)</u> | <u>[88](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_190)</u> |
| Item 11. | <u>[Executive Compensation](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_193)</u> | <u>[89](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_193)</u> |
| Item 12. | <u>[Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_196)</u> | <u>[89](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_196)</u> |
| Item 13. | <u>[Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_199)</u> | <u>[89](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_199)</u> |
| Item 14. | <u>[Principal Accountant Fees and Services](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_202)</u> | <u>[89](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_202)</u> |
| | **Part IV** | |
| Item 15. | <u>[Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_208)</u> | <u>[89](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_208)</u> |
| Item 16. | <u>[Form 10-K Summary](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_211)</u> | <u>[95](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_211)</u> |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

 **GLOSSARY OF KEY TERMS**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| AEK | Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC |
| AFUDC | Allowance for funds used during construction |
| AOCI | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |
| ARM | Annual Rate Mechanism |
| ATO | Trading symbol for Atmos Energy Corporation common stock on the NYSE |
| Bcf | Billion cubic feet |
| COSO | Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission |
| DARR | Dallas Annual Rate Review |
| EDIT | Excess Deferred Income Taxes |
| ERISA | Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 |
| FERC | Federal Energy Regulatory Commission |
| GAAP | Generally Accepted Accounting Principles |
| GRIP | Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program |
| GSRS | Gas System Reliability Surcharge |
| LTIP | 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan |
| Mcf | Thousand cubic feet |
| MDWQ | Maximum daily withdrawal quantity |
| Mid-Tex ATM Cities | Represents a coalition of 47 incorporated cities or approximately 10 percent of the Mid-Tex Division's customers. |
| Mid-Tex Cities | Represents all incorporated cities other than Dallas and Mid-Tex ATM Cities, or approximately 72 percent of the Mid-Tex Division's customers. |
| MMcf | Million cubic feet |
| Moody's | Moody's Investor Service, Inc. |
| NGPA | Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 |
| NYSE | New York Stock Exchange |
| PHMSA | Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration |
| PPA | Pension Protection Act of 2006 |
| PRP | Pipeline Replacement Program |
| RRC | Railroad Commission of Texas |
| RRM | Rate Review Mechanism |
| RSC | Rate Stabilization Clause |
| S&P | Standard & Poor's Corporation |
| SAVE | Steps to Advance Virginia Energy |
| SEC | United States Securities and Exchange Commission |
| Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds | Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds |
| Securitized Utility Tariff Property | As defined in the financing order issued by the KCC in October 2022 |
| SIP | System Integrity Program |
| SIR | System Integrity Rider |
| SOFR | Secured Overnight Financing Rate |
| SRF | Stable Rate Filing |
| SSIR | System Safety and Integrity Rider |
| TCJA | Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 |
| WNA | Weather Normalization Adjustment |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**PART I**

The terms "we," "our," "us," "Atmos Energy," and the "Company" refer to Atmos Energy Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context suggests otherwise.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 1.** | ***Business.*** |

---

**Overview and Strategy**

Atmos Energy Corporation, a natural gas-only distributor, is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas and incorporated in Texas and Virginia. We safely deliver reliable, efficient, and abundant natural gas through regulated sales and transportation arrangements to approximately 3.4 million residential, commercial, public authority, and industrial customers in eight states located primarily in the South. We also operate one of the largest intrastate pipelines in Texas based on miles of pipe.

Atmos Energy's vision is to be the safest provider of natural gas services. We will be recognized for exceptional customer service, for being a great employer, and for achieving superior financial results.

Our operating strategy is focused on modernizing our business and infrastructure while reducing regulatory lag. This operating strategy supports continued investment in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability, and our communities.

**Operating Segments**

We manage and review our consolidated operations through the following reportable segments:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The *distribution segment* is comprised of our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The *pipeline and storage segment* is comprised primarily of the regulated pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana.

**Distribution Segment Overview**

The following table summarizes key information about our six regulated natural gas distribution divisions, presented in order of total rate base.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Division** | **Service Areas** | **Communities Served** | **Customer Meters** |
| Mid-Tex | Texas, including the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex | 550 | 1830387 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Kentucky | 220 | 176494 |
|  | Tennessee |  | 163667 |
|  | Virginia |  | 23836 |
| Louisiana | Louisiana | 270 | 360589 |
| West Texas | Amarillo, Lubbock, Midland | 80 | 316036 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi | 110 | 249562 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Colorado | 170 | 130890 |
|  | Kansas |  | 140542 |

---

We operate in our service areas under terms of non-exclusive franchise agreements granted by the various cities and towns that we serve. At September 30, 2025, we held 1,010 franchises having terms generally ranging from five to 35 years. A number of our franchises expire each year, which require renewal prior to the end of their terms. Historically, we have successfully renewed these franchises and believe that we will continue to be able to renew our franchises as they expire.

Revenues in this operating segment are established by regulatory authorities in the states in which we operate. These rates are intended to be sufficient to cover the costs of conducting business, including a reasonable return on invested capital. In addition, we transport natural gas for others through our distribution systems.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

Rates established by regulatory authorities often include cost adjustment mechanisms for costs that (i) are subject to significant price fluctuations compared to our other costs, (ii) represent a large component of our cost of service, and (iii) are generally outside our control.

Purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms represent a traditional and common form of cost adjustment mechanism. Purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms provide a method of recovering purchased gas costs on an ongoing basis without filing a rate case because they provide a dollar-for-dollar offset to increases or decreases in the cost of natural gas. Therefore, although substantially all of our distribution operating revenues fluctuate with the cost of gas that we purchase, distribution operating income is generally not affected by fluctuations in the cost of gas.

Additionally, some jurisdictions have performance-based ratemaking adjustments to provide incentives to minimize purchased gas costs through improved storage management and use of financial instruments to reduce volatility in gas costs. Under the performance-based ratemaking adjustments, purchased gas costs savings are shared between the Company and its customers.

Our supply of natural gas is provided by a variety of suppliers, including independent producers, and marketers. The gas is delivered into our systems by various pipeline companies, withdrawals of gas from proprietary and contracted storage assets, and base load and peaking arrangements, as needed.

Supply arrangements consist of both base load and peaking quantities and are contracted from our suppliers on a firm basis with various terms at market prices. Base load quantities are those that flow at a constant level throughout the month and peaking quantities provide the flexibility to change daily quantities to match increases or decreases in requirements related to weather conditions.

Except for local production purchases, we select our natural gas suppliers through a competitive bidding process by periodically requesting proposals from suppliers. We select these suppliers based on their ability to reliably deliver gas supply to our designated firm pipeline receipt points at the lowest reasonable cost. Major suppliers during fiscal 2025 were ARM Energy Management LLC, Cima Energy, LP, ConocoPhillips Company, ECO Energy Natural Gas LLC, EnLink Gas Marketing LP, Sequent Energy Management LLC, Symmetry Energy Solutions, LLC, Targa Gas Marketing LLC, Tenaska Marking Ventures, and Texla Energy Management, Inc.

The combination of base load and peaking agreements, coupled with the withdrawal of gas held in storage, allows us the flexibility to adjust to changes in weather, which minimizes our need to enter into long-term firm commitments. We estimate our peak-day availability of natural gas supply to be approximately 5.4 Bcf. The peak-day demand for our distribution operations in fiscal 2025 was on February 19, 2025, when sales to customers reached approximately 4.2 Bcf.

Currently, our distribution divisions utilize 33 pipeline transportation companies, both interstate and intrastate, to transport our natural gas. The pipeline transportation agreements are firm and many of them have "pipeline no-notice" storage service, which provides for daily balancing between system requirements and nominated flowing supplies. These agreements have been negotiated with the shortest term necessary while still maintaining our right of first refusal. The natural gas supply for our Mid-Tex Division is delivered primarily by our APT Division.

To maintain our deliveries to high priority customers, we have the ability, and have exercised our right, to interrupt or curtail service to certain customers pursuant to contracts and applicable state regulations or statutes. Our customers' demand on our system is not necessarily indicative of our ability to meet current or anticipated market demands or immediate delivery requirements because of factors such as the physical limitations of gathering, storage and transmission systems, the duration and severity of cold weather, the availability of gas reserves from our suppliers, the ability to purchase additional supplies on a short-term basis, and actions by federal and state regulatory authorities. Interruption and curtailment rights provide us the flexibility to meet the human-needs requirements of our customers on a reliable basis. Priority allocations imposed by federal and state regulatory agencies, as well as other factors beyond our control, may affect our ability to meet the demands of some of our customers.

**Pipeline and Storage Segment Overview**

Our pipeline and storage segment consists of the regulated pipeline and storage operations of APT and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana. APT is one of the largest intrastate pipeline operations in Texas with a heavy concentration in the established natural gas-producing areas of central, northern, and eastern Texas, extending into or near the major producing areas of the Barnett Shale, the Texas Gulf Coast, and the Permian Basin of West Texas. Through its system, APT provides transportation and storage services to our Mid-Tex Division, other third party local distribution companies, industrial and electric generation customers, marketers, and producers. As part of its pipeline operations, APT owns and operates five underground storage facilities in Texas.

Revenues earned from transportation and storage services for APT are subject to traditional ratemaking governed by the RRC. Rates are updated through periodic filings made under Texas' GRIP. GRIP allows us to include in our rate base annually approved capital costs incurred in the prior calendar year provided that we file a complete rate case at least once every five

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

years; the most recent of which was completed in December 2023. APT's existing regulatory mechanisms allow certain transportation and storage services to be provided under market-based rates.

Our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana are comprised of a 21-mile pipeline located in the New Orleans, Louisiana area that is primarily used to aggregate gas supply for our distribution division in Louisiana under a long-term contract and, on a more limited basis, to third parties. The demand fee charged to our Louisiana distribution division for these services is subject to regulatory approval by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. We also manage two asset management plans that serve distribution affiliates of the Company, which have been approved by applicable state regulatory commissions. Generally, these asset management plans require us to share with our distribution customers a significant portion of the cost savings earned from these arrangements.

**Ratemaking Activity**

***Overview***

The method of determining regulated rates varies among the states in which our regulated businesses operate. The regulatory authorities have the responsibility of ensuring that utilities in their jurisdictions operate in the best interests of customers while providing utility companies the opportunity to earn a reasonable return on their investment. Generally, each regulatory authority reviews rate requests and establishes a rate structure intended to generate revenue sufficient to cover the costs of conducting business, including a reasonable return on invested capital.

Our rate strategy focuses on reducing or eliminating regulatory lag, obtaining adequate returns, and providing stable, predictable margins, which benefit both our customers and the Company. As a result of our ratemaking efforts and legislative actions in our jurisdictions in recent years, Atmos Energy has:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Formula rate mechanisms in place in four states that provide for an annual rate review and adjustment to rates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Infrastructure programs in place in all of our states that provide for an annual adjustment to rates for qualifying capital expenditures. Through our annual formula rate mechanisms and infrastructure programs, we have the ability to begin recovering approximately 95 percent of our capital expenditures within six months and substantially all of our capital expenditures within twelve months.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Authorization in tariffs, statute or commission rules that allows us to defer certain elements of our incurred cost of service such as depreciation, ad valorem taxes, pension costs, and certain safety related expenses, until they are included in rates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• WNA mechanisms in seven states that serve to minimize the effects of weather on approximately 97 percent of our distribution residential and commercial revenues.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The ability to recover the gas cost portion of bad debts in six states which represents approximately 89 percent of our distribution residential and commercial revenues.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

The following tables provides a jurisdictional rate summary for our regulated operations as of September 30, 2025. This information is for regulatory purposes only and may not be representative of our actual financial position.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Division** | **Jurisdiction** | **Effective<br>Date of Last<br>Rate/GRIP Action** | **Rate Base**<br>**(thousands)**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Authorized**<br>**Rate of**<br>**Return**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Authorized Debt/**<br>**Equity Ratio**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Authorized**<br>**Return**<br>**on Equity**<sup>(1)</sup> |
| Atmos Pipeline — Texas | Texas | 06/17/2025 | $5237614 | 8.49% | 40/60 | 11.45% |
| Colorado-Kansas | Colorado | 05/14/2023 | 229565 | 7.00% | 42-45/55-58 | 9.3% - 9.6% |
|  | Colorado SSIR | 01/01/2025 | 73623 | 7.00% / 3.97% | 42/58 | (4) |
|  | Kansas | 05/09/2023 | 295070 | (4) | (4) | (4) |
|  | Kansas GSRS | 12/17/2024 | 38932 | (4) | (4) | (4) |
|  | Kansas SIP | 04/01/2025 | 25707 | (4) | (4) | (4) |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Kentucky | 05/12/2025 | 611038 | 7.15% | 46/54 | 9.75% |
|  | Kentucky-PRP | 05/29/2025 | 67464 | 6.94% | 45/55 | 9.45% |
|  | Tennessee | 06/01/2025 | 611649 | 7.63% | 39/61 | 9.80% |
|  | Virginia | 12/01/2023 | 71450 | 7.57% | 39/61 | 9.90% |
|  | Virginia-SAVE | 10/01/2024 | 21436 | 7.57% | 39/61 | 9.90% |
| Louisiana | Louisiana | 07/01/2025 | 1352758 | 7.42% | 42/58 | 9.80% |
| Mid-Tex | Mid-Tex Cities<sup>(5)</sup> | 10/01/2024 | 7146843<sup>(6)</sup> | 7.41% | 42/58 | 9.80% |
|  | Mid-Tex ATM Cities | 08/01/2025 | 7953622<sup>(6)</sup> | 7.59% | 39/61 | 9.80% |
|  | Mid-Tex Environs | 08/01/2025 | 7953529<sup>(6)</sup> | 7.59% | 39/61 | 9.80% |
|  | Mid-Tex — Dallas | 06/01/2025 | 7973771<sup>(6)</sup> | 7.52% | 40/60 | 9.80% |
| Mississippi | Mississippi<sup>(7)</sup> | 11/04/2024 | 592236 | 7.80% | (4) | (4) |
|  | Mississippi - SIR<sup>(7)</sup> | 11/04/2024 | 629687 | 7.80% | (4) | (4) |
| West Texas | West Texas Systemwide <sup>(8)</sup> | 06/01/2025 | 1231651 | 7.59% | 39/61 | 9.80% |

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Division** | **Jurisdiction** | **Bad Debt**<br>**Rider**<sup>(2)</sup> | **Formula Rate** | **Infrastructure Mechanism** | **Performance Based**<br>**Rate Program**<sup>(3)</sup> | **WNA Period** |
| Atmos Pipeline — Texas | Texas | No | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| Colorado-Kansas | Colorado | No | No | Yes | No | N/A |
|  | Kansas | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | October-May |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Kentucky | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | November-April |
|  | Tennessee | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | October-April |
|  | Virginia | Yes | No | Yes | No | January-December |
| Louisiana | Louisiana | No | Yes | Yes | No | December-March |
| Mid-Tex Cities | Texas | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | November-April |
| Mid-Tex — Dallas | Texas | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | November-April |
| Mississippi | Mississippi | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | November-April |
| West Texas | Texas | Yes | No | Yes | No | October-May |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The rate base, authorized rate of return, authorized debt/equity ratio, and authorized return on equity presented in this table are those from the most recent approved regulatory filing for each jurisdiction. These rate bases, rates of return, debt/equity ratios, and returns on equity are not necessarily indicative of current or future rate bases, rates of return or returns on equity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The bad debt rider allows us to recover from customers the gas cost portion of customer accounts that have been written off.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)The performance-based rate program provides incentives to distribution companies to minimize purchased gas costs by allowing the companies and their customers to share the purchased gas costs savings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)A rate base, rate of return, return on equity, or debt/equity ratio was not included in the respective state commission's final decision.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)The Mid-Tex Cities approved the Formula Rate Mechanism filing with rates effective October 1, 2025, which included a rate base of $8.3 billion, an authorized return of 7.42%, a debt/equity ratio of 42/58, and an authorized ROE of 9.80%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6)The Mid-Tex rate base represents a "system-wide," or 100 percent, of the Mid-Tex Division's rate base.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7)The Mississippi SRF and SIR were filed jointly in a general rate case. On November 4, 2025, the Mississippi Public Service Commission issued a rate order in this case. We are required to file tariffs consistent with the final order by November 18, 2025, which we expect will determine the final impact to operating income and rate base. We expect rates to be implemented during the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The final order included an authorized return of 6.80%, a debt/equity ratio of 50/50, and an authorized ROE of 9.40%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(8)The West Texas Systemwide Statement of Intent filing included the West Texas RRM and the Amarillo, Lubbock, Dalhart and Channing (ALDC), Environs, and Triangle GRIP filings.

Although substantial progress has been made in recent years to improve rate design and recovery of investment across our service areas, we are continuing to seek improvements in rate design to address cost variations and pursue tariffs that reduce regulatory lag associated with investments. Further, potential changes in federal energy policy, federal safety regulations, and changing economic conditions will necessitate continued vigilance by the Company and our regulators in meeting the challenges presented by these external factors.

***Recent Ratemaking Activity***

The amounts described in the following sections represent the annual operating income that was requested or received in each rate filing, which may not necessarily reflect the stated amount referenced in the final order, as certain operating costs may have changed as a result of the commission's or other governmental authority's final ruling. Our ratemaking outcomes include the refund (return) of excess deferred income taxes (EDIT) resulting from previously enacted tax reform legislation and do not reflect the true economic benefit of the outcomes because they do not include the corresponding income tax benefit. The following tables summarize the annualized ratemaking outcomes we implemented in each of the last three fiscal years.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Rate Action** | **Annual Increase (Decrease) in Operating Income** | **EDIT Impact** | **Annual Increase (Decrease) in Operating Income Excluding EDIT** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| *2025 Filings:* |  |  |  |
| Annual formula rate mechanisms | $279724 | $2255 | $281979 |
| Rate case filings | 53732 | (12976) | 40756 |
| Other ratemaking activity | 111 |  | 111 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2025 Filings | $333567 | $(10721) | $322846 |
| *2024 Filings:* |  |  |  |
| Annual formula rate mechanisms | $347763 | $(31314) | $316449 |
| Rate case filings | 29458 | (37860) | (8402) |
| Other ratemaking activity | (971) |  | (971) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2024 Filings | $376250 | $(69174) | $307076 |
| *2023 Filings:* |  |  |  |
| Annual formula rate mechanisms | $258824 | $(1099) | $257725 |
| Rate case filings | 2940 | 6791 | 9731 |
| Other ratemaking activity | 1320 |  | 1320 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2023 Filings | $263084 | $5692 | $268776 |

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The following ratemaking efforts seeking $231.1 million in annual operating income were initiated during fiscal 2025 but had not been completed or implemented as of September 30, 2025:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Division** | **Rate Action** | **Jurisdiction** | **Operating Income<br>Requested** |
| | | | **(In thousands)** |
| Colorado-Kansas | Rate Case | Kansas | $15977 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Infrastructure Mechanism | Kansas <sup>(1)</sup> | 1949 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Infrastructure Mechanism | Virginia <sup>(2)</sup> | 550 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Infrastructure Mechanism | Kentucky <sup>(3)</sup> | 7246 |
| Mid-Tex | Formula Rate Mechanism | Mid-Tex Cities <sup>(4)</sup> | 165027 |
| Mississippi | Rate Case | Mississippi <sup>(5)</sup> | 40301 |
|  |  |  | $231050 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission recommended approval of the GSRS filing on October 17, 2025, subject to commission approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On August 22, 2025, the State Corporation Commission of Virginia approved a rate increase of $0.5 million effective October 1, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On September 15, 2025, the Kentucky Public Service Commission approved a rate increase of $7.2 million effective October 2, 2025, subject to refund.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Mid-Tex Cities approved a rate increase of $138.5 million. New rates were implemented October 1, 2025.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On November 4, 2025, the Mississippi Public Service Commission issued a rate order in this case. We are required to file tariffs consistent with the final order by November 18, 2025, which we expect will determine the final impact to operating income and rate base. We expect rates to be implemented during the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

Our recent ratemaking activity is discussed in greater detail below.

***Annual Formula Rate Mechanisms***

As an instrument to reduce regulatory lag, formula rate mechanisms allow us to refresh our rates on an annual basis without filing a formal rate case. However, these filings still involve discovery by the appropriate regulatory authorities prior to the final determination of rates under these mechanisms. We currently have specific infrastructure programs in all of our distribution divisions with tariffs in place to permit the investment associated with these programs to have their surcharge rate adjusted annually to recover approved capital costs incurred in a prior test-year period. The following table summarizes our annual formula rate mechanisms by state.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Annual Formula Rate Mechanisms** | **Annual Formula Rate Mechanisms** |
|<br>**State** | **Infrastructure Programs** | **Formula Rate Mechanisms** |
| Colorado | System Safety and Integrity Rider (SSIR) |  |
| Kansas | Gas System Reliability Surcharge (GSRS), System Integrity Program (SIP) |  |
| Kentucky | Pipeline Replacement Program (PRP) |  |
| Louisiana | (1) | Rate Stabilization Clause (RSC) |
| Mississippi | System Integrity Rider (SIR) | Stable Rate Filing (SRF) |
| Tennessee | (1) | Annual Rate Mechanism (ARM) |
| Texas | Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP), (1) | Dallas Annual Rate Review (DARR), Mid-Tex Rate Review Mechanism (RRM) |
| Virginia | Steps to Advance Virginia Energy (SAVE) |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Infrastructure mechanisms in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee allow for the deferral of all expenses associated with capital expenditures incurred pursuant to these rules, which primarily consists of interest, depreciation, and other taxes (Texas and Tennessee only), until the next rate proceeding (rate case or annual rate filing), at which time investment and costs would be recoverable through base rates.

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The following table summarizes our annual formula rate mechanisms with effective dates during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Division** | **Jurisdiction** | **Test Year<br>Ended** | **Increase<br>in<br>Annual<br>Operating<br>Income** | **EDIT Impact** | **Increase (Decrease) in Annual Operating Income Excluding EDIT** | **Effective<br>Date** |
| | | | | **(In thousands)** | | |
| *2025 Filings:* |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Louisiana | Louisiana | 12/2024 | $22304 | $1473 | $23777 | 07/01/2025 |
| Atmos Pipeline - Texas | Texas | 12/2024 | 77206 |  | 77206 | 06/17/2025 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Tennessee ARM | 09/2024 | 1432 |  | 1432 | 06/01/2025 |
| Mid-Tex | DARR | 09/2024 | 25916 |  | 25916 | 06/01/2025 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Kentucky PRP <sup>(1)</sup> | 09/2025 | 3248 |  | 3248 | 05/29/2025 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Kansas SIP | 12/2024 | 612 |  | 612 | 04/01/2025 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Colorado SSIR | 12/2025 | 1907 |  | 1907 | 01/01/2025 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Kansas GSRS | 09/2024 | 1998 |  | 1998 | 12/17/2024 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi - SIR | 10/2025 | 23995 |  | 23995 | 11/04/2024 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi - SRF | 10/2025 | 3800 | 15 | 3815 | 11/04/2024 |
| Mid-Tex | Mid-Tex Cities RRM | 12/2023 | 112144 | 645 | 112789 | 10/01/2024 |
| West Texas | West Texas Cities RRM | 12/2023 | 4414 | 122 | 4536 | 10/01/2024 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Virginia - SAVE | 09/2025 | 748 |  | 748 | 10/01/2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2025 Filings |  |  | $279724 | $2255 | $281979 |  |
| *2024 Filings:* |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Louisiana | Louisiana | 12/2023 | $35645 | $(11785) | $23860 | 07/01/2024 |
| Mid-Tex | ATM Cities | 12/2023 | 17104 |  | 17104 | 06/07/2024 |
| West Texas | Amarillo, Lubbock, Dalhart and Channing | 12/2023 | 7344 |  | 7344 | 06/07/2024 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Tennessee ARM | 09/2023 | 18570 | (4348) | 14222 | 06/01/2024 |
| Mid-Tex | DARR | 09/2023 | 37809 | (14782) | 23027 | 06/01/2024 |
| West Texas | Triangle | 12/2023 | 1300 |  | 1300 | 06/01/2024 |
| West Texas | Environs | 12/2023 | 1379 |  | 1379 | 06/01/2024 |
| Mid-Tex | Environs | 12/2023 | 8529 |  | 8529 | 06/01/2024 |
| Atmos Pipeline - Texas | Texas | 12/2023 | 82440 |  | 82440 | 05/14/2024 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Kansas SIP | 12/2023 | 708 |  | 708 | 04/01/2024 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Colorado SSIR | 12/2024 | 2017 |  | 2017 | 01/01/2024 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi - SIR | 10/2024 | 10969 |  | 10969 | 12/01/2023 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi - SRF | 10/2024 | 11539 | (472) | 11067 | 12/01/2023 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Kansas GSRS | 09/2023 | 1752 |  | 1752 | 11/02/2023 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Kentucky PRP | 09/2024 | 2906 |  | 2906 | 10/01/2023 |
| Mid-Tex | Mid-Tex Cities RRM | 12/2022 | 98585 | 185 | 98770 | 10/01/2023 |
| West Texas | West Texas Cities RRM | 12/2022 | 8594 | (112) | 8482 | 10/01/2023 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Virginia - SAVE | 09/2024 | 573 |  | 573 | 10/01/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2024 Filings |  |  | $347763 | $(31314) | $316449 |  |

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| *2023 Filings:* |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Louisiana | Louisiana | 12/2022 | $14466 | $17 | $14483 | 07/01/2023 |
| Mid-Tex | DARR <sup>(2)</sup> | 09/2022 | 17345 | 51 | 17396 | 06/14/2023 |
| Mid-Tex | ATM Cities | 12/2022 | 12825 |  | 12825 | 06/09/2023 |
| West Texas | Amarillo, Lubbock, Dalhart and Channing | 12/2023 | 6938 |  | 6938 | 06/09/2023 |
| West Texas | Triangle | 12/2022 | 717 |  | 717 | 06/01/2023 |
| West Texas | Environs | 12/2022 | 1332 |  | 1332 | 06/01/2023 |
| Mid-Tex | Environs | 12/2022 | 5983 |  | 5983 | 06/01/2023 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Tennessee ARM | 09/2022 | 14 | (1509) | (1495) | 06/01/2023 |
| Atmos Pipeline - Texas | Texas | 12/2022 | 84931 |  | 84931 | 05/17/2023 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Kansas SIP | 12/2022 | 772 |  | 772 | 04/01/2023 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Colorado SSIR | 12/2023 | 1971 |  | 1971 | 01/01/2023 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi - SIR | 10/2023 | 8560 |  | 8560 | 11/01/2022 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi - SRF | 10/2023 | 12188 | 778 | 12966 | 11/01/2022 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Kentucky PRP | 09/2023 | 1588 |  | 1588 | 10/02/2022 |
| Mid-Tex | Mid-Tex Cities RRM | 12/2021 | 81402 | (395) | 81007 | 10/01/2022 |
| West Texas | West Texas Cities RRM | 12/2021 | 7315 | (41) | 7274 | 10/01/2022 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Virginia - SAVE | 09/2023 | 477 |  | 477 | 10/01/2022 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2023 Filings |  |  | $258824 | $(1099) | $257725 |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On October 2, 2024, we implemented the PRP rates subject to refund; on May 29, 2025, the Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a final order approving the PRP filing.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rate increase for this filing was approved based on the effective date herein; however, the new rates were implemented beginning September 1, 2023.

***Rate Case Filings***

A rate case is a formal request from Atmos Energy to a regulatory authority to increase rates that are charged to customers. Rate cases may also be initiated when the regulatory authorities request us to justify our rates. This process is referred to as a "show cause" action. Adequate rates are intended to provide for recovery of the Company's costs as well as a reasonable rate of return to our shareholders and ensure that we continue to safely deliver reliable, reasonably priced natural gas service to our customers.

The following table summarizes our recent rate case activity during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Division** | **State** | **Increase in Annual Operating Income** | **EDIT Impact** | **Increase (Decrease) in Annual Operating Income Excluding EDIT** | **Effective Date** |
| | | | **(In thousands)** | | |
| *2025 Rate Case Filings:* |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mid-Tex ATM Cities | Texas | $4439 | $25 | $4464 | 08/01/2025 |
| Mid-Tex Environs | Texas | 2297 | (174) | 2123 | 08/01/2025 |
| West Texas Systemwide | Texas | 30615 | (4343) | 26272 | 06/01/2025 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Kentucky <sup>(1)</sup> | 16381 | (8484) | 7897 | 05/12/2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2025 Rate Case Filings |  | $53732 | $(12976) | $40756 |  |
| *2024 Rate Case Filings:* |  |  |  |  |  |
| Atmos Pipeline - Texas | Texas | $27024 | $(36921) | $(9897) | 12/13/2023 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | Virginia | 2434 | (939) | 1495 | 12/01/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2024 Rate Case Filings |  | $29458 | $(37860) | $(8402) |  |
| *2023 Rate Case Filings:* |  |  |  |  |  |
| Colorado-Kansas | Colorado | $913 | $(54) | $859 | 05/14/2023 |
| Colorado-Kansas | Kansas | 2027 | 6845 | 8872 | 05/09/2023 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total 2023 Rate Case Filings |  | $2940 | $6791 | $9731 |  |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On May 12, 2025, we implemented rates subject to refund; on August 11, 2025, the Kentucky Public Service Commission issued a final order.

**Other Regulation**

We are regulated by various state or local public utility authorities. We are also subject to regulation by the United States Department of Transportation with respect to safety requirements in the operation and maintenance of our transmission and distribution facilities. In addition, our operations are also subject to various state and federal laws regulating environmental matters. From time to time, we receive inquiries regarding various environmental matters. We believe that our properties and operations comply with, and are operated in conformity with, applicable safety and environmental statutes and regulations. There are no administrative or judicial proceedings arising under environmental quality statutes pending or known to be contemplated by governmental agencies which would have a material adverse effect on us or our operations. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation, develops and enforces regulations for the safe, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of the pipeline transportation system. The PHMSA pipeline safety statutes provide for states to assume safety authority over intrastate natural transmission and distribution gas pipelines. State pipeline safety programs are responsible for adopting and enforcing the federal and state pipeline safety regulations for intrastate natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) allows, pursuant to Section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA), gas transportation services through our APT assets "on behalf of" interstate pipelines or local distribution companies served by interstate pipelines, without subjecting these assets to the jurisdiction of the FERC under the NGPA. Additionally, the FERC has regulatory authority over the use and release of interstate pipeline and storage capacity. The FERC also has authority to detect and prevent market manipulation and to enforce compliance with FERC's other rules, policies, and orders by companies engaged in the sale, purchase, transportation, or storage of natural gas in interstate commerce. We have taken what we believe are the necessary and appropriate steps to comply with these regulations.

The SEC and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, pursuant to the Dodd–Frank Act, established numerous regulations relating to U.S. financial markets. We enacted procedures and modified existing business practices and contractual arrangements to comply with such regulations.

**Competition**

Although our regulated distribution operations are not currently in significant direct competition with any other distributors of natural gas to residential and commercial customers within our service areas, we do compete with other natural gas suppliers and suppliers of alternative fuels for sales to industrial customers. We compete in all aspects of our business with alternative energy sources, including, in particular, electricity. Electric utilities offer electricity as a rival energy source and compete for the space heating, water heating, and cooking markets. Promotional incentives, improved equipment efficiencies, and promotional rates all contribute to the acceptability of electrical equipment. The principal means to compete against

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alternative fuels is lower prices, and natural gas historically has maintained its price advantage in the residential, commercial, and industrial markets.

Our pipeline and storage operations have historically faced competition from other existing intrastate pipelines seeking to provide or arrange transportation, storage, and other services for customers. In the last few years, several new pipelines have been completed, which has increased the level of competition in this segment of our business.

**Employees**

The Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability, and Safety Committee of the Board of Directors oversees matters relating to equal employment opportunities, diversity, and inclusion; human workplace rights; employee health and safety; and the Company's vision, values, and culture. It oversees the Company's policies, practices, and procedures relating to sustainability to support the alignment of the Company's sustainability strategy with the Company's corporate strategy.

Part of our vision is to create a culture that respects and appreciates diversity. For this reason, we strive to have a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. At September 30, 2025, we had 5,487 employees. We monitor our workforce data on a calendar year basis. As of December 31, 2024, the last date for which information is available, 62 percent of our employees worked in field roles and 38 percent worked in support/shared services roles. None of our employees have chosen to work under a collective bargaining agreement.

![Workforce_Overall_Workforce_by_Gender_2025.jpg](ato-20250930_g1.jpg)![Workforce_Overall_Workforce_Ethnicity_2025.jpg](ato-20250930_g2.jpg)

To recruit and hire individuals with a variety of skills, talents, backgrounds, and experiences, we value and cultivate our strong relationships with various community and diversity outreach sources. We also target jobs fairs including those focused on minority, veteran, and women candidates and partner with local colleges and universities to identify and recruit qualified applicants in each of the cities and towns we serve. Finally, we believe we offer a competitive benefits program to help retain our employees.

![Workforce_RecentHires_Gender_2025.jpg](ato-20250930_g3.jpg)![Workforce_RecentHires_Ethnicity_2025.jpg](ato-20250930_g4.jpg)

We perform succession planning annually to ensure that we develop and sustain a strong bench of talent capable of performing at the highest levels. Not only is talent identified, but potential paths of development are discussed to ensure that employees have an opportunity to build their skills and are well-prepared for future roles. The strength of our succession planning process is evident through our long history of promoting most of our leaders from within the organization.

**Available Information**

Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other reports, and amendments to those reports, and other forms that we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at their website, *www.sec.gov*, are also available free of charge at our website, *www.investors.atmosenergy.com/financials/sec-filings/default.aspx*, as soon as reasonably practicable, after we electronically file these reports with, or furnish these reports to, the SEC. We will also provide copies of these reports free of charge upon request to Investor Relations at the address and telephone number appearing below:

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Investor Relations

Atmos Energy Corporation

P.O. Box 650205

Dallas, Texas 75265-0205

972-855-3729

**Corporate Governance**

In accordance with and pursuant to relevant related rules and regulations of the SEC as well as corporate governance-related listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the Board of Directors of the Company has established and periodically updated our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all directors, officers, and employees of the Company. In addition, in accordance with and pursuant to such NYSE listing standards, our Chief Executive Officer during fiscal 2025, John K. Akers, certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he was not aware of any violations by the Company of NYSE corporate governance listing standards. The Board of Directors also annually reviews and updates, if necessary, the charters for each of its Audit, Human Resources, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Corporate Responsibility, Sustainability, and Safety Committees. All of the foregoing documents are posted on our website at *www.atmosenergy.com/company/corporate-responsiblity-reports*. We will also provide copies of all corporate governance documents free of charge upon request to Investor Relations at the address listed above.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 1A.** | ***Risk Factors.*** |

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Our financial and operating results are subject to a number of risk factors, many of which are not within our control. Investors should carefully consider the following discussion of risk factors as well as other information appearing in this report. These factors include the following, which are organized by category:

***<u>Regulatory and Legislative Risks</u>***

***We are subject to federal, state, and local regulations that affect our operations and financial results.***

We are subject to safety and financial regulatory oversight from various federal, state, and local regulatory authorities in the eight states that we serve. Therefore, our returns are continuously monitored and are subject to challenge for their reasonableness by the appropriate regulatory authorities or other third-party intervenors. In the normal course of business, as a regulated entity, we often need to place assets in service and establish historical test periods before rate cases that seek to adjust our allowed returns to recover that investment can be filed. Further, the regulatory review process can be lengthy in the context of traditional ratemaking. Because of this process, we could suffer the negative financial effects of having placed assets in service without the benefit of rate relief, which is commonly referred to as "regulatory lag."

Regulatory authorities in the states we serve have approved various infrastructure and annual rate adjustment mechanisms to effectively reduce the regulatory lag inherent in the ratemaking process. Regulatory lag could significantly increase if the regulatory authorities modify or terminate these rate mechanisms. The regulatory process also involves the risk that regulatory authorities may (i) review our purchases of natural gas and adjust the amount of our gas costs that we pass through to our customers or (ii) limit or disallow the costs we may have incurred from our cost of service that can be recovered from customers.

We are also subject to laws, regulations, and other legal requirements enacted or adopted by federal, state, and local governmental authorities relating to protection of the environment and health and safety matters, including those that govern discharges of substances into the air and water, the management and disposal of hazardous substances and waste, the clean-up of contaminated sites, groundwater quality and availability, plant and wildlife protection, as well as work practices related to employee health and safety. Environmental legislation also requires that our facilities, sites, and other properties associated with our operations be operated, maintained, abandoned, and reclaimed to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities. Failure to comply with these laws, regulations, permits, and licenses may expose us to fines, penalties, or interruptions in our operations that could be significant to our financial results. In addition, existing environmental regulations may be revised or our operations may become subject to new regulations.

***Some of our operations are subject to increased federal regulatory oversight that could affect our operations and financial results.***

FERC has regulatory authority over some of our operations, including the use and release of interstate pipeline and storage capacity. FERC has adopted rules designed to prevent market power abuse and market manipulation and to promote compliance with FERC's other rules, policies, and orders by companies engaged in the sale, purchase, transportation, or storage of natural gas in interstate commerce. These rules carry increased penalties for violations. Although we have taken steps to structure current and future transactions to comply with applicable current FERC regulations, changes in FERC regulations or their

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interpretation by FERC or additional regulations issued by FERC in the future could also adversely affect our business, financial condition, or financial results.

***We may experience increased federal, state, and local regulation of the safety of our operations.***

The safety and protection of the public, our customers, and our employees is our top priority. We constantly monitor and maintain our pipeline and distribution systems to ensure that natural gas is delivered safely, reliably, and efficiently through our network of more than 81,000 miles of distribution and transmission lines. As in recent years, natural gas distribution and pipeline companies are continuing to encounter increasing federal, state, and local oversight of the safety of their operations. Although we believe these are costs ultimately recoverable through our rates, the costs of complying with new laws and regulations may have at least a short-term adverse impact on our operating costs and financial results.

***<u>Operational Risks</u>***

***We may incur significant costs and liabilities resulting from pipeline integrity and other similar programs and related repairs.***

PHMSA requires pipeline operators to develop integrity management programs to comprehensively evaluate certain areas along their pipelines and to take additional measures to protect pipeline segments located in "high consequence areas" where a leak or rupture could potentially do the most harm. As a pipeline operator, the Company is required to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• perform ongoing assessments of pipeline integrity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• identify and characterize applicable threats to pipeline segments that could impact a "high consequence area";

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• improve data collection, integration, and analysis;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• repair and remediate the pipeline as necessary; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• implement preventative and mitigating actions.

The Company incurs significant costs to comply with existing PHMSA and comparable state regulations. Although we believe these costs are ultimately recoverable through our rates, the costs of complying with new laws and regulations may have at least a short-term adverse impact on our operating costs and financial results. For example, the adoption of new regulations requiring more comprehensive or stringent safety standards could require installation of new or modified safety controls, new capital projects, or accelerated maintenance programs, all of which could require a potentially significant increase in operating costs.

***Distributing, transporting, and storing natural gas involve risks that may result in accidents and additional operating costs.***

Our operations involve a number of hazards and operating risks inherent in storing and transporting natural gas that could affect the public safety and reliability of our distribution system. While Atmos Energy, with the support from each of its regulatory commissions, is accelerating the replacement of pipeline infrastructure, operating issues such as leaks, accidents, equipment problems, and incidents, including explosions and fire, could result in legal liability, repair, and remediation costs, increased operating costs, significant increased capital expenditures, regulatory fines and penalties, and other costs and a loss of customer confidence. We maintain liability and property insurance coverage in place for many of these hazards and risks. However, because some of our transmission pipeline and storage facilities are near or are in populated areas, any loss of human life or adverse financial results resulting from such events could be large. If these events were not fully covered by our general liability and property insurance, which policies are subject to certain limits and deductibles, our operations or financial results could be adversely affected.

***If contracted gas supplies, interstate pipeline, and/or storage services are not available or delivered in a timely manner, our ability to meet our customers' natural gas requirements may be impaired and our financial condition may be adversely affected.***

In order to meet our customers' annual and seasonal natural gas demands, we must obtain a sufficient supply of natural gas, interstate pipeline capacity, and storage capacity. If we are unable to obtain these, either from our suppliers' inability to deliver the contracted commodity or the inability to secure replacement quantities, our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected. If a substantial disruption to or reduction in interstate natural gas pipelines' transmission and storage capacity occurred due to operational failures or disruptions, legislative or regulatory actions, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, extreme cold weather, terrorist or cyber-attacks, or acts of war, our operations or financial results could be adversely affected.

***Our operations are subject to increased competition.***

In residential and commercial customer markets, our distribution operations compete with other energy products, such as electricity and propane. Our primary product competition is with electricity for heating, water heating, and cooking. If customer

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growth slows or existing customers choose to conserve their use of gas or choose another energy product, reduced gas purchases and customer billings could adversely impact our business.

In the case of industrial customers, such as manufacturing plants, adverse economic conditions, including higher gas costs, could cause these customers to use alternative sources of energy, such as electricity, or bypass our systems in favor of special competitive contracts with lower per-unit costs. Our pipeline and storage operations historically have faced limited competition from other existing intrastate pipelines and gas marketers seeking to provide or arrange transportation, storage, and other services for customers. The completion of new pipelines in our service area may increase the competition in this segment of our business.

***Failure to attract and retain a qualified workforce could adversely affect our results of operations.***

The competition for talent has become increasingly intense. If we are unable to recruit and retain an appropriately qualified workforce, the Company could encounter operating challenges primarily due to a loss of institutional knowledge and expertise, errors due to inexperience, or the lengthy time period typically required to adequately train replacement personnel. In addition, higher costs could result from loss of productivity, increased safety compliance issues, or cost of contract labor.

Additionally, our ability to operate is contingent on maintaining a healthy workforce and a safe working environment. As a provider of essential services, we have an obligation to provide natural gas services to customers. Incidents that impact the health and availability of our workforce could threaten the continuity of our business operations.

***Natural disasters, adverse weather, terrorist activities, or other significant events could adversely affect our operations or financial results.***

Natural disasters and adverse weather are always a threat to our assets and operations. In addition, the threat of terrorist activities could lead to increased economic instability and volatility in the price of natural gas that could affect our operations. Also, companies in our industry may face a heightened risk of exposure to actual acts of terrorism, which could subject our operations to increased risks. As a result, the Company's contractors, suppliers, and other business partners may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations or the availability of insurance covering such risks may become more limited, which could increase the risk that an event could adversely affect our operations or financial results.

***<u>Technology and Cybersecurity Risks</u>***

***The failure of technology may hinder the Company's business operations and adversely affect its financial condition and results of operations.***

The Company uses Company-owned information technology and technology hosted by third parties to support critical functions including scheduling and dispatching of service technicians, automated meter reading systems, customer care and billing, operational plant logistics, management reporting, and external financial reporting. The failure of these or other similarly important technologies, or the Company's inability to have these technologies supported, updated, expanded, or integrated into other technologies, could hinder its business operations and adversely impact its financial condition and results of operations.

Although the Company has, when possible, developed alternative sources of technology and built redundancy into its computer networks and tools, there can be no assurance that these efforts would protect against all potential issues related to the loss of any such technologies.

***Cyber-attacks or acts of cyber-terrorism could disrupt our business operations and information technology systems or result in the loss or exposure of confidential or sensitive customer, employee or Company information.***

Our business operations and information technology systems may be vulnerable to an attack by individuals or organizations intending to disrupt our business operations and information technology systems. Disruption of those systems could adversely impact our ability to safely deliver natural gas to our customers, operate our pipeline and storage systems, or serve our customers timely. Further, any attack on our technology systems that would result in the unauthorized release of confidential or sensitive data could have a material adverse effect on our business reputation, increase our costs, and expose us to material legal claims and liability. The Company has implemented policies, procedures, and controls to identify, protect, detect, and respond to cyberattacks or acts of terrorism. However, these measures may be insufficient or become ineffective, and there are no assurances that cybersecurity breaches or acts of terrorism will not impact our business operations and strategy, results of operations, and financial condition in the future. Even though we have insurance coverage in place for many of these cyber-related risks, if such an attack or act of terrorism were to occur, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected to the extent not fully covered by such insurance coverage.

***Compliance with and changes in cybersecurity requirements have a cost and operational impact on our business, and failure to comply with such laws and regulations could adversely impact our reputation, results of operations, financial condition, and/or cash flows.***

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As cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated, U.S. government warnings have indicated that critical infrastructure assets, including pipeline infrastructure, may be specifically targeted by certain groups. In recent years, the U.S. government has issued directives that require critical pipeline owners to comply with mandatory reporting measures, designate a cybersecurity coordinator, provide vulnerability assessments, and ensure compliance with certain cybersecurity requirements. Such directives or other requirements may require expenditure of significant additional resources to respond to cyber-attacks, to continue to modify or enhance protective measures, or to assess, investigate, and remediate any critical infrastructure security vulnerabilities. Any failure to comply with such government regulations or failure in our cybersecurity protective measures may result in enforcement actions that may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, there is no certainty that costs incurred related to securing against threats will be recovered through rates.

***<u>Climate Risks</u>***

***Adverse weather conditions could affect our operations or financial results.***

We have weather-normalized rates for approximately 97 percent of our residential and commercial revenues in our distribution operations, which substantially mitigates the adverse effects of warmer-than-normal weather for meters in those service areas. However, there is no assurance that we will continue to receive such regulatory protection from adverse weather in our rates in the future. The loss of such weather-normalized rates could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial results. In addition, our operating results may continue to vary somewhat with the actual temperatures during the winter heating season. Additionally, sustained cold weather could challenge our ability to adequately meet customer demand in our operations.

***Legislation to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions or fossil fuels could increase our operating costs, adversely affecting our financial results, growth, cash flows, and results of operations.***

Six of the eight states in which we operate have passed legislation to prevent local governments from limiting the types of energy available to customers. However, federal, regional, and/or state legislative and/or regulatory initiatives may attempt to control or limit greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, by requiring the adoption of new infrastructure or technology to limit greenhouse gas emissions, limiting our ability to serve new or existing customers, imposing costs or restrictions on end users of natural gas, or assessing additional charges to fund energy efficiency activities. Such laws or regulations could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and cash flows if the costs we incur to comply with these laws or regulations are not recovered or if the cost of providing natural gas services becomes prohibitively expensive, leading to a reduction in the demand for natural gas or fuel-switching to alternate sources of energy.

***The operations and financial results of the Company could be adversely impacted as a result of climate change.***

Climate change may result in a reduction in the demand for natural gas or cause shifts in the population of our service territories which could adversely impact the economic outlook for our service territories. These occurrences could adversely impact our financial results, growth, cash flows, and results of operations.

It could also result in more frequent and more severe weather events, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, which could increase our costs to repair damaged facilities and restore service to our customers or impact the cost of gas. If we were unable to deliver natural gas to our customers, our financial results would be impacted by lost revenues, and we generally would have to seek approval from regulators to recover restoration costs. To the extent we would be unable to recover those costs, or if higher rates resulting from our recovery of such costs would result in reduced demand for our services, our future business, financial condition, or financial results could be adversely impacted.

***<u>Financial, Economic, and Market Risks</u>***

***Our growth in the future may be limited by the nature of our business, which requires extensive capital spending.***

Our operations are capital-intensive. We must make significant capital expenditures on a long-term basis to modernize our distribution and transmission system and to comply with the safety rules and regulations issued by the regulatory authorities responsible for the service areas we operate. In addition, we must continually build new capacity to serve the growing needs of the communities we serve. The magnitude of these expenditures may be affected by a number of factors, including new policy and regulations, and the general state of the economy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The liquidity required to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, and other cash needs is provided from a combination of internally generated cash flows and external debt and equity financing. The cost and availability of borrowing funds from third party lenders or issuing equity is dependent on the liquidity of the credit markets, interest rates and other market conditions. This in turn may limit the amount of funds we can invest in our infrastructure.

***The Company is dependent on continued access to the credit and capital markets to execute our business strategy.***

Our long-term debt is currently rated as "investment grade" by Standard & Poor's Corporation and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Similar to most companies, we rely upon access to both short-term and long-term credit and capital markets to

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satisfy our liquidity requirements. If adverse credit conditions were to cause a significant limitation on our access to the private credit and public capital markets, we could see a reduction in our liquidity. A significant reduction in our liquidity could in turn trigger a negative change in our ratings outlook or even a reduction in our credit ratings by one or more of the credit rating agencies. Such a downgrade could further limit our access to private credit and/or public capital markets and increase our costs of borrowing.

While we believe we can meet our capital requirements from our operations and the sources of financing available to us, we can provide no assurance that we will continue to be able to do so in the future. The future effects on our business, liquidity, and financial results of a deterioration of current conditions in the credit and capital markets could be material and adverse to us, both in the ways described above or in other ways that we do not currently anticipate.

***We are exposed to market risks that are beyond our control, which could adversely affect our financial results.***

We are subject to market risks beyond our control, including (i) commodity price volatility caused by market supply and demand dynamics, counterparty performance, or counterparty creditworthiness and (ii) interest rate risk. We are generally insulated from commodity price risk through our purchased gas cost mechanisms. With respect to interest rate risk, increases in interest rates could adversely affect our future financial results to the extent that we do not recover our actual interest expense in our rates.

***The concentration of our operations in the State of Texas exposes our operations and financial results to economic conditions, weather patterns, and regulatory decisions in Texas.***

Approximately 75 percent of our consolidated operations are located in the State of Texas. This concentration of our business in Texas means that our operations and financial results may be significantly affected by changes in the Texas economy in general, weather patterns, and regulatory decisions by state and local regulatory authorities in Texas.

***A deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect our customers and negatively impact our financial results.***

Any adverse changes in economic conditions in the states in which we operate could adversely affect the financial resources of many domestic households. As a result, our customers could seek to use less gas and it may be more difficult for them to pay their gas bills. This would likely lead to slower collections and higher than normal levels of accounts receivable. This, in turn, could increase our financing requirements. Additionally, should economic conditions deteriorate, our industrial customers could seek alternative energy sources, which could result in lower transportation volumes.

***Increased gas costs could adversely impact our customer base and customer collections and increase our level of indebtedness.***

Rapid increases in the costs of purchased gas would cause us to experience a significant increase in short-term or long-term debt. We must pay suppliers for gas when it is purchased, which can be significantly in advance of when these costs may be recovered through the collection of monthly customer bills for gas delivered. Increases in purchased gas costs also slow our natural gas distribution collections as customers may delay the payment of their gas bills, leading to higher than normal accounts receivable. This could result in higher short-term debt levels, greater collection efforts, and increased bad debt expense.

***Our pension and other postretirement benefit plans are subject to investment and interest rate risk that could negatively impact our financial condition.***

We have pension and other postretirement benefit plans that provide benefits to many of our employees and retirees. Costs of providing benefits and related- funding requirements of these plans are subject to changes in the market value of the assets that fund the plans. The funded status of the plans and the related costs reflected in the Company's financial statements are affected by various factors, which are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty, including economic conditions, financial market performance, interest rates, life expectancies, and demographics. Poor investment returns or lower interest rates may necessitate accelerated funding of the plans to meet minimum federal government requirements, which could have an adverse impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations if such costs are not ultimately recoverable.

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| **ITEM 1B.** | ***Unresolved Staff Comments.*** |

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Not applicable.

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| **ITEM 1C.** | ***Cybersecurity.*** |

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We continuously assess our risk of cyber threats to adapt quickly to the ever-changing challenges and risks surrounding cybersecurity. Atmos Energy has implemented policies, procedures, and controls to identify, protect, detect, and respond to

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cyberattacks or acts of online terrorism. Atmos Energy is also subject to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security directive for our natural gas pipeline monitoring and control systems.

The potential impact of cybersecurity risks on our business operations, results of operations, or financial condition is discussed in the "Technology and Cybersecurity Risks" section of Item 1A "Risk Factors." We have not had any material cybersecurity breaches or incidents and have not incurred any material expenses, penalties, or settlement costs related to any cybersecurity breaches or incidents. However, measures that we take to identify, protect, detect, and respond from cybersecurity breaches or incidents may be insufficient or become ineffective, and there are no assurances that cybersecurity breaches or incidents will not impact our business operations and strategy, results of operations, and financial condition in the future.

The following describes our risk management and strategy and corporate governance as it pertains to cybersecurity.

**Risk Management and Strategy**

Atmos Energy's cybersecurity program leverages the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) in its design of controls intended to reduce the risk and potential impact of cybersecurity incidents. This comprehensive approach encompasses continuous monitoring, risk assessments, a cybersecurity incident response plan, and regular evaluations to align our practices with industry standards. Additionally, we actively engage in cybersecurity risk management practices and continually improve procedures and practices to support the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to our customers.

The identification and management of cybersecurity risk is a component of our Integrated Risk Management process, which applies adaptive process improvement to help us respond to the changing cybersecurity landscape. Additionally, we use third parties to enhance our collective capability to monitor, detect, and respond to cybersecurity incidents. Further, we maintain collaborative relationships with government officials, law enforcement, and industry peers to keep informed of trends and potential cyber tactics. Finally, we maintain cybersecurity insurance coverage that we believe is appropriate for the size and complexity of our business.

We have an information technology cybersecurity incident response plan to manage cybersecurity incidents. The plan provides guidelines for actions in response to cyber security incidents that may occur at or otherwise affect Atmos Energy. These guidelines include notification to a cross-functional management team to assess incident materiality and an escalation process to members of our senior management team and our Board of Directors. This plan, which is periodically reviewed and tested, is supported by third parties to provide guidance and support to our cybersecurity management team.

We also address cybersecurity risks associated with third-party service providers, including those in our supply chain or who have access to our data or our information technology systems. Atmos Energy currently conducts cyber assessments on potential vendors that will have access to information technology systems, data or facilities that house such systems or data. Following approval, those vendors are contractually required to manage their cybersecurity risks and provide notification in the event of a cybersecurity incident.

**Governance**

Our Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO), who has over two decades of experience in information technology, is responsible for overseeing our cybersecurity program. The CIO oversees an IT Information security team responsible for our overall cybersecurity program. This team is comprised of several IT professionals with varying degrees of cybersecurity experience and is led by our Director – Cybersecurity who has over 30 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity. The Director – Cybersecurity reports to the CIO, who reports to the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

The CIO is a member of the Company's Risk Management and Compliance Committee (RMCC). The RMCC is comprised of members from the senior leadership team and is responsible for overseeing enterprise-wide risk management across all categories, including cybersecurity. The RMCC is overseen by the Company's Management Committee, which is comprised of the President and Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Senior Vice President, Utility Operations, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, and Senior Advisor. The CIO provides regular cybersecurity updates to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Management Committee. These updates address prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents, as well as risks, threats, and the threat landscape.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the company's cybersecurity risks. Additionally, our Board of Directors periodically engages with third-party advisors to provide further education about cybersecurity risks.

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| **ITEM 2.** | ***Properties.*** |

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To manage the integrity and safety of our natural gas distribution and transmission systems, consistent with PHMSA regulations, we have integrity management programs that integrate information sources and data, identify risks to infrastructure integrity, rank risks, and designate measures and actions to reduce or mitigate risks as appropriate. These programs take into consideration numerous input factors and no single factor is determinative in our decision to take mitigative actions on our distribution or transmission pipeline systems. Based upon these programs, along with the oversight of state regulators responsible for adopting and enforcing the federal pipeline safety regulations, we believe that our distribution and transmission pipeline systems are suitable and adequate for our purposes.

**Distribution, transmission, and related assets**

In our distribution segment, we owned an aggregate of approximately 76,000 miles of underground distribution and transmission mains throughout our distribution systems. These mains are located on easements or rights-of-way. We maintain our mains through a program of continuous inspection and repair and believe that our system of mains is in good condition. Through our pipeline and storage segment we owned approximately 5,700 miles of gas transmission lines.

**Storage Assets**

We own underground gas storage facilities in several states to supplement the supply of natural gas in periods of peak demand. The following table summarizes certain information regarding our underground gas storage facilities at September 30, 2025:

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **State** | **Working Capacity<br>(Mcf)** | **Base Gas**<br>**(Mcf)**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Total<br>Capacity<br>(Mcf)** | **Maximum<br>Daily Delivery<br>Capability<br>(Mcf)** |
| *Distribution Segment* |  |  |  |  |
| Kentucky | 7956991 | 9562283 | 17519274 | 151719 |
| Kansas | 3239000 | 2300000 | 5539000 | 32000 |
| Mississippi | 1907571 | 2442917 | 4350488 | 29136 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Total* | 13103562 | 14305200 | 27408762 | 212855 |
| *Pipeline and Storage Segment*  |  |  |  |  |
| Texas | 52761317 | 20155025 | 72916342 | 1653000 |
| Louisiana | 411040 | 256900 | 667940 | 56000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Total* | 53172357 | 20411925 | 73584282 | 1709000 |
| Total | 66275919 | 34717125 | 100993044 | 1921855 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Base gas represents the volume of gas that must be retained in a facility to maintain reservoir pressure.

Additionally, we contract for storage service in underground storage facilities on many of the interstate and intrastate pipelines serving us to supplement our proprietary storage capacity. The following table summarizes our contracted storage capacity at September 30, 2025:

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Segment** | **Division/Company** | **Maximum<br>Storage<br>Quantity<br>(MMBtu)** | **Maximum**<br>**Daily**<br>**Withdrawal**<br>**Quantity**<br>**(Mcf)**<sup>(1)</sup> |
| *Distribution Segment* |  |  |  |
|  | Colorado-Kansas Division | 7343728 | 157692 |
|  | Kentucky/Mid-States Division | 11699976 | 281320 |
|  | Louisiana Division | 2594875 | 177765 |
|  | Mid-Tex Division | 46771428 | 1260000 |
|  | Mississippi Division | 5799536 | 222764 |
|  | West Texas Division | 6500000 | 246000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Total* | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Total* | 80709543 | 2345541 |
| *Pipeline and Storage Segment* | *Pipeline and Storage Segment* |  |  |
|  | Trans Louisiana Gas Pipeline, Inc. | 1500000 | 71250 |
| Total Contracted Storage Capacity | Total Contracted Storage Capacity | 82209543 | 2416791 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Maximum daily withdrawal quantity (MDWQ) amounts will fluctuate depending upon the season and the month. Unless otherwise noted, MDWQ amounts represent the MDWQ amounts as of November 1, which is the beginning of the winter heating season.

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| **ITEM 3.** | ***Legal Proceedings.*** |

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See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, which is incorporated in this Item 3 by reference.

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| **ITEM 4.** | ***Mine Safety Disclosures.*** |

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Not applicable.

**PART II**

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| **ITEM 5.** | ***Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.*** |

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Our stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "ATO." The dividends paid per share of our common stock was $3.48 for fiscal 2025.

Dividends are payable at the discretion of our Board of Directors out of legally available funds. The Board of Directors typically declares dividends in the same fiscal quarter in which they are paid. As of October 31, 2025, there were 8,446 holders of record of our common stock. Future payments of dividends, and the amounts of these dividends, will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and other factors. We sold no securities during fiscal 2025 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

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**Performance Graph**

The performance graph and table below compares the yearly percentage change in our total return to shareholders for the last five fiscal years with the total return of the S&P 500 Stock Index (S&P 500) and the total return of the S&P 500 Utilities Industry Index. The graph and table below assume that $100.00 was invested on September 30, 2020 in our common stock, the S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Utilities Industry Index, as well as a reinvestment of dividends paid on such investments throughout the period.

**Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return**

**among Atmos Energy Corporation, S&P 500 Index and**

**S&P 500 Utilities Industry Index**

![1391](ato-20250930_g5.jpg)

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Cumulative Total Return** | **Cumulative Total Return** | **Cumulative Total Return** | **Cumulative Total Return** | **Cumulative Total Return** | **Cumulative Total Return** |
| | **9/30/2020** | **9/30/2021** | **9/30/2022** | **9/30/2023** | **9/30/2024** | **9/30/2025** |
| Atmos Energy Corporation | 100.00 | 94.68 | 112.14 | 119.61 | 161.00 | 202.67 |
| S&P 500 Stock Index | 100.00 | 130.01 | 109.89 | 133.65 | 182.23 | 214.30 |
| S&P 500 Utilities Stock Index | 100.00 | 111.01 | 117.20 | 108.98 | 154.55 | 171.86 |

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The following table sets forth the number of securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans at September 30, 2025.

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|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Number of<br>securities to be issued<br>upon exercise of<br>outstanding options, warrants and rights** | | **Weighted-average<br>exercise price of<br>outstanding options,<br>warrants and rights** | **Number of securities remaining<br>available for future issuance<br>under equity compensation<br>plans (excluding securities<br>reflected in column (a))** |
| | **(a)** | | **(b)** | **(c)** |
| **Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:** | | | | |
| 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan | 703176 | (1) | $— | 2166340 |
| **Total equity compensation plans approved by security holders** | 703176 |  |  | 2166340 |
| **Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders** |  |  |  |  |
| **Total** | 703176 |  | $— | 2166340 |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Comprised of a total of 229,681 time-lapse restricted stock units, 151,684 director share units, and 321,811 performance-based restricted stock units at the target level of performance granted under our 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

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| **ITEM 6.** | ***Reserved.*** |

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|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 7.** | ***Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.*** |

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**INTRODUCTION**

This section provides management's discussion of the financial condition, changes in financial condition, and results of operations of Atmos Energy Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries with specific information on results of operations and liquidity and capital resources. It includes management's interpretation of our financial results, the factors affecting these results, the major factors expected to affect future operating results, and future investment and financing plans. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

Several factors exist that could influence our future financial performance, some of which are described in Item 1A above, "Risk Factors". They should be considered in connection with evaluating forward-looking statements contained in this report or otherwise made by or on behalf of us since these factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those set out in such forward-looking statements.

***Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the Safe Harbor under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995***

The statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this Report are forward-looking statements made in good faith by us and are intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this Report, or any other of our documents or oral presentations, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "goal", "intend", "objective", "plan", "projection", "seek", "strategy", or similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements relating to our strategy, operations, markets, services, rates, recovery of costs, availability of gas supply, and other factors. These risks and uncertainties include the following: federal, state, and local regulatory and political trends and decisions, including the impact of rate proceedings before various state regulatory commissions; increased federal regulatory oversight and potential penalties; possible increased federal, state, and local regulation of the safety of our operations; possible significant costs and liabilities resulting from pipeline integrity and other similar programs and related repairs; the inherent hazards and risks involved in distributing, transporting, and storing natural gas; the availability and accessibility of contracted gas supplies, interstate pipeline, and/or storage services; increased competition from energy suppliers and alternative forms of energy; failure to attract and retain a qualified workforce; natural disasters, adverse weather, terrorist activities, or other events and other risks and uncertainties discussed herein, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control; failure of technology that affects the Company's business operations; the threat of cyber-attacks or acts of cyber-terrorism that could disrupt our business operations and information technology systems or result in the loss or exposure of confidential or sensitive customer, employee, or Company information; the impact of new cybersecurity compliance requirements; adverse weather conditions; the impact of legislation to

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reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions or fossil fuels; the impact of climate change; the capital-intensive nature of our business; our ability to continue to access the credit and capital markets to execute our business strategy; market risks beyond our control affecting our risk management activities, including commodity price volatility, counterparty performance or creditworthiness, and interest rate risk; the concentration of our operations in Texas; the impact of adverse economic conditions on our customers; changes in the availability and price of natural gas; and increased costs of providing health care benefits, along with pension and postretirement health care benefits and increased funding requirements. Accordingly, while we believe these forward-looking statements to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will approximate actual experience or that the expectations derived from them will be realized. Further, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

**OVERVIEW**

Atmos Energy's vision is to be the safest provider of natural gas services. Our commitment to this vision requires significant levels of capital spending to modernize our natural gas distribution system and operating costs to deliver natural gas safely and reliably and in compliance with the various safety regulations impacting our business. We have the ability to begin recovering a significant portion of our expenditures timely through rate designs and mechanisms that reduce or eliminate regulatory lag and separate the recovery of our approved rate from customer usage patterns. The execution of our capital spending program, the ability to recover these expenditures timely and our ability to access the capital markets to satisfy our financing needs are the primary drivers that affect our financial performance.

We anticipate making significant capital expenditures for the foreseeable future to modernize our distribution and transmission system, to comply with the safety rules and regulations issued by the regulatory authorities responsible for the service areas in which we operate, and to prepare to serve the growing needs of the communities we serve. Between fiscal years 2026 and 2030, we anticipate spending approximately $26 billion, with more than 80 percent dedicated to safety and reliability spending. The magnitude and allocation of these expenditures may be affected by factors such as new policy and regulations, population growth, and increased labor and materials costs. Although we believe these costs are ultimately recoverable through our rates based on the regulatory frameworks currently available to us, full recovery is not assured.

**CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES**

Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses and the related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from estimates.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies discussed below are both important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations and require management to make difficult, subjective, or complex accounting estimates. Accordingly, these critical accounting policies are reviewed periodically by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Critical <br>Accounting Policy** | **Summary of Policy** | **Factors Influencing Application of the Policy** |
| ***Regulation*** | Our distribution and pipeline operations meet the criteria of a cost-based, rate-regulated entity under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Accordingly, the financial results for these operations reflect the effects of the ratemaking and accounting practices and policies of the various regulatory commissions to which we are subject.<br>As a result, certain costs that would normally be expensed under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States are permitted to be capitalized or deferred on the balance sheet because it is probable they can be recovered through rates. Further, regulation may impact the period in which revenues or expenses are recognized. The amounts expected to be recovered or recognized are based upon historical experience and our understanding of the regulations.<br>Discontinuing the application of this method of accounting for regulatory assets and liabilities or changes in the accounting for our various regulatory mechanisms could significantly increase our operating expenses as fewer costs would likely be capitalized or deferred on the balance sheet, which could reduce our net income. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decisions of regulatory authorities<br>Issuance of new regulations or regulatory mechanisms<br>Assessing that the recoverability of deferred costs and utility assets is probable<br>Continuing to meet the criteria of a cost-based, rate regulated entity for accounting purposes |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Critical <br>Accounting Policy** | **Summary of Policy** | **Factors Influencing Application of the Policy** |
| ***Pension and other postretirement plans*** | Pension and other postretirement plan costs and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis using a September 30 measurement date and are affected by numerous assumptions and estimates including the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets, assumed discount rates, and current demographic and actuarial mortality data. The assumed discount rate and the expected return are the assumptions that generally have the most significant impact on our pension costs and liabilities. The assumed discount rate, the assumed health care cost trend rate, and assumed rates of retirement generally have the most significant impact on our postretirement plan costs and liabilities.<br>The discount rate is utilized principally in calculating the actuarial present value of our pension and postretirement obligations and net periodic pension and postretirement benefit plan costs. When establishing our discount rate, we consider high quality corporate bond rates based on bonds available in the marketplace that are suitable for settling the obligations, changes in those rates from the prior year, and the implied discount rate that is derived from matching our projected benefit disbursements with currently available high quality corporate bonds.<br>The expected long-term rate of return on assets is utilized in calculating the expected return on plan assets component of our annual pension and postretirement plan costs. We estimate the expected return on plan assets by evaluating expected bond returns, equity risk premiums, asset allocations, the effects of active plan management, the impact of periodic plan asset rebalancing, and historical performance. We also consider the guidance from our investment advisors in making a final determination of our expected rate of return on assets. To the extent the actual rate of return on assets realized over the course of a year is greater than or less than the assumed rate, that year's annual pension or postretirement plan costs are not affected. Rather, this gain or loss reduces or increases future pension or postretirement plan costs over a period of approximately ten to twelve years.<br>The market-related value of our plan assets represents the fair market value of the plan assets, adjusted to smooth out short-term market fluctuations over a five-year period. The use of this methodology will delay the impact of current market fluctuations on the pension expense for the period.<br>We estimate the assumed health care cost trend rate used in determining our postretirement net expense based upon our actual health care cost experience, the effects of recently enacted legislation and general economic conditions. Our assumed rate of retirement is estimated based upon our annual review of our participant census information as of the measurement date. | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General economic and market conditions<br>Assumed investment returns by asset class<br>Assumed future salary increases<br>Assumed discount rate<br>Projected timing of future cash disbursements<br>Health care cost experience trends<br>Participant demographic information<br>Actuarial mortality assumptions<br>Impact of legislation<br>Impact of regulation |

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**RESULTS OF OPERATIONS**

The following table details our consolidated net income by segment during the last three fiscal years:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Distribution segment | $746781 | $671413 | $580397 |
| Pipeline and storage segment | 451973 | 371482 | 305465 |
| Net income | $1198754 | $1042895 | $885862 |

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During fiscal 2025, we recorded net income of $1,198.8 million, or $7.46 per diluted share, compared to net income of $1,042.9 million, or $6.83 per diluted share in the prior year. The year-over-year increase in net income of $155.9 million largely reflects positive rate outcomes driven by safety and reliability spending. Additionally, our fiscal 2025 results were

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favorably impacted by $26.2 million as a result of Texas legislation that became effective during the third quarter of fiscal 2025 related to infrastructure spending. These increases were partially offset by higher bad debt expense, increased employee-related costs, depreciation and property tax expenses, and higher spending on safety and compliance related activities.

During the year ended September 30, 2025, we implemented ratemaking regulatory actions which resulted in an increase in annual operating income of $333.6 million. Excluding the impact of the refund of excess deferred income taxes resulting from previously enacted tax reform legislation, our total fiscal 2025 rate outcomes were $322.8 million. Additionally, we had ratemaking efforts in progress at September 30, 2025, seeking a total increase in annual operating income of $231.1 million.

During fiscal year 2025, we refunded $78.8 million in excess deferred tax liabilities to customers. These refunds also reduced our income tax expense, resulting in an immaterial impact to our fiscal 2025 and 2024 results.

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 were $3.6 billion. Approximately 87 percent was invested to improve the safety and reliability of our distribution and transportation systems, with a significant portion of this investment incurred under regulatory mechanisms that reduce regulatory lag to six months or less.

During fiscal 2025, we completed approximately $1.8 billion of long-term debt and equity financing. As of September 30, 2025, our equity capitalization was 60.3 percent. As of September 30, 2025, we had approximately $4.9 billion in total liquidity, consisting of $202.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $1,558.5 million in funds available through equity forward sales agreements, and $3,094.4 million in undrawn capacity under our credit facilities.

***Distribution Segment***

The distribution segment is comprised of our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states. The primary factors that impact the results of our distribution operations are our ability to earn our authorized rates of return, competitive factors in the energy industry, and economic conditions in our service areas.

Our ability to earn our authorized rates is based primarily on our ability to improve the rate design in our various ratemaking jurisdictions to minimize regulatory lag and, ultimately, separate the recovery of our approved rates from customer usage patterns. Improving rate design is a long-term process and is further complicated by the fact that we operate in multiple rate jurisdictions. The "Ratemaking Activity" section of this Form 10-K describes our current rate strategy, progress towards implementing that strategy, and recent ratemaking initiatives in more detail. During fiscal 2025, we completed regulatory proceedings in our distribution segment resulting in a $256.4 million increase in annual operating income. Excluding the impact of the refund of excess deferred income taxes resulting from previously enacted tax reform legislation, our total fiscal 2025 annualized rate outcomes in our distribution segment were $245.6 million.

Our distribution operations are also affected by the cost of natural gas. We are generally able to pass the cost of gas through to our customers without markup under purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms; therefore, increases in the cost of gas are offset by a corresponding increase in revenues. Revenues in our Texas and Mississippi service areas include franchise fees and gross receipts taxes, which are calculated as a percentage of revenue (inclusive of gas costs). Therefore, the amount of these taxes included in revenues is influenced by the cost of gas and the level of gas sales volumes. We record the associated tax expense as a component of taxes, other than income.

The cost of gas typically does not have a direct impact on our operating income because these costs are recovered through our purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms. However, higher gas costs may adversely impact our accounts receivable collections, resulting in higher bad debt expense. This risk is currently mitigated by rate design that allows us to collect from our customers the gas cost portion of our bad debt expense on approximately 89 percent of our residential and commercial revenues. Additionally, higher gas costs may require us to increase borrowings under our credit facilities, resulting in higher interest expense. Finally, higher gas costs, as well as competitive factors in the industry and general economic conditions may cause customers to conserve or, in the case of industrial consumers, to use alternative energy sources.

*Review of Financial and Operating Results*

Financial and operational highlights for our distribution segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 are presented below.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 vs. 2024** | **2024 vs. 2023** |
| | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** |
| Operating revenues | $4425397 | $3915141 | $4099690 | $510256 | $(184549) |
| Purchased gas cost | 1854323 | 1620515 | 2061920 | 233808 | (441405) |
| Operating expenses | 1607684 | 1440192 | 1345144 | 167492 | 95048 |
| **Operating income** | 963390 | 854434 | 692626 | 108956 | 161808 |
| Other non-operating income | 33578 | 30106 | 24988 | 3472 | 5118 |
| Interest charges | 99226 | 117086 | 77185 | (17860) | 39901 |
| **Income before income taxes** | 897742 | 767454 | 640429 | 130288 | 127025 |
| Income tax expense | 150961 | 96041 | 60032 | 54920 | 36009 |
| **Net income** | $746781 | $671413 | $580397 | $75368 | $91016 |
| Consolidated distribution sales volumes — MMcf | 289065 | 283977 | 289948 | 5088 | (5971) |
| Consolidated distribution transportation volumes — MMcf | 156859 | 156389 | 152963 | 470 | 3426 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total consolidated distribution throughput — MMcf | 445924 | 440366 | 442911 | 5558 | (2545) |
| Consolidated distribution average cost of gas per Mcf sold | $6.41 | $5.71 | $7.11 | $0.70 | $(1.40) |

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**Fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 compared with fiscal year ended September 30, 2024** 

Operating income for our distribution segment increased 12.8 percent. Key drivers for the change in operating income include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $184.1 million increase in rate adjustments, primarily in our Mid-Tex Division.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $26.7 million increase related to residential customer growth, primarily in our Mid-Tex Division, and increased industrial load.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $46.3 million decrease in refunds of excess deferred taxes to customers, which is substantially offset in income tax expense.

Partially offset by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $78.0 million increase in depreciation expense and property taxes associated with increased capital investments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $32.6 million increase in employee-related costs primarily due to an increase in headcount to support company growth.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an $18.6 million increase in system monitoring, line locating, and other compliance-related activities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $17.8 million increase in bad debt expense due to a regulatory change in Mississippi in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 which significantly reduced bad debt expense in fiscal 2024, as discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

Additionally, our distribution segment's fiscal 2025 results were favorably impacted by $18.5 million as a result of Texas legislation that became effective during the third quarter of fiscal 2025 related to infrastructure spending.

The fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 compared with fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 for our distribution segment is described in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

The following table shows our operating income by distribution division, in order of total rate base, for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023. The presentation of our distribution operating income is included for financial reporting purposes and may not be appropriate for ratemaking purposes.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 vs. 2024** | **2024 vs. 2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Mid-Tex | $532570 | $464616 | $345545 | $67954 | $119071 |
| Kentucky/Mid-States | 112894 | 90601 | 87258 | 22293 | 3343 |
| Louisiana | 109268 | 94362 | 80942 | 14906 | 13420 |
| West Texas | 73138 | 72929 | 62351 | 209 | 10578 |
| Mississippi | 94654 | 97512 | 78517 | (2858) | 18995 |
| Colorado-Kansas | 37341 | 42816 | 40674 | (5475) | 2142 |
| Other | 3525 | (8402) | (2661) | 11927 | (5741) |
| Total | $963390 | $854434 | $692626 | $108956 | $161808 |

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***Pipeline and Storage Segment***

Our pipeline and storage segment consists of the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline–Texas Division (APT) and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana. APT is one of the largest intrastate pipeline operations in Texas with a heavy concentration in the established natural gas producing areas of central, northern, and eastern Texas, extending into or near the major producing areas of the Barnett Shale, the Texas Gulf Coast, and the Permian Basin of West Texas. APT provides transportation and storage services to our Mid-Tex Division, other third-party local distribution companies, industrial, and electric generation customers, as well as marketers and producers. Over 80 percent of this segment's revenues are derived from these APT services. These revenues are subject to traditional ratemaking governed by the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC). As part of its pipeline operations, APT owns and operates five underground storage facilities in Texas.

Our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana are comprised of a 21-mile pipeline located in the New Orleans, Louisiana area that is primarily used to aggregate gas supply for our distribution division in Louisiana under a long-term contract and, on a more limited basis, to third parties. The demand fee charged to our Louisiana distribution division for these services is subject to regulatory approval by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. We also manage two asset management plans, which have been approved by applicable state regulatory commissions. Generally, these asset management plans require us to share with our distribution customers a significant portion of the cost savings earned from these arrangements.

Our pipeline and storage segment is impacted by seasonal weather patterns, competitive factors in the energy industry, and economic conditions in our Texas and Louisiana service areas. Natural gas prices do not directly impact the results of this segment as revenues are derived from the transportation and storage of natural gas. However, natural gas prices and demand for natural gas could influence the level of drilling activity in the supply areas that we serve, which may influence the level of throughput we may be able to transport on our pipelines. Further, natural gas price differences between the various hubs that we serve in Texas could influence the volumes of gas transported for shippers through our Texas pipeline system and rates for such transportation.

The results of APT are also significantly impacted by the natural gas requirements of its local distribution company customers. Additionally, its operations may be impacted by the timing of when costs and expenses are incurred and when these costs and expenses are recovered through its tariffs.

APT annually uses GRIP to recover capital costs incurred in the prior calendar year. On February 26, 2025, APT made a GRIP filing that covered changes in net property, plant and equipment investment from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024 with a requested increase in operating income of $77.2 million. On June 17, 2025, the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) approved the Company's GRIP filing.

The demand fee our Louisiana natural gas transmission pipeline charges to our Louisiana distribution division increases five percent annually and has been approved by the Louisiana Public Service Commission until September 30, 2027.

*Review of Financial and Operating Results*

Financial and operational highlights for our pipeline and storage segment for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 are presented below.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 vs. 2024** | **2024 vs. 2023** |
| | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** | **(In thousands, unless otherwise noted)** |
| Mid-Tex / Affiliate transportation revenue | $815628 | $715117 | $621987 | $100511 | $93130 |
| Third-party transportation revenue | 238667 | 210568 | 154018 | 28099 | 56550 |
| Other revenue | 11005 | 12344 | 9169 | (1339) | 3175 |
| **Total operating revenues** | 1065300 | 938029 | 785174 | 127271 | 152855 |
| Total purchased gas cost | (1346) | 146 | (1220) | (1492) | 1366 |
| Operating expenses | 470065 | 436955 | 411873 | 33110 | 25082 |
| **Operating income** | 596581 | 500928 | 374521 | 95653 | 126407 |
| Other non-operating income | 56163 | 40940 | 44787 | 15223 | (3847) |
| Interest charges | 72452 | 73546 | 60096 | (1094) | 13450 |
| **Income before income taxes** | 580292 | 468322 | 359212 | 111970 | 109110 |
| Income tax expense | 128319 | 96840 | 53747 | 31479 | 43093 |
| **Net income** | $451973 | $371482 | $305465 | $80491 | $66017 |
| Gross pipeline transportation volumes — MMcf | 907536 | 831534 | 834847 | 76002 | (3313) |
| Consolidated pipeline transportation volumes — MMcf | 709645 | 635728 | 635508 | 73917 | 220 |

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**Fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 compared with fiscal year ended September 30, 2024**

Operating income for our pipeline and storage segment increased 19.1 percent. Key drivers for the change in operating income include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an $89.4 million increase primarily due to rate adjustments from the GRIP filings approved in May 2024 and June 2025, the System Safety and Integrity Rider filing approved in November 2024, and the rate case approved in December 2023.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $7.7 million increase in APT's through-system activities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $9.1 million decrease in refunds of excess deferred taxes to customers, which is substantially offset in income tax expense.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $16.5 million increase due to higher capacity contracted by tariff-based customers due to their increased peak day demand.

Partially offset by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a $23.5 million increase in depreciation expense and property taxes associated with increased capital investments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• an $18.9 million increase in expenses recognized as a result of the System Safety and Integrity Rider filing approved in November 2024, which is offset in operating revenues.

Other non-operating income increased $15.2 million primarily due to higher AFUDC largely as a result of increased capital spending. Additionally, our pipeline and storage segment's fiscal 2025 results were favorably impacted by $7.7 million as a result of Texas legislation that became effective during the third quarter of fiscal 2025 related to infrastructure spending.

The fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 compared with fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 for our pipeline and storage segment is described in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

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**LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES**

The liquidity required to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, and other cash needs is provided from a combination of internally generated cash flows and external debt and equity financing. Additionally, we have a $1.5 billion commercial paper program and four committed revolving credit facilities with $3.1 billion in total availability from third-party lenders. The commercial paper program and credit facilities provide cost-effective, short-term financing until it can be replaced with a balance of long-term debt and equity financing that achieves the Company's desired capital structure. Additionally, we have various uncommitted trade credit lines with our gas suppliers that we utilize to purchase natural gas on a monthly basis.

We have a shelf registration statement on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that allows us to issue up to $8.0 billion in common stock and/or debt securities. As of the date of this report, $5.2 billion of securities remained available for issuance under the shelf registration statement, which expires December 3, 2027.

We also have an at-the-market (ATM) equity sales program that allows us to issue and sell shares of our common stock up to an aggregate offering price of $1.7 billion (including shares of common stock that may be sold pursuant to forward sale agreements entered into in connection with the ATM equity sales program), which expires December 3, 2027. As of the date of this report, $828.5 million of equity is available for issuance under this ATM equity sales program. Additionally, as of September 30, 2025, we had $1.6 billion in available proceeds from outstanding forward sale agreements issued under the ATM program.

The liquidity provided by these sources is expected to be sufficient to fund the Company's working capital needs and capital expenditures program. Additionally, we expect to continue to be able to obtain financing upon reasonable terms as necessary.

The following table presents our capitalization as of September 30, 2025 and 2024:

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands, except percentages)** | **(In thousands, except percentages)** | **(In thousands, except percentages)** | **(In thousands, except percentages)** |
| Short-term debt | $— | —% | $— | —% |
| Long-term debt <sup>(1)</sup> | 8918944 | 39.7% | 7785297 | 39.0% |
| Shareholders' equity | 13558890 | 60.3% | 12157669 | 61.0% |
| Total capitalization, including short-term debt | $22477834 | 100.0% | $19942966 | 100.0% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Inclusive of our finance leases, but exclusive of AEK's securitized long-term debt.

**Cash Flows**

Our internally generated funds may change in the future due to a number of factors, some of which we cannot control. These factors include regulatory changes, the price for our services, the demand for such products and services, margin requirements resulting from significant changes in commodity prices, operational risks, and other factors.

Cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 are presented below.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2025 vs. 2024** | **2024 vs. 2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Total cash provided by (used in) |  |  |  |  |  |
| Operating activities | $2049456 | $1733746 | $3459743 | $315710 | $(1725997) |
| Investing activities | (3561282) | (2922769) | (2795280) | (638513) | (127489) |
| Financing activities | 1406773 | 1478631 | (696769) | (71858) | 2175400 |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents | (105053) | 289608 | (32306) | (394661) | 321914 |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 308856 | 19248 | 51554 | 289608 | (32306) |
| Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $203803 | $308856 | $19248 | $(105053) | $289608 |

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Cash flows for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 compared with fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 is described in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024.

***Cash flows from operating activities***

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, cash flow provided by operating activities was $2,049.5 million compared with $1,733.7 million in the prior year. The year-over-year increase in operating cash flow primarily reflects the positive effects of successful rate case outcomes achieved in fiscal 2025 and 2024.

***Cash flows from investing activities***

Our capital expenditures are primarily used to improve the safety and reliability of our distribution and transmission system through pipeline replacement and system modernization and to enhance and expand our system to meet customer needs. Over the last three fiscal years, approximately 85 percent of our capital spending has been committed to improving the safety and reliability of our system.

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, we had $3.6 billion in capital expenditures compared with $2.9 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024. Capital spending in our distribution segment increased $413.4 million, primarily as a result of increased system modernization and customer growth spending. Capital spending in our pipeline and storage segment increased $210.9 million, primarily due to increased spending for pipeline system safety and reliability in Texas.

***Cash flows from financing activities***

Our financing activities provided $1,406.8 million of cash for fiscal year 2025 compared with $1,478.6 million of cash provided by financing activities for fiscal year 2024.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, we received approximately $1.8 billion in net proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and equity. We completed a public offering of $650 million of 5.00% senior notes due December 2054, and received net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $639.4 million. We also completed a public offering of $500 million of 5.20% senior notes due August 2035, and received net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $493.7 million. Additionally, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, we settled 5,931,289 shares that had been sold on a forward basis for net proceeds of $698.5 million. The net proceeds were used primarily to support capital spending and for other general corporate purposes. We also received $122.9 million from the settlement of forward starting interest rate swaps related to a debt issuance completed in October 2025. Cash dividends increased due to an 8.1 percent increase in our dividend rate and an increase in shares outstanding.

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, we received approximately $2.0 billion in net proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and equity. We completed a public offering of $500 million of 6.20% senior notes due November 2053 and $400 million of 5.90% senior notes due November 2033, and received net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $889.4 million. We also completed a public offering of $325 million of 5.90% senior notes due November 2033, and received net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $339.0 million. Additionally, during the year ended September 30, 2024, we settled 6,401,469 shares that had been sold on a forward basis for net proceeds of $750.0 million. The net proceeds were used primarily to support capital spending and for other general corporate purposes. We also received $231.1 million from the settlement of forward starting interest rate swaps related to a debt issuance completed in October 2024. Cash dividends increased due to an 8.8 percent increase in our dividend rate and an increase in shares outstanding.

The following table shows the number of shares issued for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **For the Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Shares issued: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Direct Stock Purchase Plan | 47422 | 60756 | 64871 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retirement Savings Plan and Trust | 54565 | 67134 | 69716 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) | 276263 | 236703 | 189337 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equity Issuance <sup>(1)</sup> | 5931289 | 6401469 | 7272261 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total shares issued | 6309539 | 6766062 | 7596185 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Share amounts do not include shares issued under forward sale agreements until the shares have been settled.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**Credit Ratings**

Our credit ratings directly affect our ability to obtain short-term and long-term financing, in addition to the cost of such financing. In determining our credit ratings, the rating agencies consider a number of quantitative factors, including but not limited to, debt to total capitalization, operating cash flow relative to outstanding debt, operating cash flow coverage of interest, and operating cash flow less dividends to debt. In addition, the rating agencies consider qualitative factors such as consistency of our earnings over time, the risks associated with our business, and the regulatory structures that govern our rates in the states where we operate.

Our debt is rated by two rating agencies: Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) and Moody's Investors Service (Moody's). On April 2, 2025, Moody's reaffirmed its short-term credit ratings, downgraded our long-term credit rating to A2, and placed our ratings under stable outlook. Currently, our outlook and current debt ratings, which are all considered investment grade, are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **S&P** | **Moody's** |
| Senior unsecured long-term debt | A- | A2 |
| Short-term debt | A-2 | P-1 |
| Outlook | Stable | Stable |

---

A significant degradation in our operating performance or a significant reduction in our liquidity caused by more limited access to the private and public credit markets as a result of deteriorating global or national financial and credit conditions could trigger a negative change in our ratings outlook or even a reduction in our credit ratings by the two credit rating agencies. This would mean more limited access to the private and public credit markets and an increase in the costs of such borrowings.

A credit rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The highest investment grade credit rating is AAA for S&P and Aaa for Moody's. The lowest investment grade credit rating is BBB- for S&P and Baa3 for Moody's. Our credit ratings may be revised or withdrawn at any time by the rating agencies, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. There can be no assurance that a rating will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered, or withdrawn entirely, by a rating agency if, in its judgment, circumstances so warrant.

**Debt Covenants**

We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants as of September 30, 2025. Our debt covenants are described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

**Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments**

The following table provides information about contractual obligations and commercial commitments at September 30, 2025.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** |
| | **Total** | **Less than 1<br>year** | **1-3 years&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;** | **3-5 years** | **More than 5<br>years** |
| | | | **(In thousands)** | | |
| **Contractual Obligations** | | | | | |
| Long-term debt <sup>(1)</sup> | $8935000 | $10000 | $650000 | $500000 | $7775000 |
| Securitized long-term debt | 77003 | 8767 | 18647 | 20645 | 28944 |
| Interest charges <sup>(2)</sup> | 7867907 | 418219 | 827500 | 779125 | 5843063 |
| Interest charges on securitized long-term debt | 16841 | 3860 | 6343 | 4345 | 2293 |
| Finance leases <sup>(3)</sup> | 63067 | 3502 | 7203 | 7485 | 44877 |
| Operating leases <sup>(4)</sup> | 375802 | 56546 | 99453 | 75059 | 144744 |
| Financial instrument obligations <sup>(5)</sup> | 6485 | 6339 | 146 |  |  |
| Pension and postretirement benefit plan contributions <sup>(6)</sup> | 286856 | 30175 | 75661 | 45773 | 135247 |
| Uncertain tax positions <sup>(7)</sup> | 60332 |  | 60332 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total contractual obligations  | $17689293 | $537408 | $1745285 | $1432432 | $13974168 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Long-term debt excludes our finance lease obligations, which are separately reported within this table. See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Interest charges were calculated using the coupon rate for each debt issuance through the contractual maturity date.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Finance lease payments shown above include interest totaling $15.8 million. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4)Operating lease payments shown above include interest totaling $68.2 million. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(5)Represents liabilities for natural gas commodity financial instruments that were valued as of September 30, 2025. The ultimate settlement amounts of these remaining liabilities are unknown because they are subject to continuing market risk until the financial instruments are settled.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(6)Represents expected contributions to our defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans, which are discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(7)Represents liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions claimed or expected to be claimed on tax returns. The amount does not include interest and penalties that may be applied to these positions. See Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for further details.

We maintain supply contracts with several vendors that generally cover a period of up to one year. Commitments for estimated base gas volumes are established under these contracts on a monthly basis at contractually negotiated prices. Commitments for incremental daily purchases are made as necessary during the month in accordance with the terms of individual contracts. Our Mid-Tex Division also maintains a limited number of long-term supply contracts to ensure a reliable source of gas for our customers in its service area which obligate it to purchase specified volumes at market and fixed prices. At September 30, 2025, we were committed to purchase 73.4 Bcf within one year and 114.9 Bcf within two to three years under indexed contracts. At September 30, 2025, we were committed to purchase 21.0 Bcf within one year under fixed price contracts with a weighted average price of $2.70 per Mcf.

**Risk Management Activities**

In our distribution and pipeline and storage segments, we use a combination of physical storage, fixed physical contracts, and fixed financial contracts to reduce our exposure to unusually large winter-period gas price increases. Additionally, we manage interest rate risk by entering into financial instruments to effectively fix the Treasury yield component of the interest cost associated with anticipated financings.

We record our financial instruments as a component of risk management assets and liabilities, which are classified as current or noncurrent based upon the anticipated settlement date of the underlying financial instrument. Substantially all of our financial instruments are valued using external market quotes and indices.

The following table shows the components of the change in fair value of our financial instruments for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Fair value of contracts at September 30, 2024 | $88651 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Contracts realized/settled | (130755) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of new contracts | 5181 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other changes in value | 40335 |
| Fair value of contracts at September 30, 2025 | 3412 |
| Netting of cash collateral |  |
| Cash collateral and fair value of contracts at September 30, 2025 | $3412 |

---

The fair value of our financial instruments at September 30, 2025, is presented below by time period and fair value source:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fair Value of Contracts at September 30, 2025** | **Fair Value of Contracts at September 30, 2025** | **Fair Value of Contracts at September 30, 2025** | **Fair Value of Contracts at September 30, 2025** | **Fair Value of Contracts at September 30, 2025** |
| | **Maturity in years** | **Maturity in years** | **Maturity in years** | **Maturity in years** | |
| **<u>Source of Fair Value</u>** | **Less<br>than 1** | **1-3** | **4-5** | **Greater<br>than 5** | **Total<br>Fair<br>Value** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Prices actively quoted | $(1036) | $4448 | $— | $— | $3412 |
| Prices based on models and other valuation methods |  |  |  |  |  |
| Total Fair Value | $(1036) | $4448 | $— | $— | $3412 |

---

**RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS**

Recent accounting developments and their impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows are described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 7A.** | ***Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.*** |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

We are exposed to risks associated with commodity prices and interest rates. Commodity price risk is the potential loss that we may incur as a result of changes in the fair value of a particular instrument or commodity. Interest-rate risk is the potential increased cost we could incur when we issue debt instruments or to provide financing and liquidity for our business activities. Additionally, interest-rate risk could affect our ability to issue cost effective equity instruments.

We conduct risk management activities in our distribution and pipeline and storage segments. In our distribution segment, we use a combination of physical storage, fixed-price forward contracts, and financial instruments, primarily over-the-counter swap and option contracts, in an effort to minimize the impact of natural gas price volatility on our customers during the winter heating season. Our risk management activities and related accounting treatment are described in further detail in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements. Additionally, our earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates as a result of our issuance of short-term commercial paper and our other short-term borrowings.

**Commodity Price Risk**

We purchase natural gas for our distribution operations. Substantially all of the costs of gas purchased for distribution operations are recovered from our customers through purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms. Therefore, our distribution operations have limited commodity price risk exposure.

**Interest Rate Risk**

Our earnings are exposed to changes in short-term interest rates associated with our short-term commercial paper program and other short-term borrowings. We use a sensitivity analysis to estimate our short-term interest rate risk. For purposes of this analysis, we estimate our short-term interest rate risk as the difference between our actual interest expense for the period and estimated interest expense for the period assuming a hypothetical average one percent increase in the interest rates associated with our short-term borrowings. Had interest rates associated with our short-term borrowings increased by an average of one percent, our interest expense would not have materially increased during 2025.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 8.** | ***Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.*** |

---

Index to financial statements and financial statement schedules:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Page** |
| <u>[Report of independent registered public accounting firm](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_91)</u> (PCAOB ID: 42)  | <u>[37](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_91)</u> |
| Financial statements and supplementary data: |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2025 and 2024](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_94)</u> | <u>[39](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_94)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_97)</u> | <u>[40](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_97)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Consolidated statements of shareholders' equity for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_100)</u> | <u>[41](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_100)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_103)</u> | <u>[42](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_103)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Notes to consolidated financial statements](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_106)</u> | <u>[44](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_106)</u> |

---

All financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not present, or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the financial statements and accompanying notes thereto.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

**To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Atmos Energy Corporation**

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atmos Energy Corporation (the Company) as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at September 30, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2025, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated November 14, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Critical Audit Matter**

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | ***Regulation*** |
| *Description of the Matter* | As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company's distribution and pipeline and storage operations are subject to regulation with respect to rates, service, maintenance of accounting records and various other matters by the respective regulatory authorities in the states in which they operate. The Company's accounting policies recognize the financial effects of the ratemaking and accounting practices and policies of the various regulatory commissions and are subject to accounting principles for rate-regulated activities. As a result, certain costs are permitted to be capitalized rather than expensed because they can be recovered through rates. The Company records certain costs as regulatory assets when future recovery through customer rates is considered probable. Regulatory liabilities are recorded when it is probable that revenues will be reduced for amounts that will be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. The amounts to be recovered or recognized are based upon the Company's historical experience and understanding of the regulations. As of September 30, 2025, there were $608.7 million of deferred costs included in regulatory assets and $1,269.6 million of regulatory liabilities awaiting cash outflow or potential refund.<br>Auditing the effects of regulatory matters is complex as it requires specialized knowledge of rate-regulated activities and assessments as to matters that could affect the recording or updating of regulatory assets and liabilities. |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| *How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit* | We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Company's accounting for regulatory assets and liabilities, including, among others, controls over management's assessment of the likelihood of approval by regulators for new matters and controls over the evaluation on rulings with regulatory bodies on existing regulatory assets and liabilities, including factors that may affect the timing or nature of recoverability. <br>We performed audit procedures that included, among others, examining evidence of correspondence with regulatory bodies to test that the Company appropriately evaluated information obtained from regulatory rulings. For example, we assessed the recoverability and completeness of various regulatory assets and liabilities, considering information obtained from regulatory rulings. In addition, we tested that amortization of regulatory assets and liabilities corresponded to relevant regulatory rulings. |

---

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1983.

Dallas, Texas

November 14, 2025

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands,<br>except share data)** | **(In thousands,<br>except share data)** |
| **ASSETS** |  |  |
| Property, plant and equipment | $28028820 | $24784285 |
| Construction in progress | 1235316 | 1063798 |
|  | 29264136 | 25848083 |
| Less accumulated depreciation and amortization | 3971146 | 3643716 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net property, plant and equipment | 25292990 | 22204367 |
| Current assets |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | 202687 | 307340 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash and cash equivalents | 1116 | 1516 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents | 203803 | 308856 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, less allowance for uncollectible accounts of $45,259 in 2025 and $37,056 in 2024 | 375509 | 365882 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas stored underground | 171756 | 169508 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other current assets | 301627 | 288068 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | 1052695 | 1132314 |
| Securitized intangible asset, less accumulated amortization of $18,473 in 2025 and $10,756 in 2024 (See Note 10) | 75127 | 82844 |
| Goodwill | 731257 | 731257 |
| Deferred charges and other assets | 1097453 | 1043683 |
|  | $28249522 | $25194465 |
| **CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES** |  |  |
| Shareholders' equity |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, no par value (stated at $0.005 per share); 200,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2025 — 161,568,384 shares; 2024 — 155,258,845 shares  | $808 | $776 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Additional paid-in capital | 8221455 | 7474559 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive income | 475015 | 465715 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retained earnings | 4861612 | 4216619 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shareholders' equity | 13558890 | 12157669 |
| Long-term debt | 8907169 | 7783646 |
| Securitized long-term debt (See Note 10) | 68236 | 76871 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total capitalization | 22534295 | 20018186 |
| Commitments and contingencies (See Note 14) |  |  |
| Current liabilities |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 506516 | 445397 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other current liabilities | 835557 | 750620 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current maturities of long-term debt | 11775 | 1651 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Current maturities of securitized long-term debt (See Note 10) | 8767 | 8207 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | 1362615 | 1205875 |
| Deferred income taxes | 2918347 | 2593342 |
| Regulatory excess deferred taxes (See Note 15) | 117482 | 177315 |
| Regulatory cost of removal obligation | 532461 | 507815 |
| Deferred credits and other liabilities | 784322 | 691932 |
|  | $28249522 | $25194465 |

---

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands, except per share data)** | **(In thousands, except per share data)** | **(In thousands, except per share data)** |
| Operating revenues |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution segment | $4425397 | $3915141 | $4099690 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pipeline and storage segment | 1065300 | 938029 | 785174 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Intersegment eliminations | (787942) | (687983) | (609507) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | 4702755 | 4165187 | 4275357 |
| Purchased gas cost |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution segment | 1854323 | 1620515 | 2061920 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pipeline and storage segment | (1346) | 146 | (1220) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Intersegment eliminations | (786923) | (686968) | (608527) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total purchased gas cost | 1066054 | 933693 | 1452173 |
| Operation and maintenance expense | 902942 | 819137 | 764906 |
| Depreciation and amortization expense | 734745 | 669972 | 604327 |
| Taxes, other than income | 439043 | 387023 | 386804 |
| Operating income | 1559971 | 1355362 | 1067147 |
| Other non-operating income | 89741 | 71046 | 69775 |
| Interest charges | 171678 | 190632 | 137281 |
| Income before income taxes | 1478034 | 1235776 | 999641 |
| Income tax expense | 279280 | 192881 | 113779 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $1198754 | $1042895 | $885862 |
| Basic net income per share | $7.54 | $6.83 | $6.10 |
| Diluted net income per share | $7.46 | $6.83 | $6.10 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 158943 | 152508 | 145121 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 160573 | 152666 | 145166 |
| Net income | $1198754 | $1042895 | $885862 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax of $(3), $168 and $37 | (4) | 582 | 126 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash flow hedges: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization and unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate agreements, net of tax of $1,103, $(15432) and $43,148 | 9304 | (53395) | 149290 |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) | 9300 | (52813) | 149416 |
| Total comprehensive income | $1208054 | $990082 | $1035278 |

---

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY**

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Common stock** | **Common stock** | **Additional<br>Paid-in<br>Capital** | **Accumulated<br>Other<br>Comprehensive Income<br>(Loss)** | **Retained<br>Earnings** | **Total** |
| | **Number of<br>Shares** | **Stated<br>Value** | **Additional<br>Paid-in<br>Capital** | **Accumulated<br>Other<br>Comprehensive Income<br>(Loss)** | **Retained<br>Earnings** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands, except share and per share data)** | **(In thousands, except share and per share data)** | **(In thousands, except share and per share data)** | **(In thousands, except share and per share data)** | **(In thousands, except share and per share data)** | **(In thousands, except share and per share data)** |
| **Balance, September 30, 2022** | 140896598 | $704 | $5838118 | $369112 | $3211157 | $9419091 |
| **Net income** |  |  |  |  | 885862 | 885862 |
| **Other comprehensive income** |  |  |  | 149416 |  | 149416 |
| **Cash dividends ($2.96 per share)** |  |  |  |  | (430345) | (430345) |
| **Common stock issued:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public offering | 7272261 | 36 | 806913 |  |  | 806949 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Direct stock purchase plan | 64871 |  | 7429 |  |  | 7429 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retirement savings plan | 69716 | 1 | 7965 |  |  | 7966 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1998 Long-term incentive plan | 189337 | 1 | 2107 |  |  | 2108 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employee stock-based compensation |  |  | 21588 |  |  | 21588 |
| **Balance, September 30, 2023** | 148492783 | 742 | 6684120 | 518528 | 3666674 | 10870064 |
| **Net income** |  |  |  |  | 1042895 | 1042895 |
| **Other comprehensive loss** |  |  |  | (52813) |  | (52813) |
| **Cash dividends ($3.22 per share)** |  |  |  |  | (492950) | (492950) |
| **Common stock issued:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public offering | 6401469 | 32 | 749955 |  |  | 749987 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Direct stock purchase plan | 60756 |  | 7129 |  |  | 7129 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retirement savings plan | 67134 | 1 | 7954 |  |  | 7955 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1998 Long-term incentive plan | 236703 | 1 | 2197 |  |  | 2198 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employee stock-based compensation |  |  | 23204 |  |  | 23204 |
| **Balance, September 30, 2024** | 155258845 | 776 | 7474559 | 465715 | 4216619 | 12157669 |
| **Net income** |  |  |  |  | 1198754 | 1198754 |
| **Other comprehensive income** |  |  |  | 9300 |  | 9300 |
| **Cash dividends ($3.48 per share)** |  |  |  |  | (553761) | (553761) |
| **Common stock issued:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public offering | 5931289 | 30 | 698432 |  |  | 698462 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Direct stock purchase plan | 47422 |  | 7231 |  |  | 7231 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retirement savings plan | 54565 |  | 8046 |  |  | 8046 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1998 Long-term incentive plan | 276263 | 2 | 2683 |  |  | 2685 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employee stock-based compensation |  |  | 30504 |  |  | 30504 |
| **Balance, September 30, 2025** | 161568384 | $808 | $8221455 | $475015 | $4861612 | $13558890 |

---

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $1198754 | $1042895 | $885862 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 734745 | 669972 | 604327 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income taxes | 268606 | 172707 | 108215 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 12731 | 10709 | 10178 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of debt issuance costs | (14962) | (6882) | 3639 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity component of AFUDC | (75425) | (58234) | (64019) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 11003 | 1546 | (591) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable | (1417) | (40909) | 46859 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Increase) decrease in gas stored underground | (2248) | 76322 | 112111 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease in Winter Storm Uri current regulatory asset (see Note 10) |  |  | 2021889 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Increase) decrease in other current assets | 19517 | 17138 | (36041) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase in deferred charges and other assets | (211286) | (195369) | (172586) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 31558 | (4563) | (132575) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities | 31406 | (10287) | 30687 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase in deferred credits and other liabilities | 46474 | 58701 | 41788 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by operating activities | 2049456 | 1733746 | 3459743 |
| CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital expenditures | (3561399) | (2937124) | (2805973) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of debt and equity securities | (34323) | (19734) | (46789) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sale of debt and equity securities | 7267 | 5977 | 25134 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Maturities of debt securities | 22801 | 12050 | 13340 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other, net | 4372 | 16062 | 19008 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in investing activities | (3561282) | (2922769) | (2795280) |

---

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

**(continued)**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt |  | (241933) | 56966 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of premium/discount | 1143447 | 1240204 | 797258 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of securitized long-term debt by AEK |  |  | 95000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net proceeds from equity offering | 698462 | 749987 | 806949 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of common stock through stock purchase and employee retirement plans | 15277 | 15084 | 15395 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Settlement of interest rate swaps | 122874 | 231138 | 171145 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from term loan |  |  | 2020000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of term loan |  |  | (2020000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of long-term debt |  |  | (2200000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of securitized long-term debt by AEK | (8075) | (9922) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash dividends paid | (553761) | (492950) | (430345) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debt issuance costs | (10384) | (11844) | (7864) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securitized debt issuance costs |  |  | (1273) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | (1067) | (1133) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 1406773 | 1478631 | (696769) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents | (105053) | 289608 | (32306) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 308856 | 19248 | 51554 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $203803 | $308856 | $19248 |

---

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nature of Business**

Atmos Energy Corporation (Atmos Energy or the "Company") and its subsidiaries are engaged in the regulated natural gas distribution and pipeline and storage businesses. Through our distribution business, we deliver natural gas through sales and transportation arrangements to approximately 3.4 million residential, commercial, public-authority, and industrial customers through our six regulated distribution divisions in the service areas described below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Division** | **Service Area** |
| Atmos Energy Colorado-Kansas Division | Colorado, Kansas |
| Atmos Energy Kentucky/Mid-States Division | Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia |
| Atmos Energy Louisiana Division | Louisiana |
| Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Division | Texas, including the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area |
| Atmos Energy Mississippi Division | Mississippi |
| Atmos Energy West Texas Division | West Texas |

---

In addition, we transport natural gas for others through our distribution system. Our distribution business is subject to federal and state regulation and/or regulation by local authorities in each of the states in which our distribution divisions operate. Our corporate headquarters and shared-services function are located in Dallas, Texas, and our customer support centers are located in Amarillo and Waco, Texas.

Our pipeline and storage business, which is also subject to federal and state regulation, consists of the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline–Texas (APT) Division and our natural gas transmission business in Louisiana. The APT division provides transportation and storage services to our Mid-Tex Division, other third-party local distribution companies, industrial, and electric generation customers, as well as marketers and producers. As part of its pipeline operations, APT manages five underground storage facilities in Texas. We also provide ancillary services customary to the pipeline industry including parking arrangements, lending, and sales of inventory on hand. Our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana are comprised of a 21-mile pipeline located in the New Orleans, Louisiana area that is primarily used to aggregate gas supply for our distribution division in Louisiana under a long-term contract and on a more limited basis, to third parties.

**2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Summary of Significant Accounting Policies**

***Principles of consolidation*** — The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atmos Energy Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated; however, we have not eliminated intercompany profits when such amounts are probable of recovery under the affiliates' rate regulation process.

***Reclassification*** — Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to current period presentation.

***Use of estimates*** — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. The most significant estimates include the allowance for doubtful accounts, unbilled revenues, contingency accruals, pension and postretirement obligations, deferred income taxes, risk management and trading activities, and fair value measurements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

***Regulation*** — Our distribution and pipeline and storage operations are subject to regulation with respect to rates, service, maintenance of accounting records, and various other matters by the respective regulatory authorities in the states in which we operate. Our accounting policies recognize the financial effects of the ratemaking and accounting practices and policies of the various regulatory commissions. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States require cost-based, rate-regulated entities that meet certain criteria to reflect the authorized recovery of costs due to regulatory decisions in their financial statements. As a result, certain costs are permitted to be capitalized rather than expensed because they can be recovered through rates. We record certain costs as regulatory assets when future recovery through customer rates is considered probable. Regulatory liabilities are recorded when it is probable that revenues will be reduced for amounts that will be credited to customers through the ratemaking process. The amounts to be recovered or recognized are based upon historical experience and our understanding of the regulations. Further, regulation may impact the period in which revenues or expenses are recognized.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

***Revenue recognition***

*Distribution Revenues*

Distribution revenues represent the delivery of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and public authority customers at prices based on tariff rates established by regulatory authorities in the states in which we operate. Revenue is recognized and our performance obligation is satisfied over time when natural gas is delivered and simultaneously consumed by our customers. We have elected to use the invoice practical expedient and recognize revenue for volumes delivered that we have the right to invoice our customers. We bill our customers on a monthly cycle basis. Accordingly, we estimate volumes from the last meter read to the balance sheet date and accrue revenue for gas delivered but not yet billed.

In our Texas and Mississippi jurisdictions, we pay franchise fees and gross receipt taxes to operate in these service areas. These franchise fees and gross receipts taxes are required to be paid regardless of our ability to collect from our customers. Accordingly, we account for these amounts on a gross basis in revenue and we record the associated tax expense as a component of taxes, other than income.

*Pipeline and Storage Revenues*

Pipeline and storage revenues primarily represent the transportation and storage of natural gas on our APT system and the transmission of natural gas through our 21-mile pipeline in Louisiana. APT provides transportation and storage services to our Mid-Tex Division, other third party local distribution companies, and certain industrial customers under tariff rates approved by the RRC. APT also provides certain transportation and storage services to industrial and electric generation customers, as well as marketers and producers, under negotiated rates. Our pipeline in Louisiana is primarily used to aggregate gas supply for our Louisiana Division under a long-term contract and on a more limited basis to third parties. The demand fee charged to our Louisiana Division is subject to regulatory approval by the Louisiana Public Service Commission. We also manage two asset management plans with distribution affiliates of the Company at terms that have been approved by the applicable state regulatory commissions. The performance obligations for these transportation customers are satisfied by means of transporting customer-supplied gas to the designated location. Revenue is recognized and our performance obligation is satisfied over time when natural gas is delivered to the customer. Management determined that these arrangements qualify for the invoice practical expedient for recognizing revenue. For demand fee arrangements, revenue is recognized and our performance obligation is satisfied by standing ready to transport natural gas over the period of each individual month.

*Alternative Revenue Program Revenues*

In our distribution segment, we have weather-normalization adjustment mechanisms that serve to minimize the effects of weather on our residential and commercial revenues. APT has a regulatory mechanism that requires that we share with its tariffed customers 75% of the difference between the total non-tariffed revenues earned during a test period and a revenue benchmark established by the RRC. With the completion of APT's most recent rate case in December 2023, the revenue benchmark was increased from $69.4 million to $106.9 million. Differences between actual revenues and revenues calculated under these mechanisms adjust the amount billed to customers. These mechanisms are considered to be alternative revenue programs under accounting standards generally accepted in the United States as they are deemed to be contracts between us and our regulator. Accordingly, revenue under these mechanisms are excluded from revenue from contracts with customers.

***Purchased gas costs*** — Rates established by regulatory authorities are adjusted for increases and decreases in our purchased gas costs through purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms. There is no margin generated through purchased gas cost adjustments, but they provide a dollar-for-dollar offset to increases or decreases in our distribution segment's gas costs. The effects of these purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms are recorded as deferred gas costs on our consolidated balance sheets.

***Cash and cash equivalents*** — We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

***Restricted cash and cash equivalents*** — Restricted cash and cash equivalents consists of funds that are contractually or legally restricted as to usage or withdrawal and have been presented separately from cash and cash equivalents on our consolidated balance sheets. These funds are used to administer payment of debt service on the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds as well as certain ongoing costs of Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC (AEK).

***Accounts receivable and allowance for uncollectible accounts*** — Accounts receivable arise from natural gas sales to residential, commercial, industrial, public authority, and other customers. Our accounts receivable balance includes unbilled amounts which represent a customer's consumption of gas from the date of the last cycle billing through the last day of the month. The receivable balances are short term and generally do not extend beyond one month.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

Credit losses on our accounts receivable are measured using an expected credit loss model over the entire contractual term from the date of initial recognition. To minimize credit risk, we assess the credit worthiness of new customers, require deposits where necessary, assess late fees, pursue collection activities, and disconnect service for nonpayment. After disconnection, accounts are written off when deemed uncollectible. At each reporting period, we assess the allowance for uncollectible accounts based on historical experience, current conditions, and consideration of expected future conditions. Circumstances which could affect our estimates include, but are not limited to, customer credit issues, the level of natural gas prices, customer deposits, and general economic conditions.

***Gas stored underground*** — Our gas stored underground is comprised of natural gas injected into storage to support the winter season withdrawals for our distribution operations. The average cost method is used for all of our distribution operations. Gas in storage that is retained as cushion gas to maintain reservoir pressure is classified as property, plant and equipment and is valued at cost.

***Securitized intangible asset*** — Our securitized intangible asset is recorded on AEK and represents the Securitized Utility Tariff Property acquired from Atmos Energy in fiscal 2023. See Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements. The securitized intangible asset is stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization, and is amortized over the life of the asset in proportion to the pattern of economic benefit based on expected future undiscounted cash flows. At the end of its life, this securitized intangible asset will have no residual value.

***Property, plant and equipment*** — Regulated property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost, net of contributions in aid of construction. The cost of additions includes direct construction costs, payroll related costs (taxes, the service cost portion of pension expense and other benefits), administrative and general costs, and an allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC). AFUDC represents the capitalizable total cost of funds used to finance the construction of major projects.

The following table details amounts capitalized for the fiscal year ended September 30.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Component of AFUDC** | **Statement of Comprehensive Income Location** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Debt | Interest charges | $21104 | $14655 | $15808 |
| Equity | Other non-operating income | 75425 | 58234 | 64019 |
|  |  | $96529 | $72889 | $79827 |

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Major renewals, including replacement pipe, and betterments that are recoverable through our regulatory rate base are capitalized while the costs of maintenance and repairs that are not capitalizable are charged to expense as incurred. The costs of large projects are accumulated in construction in progress until the project is completed. When the project is completed, tested, and placed in service, the balance is transferred to the regulated plant in service account included in the rate base and depreciation begins.

Regulated property, plant and equipment is depreciated at various rates on a straight-line basis. These rates are approved by our regulatory commissions and are comprised of two components: one based on average service life and one based on cost of removal. Accordingly, we recognize our cost of removal expense as a component of depreciation expense. The related cost of removal accrual is reflected as a regulatory liability on the consolidated balance sheet. At the time property, plant and equipment is retired, removal expenses less salvage, are charged to the regulatory cost of removal accrual. The composite depreciation rate was 2.8 percent for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, 2.9 percent for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024, and 3.0 percent for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023.

Other property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is generally computed on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes based upon estimated useful lives.

***Impairment of long-lived assets*** — We evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that other long-lived assets may not be recoverable or that the remaining useful life may warrant revision. When such events or circumstances are present, we assess the recoverability of long-lived assets by determining whether the carrying value will be recovered through the expected future cash flows. In the event the sum of the expected future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value is recorded. No impairment losses were recorded for our long-lived assets during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

***Goodwill*** — We annually evaluate our goodwill balances for impairment during our second fiscal quarter or more frequently as impairment indicators arise. During the second quarter of fiscal 2025, we completed our annual goodwill

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

impairment assessment. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit. Based on the assessment performed, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired. Although not applicable for the fiscal 2025 analysis, if a qualitative goodwill assessment resulted in impairment indicators, we would then use a present value technique based on discounted cash flows to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. These calculations are dependent on several subjective factors including the timing of future cash flows, future growth rates, and the discount rate. An impairment charge is recognized if the carrying value of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds its fair value.

***Lease accounting*** — We determine if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the agreement based on the terms and conditions in the contract. A contract contains a lease if there is an identified asset and we have the right to control the asset. We are the lessee for substantially all of our leasing activities, which primarily includes operating leases for office and warehouse space, tower space, vehicles, and heavy equipment used in our operations. We are also a lessee in finance leases for certain service centers.

We record a lease liability and a corresponding right of use (ROU) asset for all of our leases with a term greater than 12 months. For lease contracts containing renewal and termination options, we include the option period in the lease term when it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. We most frequently assume renewal options at the inception of the arrangement for our tower and fleet leases, based on our anticipated use of the assets. Real estate leases that contain a renewal option are evaluated on a lease-by-lease basis to determine if the option period should be included in the lease term. Currently, we have not included material renewal options for real estate leases in our ROU asset or lease liability.

The lease liability represents the present value of all lease payments over the lease term. We do not include short-term leases in the calculation of our lease liabilities. The discount rate used to determine the present value of the lease liability is the rate implicit in the lease unless that rate cannot be readily determined. We use the implicit rate stated in the agreement to determine the lease liability for our fleet leases. We use our corporate collateralized incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for all other lease agreements. This rate is appropriate because we believe it represents the rate we would have incurred to borrow funds to acquire the leased asset over a similar term. We calculated this rate using a combination of inputs, including our current credit rating, quoted market prices of interest rates for our publicly traded unsecured debt, observable market yield curve data for peer companies with a credit rating one notch higher than our current credit rating, and the lease term.

The ROU asset represents the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, and is equal to the lease liability, adjusted for prepaid or accrued lease payments and any lease incentives that have been paid to us or when we are reasonably certain to incur costs equal to or greater than the allowance defined in the contract. We bundle our lease and non-lease components as a single component for all asset classes.

Variable payments included in our leasing arrangements are expensed in the period in which the obligation for these payments is incurred. Variable payments are dependent on usage, output or may vary for other reasons. Most of our variable lease expense is related to tower leases that have escalating payments based on changes to a stated CPI index, and usage of certain office equipment.

We have not provided material residual value guarantees for our leases, nor do our leases contain material restrictions or covenants.

***Marketable securities*** — As of September 30, 2025, we hold marketable securities classified as either equity or debt securities. Changes in fair value of our equity securities are recorded in net income, while debt securities, which are considered available-for-sale securities, are reported at market value with unrealized gains and losses shown as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

We regularly evaluate the performance of our available-for-sale debt securities on an investment by investment basis for impairment, taking into consideration the securities' purpose, volatility, and current returns. If a determination is made that a security will likely be sold before the recovery of its cost, the related investment is written down to its estimated fair value.

***Financial instruments and hedging activities*** — We use financial instruments to mitigate commodity price risk in our distribution and pipeline and storage segments and to mitigate interest rate risk. The objectives and strategies for using financial instruments have been tailored to our business and are discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

We record all of our financial instruments on the balance sheet at fair value*,* with the exception of normal purchases and normal sales that are expected to result in physical delivery, with changes in fair value ultimately recorded in the statement of comprehensive income. These financial instruments are reported as risk management assets and liabilities and are classified as current or noncurrent other assets or liabilities based upon the anticipated settlement date of the underlying financial instrument. We record the cash flow impact of our financial instruments in operating cash flows based upon their balance sheet classification.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The timing of when changes in fair value of our financial instruments are recorded in the statement of comprehensive income depends on whether the financial instrument has been designated and qualifies as a part of a hedging relationship or if regulatory rulings require a different accounting treatment. Changes in fair value for financial instruments that do not meet one of these criteria are recognized in the statement of comprehensive income as they occur.

*Financial Instruments Associated with Commodity Price Risk*

In our distribution segment, the costs associated with and the realized gains and losses arising from the use of financial instruments to mitigate commodity price risk are included in our purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms in accordance with regulatory requirements. Therefore, changes in the fair value of these financial instruments are initially recorded as a component of deferred gas costs and recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as a component of purchased gas cost when the related costs are recovered through our rates and recognized in revenue in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Accordingly, there is no earnings impact on our distribution segment as a result of the use of these financial instruments.

*Financial Instruments Associated with Interest Rate Risk*

In connection with the planned issuance of long-term debt, we may use financial instruments to manage interest rate risk. We currently manage this risk through the use of forward starting interest rate swaps to fix the Treasury yield component of the interest cost associated with anticipated financings. We designate these financial instruments as cash flow hedges at the time the agreements are executed. Unrealized gains and losses associated with the instruments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). When the instruments settle, the realized gain or loss is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized as a component of interest charges over the life of the related financing arrangement. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, no cash was required to be held in margin accounts.

***Fair Value Measurements*** — We report certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We primarily use quoted market prices and other observable market pricing information in valuing our financial assets and liabilities and minimize the use of unobservable pricing inputs in our measurements.

Fair-value estimates also consider our own creditworthiness and the creditworthiness of the counterparties involved. Our counterparties consist primarily of financial institutions and major energy companies. This concentration of counterparties may materially impact our exposure to credit risk resulting from market, economic, or regulatory conditions. We seek to minimize counterparty credit risk through an evaluation of their financial condition and credit ratings and the use of collateral requirements under certain circumstances.

Amounts reported at fair value are subject to potentially significant volatility based upon changes in market prices, including, but not limited to, the valuation of the portfolio of our contracts, maturity, and settlement of these contracts and newly originated transactions and interest rates, each of which directly affect the estimated fair value of our financial instruments. We believe the market prices and models used to value these financial instruments represent the best information available with respect to closing exchange and over-the-counter quotations, time value, and volatility factors underlying the contracts. Values are adjusted to reflect the potential impact of an orderly liquidation of our positions over a reasonable period of time under then current market conditions.

Authoritative accounting literature establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value based on observable and unobservable data. The hierarchy categorizes the inputs into three levels, with the highest priority given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority given to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The levels of the hierarchy are described below:

<u>Level 1</u> — Represents unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. An active market for the asset or liability is defined as a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. Prices actively quoted on national exchanges are used to determine the fair value of most of our assets and liabilities recorded on our balance sheet at fair value.

Our Level 1 measurements consist primarily of our debt and equity securities. The Level 1 measurements for investments in the Atmos Energy Corporation Master Retirement Trust (the Master Trust), Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan, and postretirement benefit plan consist primarily of exchange-traded financial instruments.

<u>Level 2</u> — Represents pricing inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability as of the reporting date. These inputs are derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Our Level 2 measurements primarily consist of non-exchange-traded financial instruments, such as over-the-counter options and swaps and municipal and corporate bonds where market data for pricing is observable. The Level

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

2 measurements for investments in our Master Trust, Supplemental Executive Benefit Plan, and postretirement benefit plan consist primarily of non-exchange traded financial instruments such as corporate bonds and government securities.

<u>Level 3</u> — Represents generally unobservable pricing inputs which are developed based on the best information available, including our own internal data, in situations where there is little if any market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. The pricing inputs utilized reflect what a market participant would use to determine fair value. We currently do not have any Level 3 investments.

***Pension and other postretirement plans*** — Pension and other postretirement plan costs and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by numerous assumptions and estimates including the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets, assumed discount rates, and current demographic and actuarial mortality data. Our measurement date is September 30. The assumed discount rate and the expected return are the assumptions that generally have the most significant impact on our pension costs and liabilities. The assumed discount rate, the assumed health care cost trend rate, and assumed rates of retirement generally have the most significant impact on our postretirement plan costs and liabilities.

The discount rate is utilized principally in calculating the actuarial present value of our pension and postretirement obligation and net pension and postretirement cost. When establishing our discount rate, we consider high quality corporate bond rates based on bonds available in the marketplace that are suitable for settling the obligations, changes in those rates from the prior year, and the implied discount rate that is derived from matching our projected benefit disbursements with currently available high quality corporate bonds.

The expected long-term rate of return on assets is utilized in calculating the expected return on plan assets component of the annual pension and postretirement plan cost. We estimate the expected return on plan assets by evaluating expected bond returns, equity risk premiums, asset allocations, the effects of active plan management, the impact of periodic plan asset rebalancing, and historical performance. We also consider the guidance from our investment advisors when making a final determination of our expected rate of return on assets. To the extent the actual rate of return on assets realized over the course of a year is greater than or less than the assumed rate, that year's annual pension or postretirement plan cost is not affected. Rather, this gain or loss is amortized over the expected future working lifetime of the plan participants.

The expected return on plan assets is then calculated by applying the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets to the market-related value of the plan assets. The market-related value of our plan assets represents the fair market value of the plan assets, adjusted to smooth out short-term market fluctuations over a five-year period. The use of this calculation will delay the impact of current market fluctuations on the pension expense for the period.

We use a corridor approach to amortize actuarial gains and losses. Under this approach, net gains or losses in excess of ten percent of the larger of the pension benefit obligation or the market-related value of the assets are amortized on a straight-line basis. The period of amortization is the average remaining service of active participants who are expected to receive benefits under the plan.

We estimate the assumed health care cost trend rate used in determining our annual postretirement net cost based upon our actual health care cost experience, the effects of recently enacted legislation, and general economic conditions. Our assumed rate of retirement is estimated based upon the annual review of our participant census information as of the measurement date.

We present only the current service cost component of the net benefit cost within operations and maintenance expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The remaining components of net benefit cost are recorded in other non-operating income (expense) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization and we continue to capitalize these costs into property, plant and equipment. Additionally, we defer into a regulatory asset or liability the portion of non-service components of net periodic benefit cost that are capitalizable for regulatory purposes.

***Income taxes*** — Income taxes are determined based on the liability method, which results in income tax assets and liabilities arising from temporary differences. Temporary differences are differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. The liability method requires the effect of tax rate changes on accumulated deferred income taxes to be reflected in the period in which the rate change was enacted. The liability method also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance unless it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized.

The Company may recognize the tax benefit from uncertain tax positions only if it is at least more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with the taxing authorities. We recognize accrued interest

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest charges. We recognize penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of miscellaneous income (expense) in accordance with regulatory requirements.

***Tax collections*** — We are allowed to recover from customers revenue-related taxes that are imposed upon us. We record such taxes as operating expenses and record the corresponding customer charges as operating revenues. However, we do collect and remit various other taxes on behalf of various governmental authorities, and we record these amounts in our consolidated balance sheets on a net basis. We do not collect income taxes from our customers on behalf of governmental authorities.

***Contingencies*** — In the normal course of business, we are confronted with issues or events that may result in a contingent liability. These generally relate to lawsuits, claims made by third parties, or the action of various regulatory agencies. For such matters, we record liabilities when they are considered probable and estimable, based on currently available facts and our estimates of the ultimate outcome or resolution of the liability in the future. We maintain liability insurance for various risks associated with the operation of our natural gas pipelines and facilities, including for property damage and bodily injury. These liability insurance policies generally require us to be responsible for the first $1.0 million (self-insured retention) of each incident. To the extent a loss contingency exceeds the self-insurance retention, we record an insurance receivable when recovery is considered probable. Upon reaching a settlement, the loss contingency is deemed resolved and recorded in accounts payable and accrued liabilities until paid. Loss contingencies and any related insurance recovery receivables reflect our best estimate of these amounts as of the date of this report. Actual results may differ from estimates, depending on actual outcomes or changes in the facts or expectations surrounding each potential exposure.

We record a liability at fair value for an asset retirement obligation when the legal obligation to retire the asset has been incurred with an offsetting increase to the carrying value of the related asset. We believe we have a legal obligation to retire our natural gas storage facilities. However, we have not recognized an asset retirement obligation associated with our storage facilities because we are not able to determine the settlement date of this obligation as we do not anticipate taking our storage facilities out of service permanently. Therefore, we cannot reasonably estimate the fair value of this obligation.

***Subsequent events*** — Except as noted in Note 7 and Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements regarding the execution of a new lease and the public offering of senior notes, no events occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date that would require recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

***Recent accounting pronouncements***

*Accounting pronouncements adopted in fiscal 2025*

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance which provides updates to qualitative and quantitative reportable segment disclosure requirements, including enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and increased interim disclosure requirements, among others. We adopted this amendment as of September 30, 2025 and applied it retrospectively for all periods presented. See Note 4 for further discussion.

In December 2023, the FASB issued guidance which provides qualitative and quantitative updates to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid disclosures, among others, in order to enhance the transparency of income tax disclosures, including consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and disaggregation by jurisdiction of income taxes paid. We early adopted this amendment as of September 30, 2025 and applied it retrospectively for all periods presented. See Note 15 for further discussion.

*Accounting pronouncements that will be effective after fiscal 2025*

In November 2024, the FASB issued guidance that will require more detailed information about the types of expenses in commonly presented expense captions. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. This amendment will be effective for our Form 10-K for fiscal 2028 and our Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2029. We are currently evaluating the impact this may have on our financial statement disclosures.

In September 2025, the FASB issued guidance which provides qualitative updates to the determination of capitalizing internal-use software costs by expanding the scope to allow for various software development methods. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted, and the amendment may be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or with a modified transition approach. This amendment will be effective for our Form 10-K for fiscal 2029 and our Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2029. We are currently evaluating the impact this may have on our financial statement disclosures.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

**3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulation**

Our distribution and pipeline and storage operations are subject to regulation with respect to rates, service, maintenance of accounting records, and various other matters by the respective regulatory authorities in the states in which we operate, which creates regulatory assets and liabilities that are recovered from or refunded to customers over time through the ratemaking process. Substantially all of our regulatory assets are recorded as a component of other current assets and deferred charges and other assets and our regulatory liabilities are recorded as a component of other current liabilities and deferred credits and other liabilities. Deferred gas costs are recorded either in other current assets or liabilities and the long-term portion of regulatory excess deferred taxes and regulatory cost of removal obligation are reported separately. Significant regulatory assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 included the following:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Regulatory assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pension and postretirement benefit costs | $262 | $11243 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Infrastructure mechanisms <sup>(1)</sup> | 314047 | 246734 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Winter Storm Uri incremental costs | 5841 | 10373 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred gas costs | 140626 | 159762 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory excess deferred taxes <sup>(2)</sup> | 49793 | 51380 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recoverable loss on reacquired debt | 2903 | 3070 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred pipeline record collection costs | 39035 | 41742 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;System Safety and Integrity Riders <sup>(3)</sup> | 43625 | 38632 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 12597 | 16454 |
|  | $608729 | $579390 |
| **Regulatory liabilities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory excess deferred taxes <sup>(2)</sup> | $190274 | $257001 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory cost of removal obligation | 641019 | 607032 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred gas costs | 6879 | 9142 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;APT annual adjustment mechanism | 99393 | 73119 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pension and postretirement benefit costs | 291351 | 247250 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 40732 | 34338 |
|  | $1269648 | $1227882 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Infrastructure mechanisms in Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee allow for the deferral of all eligible expenses associated with capital expenditures incurred pursuant to these rules, including the recording of interest on the deferred expenses until the next rate proceeding (rate case or annual rate filing), at which time investment and costs would be recovered through base rates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Regulatory excess deferred taxes represent changes in our net deferred tax liability related to our cost of service ratemaking due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "TCJA"), a Kansas legislative change enacted in fiscal 2020, and a Louisiana legislative change enacted in fiscal 2025. See Notes 13 and 15 to the consolidated financial statements for further information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)In our APT and West Texas Divisions and portions of our Mid-Tex Division, the RRC has approved the deferral of certain system safety and integrity costs incurred in excess of a specified benchmark. These costs are eligible for recovery in a future filing after such costs are approved by the RRC.

**4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Segment Information**

As of September 30, 2025, we manage and review our consolidated operations through the following two reportable segments:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The *distribution segment* is comprised of our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The *pipeline and storage segment* is comprised primarily of the regulated pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana.

Our determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which we manage sales of various products and services to customers. Although our distribution segment operations are geographically dispersed, they are aggregated and reported as a single segment as each natural gas distribution division has similar economic characteristics. In

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

addition, because the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana have similar economic characteristics, they have been aggregated and reported as a single segment.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. We evaluate performance based on net income or loss of the respective operating units. We allocate interest and pension expense to the pipeline and storage segment; however, there is no debt or pension liability recorded on the pipeline and storage segment balance sheet. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated; however, we have not eliminated intercompany profits when such amounts are probable of recovery under the affiliates' rate regulation process. Income taxes are allocated to each segment as if each segment's income taxes were calculated on a separate return basis.

Our Chief Operating Decision Maker (CODM), the Chief Executive Officer, evaluates performance for each reportable segment based on net income, which is used to help inform the allocation of resources as part of the Company's process for budgeting and monitoring financial performance.

Income statement information and capital expenditures by segment are shown in the following tables.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30, 2025** | **Year Ended September 30, 2025** | **Year Ended September 30, 2025** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** | **Total of Reportable Segments** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Operating revenues from external parties | $4422355 | $280400 | $4702755 |
| Intersegment revenues | 3042 | 784900 | 787942 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | 4425397 | 1065300 | 5490697 |
| Operation and maintenance expense | 644924 | 229986 | 874910 |
| Depreciation and amortization expense <sup>(2)</sup> | 543840 | 190905 | 734745 |
| Interest charges <sup>(2)</sup> | 99226 | 72452 | 171678 |
| Income tax expense <sup>(2)</sup> | 150961 | 128319 | 279280 |
| Other segment items <sup>(1)</sup> | 2239665 | (8335) | 2231330 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income <sup>(2)</sup> | $746781 | $451973 | $1198754 |
| Capital expenditures <sup>(2)</sup> | $2662703 | $898696 | $3561399 |
| *Reconciliation to consolidated total operating revenues:* |  |  |  |
| Total operating revenues of reportable segments |  |  | $5490697 |
| Elimination of intersegment revenues |  |  | (787942) |
| Consolidated total operating revenues |  |  | $4702755 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30, 2024** | **Year Ended September 30, 2024** | **Year Ended September 30, 2024** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** | **Total of Reportable Segments** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Operating revenues from external parties | $3912134 | $253053 | $4165187 |
| Intersegment revenues | 3007 | 684976 | 687983 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | 3915141 | 938029 | 4853170 |
| Operation and maintenance expense | 589864 | 218571 | 808435 |
| Depreciation and amortization expense <sup>(2)</sup> | 491982 | 177990 | 669972 |
| Interest charges <sup>(2)</sup> | 117086 | 73546 | 190632 |
| Income tax expense <sup>(2)</sup> | 96041 | 96840 | 192881 |
| Other segment items <sup>(1)</sup> | 1948755 | (400) | 1948355 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income <sup>(2)</sup> | $671413 | $371482 | $1042895 |
| Capital expenditures <sup>(2)</sup> | $2249280 | $687844 | $2937124 |
| *Reconciliation to consolidated total operating revenues:* |  |  |  |
| Total operating revenues of reportable segments |  |  | $4853170 |
| Elimination of intersegment revenues |  |  | (687983) |
| Consolidated total operating revenues |  |  | $4165187 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30, 2023** | **Year Ended September 30, 2023** | **Year Ended September 30, 2023** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** | **Total of Reportable Segments** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Operating revenues from external parties | $4096661 | $178696 | $4275357 |
| Intersegment revenues | 3029 | 606478 | 609507 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | 4099690 | 785174 | 4884864 |
| Operation and maintenance expense | 543078 | 200580 | 743658 |
| Depreciation and amortization expense <sup>(2)</sup> | 434721 | 169606 | 604327 |
| Interest charges <sup>(2)</sup> | 77185 | 60096 | 137281 |
| Income tax expense <sup>(2)</sup> | 60032 | 53747 | 113779 |
| Other segment items <sup>(1)</sup> | 2404277 | (4320) | 2399957 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income <sup>(2)</sup> | $580397 | $305465 | $885862 |
| Capital expenditures <sup>(2)</sup> | $1927125 | $878848 | $2805973 |
| *Reconciliation to consolidated total operating revenues:* |  |  |  |
| Total operating revenues of reportable segments |  |  | $4884864 |
| Elimination of intersegment revenues |  |  | (609507) |
| Consolidated total operating revenues |  |  | $4275357 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Other segment items consist of purchased gas cost, bad debt expense, taxes other than income taxes, the equity component of AFUDC, community support spending, and other segment income or expense deemed insignificant which are used to reach net income, our measurement of segment profit or loss.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)The totals of reportable segments for these items reconcile to consolidated totals.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The following table summarizes our revenues from external parties, excluding intersegment revenues, by products and services for the fiscal years ended September 30.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Distribution revenues: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas sales revenues: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | $2916245 | $2583681 | $2638689 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial | 1154591 | 1016675 | 1112236 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Industrial | 122576 | 100596 | 151970 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public authority and other | 52606 | 52180 | 62476 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total gas sales revenues | 4246018 | 3753132 | 3965371 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transportation revenues | 149853 | 132608 | 119371 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other gas revenues | 26484 | 26394 | 11919 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total distribution revenues | 4422355 | 3912134 | 4096661 |
| Pipeline and storage revenues | 280400 | 253053 | 178696 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | $4702755 | $4165187 | $4275357 |

---

Balance sheet information at September 30, 2025 and 2024 by segment is presented in the following tables.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30, 2025** | **September 30, 2025** | **September 30, 2025** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** | **Total of Reportable Segments** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Property, plant and equipment, net <sup>(1)</sup> | $18765128 | $6527862 | $25292990 |
| Total assets | $27296805 | $6896646 | $34193451 |
| *Reconciliation to consolidated assets:* |  |  |  |
| Total assets of reportable segments |  |  | $34193451 |
| Elimination of intersegment assets |  |  | (5943929) |
| Consolidated total assets |  |  | $28249522 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30, 2024** | **September 30, 2024** | **September 30, 2024** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** | **Total of Reportable Segments** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Property, plant and equipment, net <sup>(1)</sup> | $16372659 | $5831708 | $22204367 |
| Total assets | $24328877 | $6181558 | $30510435 |
| *Reconciliation to consolidated assets:* |  |  |  |
| Total assets of reportable segments |  |  | $30510435 |
| Elimination of intersegment assets |  |  | (5315970) |
| Consolidated total assets |  |  | $25194465 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)The total of reportable segments for this item reconciles to consolidated total.

**5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Earnings Per Share**

We use the two-class method of computing earnings per share because we have participating securities in the form of non-vested restricted stock units with a nonforfeitable right to dividend equivalents, for which vesting is predicated solely on the passage of time. The calculation of earnings per share using the two-class method excludes income attributable to these participating securities from the numerator and excludes the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator. Basic weighted average shares outstanding is calculated based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented. Also, this calculation includes fully vested stock awards that have not yet been issued as common

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

stock. Additionally, the weighted average shares outstanding for diluted EPS includes the incremental effects of the forward sale agreements, discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, when the impact is dilutive.

Basic and diluted earnings per share for the fiscal years ended September 30 are calculated as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands, except per share data)** | **(In thousands, except per share data)** | **(In thousands, except per share data)** |
| **Basic Earnings Per Share** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $1198754 | $1042895 | $885862 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Less: Income allocated to participating securities | 487 | 553 | 542 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income available to common shareholders | $1198267 | $1042342 | $885320 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 158943 | 152508 | 145121 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income per share — Basic | $7.54 | $6.83 | $6.10 |
| **Diluted Earnings Per Share** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income available to common shareholders | $1198267 | $1042342 | $885320 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effect of dilutive shares |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income available to common shareholders | $1198267 | $1042342 | $885320 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 158943 | 152508 | 145121 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dilutive shares | 1630 | 158 | 45 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 160573 | 152666 | 145166 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income per share — Diluted | $7.46 | $6.83 | $6.10 |

---

**6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revenue and Accounts Receivable**

The following tables disaggregates our revenue from contracts with customers by customer type and segment and provides a reconciliation to total operating revenues, including intersegment revenues, for the periods presented.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30, 2025** | **Year Ended September 30, 2025** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas sales revenues: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | $2877456 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial | 1145710 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Industrial | 122284 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public authority and other | 51354 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total gas sales revenues | 4196804 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transportation revenues | 151876 | 1119015 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Miscellaneous revenues | 13123 | 12749 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revenues from contracts with customers | 4361803 | 1131764 |
| Alternative revenue program revenues | 49215 | (66464) |
| Other revenues | 14379 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | $4425397 | $1065300 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30, 2024** | **Year Ended September 30, 2024** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas sales revenues: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | $2542438 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial | 1006593 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Industrial | 100363 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public authority and other | 51337 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total gas sales revenues | 3700731 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transportation revenues | 134600 | 982795 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Miscellaneous revenues | 11836 | 15892 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revenues from contracts with customers | 3847167 | 998687 |
| Alternative revenue program revenues | 52401 | (60658) |
| Other revenues | 15573 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | $3915141 | $938029 |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30, 2023** | **Year Ended September 30, 2023** |
| | **Distribution** | **Pipeline and Storage** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas sales revenues: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Residential | $2606658 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial | 1100773 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Industrial | 151538 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public authority and other | 61345 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total gas sales revenues | 3920314 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Transportation revenues | 121420 | 811968 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Miscellaneous revenues | 10044 | 12180 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Revenues from contracts with customers | 4051778 | 824148 |
| Alternative revenue program revenues | 43139 | (38974) |
| Other revenues | 4773 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total operating revenues | $4099690 | $785174 |

---

We have alternative revenue programs in each of our segments. In our distribution segment, we have weather-normalization adjustment mechanisms that serve to mitigate the effects of weather on our revenue. In our pipeline and storage segment, APT has a regulatory mechanism that requires that we share with its tariffed customers 75% of the difference between the total non-tariffed revenues earned during a test period and a revenue benchmark established by the RRC. Other revenues includes AEK revenues (see Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements) and other miscellaneous revenues.

***Accounts receivable and allowance for uncollectible accounts***

Rollforwards of our allowance for uncollectible accounts for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 are presented in the table below.

We actively work with our customers experiencing financial hardship to offer flexible payment options and to direct them to aid agencies for financial assistance. Our allowance for uncollectible accounts reflects the expected impact on our customers' ability to pay. Our allowance for uncollectible accounts also reflects the fact that we have the ability to recover the gas cost portion of uncollectible accounts through our gas cost recovery mechanisms in six states, which covers approximately 89 percent of our residential and commercial customers.

In December 2023, the Mississippi Public Service Commission approved the recovery of uncollectible accounts through our purchased gas cost mechanism over a two-year period rather than through our annual filing mechanism over a one-year period. As a result of this decision, we recorded a $13.9 million reduction to bad debt expense during the first quarter of fiscal

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

2024. Of this amount, $9.7 million represents future recovery of customer receivables previously written off since April 2022 but not yet recovered through our rates. This amount increased our deferred gas cost regulatory asset. The remaining $4.2 million reduction represents a reversal of our allowance for uncollectible accounts for customer balances that have not yet been written off.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Allowance for uncollectible accounts** |
| | **(In thousands)** |
| **Balance, September 30, 2022** | $49993 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current period provisions | 22353 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Write-offs charged against allowance | (33595) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recoveries of amounts previously written off | 2089 |
| **Balance, September 30, 2023** | 40840 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current period provisions | 24843 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Write-offs charged against allowance | (26165) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recoveries of amounts previously written off | 1730 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mississippi recovery of uncollectible accounts | (4192) |
| **Balance, September 30, 2024** | 37056 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current period provisions | 30778 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Write-offs charged against allowance | (24631) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Recoveries of amounts previously written off | 2056 |
| **Balance, September 30, 2025** | $45259 |

---

**7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leases**

We utilize operating leases for office and warehouse space, tower space, vehicles, and heavy equipment used in our operations. We also have finance leases for certain build-to-suit service centers.

The following table presents our weighted average remaining lease term for our leases.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30, 2025** | **September 30, 2024** |
| **Weighted average remaining lease term (years)** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | 15.7 | 16.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | 8.8 | 9.9 |

---

The following table represents our weighted average discount rate:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30, 2025** | **September 30, 2024** |
| **Weighted average discount rate** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | 4.0% | 4.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | 4.5% | 4.1% |

---

Lease costs for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 are presented in the table below. These costs include both amounts recognized in expense and amounts capitalized. For the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 we did not have material short-term lease costs or variable lease costs.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Finance lease cost | $4467 | $4523 | $4499 |
| Operating lease cost | 56695 | 48421 | 44090 |
| Total lease cost | $61162 | $52944 | $48589 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

Our ROU assets and lease liabilities are presented as follows on the consolidated balance sheets:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Balance Sheet Classification** | **September 30, 2025** | **September 30, 2024** |
| | | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Assets** | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | Net property, plant and equipment | $42064 | $44748 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | Deferred charges and other assets | 293934 | 249556 |
| Total right-of-use assets |  | $335998 | $294304 |
| **Liabilities** |  |  |  |
| Current |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | Current maturities of long-term debt | $1775 | $1651 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | Other current liabilities | 45010 | 34340 |
| Noncurrent |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | Long-term debt | 45459 | 47239 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | Deferred credits and other liabilities | 262549 | 224498 |
| Total lease liabilities |  | $354793 | $307728 |

---

Three service center leases are expected to commence in fiscal 2026 that impact our future lease payments. The total future lease payments for these leases is $116.5 million. We also entered into one service center lease during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 that is expected to commence in fiscal 2027. The total future lease payments for this lease is $33.1 million. These amounts are not included in the tables below.

Other pertinent information related to leases was as follows. During the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 amounts paid in cash for our finance leases were not material.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Cash paid amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating cash flows used for operating leases | $52528 | $47069 | $45463 |
| **Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | $— | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | $89598 | $65672 | $29976 |

---

Maturities of our lease liabilities as of September 30, 2025 were as follows by fiscal years:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Total** | **Finance Leases** | **Operating Leases** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| 2026 | $60048 | $3502 | $56546 |
| 2027 | 55881 | 3568 | 52313 |
| 2028 | 50775 | 3635 | 47140 |
| 2029 | 44304 | 3703 | 40601 |
| 2030 | 38240 | 3782 | 34458 |
| Thereafter | 189621 | 44877 | 144744 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total lease payments | 438869 | 63067 | 375802 |
| Less: Imputed interest | 84076 | 15833 | 68243 |
| Total | $354793 | $47234 | $307559 |
| Reported as of September 30, 2025 |  |  |  |
| Short-term lease liabilities | $46785 | $1775 | $45010 |
| Long-term lease liabilities | 308008 | 45459 | 262549 |
| Total lease liabilities | $354793 | $47234 | $307559 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

**8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debt**

***Long-term debt***

Long-term debt at September 30, 2025 and 2024 consisted of the following:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Unsecured 3.00% Senior Notes, due June 2027 | $500000 | $500000 |
| Unsecured 2.625% Senior Notes, due September 2029 | 500000 | 500000 |
| Unsecured 1.50% Senior Notes, due January 2031 | 600000 | 600000 |
| Unsecured 5.45% Senior Notes, due October 2032 | 300000 | 300000 |
| Unsecured 5.90% Senior Notes, due November 2033 | 725000 | 725000 |
| Unsecured 5.95% Senior Notes, due October 2034 | 200000 | 200000 |
| Unsecured 5.20% Senior Notes, due August 2035 | 500000 |  |
| Unsecured 5.50% Senior Notes, due June 2041 | 400000 | 400000 |
| Unsecured 4.15% Senior Notes, due January 2043 | 500000 | 500000 |
| Unsecured 4.125% Senior Notes, due October 2044 | 750000 | 750000 |
| Unsecured 4.30% Senior Notes, due October 2048 | 600000 | 600000 |
| Unsecured 4.125% Senior Notes, due March 2049 | 450000 | 450000 |
| Unsecured 3.375% Senior Notes, due September 2049 | 500000 | 500000 |
| Unsecured 2.85% Senior Notes, due February 2052 | 600000 | 600000 |
| Unsecured 5.75% Senior Notes, due October 2052 | 500000 | 500000 |
| Unsecured 6.20% Senior Notes, due November 2053 | 500000 | 500000 |
| Unsecured 5.00% Senior Notes, due December 2054 | 650000 |  |
| Medium term Series A notes, 1995-1, 6.67%, due December 2025 | 10000 | 10000 |
| Unsecured 6.75% Debentures, due July 2028 | 150000 | 150000 |
| Finance lease obligations (see Note 7) | 47234 | 48890 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total long-term debt | 8982234 | 7833890 |
| Less: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net original issue premium on unsecured senior notes and debentures | (1332) | (9071) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debt issuance cost | 64622 | 57664 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Current maturities | 11775 | 1651 |
|  | $8907169 | $7783646 |

---

Maturities of long-term debt, excluding our finance lease obligations, at September 30, 2025 were as follows by fiscal years (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2026 | $10000 |
| 2027 | 500000 |
| 2028 | 150000 |
| 2029 | 500000 |
| 2030 |  |
| Thereafter | 7775000 |
|  | $8935000 |

---

On October 1, 2025, we completed a public offering of $600 million of 5.45% senior notes due January 2056, with an effective interest rate of 4.85%, after giving effect to the estimated offering costs and settlement of our interest rate swaps. The net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses, of $589.8 million were used for general corporate purposes. In September 2025, we settled the designated interest rate swaps associated with the offering and received $122.9 million.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

On June 26, 2025, we completed a public offering of $500 million of 5.20% senior notes due August 2035, with an effective interest rate of 5.35%, after giving effect to the offering costs. The net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $493.7 million were used for general corporate purposes.

On October 1, 2024, we completed a public offering of $650 million of 5.00% senior notes due December 2054, with an effective interest rate of 3.90%, after giving effect to the offering costs and settlement of our interest rate swaps. The net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $639.4 million were used for general corporate purposes. In September 2024, we settled the designated interest rate swaps associated with this offering and received $231.1 million.

On June 21, 2024, we completed a public offering of $325 million of 5.90% senior notes due November 2033, with an effective interest rate of 5.17%, after giving effect to the offering costs. The net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $339.0 million were used for general corporate purposes.

On October 10, 2023, we completed a public offering of $500 million of 6.20% senior notes due November 2053, with an effective interest rate of 5.56%, after giving effect to the offering costs and settlement of our interest rate swaps, and $400 million of 5.90% senior notes due November 2033, with an effective interest rate of 4.35%, after giving effect to the offering costs and settlement of our interest rate swaps. The net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $889.4 million were used for general corporate purposes. In September 2023, we settled the designated interest rate swaps associated with this offering and received $171.1 million.

***Short-term Debt***

We utilize short-term debt to provide cost-effective, short-term financing until it can be replaced with a balance of long-term debt and equity financing that achieves the Company's desired capital structure. Our short-term borrowing requirements are driven primarily by construction work in progress and the seasonal nature of the natural gas business.

Our short-term borrowing requirements are satisfied through a combination of a $1.5 billion commercial paper program and four committed revolving credit facilities with third-party lenders that provide $3.1 billion of total working capital funding.

The primary source of our funding is our commercial paper program, which is supported by a five-year unsecured $1.5 billion credit facility that expires on March 28, 2030. This facility bears interest at a base rate or at a Term SOFR-based rate for the applicable interest period, plus a margin ranging from zero percent to 0.25 percent for base rate advances or a margin ranging from 0.75 percent to 1.25 percent for Term SOFR-based advances, based on the Company's credit ratings. Additionally, the facility contains a $250 million accordion feature, which provides the opportunity to increase the total committed loan to $1.75 billion. At September 30, 2025 and 2024, there were no amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program.

We also have a $1.5 billion three-year senior unsecured credit facility, which expires March 28, 2028, that is used to provide additional working capital funding. This facility bears interest at a base rate or at a Term SOFR-based rate for the applicable interest period, plus a margin ranging from zero percent to 0.25 percent for base rate advances or a margin ranging from 0.75 percent to 1.25 percent for Term SOFR-based advances, based on the Company's credit ratings. Additionally, the facility contains a $250 million accordion feature, which provides the opportunity to increase the total committed loan to $1.75 billion. At September 30, 2025 and 2024, there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility.

Additionally, we have a $50 million 364-day unsecured facility, which was renewed April 1, 2025 and is used to provide working capital funding. There were no borrowings outstanding under this facility as of September 30, 2025 and 2024.

Finally, we have a $50 million 364-day unsecured revolving credit facility, which was renewed March 31, 2025 and is used to issue letters of credit and to provide working capital funding. At September 30, 2025, there were no borrowings outstanding under the new facility; however, outstanding letters of credit reduced the total amount available to us to $44.4 million.

***Debt Covenants***

The availability of funds under these credit facilities is subject to conditions specified in the respective credit agreements, all of which we currently satisfy. These conditions include our compliance with financial covenants and the continued accuracy of representations and warranties contained in these agreements. We are required by the financial covenants in each of these facilities to maintain, at the end of each fiscal quarter, a ratio of total-debt-to-total-capitalization of no greater than 70 percent. At September 30, 2025, our total-debt-to-total-capitalization ratio, as defined, was 41 percent. In addition, both the interest margin and the fee that we pay on unused amounts under each of these facilities are subject to adjustment depending upon our credit ratings.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

These credit facilities and our public indentures contain usual and customary covenants for our business, including covenants substantially limiting liens, substantial asset sales, and mergers. Additionally, our public debt indentures relating to our senior notes and debentures, as well as certain of our revolving credit agreements, each contain a default provision that is triggered if outstanding indebtedness arising out of any other credit agreements in amounts ranging from in excess of $15 million to in excess of $100 million becomes due by acceleration or is not paid at maturity. We were in compliance with all of our debt covenants as of September 30, 2025. If we were unable to comply with our debt covenants, we would likely be required to repay our outstanding balances on demand, provide additional collateral or take other corrective actions.

**9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shareholders' Equity**

***Shelf Registration, At-the-Market Equity Sales Program and Equity Issuances***

On December 3, 2024, we filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that allows us to issue up to $8.0 billion in common stock and/or debt securities, which expires December 3, 2027. This shelf registration statement replaced our previous shelf registration statement which was filed on March 31, 2023. As of the date of this report, $5.2 billion of securities remained available for issuance under the shelf registration statement.

On December 3, 2024, we filed a prospectus supplement under the shelf registration statement relating to an at-the-market (ATM) equity sales program under which we may issue and sell shares of our common stock up to an aggregate offering price of $1.7 billion through December 3, 2027 (including shares of common stock that may be sold pursuant to forward sale agreements entered into concurrently with the ATM equity sales program).

During the year ended September 30, 2025, we executed forward sales under our ATM equity sales program with various forward sellers who borrowed and sold 5,967,768 shares of our common stock at an aggregate price of $871.5 million. During the year ended September 30, 2025, we also settled forward sale agreements with respect to 5,931,289 shares that had been borrowed and sold by various forward sellers under the ATM program for net proceeds of $698.5 million. As of September 30, 2025, $828.5 million of equity was available for issuance under our existing ATM program. Additionally, we had $1.6 billion in available proceeds from outstanding forward sale agreements, as detailed below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Maturity** | **Shares Available** | **Net Proceeds Available<br>(In Thousands)** | **Forward Price** |
| December 31, 2025 | 1160351 | $148610 | $128.07 |
| March 31, 2026 | 3627033 | 465210 | $128.26 |
| June 30, 2026 | 669043 | 89572 | $133.88 |
| December 31, 2026 | 3392352 | 475294 | $140.11 |
| March 31, 2027 | 2477820 | 379836 | $153.29 |
| Total | 11326599 | $1558522 | $137.60 |

---

***Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)***

We record deferred gains (losses) in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) related to available-for-sale debt securities and interest rate agreement cash flow hedges. Deferred gains (losses) for our available-for-sale debt securities are recognized in earnings upon settlement, while deferred gains (losses) related to our interest rate agreement cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings as a component of interest charges, as they are amortized. The following tables provide the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) balances, net of the related tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss).

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Available-<br>for-Sale<br>Securities** | **Interest Rate<br>Agreement<br>Cash Flow<br>Hedges** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| September 30, 2024 | $213 | $465502 | $465715 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (4) | 24208 | 24204 |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income |  | (14904) | (14904) |
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | (4) | 9304 | 9300 |
| September 30, 2025 | $209 | $474806 | $475015 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Available-<br>for-Sale<br>Securities** | **Interest Rate<br>Agreement<br>Cash Flow<br>Hedges** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| September 30, 2023 | $(369) | $518897 | $518528 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 582 | (43430) | (42848) |
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income |  | (9965) | (9965) |
| Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) | 582 | (53395) | (52813) |
| September 30, 2024 | $213 | $465502 | $465715 |

---

**10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securitization**

***Kansas***

In 2021, the Kansas State Legislature enacted securitization legislation, which permitted a natural gas public utility, in its sole discretion, to apply to the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for a financing order for the recovery of qualified extraordinary costs through the issuance of bonds. In September 2021, we filed with the KCC an application to securitize extraordinary gas costs incurred during Winter Storm Uri, which was approved in October 2022.

Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC (AEK), a special-purpose entity wholly owned by Atmos Energy, was formed for the purpose of issuing securitized bonds to recover extraordinary costs incurred during Winter Storm Uri. In June 2023, AEK completed a public offering of $95 million of 5.155% Series 2023-A Senior Secured Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds with a term of 10 years and semi-annual payments of principal and interest. The net proceeds from the offering, after the underwriting discount and offering expenses, of $93.7 million were primarily used to purchase the Securitized Utility Tariff Property from Atmos Energy for $92.3 million. The bonds are governed by an indenture between AEK and the indenture trustee. The indenture contains certain covenants that restrict AEK's ability to sell, transfer, convey, exchange or otherwise dispose of its assets. AEK's assets cannot be used to settle Atmos Energy's obligations, and the holders of the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds have no recourse against Atmos Energy.

Because AEK's equity at risk is less than 1% of its total assets, it is considered to be a variable interest entity. Atmos Energy has the power to direct the most significant financial and operating activities of AEK, including billing, collections and remittance of customer cash receipts to enable AEK to service the principal and interest payments due under the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds. Atmos Energy also has the obligation to absorb losses and rights to receive returns from AEK. Therefore, Atmos Energy is the primary beneficiary of AEK, and as a result, AEK is included in the consolidated financial statements of Atmos Energy. No gain or loss was recognized upon initial consolidation.

The Securitized Utility Tariff Property that was acquired by AEK is classified as a securitized intangible asset on our consolidated balance sheets. This securitized intangible asset will be amortized over 10 years, the estimated period needed to collect the required amounts from Atmos Energy's customers to service the Securitized Utility Tariff Bonds, with a remaining weighted average amortization period of 4.07 years as of September 30, 2025. The amortization expense related to the securitized intangible asset is included in depreciation and amortization expense in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes the impact of AEK on our consolidated balance sheets, for the periods indicated:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30, 2025** | **September 30, 2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Restricted cash and cash equivalents | $1116 | $1516 |
| Other current assets | $1 | $3 |
| Securitized intangible asset, net | $75127 | $82844 |
| Accrued interest | $331 | $365 |
| Current maturities of securitized long-term debt | $8767 | $8207 |
| Securitized long-term debt | $68236 | $76871 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The following table summarizes the impact of AEK on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income, for the periods indicated:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Operating revenues | $12408 | $13660 | $2743 |
| Operation and maintenance expense | (559) | (427) |  |
| Amortization expense | (7717) | (8715) | (1398) |
| Interest expense, net | (4132) | (4518) | (1345) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income before income taxes | $— | $— | $— |

---

The following table summarizes the maturities of the securitized long-term debt and the amortization expense related to the securitized intangible asset expected to be recognized in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Maturities of Securitized Long-Term Debt** | **Amortization Expense of Securitized Intangible Asset** |
| **For the fiscal year ending:** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| 2026 | $8767 | $8555 |
| 2027 | 9086 | 9001 |
| 2028 | 9561 | 9471 |
| 2029 | 10060 | 9966 |
| 2030 | 10585 | 10486 |
| Thereafter | 28944 | 27648 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** | $77003 | $75127 |

---

The securitized long-term debt is recorded at carrying value. The fair value of the securitized long-term debt is determined using third party market value quotations, which are considered Level 2 fair value measurements for debt instruments where fair value is determined using the most recent available quoted market price. The carrying value and fair value of the securitized long-term debt as of September 30, 2025 is $77.0 million and $78.8 million, and as of September 30, 2024 is $85.1 million and $87.8 million.

***Texas***

In March 2023, the Texas Natural Gas Securitization Finance Corporation (the Finance Corporation), with the authority of the Texas Public Finance Authority (TPFA), issued $3.5 billion in customer rate relief bonds with varying scheduled final maturities from 12 to 18 years. The bonds are obligations of the Finance Corporation, payable from the customer rate relief charges and other bond collateral, and are not an obligation of Atmos Energy. We collected $2.02 billion of this amount and relieved the regulatory asset that we recorded in fiscal 2021 for costs incurred during Winter Storm Uri.

We began collecting the customer rate relief charges on October 1, 2023, and any such property collected is solely owned by the Finance Corporation and not available to pay creditors of Atmos Energy.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

**11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retirement and Postretirement Employee Benefit Plans**

We have both funded and unfunded noncontributory defined benefit plans that together cover most of our employees. We also maintain a postretirement plan that provides health care benefits to retired employees. Finally, we sponsor a defined contribution plan that covers substantially all employees. These plans are discussed in further detail below.

As a rate regulated entity, most of our net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits costs are recoverable through our rates over a period of up to 15 years. A portion of these costs are capitalized into our rate base or deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. The remaining costs are recorded as a component of operation and maintenance expense or other non-operating expense. Additionally, the amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic pension cost that have been recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities are as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Employee Pension Plan** | **Supplemental<br>Executive<br>Retirement Plans** | **Postretirement<br>Plan** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **September 30, 2025** | | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized prior service credit | $— | $— | $(9984) | $(9984) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss | (179351) | 17661 | (116690) | (278380) |
|  | $(179351) | $17661 | $(126674) | $(288364) |
| **September 30, 2024** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized prior service credit | $— | $— | $(24897) | $(24897) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss | (126989) | 16136 | (111500) | (222353) |
|  | $(126989) | $16136 | $(136397) | $(247250) |

---

***Defined Benefit Plans***

*Employee Pension Plan*

As of September 30, 2025, we maintained one cash balance defined benefit plan, the Atmos Energy Corporation Pension Account Plan (the Pension Plan). The Pension Plan was established effective January 1999 and covers most of the employees of Atmos Energy that were hired on or before September 30, 2010. Effective October 1, 2010, the Pension Plan was closed to new participants. The assets of the Pension Plan are held within the Atmos Energy Corporation Master Retirement Trust (the Master Trust).

Opening account balances were established for participants as of January 1999 equal to the present value of their respective accrued benefits under the pension plans which were previously in effect as of December 31, 1998. The Pension Plan credits an allocation to each participant's account at the end of each year according to a formula based on the participant's age, service, and total pay (excluding incentive pay). In addition, at the end of each year, a participant's account is credited with interest on the employee's prior year account balance. Participants are fully vested in their account balances after three years of service and may choose to receive their account balances as a lump sum or an annuity.

Generally, our funding policy is to contribute annually an amount in accordance with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), including the funding requirements under the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA). However, additional voluntary contributions are made from time to time as considered necessary. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future.

During fiscal 2025 we made no contributions to the Pension Plan and during fiscal 2024 we contributed $5.0 million in cash to the Pension Plan to achieve a desired level of funding while maximizing the tax deductibility of this payment. Based upon market conditions at September 30, 2025, the current funded position of the Pension Plan, and the funding requirements under the PPA, we do not anticipate a minimum required contribution for fiscal 2026. However, we may consider whether a voluntary contribution is prudent to maintain certain funding levels.

We make investment decisions and evaluate performance of the assets in the Master Trust on a medium-term horizon of at least three to five years. We also consider our current financial status when making recommendations and decisions regarding the Master Trust's assets. Finally, we strive to ensure the Master Trust's assets are appropriately invested to maintain an acceptable level of risk and meet the Master Trust's long-term asset investment policy adopted by the Qualified Retirement Plans and Trusts Committee, comprised of a group of executives appointed by the Board of Directors to oversee the Company's employee pension plan, defined contribution plan and postretirement benefit plan.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

To achieve these objectives, we invest the Master Trust's assets in equity securities, fixed income securities, interests in commingled pension trust funds, other investment assets, and cash and cash equivalents. Investments in equity securities are diversified among the market's various subsectors in an effort to diversify risk and maximize returns. Fixed income securities are invested in investment grade securities. Cash equivalents are invested in securities that either are short term (less than 180 days) or readily convertible to cash with modest risk.

The following table presents asset allocation information for the Master Trust as of September 30, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Targeted<br>Allocation Range** | **Actual<br>Allocation<br>September 30** | **Actual<br>Allocation<br>September 30** |
|<br>**Security Class** | **Targeted<br>Allocation Range** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Domestic equities | 35%-55% | 43.6% | 42.8% |
| International equities | 10%-20% | 15.5% | 15.8% |
| Fixed income | 5%-45% | 24.3% | 22.3% |
| Company stock | 0%-15% | 14.0% | 16.7% |
| Other assets | 0%-20% | 2.6% | 2.4% |

---

At September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Pension Plan held 506,700 and 716,700 shares of our common stock which represented 14.0 percent and 16.7 percent of total Pension Plan assets. These shares generated dividend income for the Pension Plan of approximately $1.9 million and $2.3 million during fiscal 2025 and 2024.

Our Pension Plan expenses and liabilities are determined on an actuarial basis and are affected by numerous assumptions and estimates including the market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan assets, and assumed discount rates and demographic data. We review the estimates and assumptions underlying our Pension Plan annually based upon a September 30 measurement date. The development of our assumptions is fully described in our significant accounting policies in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. The actuarial assumptions used to determine the pension asset for the Pension Plan was determined as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 and the actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the Pension Plan was determined as of September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022.

Additional assumptions are presented in the following table:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Pension<br>Asset** | **Pension<br>Asset** | **Pension Cost** | **Pension Cost** | **Pension Cost** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Discount rate | 5.45% | 5.02% | 5.02% | 6.10% | 5.66% |
| Rate of compensation increase | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
| Expected return on plan assets | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.50% | 6.25% | 6.25% |
| Interest crediting rate <sup>(1)</sup> | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% |

---

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The interest crediting rate assumption for the development of the fiscal 2025 pension asset is 4.73% for calendar year 2026, then reverting back to 4.69% for all future years.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The following table presents the Pension Plan's accumulated benefit obligation, projected benefit obligation, and funded status as of September 30, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Accumulated benefit obligation** | $428845 | $448353 |
| **Change in projected benefit obligation:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $470902 | $431560 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | 10047 | 9546 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost | 23164 | 25731 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial (gain) loss | (18133) | 44205 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (35556) | (40140) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at end of year | 450424 | 470902 |
| **Change in plan assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | 595212 | 502412 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actual return on plan assets | 64847 | 127940 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employer contributions |  | 5000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (35556) | (40140) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets at end of year | 624503 | 595212 |
| **Reconciliation:** |  |  |
| Funded status | 174079 | 124310 |
| Unrecognized prior service cost |  |  |
| Unrecognized net loss |  |  |
| Net amount recognized | $174079 | $124310 |

---

Net periodic pension cost for the Pension Plan for fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023 is presented in the following table.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Components of net periodic pension cost: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | $10047 | $9546 | $10805 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost <sup>(1)</sup> | 23164 | 25731 | 24924 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Expected return on assets <sup>(1)</sup> | (30618) | (28808) | (29113) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of prior service credit <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  | (121) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recognized actuarial gain <sup>(1)</sup> |  | (67) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net periodic pension cost | $2593 | $6402 | $6495 |

---

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item other non-operating income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income or are capitalized on the consolidated balance sheets as a regulatory asset or liability, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Pension Plan's assets at fair value as of September 30, 2025 and 2024. As required by authoritative accounting literature, assets are categorized in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The methods used to determine fair value for the assets held by the Pension Plan are fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. Investments in our common/collective trusts and limited partnerships that are measured at net asset value per share equivalent are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. The net asset value amounts presented are intended to reconcile the fair value hierarchy to the total investments. In addition to the assets shown below, the Pension Plan had net accounts receivable of $5.1 million and $0.7 million at September 30, 2025 and 2024, which materially approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Investments:** | | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stocks | $284573 | $— | $— | $284573 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market funds |  | 16293 |  | 16293 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registered investment companies | 123022 |  |  | 123022 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Government securities: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed securities |  | 26101 |  | 26101 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. treasuries | 15021 | 26 |  | 15047 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Corporate bonds |  | 32517 |  | 32517 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset-backed securities |  | 1475 |  | 1475 |
| Total investments measured at fair value | $422616 | $76412 | $— | 499028 |
| Investments measured at net asset value: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common/collective trusts <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  | 95558 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limited partnerships <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  | 24843 |
| Total investments |  |  |  | $619429 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Investments:** | | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stocks | $289301 | $— | $— | $289301 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market funds |  | 14542 |  | 14542 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registered investment companies | 90086 |  |  | 90086 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Government securities: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed securities |  | 24383 |  | 24383 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. treasuries | 9398 | 27 |  | 9425 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Corporate bonds |  | 31986 |  | 31986 |
| Total investments measured at fair value | $388785 | $70938 | $— | 459723 |
| Investments measured at net asset value: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common/collective trusts <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  | 111103 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Limited partnerships <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  | 23665 |
| Total investments |  |  |  | $594491 |

---

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fair value of our common/collective trusts and limited partnerships are measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient. There are no redemption restrictions, redemption notice periods, or unfunded commitments for these investments. The redemption frequency is daily.

*Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans*

We have three nonqualified supplemental plans (the Supplemental Plans) which provide additional pension, disability, and death benefits to our officers and certain other employees of the Company.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The Supplemental Executive Benefits Plan (SEBP) covers our corporate officers and certain other employees of the Company who were employed on or before August 12, 1998. The SEBP is a defined benefit arrangement which provides a benefit equal to 75 percent of covered compensation under which benefits paid from the underlying qualified defined benefit plan are an offset to the benefits under the SEBP.

In August 1998, we adopted the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) (formerly known as the Performance-Based Supplemental Executive Benefits Plan), which covers all corporate officers selected to participate in the plan between August 12, 1998 and August 5, 2009. The SERP is a defined benefit arrangement which provides a benefit equal to 60 percent of covered compensation under which benefits paid from the underlying qualified defined benefit plan are an offset to the benefits under the SERP.

Effective August 5, 2009, we adopted a new defined benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the 2009 SERP), for corporate officers or any other employees selected at the discretion of the Board. Under the 2009 SERP, a nominal account has been established for each participant, to which the Company contributes at the end of each calendar year an amount equal to ten percent (25 percent for members of the Management Committee appointed on or after January 1, 2016) of the total of each participant's base salary and cash incentive compensation earned during each prior calendar year, beginning December 31, 2009. The benefits vest after three years of service and attainment of age 55 and earn interest credits at the same annual rate as the Company's Pension Plan.

During fiscal 2024, we recognized settlement charges of $1.5 million and paid $9.6 million in lump sums in relation to the retirement of certain executives. During fiscal 2023, we recognized a settlement charge of $1.0 million and paid a $5.6 million lump sum in relation to the retirements of certain executives.

We review the estimates and assumptions underlying our Supplemental Plans annually based upon a September 30 measurement date using the same techniques as our Pension Plan. The actuarial assumptions used to determine the pension liability for the Supplemental Plans were determined as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 and the actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic pension cost for the Supplemental Plans were determined as of September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022. These assumptions are presented in the following table:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Pension<br>Liability** | **Pension<br>Liability** | **Pension Cost** | **Pension Cost** | **Pension Cost** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Discount rate <sup>(1)</sup> | 5.14% | 4.92% | 4.92% | 5.85% | 5.50% |
| Rate of compensation increase | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
| Interest crediting rate <sup>(2)</sup> | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% | 4.69% |

---

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reflects a weighted average discount rate for pension cost for fiscal 2024 and 2023 due to the settlements during the year.

(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The interest crediting rate assumption for the development of the fiscal 2025 pension liability is 4.73% for calendar year 2026, then reverting back to 4.69% for all future years.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The following table presents the Supplemental Plans' accumulated benefit obligation, projected benefit obligation, and funded status as of September 30, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Accumulated benefit obligation** | $73570 | $71003 |
| **Change in projected benefit obligation:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $71944 | $75898 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | 1302 | 55 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost | 3488 | 4024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial loss | 2547 | 5853 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (4761) | (4285) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Settlements |  | (9601) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at end of year | 74520 | 71944 |
| **Change in plan assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employer contribution |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Settlements |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets at end of year |  |  |
| **Reconciliation:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Funded status | (74520) | (71944) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized prior service cost |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized net loss |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued pension cost | $(74520) | $(71944) |

---

Assets for the Supplemental Plans are held in separate rabbi trusts. At September 30, 2025 and 2024, assets held in the rabbi trusts consisted of equity securities of $30.1 million and $31.1 million, which are included in our fair value disclosures in Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements.

Net periodic pension cost for the Supplemental Plans for fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023 is presented in the following table.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Components of net periodic pension cost: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | $1302 | $55 | $845 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost <sup>(1)</sup> | 3488 | 4024 | 4227 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recognized actuarial loss <sup>(1)</sup> | 1022 | 501 | 691 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Settlements <sup>(1)</sup> |  | 1529 | 1030 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net periodic pension cost | $5812 | $6109 | $6793 |

---

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item other non-operating income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income or are capitalized on the consolidated balance sheets as a regulatory asset or liability, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

*Estimated Future Benefit Payments*

The following benefit payments for our defined benefit plans, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the following fiscal years:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Pension<br>Plan** | **Supplemental<br>Plans** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| 2026 | $40122 | $6277 |
| 2027 | 39190 | 9627 |
| 2028 | 38729 | 28392 |
| 2029 | 38798 | 3783 |
| 2030 | 38777 | 3615 |
| 2031-2035 | 178831 | 31031 |

---

***Postretirement Benefits Plan***

We sponsor the Retiree Medical Plan for Retirees and Disabled Employees of Atmos Energy Corporation (the Retiree Medical Plan). This plan provides medical and prescription drug protection to all qualified participants based on their date of retirement. The Retiree Medical Plan provides different levels of benefits depending on the level of coverage chosen by the participants and the terms of predecessor plans. Effective January 1, 2022, the Retiree Medical Plan was amended to change the post-65 retiree coverage to Via Benefits with an Atmos Energy funded Health Reimbursement Account. Eligible post-65 retirees and post-65 spouses will be able to elect coverage through Via Benefits, including those that previously deferred or declined retiree coverage.

Generally, our funding policy is to contribute annually an amount in accordance with the requirements of ERISA. However, additional voluntary contributions are made annually as considered necessary. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future. We expect to contribute between $13 million and $18 million to our Retiree Medical Plan during fiscal 2026.

We maintain a formal investment policy with respect to the assets in our Retiree Medical Plan to ensure the assets funding the Retiree Medical Plan are appropriately invested to maintain an acceptable level of risk. We also consider our current financial status when making recommendations and decisions regarding the Retiree Medical Plan.

We currently invest the assets funding our Retiree Medical Plan in diversified investment funds which consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, and fixed income securities. The diversified investment funds may invest up to 75 percent of assets in common stocks and convertible securities. The following table presents asset allocation information for the Retiree Medical Plan assets as of September 30, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Actual<br>Allocation<br>September 30** | **Actual<br>Allocation<br>September 30** |
| **<u>Security Class</u>** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Diversified investment funds | 98.6% | 97.8% |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1.4% | 2.2% |

---

We review the estimates and assumptions underlying our Retiree Medical Plan annually based upon a September 30 measurement date using the same techniques as our Pension Plan and Supplemental Plans. The actuarial assumptions used to determine the postretirement asset for our Retiree Medical Plan were determined as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 and the actuarial assumptions used to determine the net periodic postretirement cost for the Retiree Medical Plan were determined as of September 30, 2024, 2023, and 2022.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The assumptions are presented in the following table:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Postretirement<br>Asset** | **Postretirement<br>Asset** | **Postretirement Cost** | **Postretirement Cost** | **Postretirement Cost** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Discount rate | 5.47% | 5.01% | 5.01% | 6.06% | 5.61% |
| Expected return on plan assets | 5.14% | 5.14% | 5.14% | 4.94% | 4.94% |
| Initial trend rate | 7.00% | 6.75% | 6.75% | 6.50% | 6.25% |
| Ultimate trend rate | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 5.00% | 4.75% |
| Ultimate trend reached in | 2034 | 2032 | 2032 | 2030 | 2029 |

---

The following table presents the Retiree Medical Plan's benefit obligation and funded status as of September 30, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Change in benefit obligation:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at beginning of year | $269391 | $234004 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | 8132 | 6028 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost | 13463 | 14034 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan participants' contributions | 1993 | 2102 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actuarial (gain) loss | (8733) | 31135 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (19065) | (17912) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan amendments | 1873 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefit obligation at end of year | 267054 | 269391 |
| **Change in plan assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year | 300692 | 255800 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actual return on plan assets | 21500 | 47857 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employer contributions |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Benefits paid | (2808) | (2965) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair value of plan assets at end of year | 319384 | 300692 |
| **Reconciliation:** |  |  |
| Funded status | 52330 | 31301 |
| Unrecognized transition obligation |  |  |
| Unrecognized prior service cost |  |  |
| Unrecognized net loss |  |  |
| Accrued postretirement cost | $52330 | $31301 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

Net periodic postretirement cost for the Retiree Medical Plan for fiscal 2025, 2024, and 2023 is presented in the following table.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** | **Fiscal Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Components of net periodic postretirement cost: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Service cost | $8132 | $6028 | $6183 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest cost <sup>(1)</sup> | 13463 | 14034 | 13911 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Expected return on assets <sup>(1)</sup> | (15325) | (12511) | (11215) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of prior service credit <sup>(1)</sup> | (13040) | (13040) | (13142) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recognized actuarial gain <sup>(1)</sup> | (9716) | (10872) | (7452) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net periodic postretirement cost | $(16486) | $(16361) | $(11715) |

---

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The components of net periodic cost other than the service cost component are included in the line item other non-operating income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income or are capitalized on the consolidated balance sheets as a regulatory asset or liability, as described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

We are currently recovering other postretirement benefits costs through our regulated rates in substantially all of our service areas under accrual accounting as prescribed by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Other postretirement benefits costs have been specifically addressed in rate orders in each jurisdiction served by our Kentucky/Mid-States, West Texas, Mid-Tex, and Mississippi Divisions as well as our Kansas jurisdiction and APT or have been included in a rate case and not disallowed. Management believes that this accounting method is appropriate and will continue to seek rate recovery of accrual-based expenses in its ratemaking jurisdictions that have not yet approved the recovery of these expenses.

The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Retiree Medical Plan's assets at fair value as of September 30, 2025 and 2024. The methods used to determine fair value for the assets held by the Retiree Medical Plan are fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2025** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Investments:** | | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market funds | $— | $4428 | $— | $4428 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registered investment companies | 314956 |  |  | 314956 |
| Total investments measured at fair value | $314956 | $4428 | $— | $319384 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** | **Assets at Fair Value as of September 30, 2024** |
| | **Level 1** | **Level 2** | **Level 3** | **Total** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Investments:** | | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market funds | $— | $6633 | $— | $6633 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registered investment companies | 294059 |  |  | 294059 |
| Total investments measured at fair value | $294059 | $6633 | $— | $300692 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

*Estimated Future Benefit Payments*

The following benefit payments paid by the Company, retirees, and prescription drug subsidies for our Retiree Medical Plan, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the following fiscal years.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Company<br>Payments** | **Retiree<br>Payments** | **Subsidy<br>Payments** | **Total<br>Postretirement<br>Benefits** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| 2026 | $18898 | $2425 | $— | $21323 |
| 2027 | 18859 | 2320 |  | 21179 |
| 2028 | 18783 | 2186 |  | 20969 |
| 2029 | 19011 | 2112 |  | 21123 |
| 2030 | 19364 | 2083 |  | 21447 |
| 2031-2035 | 104216 | 10770 |  | 114986 |

---

***Defined Contribution Plan***

The Atmos Energy Corporation Retirement Savings Plan and Trust (the Retirement Savings Plan) covers substantially all employees and is subject to the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Newly hired employees automatically become participants of the Retirement Savings Plan on the date of employment at a contribution rate of five percent. They are eligible to receive matching contributions immediately upon enrollment, which vest after completing one year of service. Participants may elect a salary reduction up to a maximum of 65 percent of eligible compensation, as defined by the Retirement Savings Plan, not to exceed the maximum allowed by the Internal Revenue Service. Participants who contribute less than 10 percent will have their contribution percent increased by one percent annually until a 10 percent salary deferral rate is achieved, unless the participant opts out of this election. We match 100 percent of a participant's contributions, limited to five percent of the participant's salary. Effective January 1, 2026, the matching contribution will be increased to a limit of six percent of the participant's salary. Additionally, employees hired on or after October 1, 2010 receive a fixed annual contribution of four percent of eligible earnings. The Retirement Savings Plan also contains an elective Roth deferral feature. Finally, participants are permitted to take out a loan against their accounts subject to certain restrictions.

Matching and fixed annual contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan are expensed as incurred and amounted to $34.3 million, $26.8 million and $23.9 million for fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023. At September 30, 2025 and 2024, the Retirement Savings Plan held 1.1 percent and 1.2 percent of our outstanding common stock.

**12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock and Other Compensation Plans**

***Stock-Based Compensation Plans***

Total stock-based compensation cost was $33.2 million, $25.4 million, and $23.7 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023. Of this amount, $20.5 million, $14.7 million, and $13.5 million was capitalized.

*1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan*

We have the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), which provides a comprehensive, long-term incentive compensation plan providing for discretionary awards of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, bonus stock, time-lapse restricted stock, time-lapse restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and stock units to certain employees and non-employee directors of the Company and our subsidiaries. The objectives of this plan include attracting and retaining the best available personnel and providing for additional performance incentives by providing employees with the opportunity to acquire common stock.

We are authorized to grant awards up to a maximum cumulative amount of 13.2 million shares of common stock under this plan subject to certain adjustment provisions. As of September 30, 2025, non-qualified stock options, bonus stock, time-lapse restricted stock, time-lapse restricted stock units, performance-based restricted stock units, and stock units had been issued under this plan, and 2.2 million shares are available for future issuance.

***Restricted Stock Units Award Grants***

As noted above, the LTIP provides for discretionary awards of restricted stock units to help attract, retain, and reward certain employees of Atmos Energy and its subsidiaries. Certain of these awards vest based upon the passage of time and other awards vest based upon the passage of time and the achievement of specified performance targets. The fair value of the awards

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

granted is based on the market price of our stock at the date of grant. We estimate forfeitures using our historical forfeiture rate. The associated expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period. We use authorized and unissued shares to meet share requirements for the vesting of restricted stock units.

Employees who are granted time-lapse restricted stock units under our LTIP have a nonforfeitable right to dividend equivalents that are paid at the same rate and at the same time at which they are paid on shares of stock without restrictions. Time-lapse restricted stock units contain only a service condition that the employee recipients render continuous services to the Company for a period of three years from the date of grant, except for accelerated vesting in the event of death, disability, change of control of the Company or termination without cause (with certain exceptions). There are no performance conditions required to be met for employees to be vested in time-lapse restricted stock units.

Employees who are granted performance-based restricted stock units under our LTIP have a forfeitable right to dividend equivalents that accrue at the same rate at which they are paid on shares of stock without restrictions. Dividend equivalents on the performance-based restricted stock units are paid either in cash or in the form of shares upon the vesting of the award. Performance-based restricted stock units contain a service condition that the employee recipients render continuous services to the Company for a period of three years from the beginning of the applicable three-year performance period, except for accelerated vesting in the event of death, disability, change of control of the Company or termination without cause (with certain exceptions) and a performance condition based on a cumulative earnings per share target amount.

The following summarizes information regarding the restricted stock units granted under the plan during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **Number of<br>Restricted<br>Units** | **Weighted<br>Average<br>Grant-Date<br>Fair<br>Value** | **Number of<br>Restricted<br>Units** | **Weighted<br>Average<br>Grant-Date<br>Fair<br>Value** | **Number of<br>Restricted<br>Units** | **Weighted<br>Average<br>Grant-Date<br>Fair<br>Value** |
| Nonvested at beginning of year | 397929 | $113.78 | 389957 | $109.10 | 381295 | $105.69 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Granted | 229828 | 135.68 | 212207 | 117.11 | 241436 | 109.78 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vested | (215806) | 111.75 | (201834) | 108.56 | (220929) | 104.05 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Forfeited | (3815) | 127.58 | (2401) | 115.44 | (11845) | 107.47 |
| Nonvested at end of year | 408136 | $127.74 | 397929 | $113.78 | 389957 | $109.10 |

---

As of September 30, 2025, there was $21.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock units granted under the LTIP. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.3 years. The fair value of restricted stock vested during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $24.0 million, $21.6 million, and $22.8 million.

***Other Plans***

*Direct Stock Purchase Plan*

We maintain a Direct Stock Purchase Plan, open to all investors, which allows participants to have all or part of their cash dividends paid quarterly in additional shares of our common stock. The minimum initial investment required to join the plan is $1,250. Direct Stock Purchase Plan participants may purchase additional shares of our common stock as often as weekly with voluntary cash payments of at least $25, up to an annual maximum of $100,000.

*Equity Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors*

We have an Equity Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Non–Employee Directors, which provides non-employee directors of Atmos Energy with the opportunity to defer receipt, until retirement, of compensation for services rendered to the Company and invest deferred compensation into either a cash account or a stock account.

*Other Discretionary Compensation Plans*

We have an annual incentive program covering substantially all employees to give each employee an opportunity to share in our financial success based on the achievement of key performance measures considered critical to achieving business objectives for a given year with minimum and maximum thresholds. The Company must meet the minimum threshold for the plan to be funded and distributed to employees. These performance measures may include earnings growth objectives, improved cash flow objectives, or crucial customer satisfaction and safety results. We monitor progress towards the achievement of the performance measures throughout the year and record accruals based upon the expected payout using the

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

best estimates available at the time the accrual is recorded. During the last several fiscal years, we have used earnings per share as our sole performance measure.

**13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Details of Selected Financial Statement Captions**

The following tables provide additional information regarding the composition of certain financial statement captions.

***Balance Sheet***

***Accounts receivable***

Accounts receivable was comprised of the following at September 30, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Billed accounts receivable | $213651 | $220869 |
| Unbilled revenue | 140651 | 123550 |
| Insurance receivable | 22940 | 51715 |
| Other accounts receivable | 43526 | 6804 |
| Total accounts receivable | 420768 | 402938 |
| Less: allowance for uncollectible accounts | (45259) | (37056) |
| Net accounts receivable | $375509 | $365882 |

---

***Other current assets***

Other current assets as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 were comprised of the following accounts.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Deferred gas costs | $140626 | $159762 |
| Winter Storm Uri incremental costs | 5841 | 3949 |
| Prepaid expenses | 80495 | 74780 |
| Taxes receivable | 8948 | 14332 |
| Materials and supplies | 20076 | 16961 |
| Assets from risk management activities | 5303 | 2091 |
| Regulatory assets (See Note 3) | 33311 | 12297 |
| Other | 7027 | 3896 |
| Total | $301627 | $288068 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

***Property, plant and equipment***

Property, plant and equipment was comprised of the following as of September 30, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Storage plant | $790621 | $708617 |
| Transmission plant | 6308557 | 5713831 |
| Distribution plant | 19788099 | 17304207 |
| General plant | 1102931 | 1019018 |
| Intangible plant | 38612 | 38612 |
|  | 28028820 | 24784285 |
| Construction in progress | 1235316 | 1063798 |
|  | 29264136 | 25848083 |
| Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | (3971146) | (3643716) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net property, plant and equipment <sup>(1)</sup> | $25292990 | $22204367 |

---

***&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***

(1) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net property, plant and equipment includes plant acquisition adjustments of $(21.1) million and $(22.9) million at September 30, 2025 and 2024.

***Deferred charges and other assets***

Deferred charges and other assets as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 were comprised of the following accounts.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Marketable securities | $114938 | $110594 |
| Regulatory assets (See Note 3) | 428951 | 396958 |
| Operating lease right of use assets (See Note 7) | 293934 | 249556 |
| Winter Storm Uri incremental costs |  | 6424 |
| Assets from risk management activities | 4594 | 94197 |
| Pension and postretirement assets | 226409 | 155611 |
| Other | 28627 | 30343 |
| Total | $1097453 | $1043683 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

***Accounts payable and accrued liabilities***

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 were comprised of the following accounts.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Trade accounts payable | $380999 | $341948 |
| Accrued gas payable | 37073 | 19125 |
| Accrued liabilities | 88444 | 84324 |
| Total | $506516 | $445397 |

---

***Other current liabilities***

Other current liabilities as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 were comprised of the following accounts.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Customer credit balances and deposits | $56185 | $62085 |
| Accrued employee costs | 69062 | 64141 |
| Deferred gas costs | 6879 | 9142 |
| Operating lease liabilities (See Note 7) | 45010 | 34340 |
| Accrued interest | 122459 | 106116 |
| Liabilities from risk management activities | 6339 | 7324 |
| Taxes payable | 237965 | 215857 |
| Pension and postretirement liabilities | 6122 | 4622 |
| Regulatory cost of removal obligation | 108558 | 99217 |
| APT annual adjustment mechanism | 68094 | 35924 |
| Regulatory excess deferred taxes (See Note 15) | 72792 | 79686 |
| Other | 36092 | 32166 |
| Total | $835557 | $750620 |

---

***Deferred credits and other liabilities***

Deferred credits and other liabilities as of September 30, 2025 and 2024 were comprised of the following accounts.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **September 30** | **September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Pension and postretirement liabilities | $68398 | $67322 |
| Operating lease liabilities (See Note 7) | 262549 | 224498 |
| Customer advances for construction | 9573 | 7973 |
| Other regulatory liabilities (See Note 3) | 332017 | 279979 |
| Asset retirement obligation | 7428 | 7942 |
| Liabilities from risk management activities | 146 | 313 |
| APT annual adjustment mechanism | 31299 | 37195 |
| Unrecognized tax benefits (See Note 15) | 50210 | 46174 |
| Other | 22702 | 20536 |
| Total | $784322 | $691932 |

---

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

***Statement of Comprehensive Income***

***Other non-operating income***

Other non-operating income for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were comprised of the following accounts.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Equity component of AFUDC | $75425 | $58234 | $64019 |
| Performance-based rate program | 8485 | 8389 | 7093 |
| Pension and other postretirement non-service credit | 14372 | 10820 | 8955 |
| Interest income | 29944 | 22887 | 7207 |
| Community support spending | (21114) | (20016) | (12027) |
| Unrealized gains on equity securities | 174 | 3562 | 1406 |
| Miscellaneous | (17545) | (12830) | (6878) |
| Total | $89741 | $71046 | $69775 |

---

***Statement of Cash Flows***

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** | **Year Ended September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| Cash Paid (Received) During The Period For: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest <sup>(1)</sup> | $349222 | $308872 | $249066 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income taxes: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $(5000) | $8200 | $(4500) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State of Texas | 7095 | 5372 | 17200 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State of Louisiana | 2357 | 1739 | 2232 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other states |  | 38 | 36 |
|  | $4452 | $15349 | $14968 |
| Non-Cash Transactions: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Capital expenditures included in current liabilities | $327814 | $299908 | $186912 |

---

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid during the period for interest, net of amounts capitalized was $155.3 million, $163.5 million, and $117.9 million for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

**14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commitments and Contingencies**

***Litigation and Environmental Matters***

In the normal course of business, we are subject to various legal and regulatory proceedings. For such matters, we record liabilities when they are considered probable and estimable, based on currently available facts, our historical experience, and our estimates of the ultimate outcome or resolution of the liability in the future. While the outcome of these proceedings is uncertain and a loss in excess of the amount we have accrued is possible though not reasonably estimable, it is the opinion of management that any amounts exceeding the accruals will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a Preliminary Report on February 14, 2024 relating to its investigation of two incidents that occurred in Jackson, Mississippi on January 24 and 27, 2024 that resulted in one fatality. Atmos Energy is working closely with the NTSB and other state and federal regulators to help determine causal factors.

The NTSB issued a Preliminary Report on December 30, 2024 relating to its investigation of an incident that occurred in Avondale, Louisiana on December 2, 2024 that resulted in one fatality. Atmos Energy is working closely with the NTSB and other state and federal regulators to help determine causal factors.

We are a party to various other litigation and environmental-related matters or claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of our business. While the results of such litigation and response actions to such environmental-related matters or claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we continue to believe the final outcome of such litigation and matters or claims will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

***Purchase Commitments***

Our distribution divisions maintain supply contracts with several vendors that generally cover a period of up to one year. Commitments for estimated base gas volumes are established under these contracts on a monthly basis at contractually negotiated prices. Commitments for incremental daily purchases are made as necessary during the month in accordance with the terms of the individual contract.

Our Mid-Tex Division also maintains long-term supply contracts to ensure a reliable source of gas for our customers in its service area, which obligate it to purchase specified volumes at prices under contracts indexed to natural gas trading hubs or fixed price contracts. At September 30, 2025, we were committed to purchase 73.4 Bcf within one year and 114.9 Bcf within two to three years under indexed contracts. At September 30, 2025, we were committed to purchase 21.0 Bcf within one year under fixed price contracts with a weighted average price of $2.70 per Mcf. Purchases under these contracts totaled $153.4 million, $105.7 million, and $182.0 million for 2025, 2024, and 2023.

***Rate Regulatory Proceedings***

As of September 30, 2025, routine rate regulatory proceedings were in progress in some of our service areas, which are discussed in further detail above in the *Business — Ratemaking Activity* section.

**15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income Taxes**

*Income Tax Expense*

Reconciliations of the provision for income taxes computed at the statutory rate of 21 percent to the reported provisions for income taxes from continuing operations for 2025, 2024, and 2023 are set forth below:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **%** | **(In thousands)** | **%** | **(In thousands)** | **%** |
| U.S federal statutory tax rate | $310387 | 21.0% | $259513 | 21.0% | $209925 | 21.0% |
| State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect <sup>(1)</sup> | 24254 | 1.6% | 27367 | 2.2% | 19853 | 2.0% |
| Changes in valuation allowances |  | —% | 1106 | 0.1% |  | —% |
| Changes in unrecognized tax benefits | 2004 | 0.1% | 926 | 0.1% | 5302 | 0.5% |
| Nontaxable or nondeductible items | 741 | 0.1% | 2464 | 0.2% | 1000 | 0.1% |
| Amortization of excess deferred taxes | (60727) | (4.1)% | (100270) | (8.1)% | (123953) | (12.4)% |
| Other, net | 2621 | 0.2% | 1775 | 0.1% | 1652 | 0.2% |
| Income tax expense | $279280 | 18.9% | $192881 | 15.6% | $113779 | 11.4% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The states that contribute to the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category include Texas and Louisiana.

Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effect of differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for book and tax purposes. The tax effect of temporary differences that gave rise to significant components of the deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets at September 30, 2025 and 2024 are presented below:

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Deferred tax assets:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Employee benefit plans | $34202 | $41184 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net operating loss carryforwards | 473642 | 484816 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Charitable and other credit carryforwards | 14200 | 12301 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Regulatory excess deferred tax | 31387 | 46330 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Lease asset | 72973 | 63747 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 31145 | 34934 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax assets | 657549 | 683312 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valuation allowance | (1365) | (1457) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred tax assets | 656184 | 681855 |
| **Deferred tax liabilities:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Difference in net book value and net tax value of assets | (3200535) | (2914854) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gas cost adjustments | (43819) | (49443) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Winter Storm Uri regulatory asset | (17993) | (20846) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Lease liability | (66831) | (57177) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Rate deferral adjustment | (64640) | (50571) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate agreements | (135640) | (134536) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | (45073) | (47770) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax liabilities | (3574531) | (3275197) |
| Net deferred tax liabilities | $(2918347) | $(2593342) |

---

At September 30, 2025, we had $435.3 million (tax effected) of federal net operating loss carryforwards. The federal net operating loss carryforwards are available to offset future taxable income and have no expiration date. The Company has $11.8 million (tax effected) charitable contribution carryforwards to offset future taxable income as of September 30, 2025.

The Company also has $38.3 million (tax effected) of state net operating loss carryforwards (net of $10.1 million of federal effects) and $2.4 million of state tax credits carryforwards (net of $0.6 million of federal effects). Depending on the jurisdiction in which the state net operating loss was generated, the carryforwards expiration period begins in fiscal 2026.

At September 30, 2025 and 2024, we had recorded liabilities associated with unrecognized tax benefits totaling $60.3 million and $57.8 million, which includes $10.1 million and $11.6 million in deferred tax liabilities. The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balance of our unrecognized tax benefits:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized tax benefits - beginning balance | $57797 | $58638 | $52683 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease resulting from prior period tax positions | (1759) | (2867) | (631) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Decrease resulting from a lapse in statute of limitations | (5699) | (6188) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase resulting from current period tax positions | 9993 | 8214 | 6586 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unrecognized tax benefits - ending balance | 60332 | 57797 | 58638 |
| Less: deferred federal and state income tax benefits | (12670) | (12137) | (12314) |
| Total unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective income tax rate as of the end of the year <sup>(1)</sup> | $47662 | $45660 | $46324 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As of September 30, 2025, there is an anticipated $43.3 million regulatory offset and associated impact to tax expense to be recorded upon recognition of unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties included within interest charges in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. During the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company recognized approximately $0.1 million, $0.1 million, and $3.4 million in interest and penalties.

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

The Company had approximately $15.1 million for the payment of interest and penalties accrued at September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as in various states where we have operations. We have concluded substantially all U.S. federal income tax matters through fiscal year 2009 and concluded substantially all Texas income tax matters through fiscal year 2010.

*Regulatory Excess Deferred Taxes*

Regulatory excess net deferred taxes represent changes in our net deferred tax liability related to our cost of service ratemaking due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the TCJA), a Kansas legislative change enacted in fiscal 2020, and a Louisiana legislative change enacted in fiscal 2025. As of September 30, 2025 and 2024, $72.8 million and $79.7 million is recorded in other current liabilities.

Currently, the regulatory excess net deferred tax liability of $140.5 million is being returned over various periods. Of this amount, $91.8 million is being returned to customers over 36 - 60 months. An additional $47.7 million is being returned to customers on a provisional basis over 15 - 69 years until our regulators establish the final refund periods. The refund of the remaining $1.0 million will be addressed in future rate proceedings.

**16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Instruments**

We currently use financial instruments to mitigate commodity price risk and interest rate risk. Our financial instruments do not contain any credit-risk-related or other contingent features that could cause accelerated payments when our financial instruments are in net liability positions.

***Commodity Risk Management Activities***

Our purchased gas cost adjustment mechanisms essentially insulate our distribution segment from commodity price risk; however, our customers are exposed to the effects of volatile natural gas prices. We manage this exposure through a combination of physical storage, fixed-price forward contracts, and financial instruments, primarily over-the-counter swap and option contracts, in an effort to minimize the impact of natural gas price volatility on our customers during the winter heating season.

In jurisdictions where we are permitted to mitigate commodity price risk through financial instruments, the relevant regulatory authorities may establish the level of heating season gas purchases that can be hedged. Our distribution gas supply department is responsible for executing this segment's commodity risk management activities in conformity with regulatory requirements. Historically, if the regulatory authority does not establish this level, we seek to hedge between 25 and 50 percent of anticipated heating season gas purchases using financial instruments. For the 2024-2025 heating season (generally October through March), in the jurisdictions where we are permitted to utilize financial instruments, we hedged approximately 24.0 Bcf of the winter flowing gas requirements at a weighted average cost of approximately $3.83 per Mcf. We have not designated these financial instruments as hedges for accounting purposes.

***Interest Rate Risk Management Activities***

We manage interest rate risk by periodically entering into financial instruments to effectively fix the Treasury yield component of the interest cost associated with anticipated financings.

***Quantitative Disclosures Related to Financial Instruments***

The following tables present detailed information concerning the impact of financial instruments on our consolidated balance sheet and statements of comprehensive income.

As of September 30, 2025, our financial instruments were comprised of both long and short commodity positions. A long position is a contract to purchase the commodity, while a short position is a contract to sell the commodity. As of September 30, 2025, we had 32,566 MMcf of net long commodity contracts outstanding. These contracts have not been designated as hedges.

*Financial Instruments on the Balance Sheet*

The following tables present the fair value and balance sheet classification of our financial instruments as of September 30, 2025 and 2024. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, we report our financial instruments as risk management assets and liabilities, each of which is classified as current or noncurrent based upon the anticipated settlement date of the underlying financial instrument. The gross amounts of recognized assets and liabilities are netted within our consolidated balance sheets to the extent that we have netting arrangements with the counterparties. However, as of September 30, 2025 and 2024, no gross amounts and no cash collateral were netted within our consolidated balance sheet.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Balance Sheet Location** | **Assets** | **Liabilities** |
| | | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **September 30, 2025** | | | |
| **Not Designated As Hedges:** | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commodity contracts | Other current assets / <br>Other current liabilities | $5303 | $(6339) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commodity contracts | Deferred charges and other assets / <br>Deferred credits and other liabilities | 4594 | (146) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** |  | 9897 | (6485) |
| **Gross / Net Financial Instruments** |  | $9897 | $(6485) |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Balance Sheet Location** | **Assets** | **Liabilities** |
| | | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **September 30, 2024** | | | |
| **Designated As Hedges:** | | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate contracts | Deferred charges and other assets / <br>Deferred credits and other liabilities | $91981 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** |  | 91981 |  |
| **Not Designated As Hedges:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commodity contracts | Other current assets / <br>Other current liabilities | 2091 | (7324) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commodity contracts | Deferred charges and other assets / <br>Deferred credits and other liabilities | 2216 | (313) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Total** |  | 4307 | (7637) |
| **Gross / Net Financial Instruments** |  | $96288 | $(7637) |

---

*Impact of Financial Instruments on the Statement of Comprehensive Income*

*<u>Cash Flow Hedges</u>*

As discussed above, our distribution segment has interest rate agreements, which we designate as cash flow hedges at the time the agreements were executed. The net (gain) loss on settled interest rate agreements reclassified from AOCI into interest charges on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended September 30, 2025, 2024, and 2023 was $(20.5) million, $(12.8) million, and $(2.7) million.

The following table summarizes the gains and losses arising from hedging transactions that were recognized as a component of other comprehensive income, net of taxes, for the years ended September 30, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year Ended<br>September 30** | **Fiscal Year Ended<br>September 30** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| *Increase (decrease) in fair value:* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate agreements | $24208 | $(43430) |
| *Recognition of gains in earnings due to settlements:* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate agreements | (14904) | (9965) |
| Total other comprehensive income (loss) from hedging, net of tax | $9304 | $(53395) |

---

Deferred gains (losses) recorded in AOCI associated with our interest rate agreements are recognized in earnings as they are amortized over the terms of the underlying debt instruments. As of September 30, 2025, we had $474.8 million of net

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

realized gains in AOCI associated with our interest rate agreements. The following amounts, net of deferred taxes, represent the expected recognition in earnings of the deferred net gains recorded in AOCI associated with our interest rate agreements, based upon the fair values of these agreements at the date of settlement. The remaining amortization periods for these settled amounts extend through fiscal 2056.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Interest Rate<br>Agreements** |
| | **(In thousands)** |
| 2026 | $19093 |
| 2027 | 19093 |
| 2028 | 19093 |
| 2029 | 19093 |
| 2030 | 19093 |
| Thereafter | 379341 |
| Total | $474806 |

---

*<u>Financial Instruments Not Designated as Hedges</u>*

As discussed above, commodity contracts which are used in our distribution segment are not designated as hedges. However, there is no earnings impact on our distribution segment as a result of the use of these financial instruments because the gains and losses arising from the use of these financial instruments are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as a component of purchased gas cost when the related costs are recovered through our rates and recognized in revenue. Accordingly, the impact of these financial instruments is excluded from this presentation.

**17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fair Value Measurements**

We report certain assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). We record cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable at carrying value, which substantially approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. For other financial assets and liabilities, we primarily use quoted market prices and other observable market pricing information to minimize the use of unobservable pricing inputs in our measurements when determining fair value. The methods used to determine fair value for our assets and liabilities are fully described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.

Fair value measurements also apply to the valuation of our pension and postretirement plan assets. The fair value of these assets is presented in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

***Quantitative Disclosures***

*<u>Financial Instruments</u>*

The classification of our fair value measurements requires judgment regarding the degree to which market data are observable or corroborated by observable market data. The following tables summarize, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2025 and 2024. As required under authoritative accounting literature, assets and liabilities are categorized in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Quoted<br>Prices in<br>Active<br>Markets<br>(Level 1)** | **Significant**<br>**Other**<br>**Observable**<br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 2)**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Significant<br>Other<br>Unobservable<br>Inputs<br>(Level 3)** | **Netting and<br>Cash<br>Collateral** | **September 30, 2025** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Assets:** | | | | | |
| Financial instruments | $— | $9897 | $— | $— | $9897 |
| Debt and equity securities |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registered investment companies | 26463 |  |  |  | 26463 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bond mutual funds | 42106 |  |  |  | 42106 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bonds <sup>(2)</sup>  |  | 42754 |  |  | 42754 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market funds |  | 3615 |  |  | 3615 |
| Total debt and equity securities | 68569 | 46369 |  |  | 114938 |
| Total assets | $68569 | $56266 | $— | $— | $124835 |
| **Liabilities:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Financial instruments | $— | $6485 | $— | $— | $6485 |

---

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Quoted<br>Prices in<br>Active<br>Markets<br>(Level 1)** | **Significant**<br>**Other**<br>**Observable**<br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 2)**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Significant<br>Other<br>Unobservable<br>Inputs<br>(Level 3)** | **Netting and<br>Cash<br>Collateral** | **September 30, 2024** |
| | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** | **(In thousands)** |
| **Assets:** | | | | | |
| Financial instruments | $— | $96288 | $— | $— | $96288 |
| Debt and equity securities |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registered investment companies | 28311 |  |  |  | 28311 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bond mutual funds | 40341 |  |  |  | 40341 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Bonds <sup>(2)</sup> |  | 39142 |  |  | 39142 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market funds |  | 2800 |  |  | 2800 |
| Total debt and equity securities | 68652 | 41942 |  |  | 110594 |
| Total assets | $68652 | $138230 | $— | $— | $206882 |
| **Liabilities:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Financial instruments | $— | $7637 | $— | $— | $7637 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Our Level 2 measurements consist of over-the-counter options and swaps, which are valued using a market-based approach in which observable market prices are adjusted for criteria specific to each instrument, such as the strike price, notional amount, or basis differences, municipal and corporate bonds, which are valued based on the most recent available quoted market prices and money market funds which are valued at cost.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)Our investments in bonds are considered available-for-sale debt securities in accordance with current accounting guidance.

Debt and equity securities are comprised of our available-for-sale debt securities and our equity securities. We evaluate the performance of our available-for-sale debt securities on an investment by investment basis for impairment, taking into consideration the investment's purpose, volatility, current returns, and any intent to sell the security. As of September 30, 2025, no allowance for credit losses was recorded for our available-for-sale debt securities. At September 30, 2025 and 2024, the amortized cost of our available-for-sale debt securities was $42.5 million and $38.9 million. At September 30, 2025 we maintained investments in bonds that have contractual maturity dates ranging from October 2025 through January 2028.

*<u>Other Fair Value Measures</u>*

In addition to the financial instruments above, we have several financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measures. These financial assets and liabilities include cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, finance leases, and debt, which are recorded at carrying value. The nonfinancial assets and liabilities include asset retirement obligations and pension and postretirement plan assets. For cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and finance leases we consider carrying value to materially approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.

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**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)**

Our long-term debt is recorded at carrying value. The fair value of our long-term debt, excluding finance leases, is determined using third party market value quotations, which are considered Level 1 fair value measurements for debt instruments with a recent, observable trade or Level 2 fair value measurements for debt instruments where fair value is determined using the most recent available quoted market price. The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of our long-term debt, excluding finances leases, debt issuance costs and original issue premium or discount, as of September 30, 2025:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **September 30, 2025** |
| | **(In thousands)** |
| Carrying Amount | $8935000 |
| Fair Value | $8272978 |

---

**18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Concentration of Credit Risk**

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to us if a customer fails to perform its contractual obligations. We engage in transactions for the purchase and sale of products and services with major companies in the energy industry and with industrial, commercial, residential, and municipal energy consumers. These transactions principally occur in the southern and midwestern regions of the United States. We believe that this geographic concentration does not contribute significantly to our overall exposure to credit risk. Credit risk associated with trade accounts receivable for the distribution segment is mitigated by the large number of individual customers and the diversity in our customer base. The credit risk for our pipeline and storage segment is not significant.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 9.** | ***Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.*** |

---

None.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 9A.** | ***Controls and Procedures.*** |

---

**Management's Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures**

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based on this evaluation, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2025 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us, including our consolidated entities, in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms, including a reasonable level of assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

**Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in *Internal Control-Integrated Framework* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (COSO). Based on our evaluation under the framework in *Internal Control-Integrated Framework* issued by COSO and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2025, in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Ernst & Young LLP has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. That report appears below.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JOHN K. AKERS | /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHRISTOPHER T. FORSYTHE |
| John K. Akers | Christopher T. Forsythe |
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| November 14, 2025 | |

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**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

**To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Atmos Energy Corporation**

**Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting** 

We have audited Atmos Energy Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Atmos Energy Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2025, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2025 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated November 14, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

**Basis for Opinion**

The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting** 

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas

November 14, 2025

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**Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

We did not make any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Act) during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 9B.** | ***Other Information.*** |

---

During the three months ended September 30, 2025, no director or officer of the Company adopted or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement," as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 9C.** | ***Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.*** |

---

Not applicable.

**PART III**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 10.** | ***Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.*** |

---

Information regarding directors is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 4, 2026 under the heading "Proposal One - Election of Directors." Information regarding executive officers is reported below:

**INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS**

The following table sets forth certain information as of September 30, 2025, regarding the executive officers of the Company. It is followed by a brief description of the business experience of each executive officer.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Age** | **Years of<br>Service** | **Office Currently Held** |
| John K. Akers | 62 | 34 | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
| Christopher T. Forsythe | 54 | 22 | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| John S. McDill | 61 | 38 | Senior Vice President, Utility Operations |
| Jessica W. Bateman | 48 | 1 | Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
| John M. Robbins | 55 | 12 | Senior Vice President, Human Resources |
| Karen E. Hartsfield | 55 | 10 | Senior Advisor |

---

John K. (Kevin) Akers was named President and Chief Executive Officer and was appointed to the Board of Directors effective October 1, 2019. Mr. Akers joined the company in 1991. Mr. Akers assumed increased responsibilities over time and was named President of the Mississippi Division in 2002. He was later named President of the Kentucky/Mid-States Division in May 2007, a position he held until December 2016. Effective January 1, 2017, Mr. Akers was named Senior Vice President, Safety and Enterprise Services and was responsible for customer service, facilities management, safety and supply chain management. In November 2018, Mr. Akers was named Executive Vice President and assumed oversight responsibility for APT.

Christopher T. Forsythe was named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective February 1, 2017. Mr. Forsythe joined the Company in June 2003 and prior to this promotion, served as the Company's Vice President and Controller from May 2009 through January 2017. Prior to joining Atmos Energy, Mr. Forsythe worked in public accounting for 10 years.

John S. McDill was named Senior Vice President, Utility Operations, effective October 1, 2021. In this role, Mr. McDill is responsible for the operations of Atmos Energy's six utility divisions as well as gas supply. Prior to this promotion, Mr. McDill served as Vice President, Pipeline Safety from May 2012 to September 2021. Mr. McDill also served as Vice President of Operations in our Mississippi Division. Mr. McDill's years of service include that with Mississippi Valley Gas, a company acquired by Atmos Energy in 2002.

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Jessica W. Bateman was named Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, effective January 1, 2025. Prior to joining Atmos Energy in January 2025, Ms. Bateman was in private practice for over 20 years at Baker Botts L.L.P., serving as a partner in the Dallas office.

John M. (Matt) Robbins was named Senior Vice President, Human Resources, effective January 1, 2017. Mr. Robbins joined the Company in May 2013 and prior to this promotion served as Vice President, Human Resources from February 2015 to December 2016. Before joining Atmos Energy, Mr. Robbins had over 20 years of experience in human resources.

Karen E. Hartsfield was named Senior Advisor, effective January 1, 2025. Previously, Ms. Hartsfield had served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from August 2017 to December 2024. Ms. Hartsfield joined the Company in June 2015, after having served in private practice for 19 years, most recently as Managing Partner of Jackson Lewis LLP in its Dallas office from July 2013 to June 2015. Prior to joining Jackson Lewis as a partner in January 2009, Ms. Hartsfield was a partner with Baker Botts LLP in Dallas.

Identification of the members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors as well as the Board of Directors' determination as to whether one or more audit committee financial experts are serving on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 4, 2026.

The Company has adopted a code of ethics for its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. Such code of ethics is represented by the Company's Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all directors, officers, and employees of the Company, including the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer. A copy of the Company's Code of Conduct, as well as any amendment to or waiver granted from a provision of the Company's Code of Conduct is posted on the Company's website at *www.atmosenergy.com/company/corporate-responsibility-reports*.

The Company has adopted an Insider Trading Policy that governs the purchase, sale, and/or other dispositions of the Company's securities by directors, officers, and employees that is reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules, and regulations, and any listing standards applicable to the Company. A copy of the Company's Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19 to this Form 10-K.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 11.** | ***Executive Compensation.*** |

---

Information on executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 4, 2026, under the captions "Director Compensation," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Other Executive Compensation Matters," and "Named Executive Officer Compensation."

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 12.** | ***Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.*** |

---

Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and of management is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 4, 2026, under the heading "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock." Information concerning our equity compensation plans is provided in Part II, Item 5, "Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities", of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 13.** | ***Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.*** |

---

Information on certain relationships and related transactions as well as director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 4, 2026, under the heading "Corporate Governance and Other Board Matters," and "Proposal One – Election of Directors."

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 14.** | ***Principal Accountant Fees and Services.*** |

---

Information on our principal accountant's fees and services is incorporated herein by reference to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 4, 2026, under the heading "Proposal Two – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

**PART IV**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 15.** | ***Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.*** |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) 1. and 2. *Financial statements and financial statement schedules.*

The financial statements listed in the Index to Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 are filed as part of this Form 10-K. All financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not present, or not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule or because the information required is included in the financial statements and accompanying notes thereto.

3*.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exhibits*

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** | **Page Number or<br>Incorporation by<br>Reference to** |
|  | *Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws* |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.1 | Restated Articles of Incorporation of Atmos Energy Corporation - Texas (As Amended Effective February 3, 2010) | <u>[Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2010 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095012310045280/d72740exv3w1.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.2 | Restated Articles of Incorporation of Atmos Energy Corporation - Virginia (As Amended Effective February 3, 2010) | <u>[Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2010 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095012310045280/d72740exv3w2.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.3 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Atmos Energy Corporation (as of August 4, 2023) | <u>[Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated August 1, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312523203859/d517403dex31.htm)</u> |
|  | *Instruments Defining Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures* |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1(a) | Specimen Common Stock Certificate (Atmos Energy Corporation) | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312512466518/d434993dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1(b) | Description of Registrant's Securities | <u>[Exhibit 4.1(b) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180224000030/ato2024930ex-41b.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 | Indenture dated as of November 15, 1995 between United Cities Gas Company and Bank of America Illinois, Trustee | <u>[Exhibit 4.11(a) to Form S-3 dated August 31, 2004 (File No. 333-118706)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013404013042/d18054exv4w11xay.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 | Indenture dated as of July 15, 1998 between Atmos Energy Corporation and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, Trustee | <u>[Exhibit 4.8 to Form S-3 dated August 31, 2004 (File No. 333-118706)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013404013042/d18054exv4w8.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4 | Indenture dated as of May 22, 2001 between Atmos Energy Corporation and SunTrust Bank, Trustee | <u>[Exhibit 99.3 to Form 8-K dated May 22, 2001 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000093066101500728/dex993.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.5 | Indenture dated as of March 26, 2009 between Atmos Energy Corporation and U.S. Bank National Corporation, Trustee | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated March 26, 2009 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013409006158/d66980exv4w1.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.6 | Underwriting Agreement among Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC, Atmos Energy Corporation and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, dated June 9, 2023 | <u>[Exhibit 1.1 of Form 8-K dated June 9, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312523166215/d486632dex11.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7 | Indenture by and among Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Indenture Trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Securities Intermediary (including the form of the Bonds and the Series Supplement), dated as of June 20, 2023 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated June 20, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312523170235/d512280dex41.htm)</u> |

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

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|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.8 | Series Supplement by and among Atmos Energy Kansas Securitization I, LLC and U. S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Indenture Trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Securities Intermediary, dated as of June 20, 2023 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 20, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312523170235/d512280dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(a) | Debenture Certificate for the 6 3/4% Debentures due 2028 | <u>[Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K dated July 29, 1998 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/0000950134-98-006211.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(b) | Global Security for the 5.95% Senior Notes due 2034 | <u>[Exhibit 10(2)(g) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2004 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013404017924/d20385exv10w2xgy.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(c) | Officers' Certificate dated June 10, 2011 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated June 13, 2011 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095012311058729/d82963exv4w1.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(d) | Global Security for the 5.5% Senior Notes due 2041 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 13, 2011 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095012311058729/d82963exv4w2.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(e) | Officers' Certificate dated January 11, 2013 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated January 15, 2013 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312513013261/d468171dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(f) | Global Security for the 4.15% Senior Notes due 2043 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated January 15, 2013 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312513013261/d468171dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(g) | Officers' Certificate dated October 15, 2014 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated October 17, 2014 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180214000028/ato20141017exhibit41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(h) | Global Security for the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2044 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 17, 2014 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180214000028/ato20141017exhibit42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(i) | Officers' Certificate dated June 8, 2017 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated June 8, 2017 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312517198618/d411353dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(j) | Global Security for the 3.000% Senior Notes due 2027 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 8, 2017 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312517198618/d411353dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(k) | Global Security for the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2044 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated June 8, 2017 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312517198618/d411353dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(l) | Officers' Certificate dated October 4, 2018 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated October 4, 2018 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312518293134/d627444dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(m) | Global Security for the 4.300% Senior Notes due 2048 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 4, 2018 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312518293134/d627444dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(n) | Global Security for the 4.300% Senior Notes due 2048 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 4, 2018 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312518293134/d627444dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(o) | Officers' Certificate dated March 4, 2019 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated March 4, 2019 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312519062412/d704833dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(p) | Global Security for the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2049 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated March 4, 2019 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312519062412/d704833dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(q) | Officers' Certificate dated October 2, 2019 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated October 2, 2019 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312519260779/d813343dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(r) | Global Security for the 2.625% Senior Notes due 2029 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 2, 2019 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312519260779/d813343dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(s) | Global Security for the 3.375% Senior Notes due 2049 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 2, 2019 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312519260779/d813343dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(t) | Officers' Certificate dated October 1, 2020 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2020 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312520261296/d55358dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(u) | Global Security for the 1.500% Senior Notes due 2031 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2020 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312520261296/d55358dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(v) | Global Security for the 1.500% Senior Notes due 2031 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2020 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312520261296/d55358dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(w) | Officers' Certificate dated October 1, 2021 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2021 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312521289683/d118633dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(x) | Global Security for the 2.850% Senior Notes due 2052 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2021 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000731802/000119312521289683/d118633dex42.htm)</u> |

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

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|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(y) | Global Security for the 2.850% Senior Notes due 2052 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2021 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000731802/000119312521289683/d118633dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(z) | Officers' Certificate dated January 14, 2022 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated January 14, 2022 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312522009852/d290117dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(aa) | Global Security for the 2.625% Senior Notes due 2029 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated January 14, 2022 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312522009852/d290117dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(bb) | Officers' Certificate dated October 3, 2022 | <u>[Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated October 3, 2022 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312522256711/d394732dex41.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(cc) | Global Security for the 5.450% Senior Notes due 2032 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 3, 2022 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312522256711/d394732dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(dd) | Global Security for the 5.750% Senior Notes due 2052 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 3, 2022 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312522256711/d394732dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(ee) | Officers' Certificate dated October 10, 2023 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 10, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312523253470/d548681dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(ff) | Global Security for the 5.900% Senior Notes due 2033 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 10, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312523253470/d548681dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(gg) | Global Security for the 6.200% Senior Notes due 2053 | <u>[Exhibit 4.4 to Form 8-K dated October 10, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312523253470/d548681dex44.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(hh) | Officers' Certificate dated June 21, 2024 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 21, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524165666/d856870dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(ii) | Global Security for the 5.900% Senior Notes due 2033 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated June 21, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524165666/d856870dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(jj) | Officers' Certificate dated October 1, 2024 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524230167/d895771dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(kk) | Global Security for the 5.000% Senior Notes due 2054 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524230167/d895771dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(ll) | Global Security for the 5.000% Senior Notes due 2054 | <u>[Exhibit 4.4 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524230167/d895771dex44.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(mm) | Officers' Certificate dated June 26, 2025 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated June 26, 2005 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312525149018/d28440dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(nn) | Global Security for the 5.200% Senior Notes due 2035 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated June 26, 2005 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312525149018/d28440dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(oo) | Officers' Certificate dated October 1, 2025 | <u>[Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2025 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312525226779/d80338dex42.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(pp) | Global Security for the 5.450% Senior Notes due 2056 | <u>[Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2025 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312525226779/d80338dex43.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9(qq) | Global Security for the 5.450% Senior Notes due 2056 | <u>[Exhibit 4.4 to Form 8-K dated October 1, 2025 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312525226779/d80338dex44.htm)</u> |
|  | *Material Contracts* |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.1 | Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2024, among Atmos Energy Corporation, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as the Administrative Agent, the agents, arrangers and bookrunners named therein, and the lenders named therein | <u>[Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated March 28, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524082055/d798492dex101.htm)</u> |

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| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.2 | Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of March 28, 2024, among Atmos Energy Corporation, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as the Administrative Agent, the agents, arrangers and bookrunners named therein, and the lenders named therein | <u>[Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated March 28, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524082055/d798492dex102.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.3(a) | Equity Distribution Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2024, among Atmos Energy Corporation and the Managers and Forward Purchasers named in Schedule A thereto | <u>[Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated May 8, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524134363/d829330dex11.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.3(b) | Form of Master Forward Sale Confirmation | <u>[Exhibit 1.2 to Form 8-K dated May 8, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524134363/d829330dex12.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.4(a) | Equity Distribution Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2024, among Atmos Energy Corporation and the Managers and Forward Purchasers named in Schedule A thereto | <u>[Exhibit 1.1 to Form 8-K dated December 3, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524269563/d817932dex11.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.4(b) | Form of Master Forward Sale Confirmation | <u>[Exhibit 1.2 to Form 8-K dated December 3, 2024 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312524269563/d817932dex12.htm)</u> |
|  | *Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements* |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.5(a)\* | Form of Atmos Energy Corporation Change in Control Severance Agreement - Tier I | <u>[Exhibit 10.7(a) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095012310105040/d77592exv10w7wa.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.5(b)\* | Form of Atmos Energy Corporation Change in Control Severance Agreement - Tier II | <u>[Exhibit 10.7(b) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095012310105040/d77592exv10w7wb.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.6(a)\* | Atmos Energy Corporation Executive Retiree Life Plan | <u>[Exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/0000930661-97-002911.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.6 (b)\* | Amendment No. 1 to the Atmos Energy Corporation Executive Retiree Life Plan | <u>[Exhibit 10.31(a) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 1997 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/0000930661-97-002911.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.7\* | Atmos Energy Corporation Annual Incentive Plan for Management (as amended and restated August 3, 2021) | <u>[Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated August 3, 2021 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000731802/000119312521239387/d192579dex101.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.8(a)\* | Atmos Energy Corporation Supplemental Executive Benefits Plan, Amended and Restated in its Entirety August 7, 2007 | <u>[Exhibit 10.8(a) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013408020908/d65248exv10w8xay.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.8(b)\* | Form of Individual Trust Agreement for the Supplemental Executive Benefits Plan | <u>[Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended December 31, 2000 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013401000895/d83952ex10-3.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.9(a)\* | Atmos Energy Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated, Effective as of January 1, 2016) | <u>[Exhibit 10.7(a) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180216000066/ato20160930ex-107a.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.9(b)\* | Atmos Energy Corporation Performance-Based Supplemental Executive Benefits Plan Trust Agreement, Effective Date December 1, 2000 | <u>[Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended December 31, 2000 (File No. 1-10042](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013401000895/d83952ex10-1.txt)</u>) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.10\* | Atmos Energy Corporation Account Balance Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (As Amended and Restated, Effective as of January 1, 2022) | <u>[Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated December 31, 2021 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180222000008/ato20211231ex-101.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.11(a)\* | Mini-Med/Dental Benefit Extension Agreement dated October 1, 1994 | <u>[Exhibit 10.28(f) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013401508975/d92559ex10-28f.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.11(b)\* | Amendment No. 1 to Mini-Med/Dental Benefit Extension Agreement dated August 14, 2001 | <u>[Exhibit 10.28(g) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2001 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013401508975/d92559ex10-28g.txt)</u> |

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<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

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| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.11(c)\* | Amendment No. 2 to Mini-Med/Dental Benefit Extension Agreement dated December 31, 2002 | <u>[Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended December 31, 2002 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000095013403002660/d03223exv10w1.txt)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.12\* | Atmos Energy Corporation Equity Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2012 | <u>[Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended December 31, 2011 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000119312512046309/d292845dex101.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.13(a)\* | <u>[Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as amended and restated February 5, 2025)](ato20250930ex-1013a.htm)</u> |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.13(b)\* | <u>[Form of Award Agreement of Time-Lapse Restricted Stock Units under the Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan](ato20250930ex-1013b.htm)</u> |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.13(c)\* | Form of Award Agreement of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units under the Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan | <u>[Exhibit 10.13(c) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 20, 2020 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000731802/000073180220000040/ato2020930ex-1013c.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.13(d)\* | Form of Non-Employee Director Award Agreement of Time-Lapse Restricted Stock Units Under the Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan | <u>[Exhibit 10.11(d) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180219000037/ato2019930ex-1011d.htm)</u> |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.13(e)\* | Form of Non-Employee Director Award Agreement of Stock Unit Awards Under The Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan | <u>[Exhibit 10.11(e) to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180219000037/ato2019930ex-1011e.htm)</u> |
|  | *Other Exhibits, as indicated* |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19 | <u>[Insider Trading Policy](ato20250930ex-19.htm)</u> |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21 | <u>[Subsidiaries of the registrant](ato20250930ex-21.htm)</u> |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.1 | <u>[Consent of independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP](ato20250930ex-231.htm)</u> |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24 | Power of Attorney | Signature page of Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2025 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;31 | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications](ato20250930ex-31.htm)</u> |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;32 | <u>[Section 1350 Certifications\*\*](ato20250930ex-32.htm)</u> |  |
|  | *Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation* |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;97.1 | Atmos Energy Corporation Executive Compensation Recoupment Policy, Effective October 2, 2023 | <u>[Exhibit 97.1 to Form 10-K for fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 (File No. 1-10042)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/731802/000073180223000028/ato20230930ex-971.htm)</u> |
|  | *Interactive Data File* |  |
| 101.INS | XBRL Instance Document - the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | XBRL Instance Document - the Instance Document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |
| 101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |  |
| 101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase |  |
| 101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase |  |
| 101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase |  |
| 101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase |  |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page interactive data file does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document |

---

\* This exhibit constitutes a "management contract or compensatory plan, contract, or arrangement."

\*\* These certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, furnished as Exhibit 32 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, will not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or incorporated by reference into any filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates such certifications by reference.

------

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ITEM 16.** | ***Form 10-K Summary.*** |

---

Not applicable.

------

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**SIGNATURES**

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION |
| | (Registrant) |
| By: | /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHRISTOPHER T. FORSYTHE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; |
|  | Christopher T. Forsythe<br>*Senior Vice President and*<br>*Chief Financial Officer* |

---

Date: November 14, 2025

------

<u>[**Table of Contents**](#i9591964be34d49fd9e5cb6998100a581_7)</u>

**POWER OF ATTORNEY**

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints John K. Akers and Christopher T. Forsythe, or either of them acting alone or together, as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power to act alone, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KIM R. COCKLIN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Chairman of the Board | November 14, 2025 |
| Kim R. Cocklin |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JOHN K. AKERS | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director | November 14, 2025 |
| John K. Akers | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CHRISTOPHER T. FORSYTHE&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | November 14, 2025 |
| Christopher T. Forsythe | Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;MICHELLE H. FAULK&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) | November 14, 2025 |
| Michelle H. Faulk | Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;JOHN C. ALE | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| John C. Ale |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KELLY H. COMPTON&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Kelly H. Compton |  |  |
| /s/ SEAN DONOHUE | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Sean Donohue |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RAFAEL G. GARZA&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Rafael G. Garza |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EDWARD J. GEISER | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Edward J. Geiser |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NANCY K. QUINN&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Nancy K. Quinn |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;RICHARD A. SAMPSON&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Richard A. Sampson |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;TELISA TOLIVER | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Telisa Toliver |  |  |
| /s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;FRANK YOHO&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; | Director | November 14, 2025 |
| Frank Yoho |  |  |

---

## Exhibit 10.13

**Exhibit 10.13(a)**

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION** 

**1998 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN** 

**(as amended and restated February 5, 2025)**

The Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (hereinafter called the "**Plan**") was adopted by the Board of Directors of Atmos Energy Corporation, a Texas and Virginia corporation (hereinafter called the "**Company**") on August 12, 1998, to be effective October 1, 1998. The Plan, which was originally approved by the Company's shareholders on February 10, 1999, has been subsequently amended and restated. The Plan was last amended by approval by the Company's shareholders at their annual meeting on February 5, 2025.

**ARTICLE 1** 

**<u>PURPOSE</u>** 

The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain the services of able persons as employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and as Non-employee Directors (as herein defined), to provide such persons with a proprietary interest in the Company through the granting of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights or restricted stock, to motivate employees and Non-employee Directors using performance-related incentives linked to longer-range performance goals and the interests of the Company's shareholders and to provide Non-employee Directors the option to receive all or part of their Fee (as defined below) in the Company's common stock, whether granted singly, or in combination, or in tandem, that will

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; increase the interest of such persons in the Company's welfare;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; furnish an incentive to such persons to continue their services for the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; provide a means through which the Company may attract able persons as employees and Non-employee Directors; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; to increase the proprietary interest of the Non-employee Directors in the Company's long-term prospects and the strategic growth of its business.

With respect to Reporting Participants, the Plan and all transactions under the Plan are intended to comply with all applicable conditions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "**1934 Act**"). To the extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Committee fails to so comply, it will be deemed null and void *ab initio*, to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the Committee. Further, any Awards granted under the Plan to a Non-employee Director will be solely to compensate said Director for his services to the Company as a Non-employee Director.

**ARTICLE 2** 

**<u>DEFINITIONS</u>** 

For the purpose of the Plan, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms will have the meanings indicated:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Annual Grant**" means the annual grant of an Award to a Non-Employee Director for his or her service as a member of the Board during a calendar year or portion thereof.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Award**" means the grant of any Incentive Stock Option, Non-qualified Stock Option, SAR, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Unit, Performance Share, Bonus Stock or other Stock Unit Award whether granted singly, in combination or in tandem (each individually referred to herein as an "Incentive"). "Award" also means any Incentive to which an award under the Management Incentive Plan is made or converted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Award Agreement**" means a written agreement between a Participant and the Company, which sets out the terms of the grant of an Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Award Period**" means the period during which one or more Incentives granted under an Award may be exercised or earned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Board**" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Bonus Stock**" means an Award granted pursuant to Section 6.8 of the Plan expressed as a share of Common Stock which may or may not be subject to restrictions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.7&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) "**Change in Control**" of the Company occurs upon a change in the Company's ownership, its effective control or the ownership of a substantial portion of its assets, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Change in Ownership</u>. A change in ownership of the Company occurs on the date of consummation of any transaction under which any "Person" (as defined in Section 2.7(b) below), other than (1) the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (2) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Affiliates, (3) an underwriter temporarily holding stock pursuant to an offering of such stock, or (4) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the Company's stock, acquires ownership of the Company's stock that, together with stock held by such Person, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company's stock. However, if any Person is considered to own already more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Company's stock, the acquisition of additional stock by the same Person is not considered to be a Change of Control. In addition, if any Person has effective control of the Company through ownership of 30% or more of the total voting power of the Company's stock, as discussed in paragraph (ii) below, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person is not considered to cause a Change in Control pursuant to this paragraph (i); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Change in Effective Control</u>. Even though the Company may not have undergone a change in ownership under paragraph (i) above, a change in the effective control of the Company occurs on either of the following dates:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(A)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the date of consummation of any transaction under which any Person acquires (or has acquired during the 12- month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person) ownership of the Company's stock possessing 30 percent or more of the total voting power of the Company's stock. However, if any Person owns 30% or more of the total voting power of the Company's stock, the acquisition of additional control of the Company by the same Person is not considered to cause a Change in Control pursuant to this subparagraph (ii)(A); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(B)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the date during any 12-month period when a majority of members of the Board is replaced by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the Board before the date of the appointment or election; provided, however, that any such director will not be considered to be endorsed by the Board if his or her initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Change in Ownership of Substantial Portion of Assets.</u> A change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Company's assets occurs on the date of consummation of any transaction under which a Person acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such Person) assets of the Company, that have a total gross fair market value equal to at least 40% of the total gross fair market value of all of the Company's assets immediately before such acquisition or acquisitions. However, there is no Change in Control when there is such a transfer to an entity that is controlled by the shareholders of the Company immediately after the transfer, through a transfer to (A) a shareholder of the Company (immediately before the asset transfer) in exchange for or with respect to the Company's stock; (B) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company; (C) a Person that owns directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the Company's outstanding stock; or (D) an entity, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the stock of which is owned by a Person that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 50% of the total value or voting power of the Company's outstanding stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For purposes of subparagraph (a) above,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Person**" has the meaning given in Section 7701(a)(1) of the Code. Person will include more than one Person acting as a group as defined by the Final Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Affiliate**" has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The provisions of this Section 2.7 will be interpreted in accordance with the requirements of the Final Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A, it being the intent of the parties that this Section 2.7 will be in compliance with the requirements of said Code Section and said Regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.8&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Code**" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, together with the published rulings, regulations, and interpretations duly promulgated thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.9&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"**Committee**" means the committee appointed or designated by the Board to administer the Plan in accordance with Article 3 of this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.10&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Common Stock**" means the common stock, with no par value (stated value of $.005 per share), which the Company is currently authorized to issue or may in the future be authorized to issue.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.11&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Company**" means Atmos Energy Corporation, a Texas and Virginia corporation, and any successor entity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.12&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Covered Participant**" means a Participant who is a "covered employee" as defined in Section 162(m)(3) of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, or who the Committee believes will be such a covered employee for a Performance Period, and who the Committee believes will have remuneration in excess of $1,000,000 for the Performance Period, as provided in Section 162(m) of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.13&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Date of Grant**" means the effective date on which an Award is made to a Participant as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement; provided, however, that solely for purposes of Section 16 of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the Date of Grant of an Award will be the date of shareholder approval of the Plan if such date is later than the effective date of such Award as set forth in the Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.14&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Deferred Compensation Plan**" means the Atmos Energy Corporation Equity Incentive and Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.15&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Election**" means a Non-employee Director's delivery of written notice of election to the Corporate Secretary of the Company electing (a) to receive his or her Fee or a portion thereof in the form of Common Stock or (b) the type of Award to receive as an Annual Grant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Employee**" means common law employee (as defined in accordance with the Regulations and Revenue Rulings then applicable under Section 3401(c) of the Code) of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.17&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **"Fair Market Value**" of a share of Common Stock is the mean of the highest and lowest prices per share on the New York Stock Exchange Consolidated Tape, or such reporting service as the Board may select, on the appropriate date, or in the absence of reported sales on such day, the most recent previous day for which sales were reported.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.18&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Fee"** means the annual retainer fee (paid in quarterly installments) earned by a Non-employee Director for his or her service as a member of the Board during a Fiscal Year or portion thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.19&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Fiscal Year**" means the 12-month period beginning October 1st of any year and ending September 30th of the following year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.20&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Incentive Stock Option**" or "**ISO**" means an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, granted pursuant to this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.21&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Management Incentive Plan**" means the Atmos Energy Corporation Annual Incentive Plan for Management, as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.22&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Non-employee Director**" means a member of the Board who is not an Employee and who satisfies the requirements of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated under the 1934 Act or any successor provision.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.23&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Non-qualified Stock Option**" or "**NQSO**" means a non-qualified stock option, granted pursuant to this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.24&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Option Price**" means the price which must be paid by a Participant upon exercise of a Stock Option to purchase a share of Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Participan**t" means an Employee or Non-employee Director to whom an Award is granted under this Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.26&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Performance Award**" means a performance-based Award, which may be in the form of either Performance Shares or Performance Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Performance Criteria**" or "**Performance Goals**" or "**Performance Measures**" mean the objectives established by the Committee for a Performance Period, for the purpose of determining when an Award subject to such objectives is earned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.28&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Performance Period**" means the time period designated by the Committee during which performance goals must be met.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.29&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Performance Share**" means an Award, designated as a Performance Share, granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof, the value of which is determined, in whole or in part, by the value of Common Stock in a manner deemed appropriate by the Committee and described in the Agreement.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.30&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Performance Unit**" means an Award, designated as a Performance Unit, granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6.7 hereof, the value of which is determined, in whole or in part, by the attainment of pre-established goals relating to Company financial or operating performance as deemed appropriate by the Committee and described in the Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.31&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Plan**" means The Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.32&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Quarter**" means the 3-month period beginning October 1, January 1, April 1, or July 1 of each Fiscal Year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.33&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Reporting Participant**" means a Participant who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 of the 1934 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.34&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Restricted Stock**" means shares of Common Stock issued or transferred to a Participant pursuant to Section 6.4 of this Plan which are subject to restrictions or limitations set forth in this Plan and in the related Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.35&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Restricted Stock Unit**" means a fixed or variable dollar denominated right to acquire Common Stock, which may or may not be subject to restrictions, contingently awarded under Section 6.4 of the Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.36&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Retirement**" means any Termination of Service solely due to retirement upon attainment of age 65, or permitted early retirement as determined by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.37&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**SAR**" means the right to receive a payment, in cash and/or Common Stock, equal to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date the SAR is exercised over the SAR Price for such shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.38&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**SAR Price**" means the Fair Market Value of each share of Common Stock covered by an SAR, determined on the Date of Grant of the SAR.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.39&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Stock Option**" means a Non-qualified Stock Option or an Incentive Stock Option.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.40&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Stock Unit Award**" means awards of Common Stock or other awards pursuant to Section 6.9 hereof that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.41&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Subsidiary**" means (i) any corporation in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company, if each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing a majority of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in the chain, (ii) any limited partnership, if the Company or any corporation described in item (i) above owns a majority of the general partnership interest and a majority of the limited partnership interests entitled to vote on the removal and replacement of the general partner, and (iii) any partnership or limited liability company, if the partners or members thereof are composed only of the Company, any corporation listed in item (i) above or any limited partnership listed in item (ii) above. "**Subsidiaries**" means more than one of any such corporations, limited partnerships, partnerships or limited liability companies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.42&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Termination of Service**" means with respect to each Participant who is an Employee or Non-employee Director a "separation from service" as defined in Section 1.409A- 1(h) of the Final Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A, or any successor provision thereto.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.43&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "**Total and Permanent Disability**" means the termination of a Participant's active employment with the Company on account of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in

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death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, for which the employee is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company.

**ARTICLE 3** 

**<u>ADMINISTRATION</u>** 

The Plan will be administered by the Human Resources Committee of the Board (the "**Committee**") unless otherwise determined by the Board. If said Human Resources Committee does not so serve, the Committee will consist of not fewer than two persons; any member of the Committee may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by resolution of the Board; and any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Committee may be filled by appointment by the Board.

All actions to be taken by the Committee under this Plan, insofar as such actions affect compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code, will be limited to those members of the Board who are Non-employee Directors and who are "**outside directors**" under Section 162(m). The Committee will select one of its members to act as its Chairman. A majority of the Committee will constitute a quorum, and the act of a majority of the members of the Committee present at a meeting at which a quorum is present will be the act of the Committee.

The Committee will determine and designate from time to time the eligible persons to whom Awards will be granted and will set forth in each related Award Agreement, the Award Period, the Date of Grant, and such other terms, provisions, limitations, and performance requirements, as are approved by the Committee, but not inconsistent with the Plan, including, but not limited to, any rights of the Committee to cancel or rescind any such Award. The Committee will determine whether an Award will include one type of Incentive, two or more Incentives granted in combination, or two or more Incentives granted in tandem (that is, a joint grant where exercise of one Incentive results in cancellation of all or a portion of the other Incentive).

The Committee, in its discretion, will (i) interpret the Plan, (ii) prescribe, amend, and rescind any rules and regulations necessary or appropriate for the administration of the Plan, and (iii) make such other determinations and take such other action as it deems necessary or advisable in the administration of the Plan. Any interpretation, determination, or other action made or taken by the Committee will be final, binding, and conclusive on all interested parties.

With respect to restrictions in the Plan that are based on the requirements of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act, Section 422 of the Code, Section 162(m) of the Code, the rules of any exchange or inter-dealer quotation system upon which the Company's securities are listed or quoted, or any other applicable law, rule or restriction (collectively, "**applicable law**"), to the extent that any such restrictions are no longer required by applicable law, the Committee will have the sole discretion and authority to grant Awards that are not subject to such mandated restrictions and/or to waive any such mandated restrictions with respect to outstanding Awards.

**ARTICLE 4** 

**<u>ELIGIBILITY</u>** 

Any Employee (including an Employee who is also a director or an officer) and any Non-employee Director is eligible to participate in the Plan. The Committee, upon its own action, may grant, but will not be required to grant, an Award to any Employee or any Non-employee Director. Awards may be granted by the Committee at any time and from time to time to new Participants, or to then Participants, or to a greater or lesser number of Participants, and may include or exclude previous Participants, as the Committee will determine. Except as required by this Plan, different Awards need not contain similar provisions. The Committee's determinations under the Plan (including without limitation determinations of which Employees or Non-employee Directors, if any, are to receive Awards, the form,

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amount and timing of such Awards, the terms and provisions of such Awards and the agreements evidencing same) need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among Employees and Non-employee Directors who receive, or are eligible to receive, Awards under the Plan. In addition, each Non-employee Director will be entitled to make Elections as provided in Article 12.

**ARTICLE 5** 

**<u>SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN</u>** 

Subject to adjustment as provided in Articles 15 and 16, the cumulative maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan and Elections made by Non-employee Directors pursuant to Article 12 is (a) 13,200,000 shares; including (b) shares of Common Stock previously subject to Awards which are forfeited, terminated, cancelled or rescinded, settled in cash in lieu of Common Stock, or exchanged for Awards that do not involve Common Stock, or expired unexercised.

Shares to be issued may be made available from authorized but unissued Common Stock, Common Stock purchased by the Company on the open market or otherwise. During the term of this Plan, the Company will at all times reserve and keep available the number of shares of Common Stock that will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of this Plan.

**ARTICLE 6** 

**<u>GRANT OF AWARDS</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.1**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**In General.** The grant of an Award will be authorized by the Committee and will be evidenced by an Award Agreement setting forth the Incentive or Incentives being granted, the total number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Incentive(s), the Option Price (if applicable), the Award Period, the Date of Grant, and such other terms, provisions, limitations, and performance objectives, as are approved by the Committee, but not inconsistent with the Plan. The Company will execute an Award Agreement with a Participant after the Committee approves the issuance of an Award. Any Award granted pursuant to this Plan must be granted within ten (10) years of the date of adoption of this Plan. The grant of an Award to a Participant will not be deemed either to entitle the Participant to, or to disqualify the Participant from, receipt of any other Award under the Plan.

If the Committee establishes a purchase price for an Award, the Participant must accept such Award within a period of 30 days (or such shorter period as the Committee may specify) after the Date of Grant by executing the applicable Award Agreement and paying such purchase price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.2**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Maximum ISO Grants.** The Committee may not grant Incentive Stock Options under the Plan to any Employee which would permit the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined on the Date of Grant) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options (under this and any other plan of the Company and its Subsidiaries) are exercisable for the first time by such Employee during any calendar year to exceed $100,000. To the extent any Stock Option granted under this Plan, which is designated as an Incentive Stock Option exceeds this limit or otherwise fails to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, such Stock Option will be a Non-qualified Stock Option. The Committee may not grant Incentive Stock Options to Non- employee Directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.3**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Maximum Individual Grants.** No Participant may receive during any fiscal year of the Company Awards of Stock Options and SARs covering an aggregate of more than five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.4**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Restricted Stock/Restricted Stock Units.** If Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units are granted to a Participant under an Award, the Committee will set forth in the related Award Agreement: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock and/or the number of Restricted Stock Units awarded, (ii) the price, if any, to be paid by

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the Participant for such Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units, (iii) the time or times within which such Award may be subject to forfeiture, (iv) specified Performance Goals of the Company, a Subsidiary, any division thereof or any group of Employees of the Company, or other criteria, which the Committee determines must be met in order to remove any restrictions (including vesting) on such Award, and (v) all other terms, limitations, restrictions, and conditions of the Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units, which will be consistent with this Plan. The provisions of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units need not be the same with respect to each Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Legend on Shares</u>. Each Participant who is awarded Restricted Stock will be issued a stock certificate or certificates in respect of such shares of Common Stock. Such certificate(s) will be registered in the name of the Participant, and will bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, substantially as provided in Section 18.12 of the Plan. The Committee may require that the stock certificates evidencing shares of Restricted Stock be held in custody by the Company until the restrictions thereon will have lapsed, and that the Participant deliver to the Committee a stock power or stock powers, endorsed in blank, relating to the shares of Restricted Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Restrictions and Conditions</u>. Shares of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will be subject to the following restrictions and conditions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to the other provisions of this Plan and the terms of the particular Award Agreements, during such period as may be determined by the Committee commencing on the Date of Grant (the "**Restriction Period**"), the Participant will not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge or assign shares of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units. Except for these limitations, the Committee may in its sole discretion, remove any or all of the restrictions on such Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in applicable laws or other changes in circumstances arising after the date of the Award, such action is appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Except as provided in subparagraph (i) above or in Section 6.7(d) of the Plan, the Participant will have, with respect to his or her Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a shareholder of the Company, including the right to vote the shares, and the right to receive any dividends thereon. Certificates for shares of Common Stock free of restriction under this Plan will be delivered to the Participant promptly after, and only after, the Restriction Period will expire without forfeiture in respect of such shares of Common Stock. Certificates for the shares of Common Stock forfeited under the provisions of the Plan and the applicable Award Agreement will be promptly returned to the Company by the forfeiting Participant. Each Award Agreement will require that (x) each Participant, by his or her acceptance of Restricted Stock, will irrevocably grant to the Company a power of attorney to transfer any shares so forfeited to the Company and agrees to execute any documents requested by the Company in connection with such forfeiture and transfer, and (y) such provisions regarding returns and transfers of stock certificates with respect to forfeited shares of Common Stock will be specifically performable by the Company in a court of equity or law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Restriction Period of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units will commence on the Date of Grant and, subject to Article 16 of the Plan, unless otherwise established by the Committee in the Award Agreement setting forth the terms of the Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units, will expire upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Award Agreement; such conditions may provide for vesting based on (i) length of continuous service, (ii) achievement of specific business objectives, (iii) increases in specified indices, (iv) attainment of specified growth rates, or (v) other comparable Performance Measurements, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to the provisions of the particular Award Agreement, upon Termination of Service for any reason during the Restriction Period, the nonvested shares of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited by the Participant. In the event a Participant has paid any consideration to the Company for such forfeited Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units, the Company will, as soon as practicable after the event causing forfeiture (but in any event within 5 business days), pay to the Participant, in cash, an amount equal to the total consideration paid by the Participant for such forfeited shares and/or units. Upon any forfeiture, all rights of a Participant with respect to the forfeited shares of the Restricted Stock will cease and terminate, without any further obligation on the part of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.5**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**SAR.** An SAR will entitle the Participant at his election to surrender to the Company the SAR, or portion thereof, as the Participant will choose, and to receive from the Company in exchange therefor cash in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Fair Market Value (as of the date of the exercise of the SAR) per share over the SAR Price per share specified in such SAR, multiplied by the total number of shares of the SAR being surrendered. In the discretion of the Committee, the Company may satisfy its obligation upon exercise of an SAR by the distribution of that number of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date of the exercise of the SAR) equal to the amount of cash otherwise payable to the Participant, with a cash settlement to be made for any fractional share interests, or the Company may settle such obligation in part with shares of Common Stock and in part with cash.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.6**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Tandem Awards.** The Committee may grant two or more Incentives in one Award in the form of a "tandem award," so that the right of the Participant to exercise one Incentive will be canceled if, and to the extent, the other Incentive is exercised. For example, if a Stock Option and an SAR are issued in a tandem Award, and the Participant exercises the SAR with respect to 100 shares of Common Stock, the right of the Participant to exercise the related Stock Option will be canceled to the extent of 100 shares of Common Stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.7 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Performance Based Awards.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Grant of Performance Awards</u>. The Committee may issue Performance Awards in the form of either Performance Units or Performance Shares to Participants subject to the Performance Goals and Performance Period as it will determine. The terms and conditions of each Performance Award will be set forth in the related Award Agreement. The Committee will have complete discretion in determining the number and value of Performance Units or Performance Shares granted to each Participant. Participants receiving Performance Awards are not required to pay the Company thereof (except for applicable tax withholding) other than the rendering of services.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Value of Performance Awards</u>. The Committee will set performance goals in its discretion for each Participant who is granted a Performance Award. Such Performance Goals may be particular to a Participant, may relate to the performance of the Subsidiary which employs him or her, may be based on the division which employs him or her, may be based on the performance of the Company generally, or a combination of the foregoing. The Performance Goals may be based on achievement of balance sheet or income statement objectives, or any other objectives established by the Committee. The Performance Goals may be absolute in their terms or measured against or in relationship to other companies comparably, similarly or otherwise situated. The extent to which such Performance Goals are met will determine the value of the Performance Unit or Performance Share to the Participant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Form of Payment</u>. Payment of the amount to which a Participant will be entitled upon the settlement of a Performance Award will be made in a lump sum or installments in cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Restriction on Payment of Dividends or Accrued Dividend Equivalents</u>. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.7, any Performance Awards of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock

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Units or other Performance Awards based on shares of Common Stock, or in whole or in part on the value of the underlying Common Stock or other securities of the Company, may not provide for the payment of dividends or dividend equivalents during the Performance Period, but may only provide that dividends or dividend equivalents accrued during the Performance Period will be payable at the time such Performance Awards vest and are paid.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.8**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Bonus Stock.** The Committee may award shares of Bonus Stock to Participants under the Plan without cash consideration. The Committee will determine and indicate in the related Award Agreement whether such shares of Bonus Stock awarded under the Plan will be unencumbered of any restrictions (other than those advisable to comply with law) or will be subject to restrictions and limitations similar to those referred to in Section 6.7 hereof. In the event the Committee assigns any restrictions on the shares of Bonus Stock awarded under the Plan, then such shares will be subject to at least the following restrictions:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No shares of Bonus Stock may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated if such shares are subject to restrictions which have not lapsed or have not been vested.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If any condition of vesting of the shares of Bonus Stock are not met, all such shares subject to such vesting will be delivered to the Company (in a manner determined by the Committee) within 60 days of the failure to meet such conditions without any payment from the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.9 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Stock Based Awards.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Grant of Other Stock Based Awards</u>. The Committee may issue to Participants, either alone or in addition to other Awards made under the Plan, Stock Unit Awards which may be in the form of Common Stock or other securities. The value of each such Award will be based, in whole or in part, on the value of the underlying Common Stock or other securities. The Committee, in its sole and complete discretion, may determine that an Award, either in the form of a Stock Unit Award under this Section 6.9 or as an Award granted pursuant to the other provisions of this Article 6, may provide to the Participant (i) dividends or dividend equivalents (payable on a current or deferred basis) and (ii) cash payments in lieu of or in addition to an Award. The Committee will determine the terms, restrictions, conditions, vesting requirements, and payment rules (all of which are sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as "**rules**") of the Award and will set forth those rules in the related Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Rules</u>. The Committee, in its sole and complete discretion, may grant a Stock Unit Award subject to the following rules:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common Stock or other securities issued pursuant to Stock Unit Awards may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated by a Participant until the expiration of at least six months from the Award Date, except that such limitation will not apply in the case of death or disability of the Participant. To the extent Stock Unit Awards are deemed to be derivative securities within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the 1934 Act, a Participant's rights with respect to such Awards will not vest or be exercisable until the expiration of at least six months from the Award Date. To the extent a Stock Unit Award granted under the Plan is deemed to be a derivative security within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the 1934 Act, it may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, otherwise than by will or by laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to such Stock Unit Awards granted to a Participant under the Plan will be exercisable during his or her lifetime only by such Participant or his or her guardian or legal representative.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stock Unit Awards may require the payment of cash consideration by the Participant in receipt of the Award or provide that the Award, and any Common Stock or other securities issued in conjunction with the Award be delivered without the payment of cash consideration.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Committee, in its sole and complete discretion, may establish certain Performance Criteria that may relate in whole or in part to receipt of the Stock Unit Awards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stock Unit Awards may be subject to a deferred payment schedule and/or vesting over a specified employment period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Committee as a result of certain circumstances, may waive or otherwise remove, in whole or in part, any restriction or condition imposed on a Stock Unit Award at the time of Award.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.10**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Recoupment of Awards in Connection with Restatements.** Notwithstanding any other language in this Plan to the contrary, the Company may recoup all or any portion of any shares or cash paid to any current or former officer, as defined in the Company's Executive Compensation Recoupment Policy approved by the Board from time to time (the "Policy"), in connection with an Award, in the event of an accounting restatement of the Company's previously issued financial statements, as set forth in the Policy.

**ARTICLE 7** 

**<u>OPTION and SAR PRICING</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.1**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Option Price; SAR Price.** The Option Price for any share of Common Stock which may be purchased under a Stock Option and the SAR Price for any share of Common Stock subject to an SAR will be at least One Hundred Percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of the share on the Date of Grant. If an Incentive Stock Option is granted to an Employee who owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or any parent or Subsidiary), the Option Price will be at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the Date of Grant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.2**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**No Repricing of Options or SARs.** The Committee may not, without the approval of the Company's shareholders, "reprice" any Stock Option or SAR. For purposes of this Section 7.2, "**reprice**" means any of the following or any other action that has the same effect: (i) amending a Stock Option or SAR to reduce its exercise price or base price, (ii) canceling a Stock Option or SAR at a time when its exercise price or base price exceeds the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock in exchange for cash or a Stock Option, SAR, award of Restricted Stock or other equity award with an exercise price or base price less than the exercise price or base price of the original Stock Option or SAR, or (iii) taking any other action that is treated as a repricing under generally accepted accounting principles, provided that nothing in this Section 7.2 will prevent the Committee from making adjustments pursuant to Article 15, from exchanging or cancelling Incentives pursuant to Article 16, or substituting Incentives in accordance with Article 18.

**ARTICLE 8** 

**<u>AWARD PERIOD; VESTING</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.1**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Award Period.** Subject to the other provisions of this Plan, the Committee may, in its discretion, provide that an Incentive may not be exercised in whole or in part for any period or periods of time or beyond any date specified in the Award Agreement. Except as provided in the Award Agreement, an Incentive may be exercised in whole or in part at any time during its term. The Award Period for an Incentive will be reduced or terminated upon Termination of Service in accordance with this Article 8 and Article 9. No Incentive granted under the Plan may be exercised at any time after the end of its Award Period. No portion of any Incentive may be exercised after the expiration of ten (10) years from its Date of Grant. However, if an Employee owns or is deemed to own (by reason of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company (or any parent or Subsidiary) and an Incentive Stock Option is granted to such Employee, the term of such Incentive Stock Option (to the extent required by the Code at the time of grant) will be no more than five (5) years from the Date of Grant.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**8.2**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Vesting.** The Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine that an Incentive will be immediately exercisable, in whole or in part, or that all or any portion may not be exercised until a date, or dates, subsequent to its Date of Grant, or until the occurrence of one or more specified events, subject in any case to the terms of the Plan. If the Committee imposes conditions upon exercise, then subsequent to the Date of Grant, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the date on which all or any portion of the Incentive may be exercised.

**ARTICLE 9** 

**<u>TERMINATION OF SERVICE</u>** 

In the event of Termination of Service of a Participant, an Incentive may only be exercised as determined by the Committee and provided in the Award Agreement.

**ARTICLE 10** 

**<u>EXERCISE OF INCENTIVE</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.1**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**In General.** A vested Incentive may be exercised during its Award Period, subject to limitations and restrictions set forth therein and in Article 9. A vested Incentive may be exercised at such times and in such amounts as provided in this Plan and the applicable Award Agreement, subject to the terms, conditions, and restrictions of the Plan.

In no event may an Incentive be exercised or shares of Common Stock be issued pursuant to an Award if a necessary listing or quotation of the shares of Common Stock on a stock exchange or inter-dealer quotation system or any registration under state or federal securities laws required under the circumstances has not been accomplished. No Incentive may be exercised for a fractional share of Common Stock. The granting of an Incentive will impose no obligation upon the Participant to exercise that Incentive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Stock Options</u>. Subject to such administrative regulations as the Committee may from time to time adopt, a Stock Option may be exercised by the delivery of written notice to the Committee setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Stock Option is to be exercised and the date of exercise thereof (the "Exercise Date") which will be at least three (3) days after giving such notice unless an earlier time will have been mutually agreed upon. On the Exercise Date, the Participant will deliver to the Company consideration with a value equal to the total Option Price of the shares to be purchased, payable as follows: (a) cash, check, bank draft, or money order payable to the order of the Company, (b) Common Stock (including Restricted Stock) owned by the Participant on the Exercise Date, valued at its Fair Market Value on the Exercise Date, (c) by delivery (including by FAX) to the Company or its designated agent of an executed irrevocable option exercise form together with irrevocable instructions from the Participant to a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to sell certain of the shares of Common Stock purchased upon exercise of the Stock Option or to pledge such shares as collateral for a loan and promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay such purchase price, and/or (d) in any other form of valid consideration that is acceptable to the Committee in its sole discretion. In the event that shares of Restricted Stock are tendered as consideration for the exercise of a Stock Option, a number of shares of Common Stock issued upon the exercise of the Stock Option equal to the number of shares of Restricted Stock used as consideration therefor will be subject to the same restrictions and provisions as the Restricted Stock so submitted.

Upon payment of all amounts due from the Participant, the Company will cause certificates for the Common Stock then being purchased to be delivered as directed by the Participant (or the person exercising the Participant's Stock Option in the event of his death) at its principal business office promptly after the Exercise Date; provided that if the Participant has exercised an Incentive Stock Option,

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the Company may at its option retain physical possession of the certificate evidencing the shares acquired upon exercise until the expiration of the holding periods described in Section 422(a)(1) of the Code. The obligation of the Company to deliver shares of Common Stock will, however, be subject to the condition that if at any time the Committee will determine in its discretion that the listing, registration, or qualification of the Stock Option or the Common Stock upon any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system or under any state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the Stock Option or the issuance or purchase of shares of Common Stock thereunder, the Stock Option may not be exercised in whole or in part unless such listing, registration, qualification, consent, or approval will have been effected or obtained free of any conditions not acceptable to the Committee.

If the Participant fails to pay for any of the Common Stock specified in such notice or fails to accept delivery thereof, the Participant's right to purchase such Common Stock may be terminated by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>SARs</u>. Subject to the conditions of this Section 10.1(b) and such administrative regulations as the Committee may from time to time adopt, an SAR may be exercised by the delivery (including by FAX) of written notice to the Committee setting forth the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the SAR is to be exercised and the date of exercise thereof (the "**Exercise Date**") which will be at least three (3) days after giving such notice unless an earlier time will have been mutually agreed upon. On the Exercise Date, the Participant will receive from the Company in exchange therefor cash in an amount equal to the excess (if any) of the Fair Market Value (as of the date of the exercise of the SAR) per share of Common Stock over the SAR Price per share specified in such SAR, multiplied by the total number of shares of Common Stock of the SAR being surrendered. In the discretion of the Committee, the Company may satisfy its obligation upon exercise of an SAR by the distribution of that number of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date of the exercise of the SAR) equal to the amount of cash otherwise payable to the Participant, with a cash settlement to be made for any fractional share interests, or the Company may settle such obligation in part with shares of Common Stock and in part with cash.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**10.2**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Disqualifying Disposition of ISO.** If shares of Common Stock acquired upon exercise of an Incentive Stock Option are disposed of by a Participant prior to the expiration of either two (2) years from the Date of Grant of such Stock Option or one (1) year from the transfer of shares of Common Stock to the Participant pursuant to the exercise of such Stock Option, or in any other disqualifying disposition within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, such Participant will notify the Company in writing of the date and terms of such disposition. A disqualifying disposition by a Participant will not affect the status of any other Stock Option granted under the Plan as an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

**ARTICLE 11** 

**<u>SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO COVERED PARTICIPANTS</u>** 

Awards subject to Performance Criteria paid to Covered Participants under this Plan will be governed by the conditions of this Article 11 in addition to the requirements of Sections 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9 above. Should conditions set forth under this Article 11 conflict with the requirements of Sections 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9, the conditions of this Article 11 will prevail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Performance Measures, Goals, or Criteria relating to Covered Participants for a relevant Performance Period will be established by the Committee in writing prior to the beginning of the Performance Period, or by such other later date for the Performance Period as may be permitted under Section 162(m) of the Code. The Performance Goals may be identical for all Participants or, at the discretion of the Committee, may be different to reflect more appropriate measures of individual performance.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Performance Goals relating to Covered Participants for a Performance Period will be established by the Committee in writing. Performance Goals may include alternative and multiple Performance Goals and may be based on one or more business and/or financial criteria. In establishing the Performance Goals for the Performance Period, the Committee in its discretion may include one or any combination of the following criteria in either absolute or relative terms, for the Company or any Subsidiary:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Total shareholder return;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Return on assets, equity, capital, or investment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pre-tax or after-tax profit levels, including: earnings per share; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization; net operating profits after tax, and net income;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cash flow and cash flow return on investment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Economic value added and economic profit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Growth in earnings per share;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Levels of operating expense or other expense items as reported on the income statement, including operating and maintenance expense; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(viii) Measures of customer satisfaction and customer service as surveyed from time to time, including the relative improvement therein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Performance Goals must be objective and must satisfy third party "objectivity" standards under Section 162(m) of the Code, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Committee is authorized to make adjustments in the method of calculating attainment of Performance Goals in recognition of: (i) items that are of an unusual nature or indicate infrequency of occurrence, (ii) changes in tax laws, (iii) changes in generally accepted accounting principles or changes in accounting principles, (iv) charges related to restructured or discontinued operations, (v) restatement of prior period financial results, and (vi) any other unusual, non-recurring gain or loss that is separately identified and quantified in the Company's financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, at its sole discretion, reduce the performance results upon which Awards are based under the Plan, to offset any unintended result(s) arising from events not anticipated when the Performance Goals were established, provided that such adjustment is permitted by Section 162(m) of the Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Performance Goals will not allow for any discretion by the Committee as to an increase in any Award, but discretion to lower an Award is permissible.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Award and payment of any Award under this Plan to a Covered Participant with respect to a relevant Performance Period will be contingent upon the attainment of the Performance Goals that are applicable to such Covered Participant. The Committee will certify in writing prior to payment of any such Award that such applicable Performance Goals relating to the Award are satisfied. Approved minutes of the Committee may be used for this purpose.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The maximum Award that may be paid to any Covered Participant under the Plan pursuant to Sections 6.4, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.9 for any Performance Period will be (i) if in cash, One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) and (ii) if in shares of Common Stock, five hundred thousand (500,000) shares.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Awards to Covered Participants under this Plan will be further subject to such other conditions, restrictions, and requirements as the Committee may determine to be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Article 11.

**ARTICLE 12** 

**<u>NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR ELECTIONS</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fee Election**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each Non-employee Director may elect to receive all or a portion (in 10% increments) of his or her Fee in shares of Common Stock by executing and delivering an Election to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year in order to be effective for the Fee earned in such succeeding Fiscal Year. Each Non-employee Director must execute the election form previously approved by the Corporate Secretary in order for such Election to be effective. The election form is deemed delivered when received by the Corporate Secretary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each Non-employee Director may elect to revoke or modify his or her Election that is then currently in effect by executing and delivering a written revocation/modification form, which must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year in order to be effective for the Fee earned in such succeeding Fiscal Year. Each Non-employee Director must execute the revocation/modification form previously approved by the Corporate Secretary in order for such revocation/modification to be effective. This form is deemed delivered when received by the Corporate Secretary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An Election will result in the payment of the Common Stock portion of the payment of the Fee earned in each Quarter for which the Election is effective as soon as possible following the first business day of such Quarter. The number of shares of Common Stock issued in accordance with an Election will be equal to the amount of the Common Stock portion of the payment of the Fee that would have been paid to the Non-employee Director during a Quarter divided by the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the first business day of such Quarter. Only whole numbers of shares of Common Stock will be issued; fractional shares will be paid in cash. If the Election is for only a portion of the Fee, the remaining portion of the Fee to be paid in cash will be paid at the time the cash payment would normally be paid by the Company to the Non-employee Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Common Stock portion of the payment of a Fee pursuant to this Article 12 will be subject to the remaining provisions of the Plan, including but not limited to Articles 15 and 16, to the extent otherwise applicable to such Common Stock portion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A Non-Employee Director may also elect under the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan to defer on a calendar year basis all or a part of his Fee to be earned during the following calendar year. A Non-Employee Director who makes such a deferral election will elect to have such Fee credited to either a deferred stock account or deferred cash account and paid pursuant to the terms of Deferred Compensation Plan. To be effective, the deferral election must be made on the participation form approved by the Corporate Secretary of the Company and executed and delivered to the Corporate Secretary prior to the beginning of the immediately succeeding calendar year.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Annual Grant Election**.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each Non-employee Director may elect the type of Award for his or her Annual Grant in any of the types of Award specified by the Committee by executing and delivering an Election to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the immediately succeeding calendar year in order to be effective for the Annual Grant made in such succeeding calendar year. Each Non-employee Director must execute the election form previously approved by the Corporate Secretary in order for such Election to be effective. The election form is deemed delivered when received by the Corporate Secretary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An Election will result in the granting of an Award in the type of Award elected by the Director. Such Award when granted during the succeeding calendar year will be administered and paid pursuant to the provisions of the Plan applicable to the type of Award elected and the Award Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If a Non-employee Director does not make an Election pursuant to this Section 12(b), his or her Annual Grant will be made in the type of Award determined by the Committee. Such Award will be administered and paid pursuant to the provisions of the Plan applicable to the type of Award and the Award Agreement.

**ARTICLE 13** 

**<u>AMENDMENT OR DISCONTINUANCE</u>** 

Subject to the limitations set forth in this Article 13, the Board may at any time and from time to time, without the consent of the Participants, alter, amend, revise, suspend, or discontinue the Plan in whole or in part; provided, however, that no amendment which requires shareholder approval in order for the Plan and Incentives awarded under the Plan to continue to comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, including any successors to such Section, will be effective unless such amendment will be approved by the requisite vote of the shareholders of the Company entitled to vote thereon. Any such amendment will, to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by the Committee, be applicable to any outstanding Incentives theretofore granted under the Plan, notwithstanding any contrary provisions contained in any Award Agreement. In the event of any such amendment to the Plan, the holder of any Incentive outstanding under the Plan will, upon request of the Committee and as a condition to the exercisability thereof, execute a conforming amendment in the form prescribed by the Committee to any Award Agreement relating thereto. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Plan to the contrary, unless required by law, no action contemplated or permitted by this Article 13 will adversely affect any rights of Participants or obligations of the Company to Participants with respect to any Incentive theretofore granted under the Plan without the consent of the affected Participant.

**ARTICLE 14** 

**<u>EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM</u>** 

The Plan will be effective as set forth in Section 19.11. Unless sooner terminated by action of the Board, the Plan will terminate on November 11, 2030, but Incentives granted before that date will continue to be effective in accordance with their terms and conditions.

**ARTICLE 15** 

**<u>CAPITAL ADJUSTMENTS</u>** 

If at any time while the Plan is in effect, or Incentives are outstanding, there will be any increase or decrease in the number of issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock resulting from (1) the declaration or payment of a

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stock dividend, (2) any recapitalization resulting in a stock split-up, combination, or exchange of shares of Common Stock, or (3) other increase or decrease in such shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, then and in such event:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An appropriate adjustment will be made in the maximum number of shares of Common Stock then subject to being awarded under the Plan and in the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be awarded to a Participant to the end that the same proportion of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock will continue to be subject to being so awarded.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Appropriate adjustments will be made in the number of shares of Common Stock and the Option Price thereof then subject to purchase pursuant to each such Stock Option previously granted and unexercised, to the end that the same proportion of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock in each such instance will remain subject to purchase at the same aggregate Option Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Appropriate adjustments will be made in the number of SARs and the SAR Price thereof then subject to exercise pursuant to each such SAR previously granted and unexercised, to the end that the same proportion of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock in each instance will remain subject to exercise at the same aggregate SAR Price.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Appropriate adjustments will be made in the number of outstanding shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which restrictions have not yet lapsed prior to any such change.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Appropriate adjustments will be made with respect to shares of Common Stock applicable to any other Incentives previously awarded under the Plan as the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, consistent with the event.

Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the issuance by the Company of shares of its capital stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of capital stock of any class, either in connection with direct sale or upon the exercise of rights or warrants to subscribe therefor, or upon conversion of shares or obligations of the Company convertible into such shares or other securities, will not affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof will be made with respect to (i) the number of or Option Price of shares of Common Stock then subject to outstanding Stock Options granted under the Plan, (ii) the number of or SAR Price or SARs then subject to outstanding SARs granted under the Plan, (iii) the number of outstanding shares of Restricted Stock, or (iv) the number of shares of Common Stock otherwise payable under any other Incentive.

Upon the occurrence of each event requiring an adjustment with respect to any Incentive, the Company will mail to each affected Participant its computation of such adjustment which will be conclusive and will be binding upon each such Participant.

**ARTICLE 16** 

**RECAPITALIZATION, MERGER AND** 

**<u>CONSOLIDATION; CHANGE IN CONTROL</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The existence of this Plan and Incentives granted hereunder will not affect in any way the right or power of the Company or its shareholders to make or authorize any or all adjustments, recapitalizations, reorganizations, or other changes in the Company's capital structure and its business, or any merger or consolidation of the Company, or any issue of bonds, debentures, preferred or preference stocks ranking prior to or otherwise affecting the Common Stock or the rights thereof (or any rights, options, or warrants to purchase same), or the dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or any sale or transfer of all or any part of its assets or business, or any other corporate act or proceeding, whether of a similar character or otherwise.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to any required action by the shareholders, if the Company will be the surviving or resulting corporation in any merger, consolidation or share exchange, any Incentive granted hereunder will pertain to and apply to the securities or rights (including cash, property, or assets) to which a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Incentive would have been entitled.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the event of the consummation of any merger, consolidation or share exchange pursuant to which the Company is not the surviving or resulting corporation, there will be substituted for each share of Common Stock subject to the unexercised portions of such outstanding Incentives, that number of shares of each class of stock or other securities or that amount of cash, property, or assets of the surviving, resulting or consolidated company which were distributed or distributable to the shareholders of the Company in respect to each share of Common Stock held by them, such outstanding Incentives to be thereafter exercisable for such stock, securities, cash, or property in accordance with their terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, all Stock Options and SARs may be canceled by the Company immediately prior to the effective date of the consummation of any such reorganization, merger, consolidation, share exchange or any dissolution or liquidation of the Company by giving notice to each holder thereof or his personal representative of its intention to do so and by permitting the purchase during the thirty (30) day period next preceding such effective date of all or any portion of all of the shares of Common Stock subject to such outstanding Incentives whether or not such Incentives are then vested or exercisable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the event of the Termination of Service of a Participant within three years after the consummation of a Change in Control of the Company, notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, all unmatured installments of Incentives outstanding and not otherwise canceled in accordance with Section 16(c) above with respect to such terminated Participant, will thereupon automatically be accelerated and exercisable in full and all Restriction Periods applicable to Awards of Restricted Stock and/or Restricted Stock Units will automatically expire. The determination of the Committee that any of the foregoing conditions has been met will be binding and conclusive on all parties.

**ARTICLE 17** 

**<u>LIQUIDATION OR DISSOLUTION</u>** 

In case the Company will, at any time while any Incentive under this Plan will be in force and remain unexpired, (i) sell all or substantially all of its property, or (ii) dissolve, liquidate, or wind up its affairs, then each Participant will be thereafter entitled to receive, in lieu of each share of Common Stock of the Company which such Participant would have been entitled to receive under the Incentive, the same kind and amount of any securities or assets as may be issuable, distributable, or payable upon any such sale, dissolution, liquidation, or winding up with respect to each share of Common Stock of the Company. If the Company will, at any time prior to the expiration of any Incentive, make any partial distribution of its assets, in the nature of a partial liquidation, whether payable in cash or in kind (but excluding the distribution of a cash dividend payable out of earned surplus and designated as such) then in such event the Option Prices or SAR Prices then in effect with respect to each Stock Option or SAR will be reduced, on the payment date of such distribution, in proportion to the percentage reduction in the tangible book value of the shares of the Company's Common Stock (determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) resulting by reason of such distribution.

**ARTICLE 18** 

**INCENTIVES IN SUBSTITUTION FOR** 

**<u>INCENTIVES GRANTED BY OTHER CORPORATIONS</u>** 

Incentives may be granted under the Plan from time to time in substitution for similar instruments held by employees of a corporation who become or are about to become Employees of the Company or any Subsidiary as a

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result of a merger or consolidation of the employing corporation with the Company or the acquisition by the Company of stock of the employing corporation. The terms and conditions of the substitute Incentives so granted may vary from the terms and conditions set forth in this Plan to such extent as the Board at the time of grant may deem appropriate to conform, in whole or in part, to the provisions of the Incentives in substitution for which they are granted.

**ARTICLE 19** 

**<u>MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS</u>** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.1**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Investment Intent.** The Company may require that there be presented to and filed with it by any Participant under the Plan, such evidence as it may deem necessary to establish that the Incentives granted or the shares of Common Stock to be purchased or transferred are being acquired for investment and not with a view to their distribution.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.2**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**No Right to Continued Employment.** Neither the Plan nor any Incentive granted under the Plan will confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuance of employment by the Company or any Subsidiary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.3**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Indemnification of Board and Committee.** No member of the Board or the Committee, nor any officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Board or the Committee, will be personally liable for any action, determination, or interpretation taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Board or the Committee and each and any officer or employee of the Company acting on their behalf will, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company in respect of any such action, determination, or interpretation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.4**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Effect of the Plan.** Neither the adoption of this Plan nor any action of the Board or the Committee will be deemed to give any person any right to be granted an Award or any other rights except as may be evidenced by an Award Agreement, or any amendment thereto, duly authorized by the Committee and executed on behalf of the Company, and then only to the extent and upon the terms and conditions expressly set forth therein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.5**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Compliance with Other Laws and Regulations.** Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Company will not be required to sell or issue shares of Common Stock under any Incentive if the issuance thereof would constitute a violation by the Participant or the Company of any provisions of any law or regulation of any governmental authority or any national securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system or other forum in which shares of Common Stock are quoted or traded (including without limitation Section 16 of the 1934 Act and Section 162(m) of the Code); and, as a condition of any sale or issuance of shares of Common Stock under an Incentive, the Committee may require such agreements or undertakings, if any, as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable to assure compliance with any such law or regulation. The Plan, the grant and exercise of Incentives hereunder, and the obligation of the Company to sell and deliver shares of Common Stock, will be subject to all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any government or regulatory agency as may be required.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.6**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Tax Requirements.** The Company will have the right to deduct from all amounts hereunder paid in cash or other form, any Federal, state, or local taxes required by law to be withheld with respect to such payments. The Participant receiving shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan will be required to pay the Company the amount of any taxes which the Company is required to withhold with respect to such shares of Common Stock. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of an assignment of a Non-qualified Stock Option or SAR pursuant to Section 19.7, the Participant who assigns the Non-qualified Stock Option or SAR will remain subject to withholding taxes upon exercise of the Non-qualified Stock Option or SAR by the transferee to the extent required by the Code or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such payments will be required to be made prior to the delivery of any certificate representing such shares of Common Stock. Such payment may be made in cash, by check, or through the delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by the Participant (which may be effected by the actual delivery of shares of Common Stock by the Participant or by the Company's withholding a number of shares to be issued upon

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the exercise of a Stock Option, if applicable), which shares have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the required minimum withholding payment, or any combination thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.7**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Assignability.** Incentive Stock Options may not be transferred or assigned other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Participant only by the Participant or the Participant's legally authorized representative, and each Award Agreement in respect of an Incentive Stock Option will so provide. The designation by a Participant of a beneficiary will not constitute a transfer of the Stock Option. The Committee may waive or modify any limitation contained in the preceding sentences of this Section 19.7 that is not required for compliance with Section 422 of the Code. The Committee may, in its discretion, authorize all or a portion of a Non-qualified Stock Option or SAR to be granted to a Participant to be on terms which permit transfer by such Participant to (i) the spouse, children or grandchildren of the Participant ("Immediate Family Members"), (ii) a trust or trusts for the exclusive benefit of such Immediate Family Members, or (iii) a partnership in which such Immediate Family Members are the only partners, (iv) an entity exempt from federal income tax pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Code or any successor provision, or (v) a split interest trust or pooled income fund described in Section 2522(c)(2) of the Code or any successor provision, <u>provided that</u> (x) there will be no consideration for any such transfer, (y) the Award Agreement pursuant to which such Non-qualified Stock Option or SAR is granted must be approved by the Committee and must expressly provide for transferability in a manner consistent with this Section 19.7, and (z) subsequent transfers of transferred Non-qualified Stock Options or SARs will be prohibited except those by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined in the Code or Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Following transfer, any such Non-qualified Stock Option and SAR will continue to be subject to the same terms and conditions as were applicable immediately prior to transfer, provided that for purposes of Articles 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 hereof the term "Participant" will be deemed to include the transferee. The events of Termination of Service will continue to be applied with respect to the original Participant, following which the Non-qualified Stock Options and SARs will be exercisable by the transferee only to the extent and for the periods specified in the Award Agreement. The Committee and the Company will have no obligation to inform any transferee of a Non-qualified Stock Option or SAR of any expiration, termination, lapse or acceleration of such Option. The Company will have no obligation to register with any federal or state securities commission or agency any Common Stock issuable or issued under a Non-qualified Stock Option or SAR that has been transferred by a Participant under this Section 19.7. A Non-employee Director making an Election pursuant to Section 12(a) may designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries who will receive any shares of Common Stock owed to such Non-employee Director hereunder in the event of the Non-employee Director's death. Each Non-employee Director may make changes in the designation of a beneficiary at any time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.8**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Use of Proceeds.** Proceeds from the sale of shares of Common Stock pursuant to Incentives granted under this Plan will constitute general funds of the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.9**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Governing Law.** The validity, construction and effect of the Plan and any actions taken or relating to the Plan will be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas and applicable Federal law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.10**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Successors and Assigns.** The Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company, expressly to assume and agree to perform the Company's obligation under this Plan in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform them if no such succession had taken place. As used herein, the "Company" will mean the Company as hereinbefore defined and any aforesaid successor to its business and/or assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.11**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Effective Date.** The Plan became effective as of October 1, 1998. After termination of the Plan, no future Awards may be made.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**19.12**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Legend.** Each certificate representing shares of Restricted Stock issued to a Participant will bear the following legend, or a similar legend deemed by the Company to constitute an appropriate notice of the provisions

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hereof (any such certificate not having such legend will be surrendered upon demand by the Company and so endorsed):

On the face of the certificate:

"Transfer of this stock is restricted in accordance with conditions printed on the reverse of this certificate."

On the reverse:

"The shares of stock evidenced by this certificate are subject to and transferrable only in accordance with that certain Atmos Energy Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan, a copy of which is on file at the principal office of the Company in Dallas, Texas. No transfer or pledge of the shares evidenced hereby may be made except in accordance with and subject to the provisions of said Plan. By acceptance of this certificate, any holder, transferee or pledgee hereof agrees to be bound by all of the provisions of said Plan."

The following legend will be inserted on a certificate evidencing Common Stock issued under the Plan if the shares were not issued in a transaction registered under the applicable federal and state securities laws:

"Shares of stock represented by this certificate have been acquired by the holder for investment and not for resale, transfer or distribution, have been issued pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of applicable state and federal securities laws, and may not be offered for sale, sold or transferred other than pursuant to effective registration under such laws, or in transactions otherwise in compliance with such laws, and upon evidence satisfactory to the Company of compliance with such laws, as to which the Company may rely upon an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Company."

A copy of this Plan will be kept on file in the principal executive offices of the Company in Dallas, Texas.

\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \*

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF**, the Company has caused this instrument to be executed as of February 5, 2025, by its President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to prior actions taken by the Board.

**ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION**

By:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ KEVIN AKERS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u>

Kevin Akers

President and Chief Executive Officer

## Exhibit 10.13

**Exhibit 10.13(b)**

**AWARD AGREEMENT OF TIME-LAPSE**

**RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS** 

**UNDER THE ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION** 

**1998 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN** 

This Award Agreement of Time-Lapse Restricted Stock Units ("Award Agreement") is dated as of November 4, 2025, by and between Atmos Energy Corporation, a Texas and Virginia corporation (the "Company"), and **you** ("Grantee"), pursuant to the Company's 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). Capitalized terms that are used, but not defined, in this Award Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Grant and Description of Units</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to authorization by the Human Resources Committee of the Board (the "Committee"), which has been designated by the Board to administer the Plan, the Company hereby grants to the Grantee time-lapse restricted stock units ("Units") under the Plan, for no consideration from the Grantee, with the restrictions set forth below. Each such Unit shall be a notional share of common stock of the Company ("Common Stock"), with the value of each Unit being equal to the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock at any time. No physical certificates representing the number of Units awarded shall be issued to the Grantee, but an account shall be established and maintained for the Grantee, in which each grant of Units to the Grantee shall be recorded. During the time of the restriction period provided for in Section 2 below, the Grantee shall not have any of the rights of a shareholder of the Company with respect to the Units, except with respect to the payment of cash dividend equivalents during such period, as provided for in Section 6 below.

2. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Restrictions on Alienation of Units</u>.

Units awarded hereunder may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated in any manner, whether voluntarily, by operation of law, or otherwise, until the restrictions on the Units are removed and the Units are delivered to the Grantee in the form of shares of Common Stock in the manner described below in Section 8.

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Vesting of Units</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the Grantee has attained the age of 55 and completed three (3) consecutive years of service with the Company (referred to as "Retirement Eligible"), he or she shall be vested in the Units. . The Grantee shall not be entitled to the removal

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of the restrictions on such Units provided for in Section 2 above or to a distribution of shares of Common Stock represented by the number of Units until the time provided for in Section 8 below. In addition, the Grantee's portion of applicable payroll (FICA) taxes shall be withheld from the first scheduled bi-weekly paycheck in December of the year in which such vesting occurs. The amount of payroll taxes due shall be based on the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock represented by the number of Units as of the last business day of the pay period to which the first scheduled payroll check in December applies.

4. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Forfeiture of Units</u>.

If the Grantee is not otherwise vested as provided in Section 3 above, all Units granted shall be forfeited if the Grantee has a voluntary or involuntary Termination of Service for any reason other than as described below in Section 5. Each Grantee, by his or her acceptance of the Units, agrees to execute any documents requested by the Company in connection with such forfeiture. Such provisions with respect to forfeited Units shall be specifically performable by the Company in a court of equity or law. Upon any forfeiture, all rights of the Grantee with respect to the forfeited Units shall cease and terminate, without any further obligation on the part of the Company.

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Removal of Restrictions</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Death, Disability, Certain Involuntary Terminations and Terminations following a Change in Control**.** 

At the time and on the date of the Grantee's death, Termination of Service due to Total and Permanent Disability, involuntary Termination of Service due to a general reduction in force or specific elimination of the Grantee's job, or Termination of Service for any reason following a Change in Control, while employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, all Units shall be vested and all other restrictions placed on the Units shall be removed. The Grantee, or his or her legal representatives, beneficiaries or heirs shall then be entitled to a distribution, as provided in Section 8 below, of shares of Common Stock equal in number to the number of Units set forth in Section 1 above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Retirement**.** 

At the time and on the date of the Grantee's Retirement on or after becoming Retirement Eligible, no distribution of Units shall occur and the restrictions provided for in Section 2 above shall remain in place until such time as the Grantee, or his or her legal representatives, beneficiaries or heirs shall be entitled to a distribution, as provided in Section 8 below, of shares of Common Stock equal in number to the number of Units set forth in Section 1 above.

6. <u>Payment of Cash Dividend Equivalents</u>.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash dividend equivalents shall be paid on the Units to the Grantee through the Company payroll system in an amount equal to the cash dividends actually paid each calendar quarter on the Company's issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. Such cash dividend equivalents shall be paid at the end of the payroll period in which such cash dividends are actually paid to the Company's shareholders and shall cease as of the Distribution Date (as defined in Section 8 below). However, the payment of cash dividend equivalents shall not be considered to be "eligible compensation," as such term is defined under either the Company's Retirement Savings Plan or Pension Account Plan.

7. <u>Adjustment Upon Changes in Stock</u>.

If there shall be any change in the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding resulting from subdivision, combination, or reclassification of shares, or through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split or other change in the corporate structure, an appropriate adjustment in the number of Units with respect to which restrictions have not lapsed shall be made by the Committee. Depending upon the change in corporate structure, the Committee shall issue additional Units or substitute Units to the Grantee for his or her account, which shall have the same restrictions, terms and conditions as the original Units. Any such adjustment shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 14 and/or Section 15 of the Plan.

8. <u>Distribution of Common Stock or Cash</u>.

As soon as administratively possible, as determined solely by the Company, following the earlier of the date of the occurrence of a termination event described in Section 5(a) above or the date which is three (3) years from the date of grant of the Units (such date being referred to as the "Distribution Date"), but in no event later than 90 days following the Distribution Date, the Grantee shall receive a distribution, as provided herein, of shares of Common Stock equal in number to the number of Units set forth in Section 1 above (subject to the withholding requirements set forth in Section 9 below), provided the Grantee has been an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary with continuous service from the date of grant to the Distribution Date, except in the event of the Grantee's Termination of Service or Retirement as discussed in Section 5 above. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sentence, in the case of a distribution of shares of Common Stock on account of any Termination of Service as provided for above in Section 5 above, other than death, a distribution of the number of such shares, determined after application of the withholding requirements set forth in Section 9 below, plus any dividends payable with respect to such number of shares, on behalf of the Grantee, if the Grantee is a "specified employee" as defined in §1.409A-1(i) of the Final Regulations under Code Section 409A, to the extent otherwise required under Section 409A, shall not occur until the date which is six (6) months following the date of the Grantee's Termination of Service (or, if earlier, the date of death of the Grantee). Upon a distribution of shares of Common Stock as provided herein, the

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Company shall cause the Common Stock then being distributed to be registered in the Grantee's name, but shall not issue certificates for the Common Stock unless the Grantee requests delivery of the certificates for the Common Stock, in writing in accordance with the procedures established by the Company. The Company shall deliver certificates to the Grantee as soon as administratively practicable following the Company's receipt of a written request from the Grantee for delivery of the certificates. From and after the date of receipt of such distribution, the Grantee or the Grantee's legal representatives, beneficiaries or heirs, as the case may be, shall have full rights of transfer or resale with respect to such shares subject to applicable state and federal regulations. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Award Agreement to the contrary, in lieu of a distribution of shares of Common Stock, the Company shall have the option to settle the payment of some or all of the Units in an economically equivalent amount of cash.

9. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Withholding Requirements</u>.

Upon the removal or lapse of the restrictions on the Units, the number of shares of Common Stock to be distributed by the Company to the Grantee, which are equal to the number of Units set forth in Section 1 above, or an economically equivalent amount of cash, as discussed in Section 8 above, shall be subject to applicable withholding requirements for income and employment taxes (unless withheld earlier at the time of vesting, as described in Section 3 above) arising from the removal or lapse of the restrictions on the Units. However, if the Grantee is a "specified employee" as defined in §1.409A-1(i) of the Final Regulations under Code Section 409A who is subject to the six (6) months delay provided for in Section 8 above, the Company shall, on the date of the Grantee's Termination of Service, based on the value of a share of Common Stock on such date, withhold the number of shares attributable to any employment taxes not withheld earlier and shall, on the date which occurs six (6) months following the date of the Grantee's Termination of Service (or, if earlier, the date of death of the Grantee), based on the value of a share of Common Stock on such date, withhold the number of shares attributable to income taxes. Dividends will also be payable on such date to the Grantee for such delay period based on the net number of shares.

10. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Modification</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Award Agreement may be changed or modified without the Grantee's consent or signature, if the Company determines, in its sole discretion, that such change or modification is necessary for purposes of compliance with or exemption from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and any regulations or other guidance issued thereunder, or otherwise to comply with any law.

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**Grantee acknowledges that as of the grant date, this Award Agreement and the Plan set forth the entire understanding between Grantee and the Company regarding the acquisition of the Units granted under the Plan and supersede all prior oral and written agreements on this subject. By Grantee's electronic acceptance and the signature of the Company's representative below, Grantee and the Company agree that the Units are granted under and governed by this Award Agreement and the Plan. Grantee has reviewed and fully understands all provisions of this Award Agreement and the Plan in their entirety.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; By: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;![image_0a.jpg](image_0a.jpg)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Kevin Akers

President and

Chief Executive Officer

## Ex-19

![image_0.jpg](image_0.jpg)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Exhibit 19**

September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

**Purpose&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Atmos Energy Corporation (including its subsidiaries, "Atmos Energy" or the "Company") prides itself in promoting and maintaining a culture in which sound, ethical business standards and practices are the norm. Such a culture promotes the confidence of our shareholders and the public markets in the Company, and maintaining this confidence is extremely important. One of the ways in which investor confidence is maintained is through practicing a policy which prohibits the misuse by the directors, officers, and employees of Atmos Energy of material financial or other information that has not been publicly disclosed. This policy not only seeks to ensure fairness to the investing public, but further promotes compliance with applicable federal securities laws, which can impose strict penalties on both companies and individuals who violate those laws.

**Definitions**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Atmos Energy Securities*** include common stock of Atmos Energy as well as any other securities issued by Atmos Energy and derivative securities, whether or not issued by Atmos Energy, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss, manage risk or benefit from changes in the share price of Atmos Energy common stock, such as options. The term also includes debt securities such as bonds and notes.

***Company Persons*** are directors, officers, and employees of Atmos Energy, as well as others, such as contractors or consultants who have access to MNPI, whom Atmos Energy has notified of such status.

***Compliance Officers*** are the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary ("Corporate Secretary") and the Associate General Counsel and Assistant Corporate Secretary ("Assistant Corporate Secretary") of Atmos Energy. The Corporate Secretary's primary responsibilities as a Compliance Officer include, but are not limited to, assisting the Assistant Corporate Secretary, when necessary, in the administration of the Atmos Energy insider trading prevention program and compliance with this Policy. The Assistant Corporate Secretary's primary responsibilities as a Compliance Officer include, but are not limited to, providing guidance on Section 16 issues and pre-clearance matters, supervising the preparation and filing of Section 16 reports, providing notification of trading blackout periods, monitoring developments in the securities laws that may require changes to or modifications of this Policy, and generally administering the Atmos Energy insider trading prevention program and compliance with this Policy.

***MNPI*** stands for material non-public information. Information is material if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider it important in deciding whether to buy, hold or sell securities. Any information that could reasonably be expected to affect the price of securities is material. The following are common examples of material information:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Projections of future earnings or losses

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Financial results

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September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• News of a pending or proposed merger, acquisition or tender offer

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• News of a significant sale of assets or the disposition of a subsidiary

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Changes in dividend policies, the declaration of a stock split or the offering of additional securities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A change in management

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Impending bankruptcy or financial liquidity problems

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• New major contracts, orders, suppliers, customers or finance sources, or the loss thereof

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A significant cybersecurity event at the Company

Both positive and negative information can be material. Because trading that receives scrutiny will be evaluated after the fact with the benefit of hindsight, questions concerning the materiality of particular information should be resolved in favor of materiality and trading should be avoided.

Information that is not generally known or available to the public is considered to be nonpublic information. Information is considered to be available to the public only when it has been released broadly to the marketplace (such as through a press release, a filing with the SEC or a publicly-accessible and pre-announced meeting or conference call) and the investing public has had sufficient time to fully absorb the information. As a general rule, information is considered nonpublic until after one full trading day after the information is released. Therefore, no director, officer, or employee of Atmos Energy may engage in any transactions involving Atmos Energy Securities until after one full trading day after the information has been released, subject to the additional restrictions outlined below.

***Related Person*** means, with respect to any person:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Such person's spouse;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Such person's minor children;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any other person who lives in such person's household; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any other person who does not live in such person's household but whose transactions in Atmos Energy Securities are directed by such person or are subject to such person's direct or indirect control (*e.g.*, parents, children, or friends who consult with such person before they trade in Atmos Energy Securities).

In addition, the term Related Person includes any entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by such person (*e.g.*, a corporation in which such person owns a majority of the voting stock, a limited partnership in which such person is a general partner, a trust in which such person is the trustee, or an estate in which such person is an executor).

***SEC*** is the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the chief enforcement agency of the federal securities laws.

***Selected Personnel*** includes employees who are likely to have access to MNPI. The Compliance Officers determine annually those employees who are considered

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September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

Selected Personnel. The Compliance Officers notify Selected Personnel that they are considered Selected Personnel and their obligations with respect to blackout periods.

***Trades*** or ***transactions*** include, among other things:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• purchases and sales of Atmos Energy Securities in public markets or private transactions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• sales of Atmos Energy Securities obtained through the exercise of employee stock options granted by the Company, including broker-assisted cashless exercise (i.e., the broker selling some or all of the shares underlying the option on the open market); or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• making gifts of Atmos Energy Securities (including charitable donations).

Conversely, references to "trades" and "transactions" do not include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the exercise of Atmos Energy stock options if no shares are to be sold or if there is a "net exercise" (i.e., the use of the underlying shares to pay the exercise price and/or tax withholding obligations);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the vesting of Atmos Energy stock options, restricted stock or restricted stock units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the withholding of shares to satisfy a tax withholding obligation upon the vesting of restricted stock or restricted stock units;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• transferring shares to an entity that does not involve a change in the beneficial ownership of the shares (for example, transferring shares from one brokerage account to another brokerage account controlled by the Company Person);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• sales of Atmos Energy Securities as a selling stockholder in a registered public offering in accordance with applicable securities laws; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any other purchase of Atmos Energy Securities from the Company or sales of Atmos Energy Securities to the Company in accordance with applicable securities and state laws.

***Dividend reinvestment plan***

To the extent Company Persons participate in the Company's dividend reinvestment plan, this Policy will not apply to purchases of Atmos Energy stock under the plan resulting from such election to reinvest dividends made when outside of a blackout period (if applicable to the Company Person) and such Company Person is not aware of MNPI. However, this Policy does apply to any: (a) election to participate in the plan; (b) increase or decrease in the level of participation in the plan; and (c) sale of Atmos Energy stock purchased pursuant to the plan.

***Retirement Savings Plan***

This Policy does not apply to purchases of Atmos Energy stock in the Company's Retirement Savings Plan resulting from periodic contributions to the plan by Company Persons pursuant to a payroll deduction election made when outside of a blackout period (if applicable to the Company Person) and such Company Person is not aware of MNPI. However, this Policy will apply to any election made to: (a) begin or terminate investing in Atmos Energy stock in the Retirement Savings Plan; (b) change the investment allocation of Atmos Energy Securities in the Retirement Savings Plan; (c) make an intra-plan transfer of an existing account balance into or out of the fund for Atmos Energy stock; (d) liquidate some or all of an investment in

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September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

Atmos Energy stock in the Retirement Savings Plan; (e) borrow money, to the extent otherwise permitted, against a Retirement Savings Plan account if the loan will result in a liquidation of some or all of the Atmos Energy stock; and (f) prepay a Retirement Savings Plan loan if the prepayment will result in allocation of loan proceeds to Atmos Energy stock.

**Policy**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No Company Persons, or Related Persons of Company Persons, while aware of MNPI about Atmos Energy, may trade Atmos Energy Securities. This policy also applies to trading in the securities of other companies with which Atmos Energy has a business relationship, such as customers, suppliers or strategic partners ("Business Partners"), when a Company Person is aware of information about such Business Partner as a result of the Company Person's employment or other relationship with Atmos Energy.

Additionally, no MNPI may be passed on to others by any Company Persons, nor may they recommend to anyone the purchase or sale of securities when they are aware of such information. This practice, known as "tipping," also violates the federal securities laws and may result in the same civil and criminal penalties that apply to insider trading, even though the person doing the tipping did not trade and did not gain any benefit from another's trading.

No personal financial emergency excuses lack of compliance with this policy. Even the appearance of an improper transaction must be avoided to preserve the Company's reputation for adhering to the highest standards of conduct.

Directors, officers, and Selected Personnel are required to annually certify to the Compliance Officers their knowledge of and intent to comply with this policy. Company Persons are ultimately responsible for adhering to this policy and for assuring that any Related Person also complies with this Policy.

**Blackout**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;***Quarterly Trading Blackout Periods***

**Periods**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Atmos Energy's announcement of its quarterly financial results almost always has the potential to have a material effect on the market for Atmos Energy Securities. Accordingly, to avoid even the appearance of trading on the basis of MNPI, Atmos Energy's directors, officers, and Selected Personnel may not trade in Atmos Energy Securities during the period which generally begins two weeks before the end of each fiscal quarter and ends after one full trading day following the release of Atmos Energy's earnings for that quarter. Advance notification of the beginning and ending of a quarterly trading blackout period will be provided by the Compliance Officers.

***Interim Earnings Guidance and Event-Specific Trading Blackout Periods***

Atmos Energy may from time to time impose other trading blackout periods, such as when it issues interim earnings guidance or other potentially material information by means of a press release, an SEC filing on Form 8-K, or other means designed to achieve widespread dissemination of the information. Trading blackout periods may also

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September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

be imposed for specific events which may only be known only to a few directors, executives, and other employees, such as the occurrence of a significant cybersecurity event, or trading blackout periods may be imposed on all transactions in a specific employee benefit plan such as the Retirement Savings Plan. It should be anticipated that trading will be blacked out while Atmos Energy is in the process of assembling the information to be released and until the information has been released and fully absorbed by the market. The Compliance Officers will notify anyone affected by such a trading blackout period.

**Preclearance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**All directors, officers, and Selected Personnel, and Related Persons of the foregoing,

**Requirements**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;must seek pre-clearance from a Compliance Officer (and for directors, the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary must pre-clear) prior to conducting any of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Purchasing or selling Atmos Energy Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Selling Atmos Energy Securities held in the Retirement Savings Plan or any other incentive plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Changing the investment allocation of Atmos Energy Securities in the Retirement Savings Plan or any other incentive plan;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Borrowing funds from the Retirement Savings Plan or any other incentive plan if the loan may result in a liquidation of Atmos Energy Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any pledge or hypothecation of Atmos Energy Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Gifts of Atmos Energy Securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Contributions of Atmos Energy Securities to trusts; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Elections to participate in a dividend reinvestment plan and changes in the level of participation in a dividend reinvestment plan related to Atmos Energy Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adoption of a pre-arranged stock trading plan, as detailed below under "Pre-Arranged Stock Trading Plans."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Any other transaction subject to this Policy.

To request preclearance, complete a Preclearance Request Form and send to a Compliance Officer for approval. To the extent possible, request for preclearance should be submitted at least two business days in advance of the trade to allow the Compliance Officer sufficient opportunity to consider whether the proposed trade should or should not be cleared.

The Compliance Officers are under no obligation to approve a trade submitted for preclearance and may recommend that the trade not be consummated. Preclearance of a transaction and/or pre-arranged stock trading plan is valid for five business days, provided the individual does not become aware of MNPI. If the transaction is not executed and/or Rule 10b5-1 trading plan is not entered into within that time, the individual must request preclearance again.

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September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

**Section 16&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), requires certain corporate insiders to file specific reports with the SEC that detail their holdings in a corporation's securities. It also creates liability for such insiders for short-swing profits and prohibits such insiders from engaging in short sales of their corporation's securities. For Atmos Energy, the corporate insiders subject to Section 16 include the Board of Directors and those officers designated as Section 16 Officers by the Board of Directors each year ("Section 16 Officers"). Generally, filings must be made with the SEC within two business days of a Section 16 Officer transacting in Atmos Energy Securities. The Compliance Officers will work with the Board of Directors and Section 16 Officers to prepare and file these reports with the SEC.

**Form 144&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**The directors and certain officers (members of the Management Committee and the Vice President and Controller) of Atmos Energy may be required to file Form 144 under the Securities Act before making an open-market sale of Atmos Energy Securities. Form 144 notifies the SEC of a director or officer's intent to sell Atmos Energy Securities and is generally prepared and filed by the seller's broker. Form 144 should be filed by the broker for the director or Section 16 Officer in addition to the Section 16 reports filed on behalf of a director or officer by the Compliance Officers.

**Post-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**This Policy continues to apply to transactions of a director, officer, or employee of

**Termination&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Atmos Energy until the latter of (i) the first day of the "window" that begins after the

**Transactions&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**employment or other relationship has terminated or (ii) if such persons are aware of MNPI when their employment or service relationship terminates, they may not trade in Atmos Energy Securities until this information has become public or is no longer material.

**Pre-Arranged&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Rule 10b5-1 of the Exchange Act provides an affirmative defense from insider

**Stock Trading&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**trading liability for trading plans that meet certain requirements. Transactions

**Plans&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**effected pursuant to an approved Rule 10b5-1 trading plan are not subject to the policies regarding blackout periods and pre-clearance requirements, but such plans must meet the requirements set forth below.

***Pre-Clearance Requirement***

The 10b5-1 plan must be reviewed and approved in advance by a Compliance Officer at least 5 business days prior to the entry into the plan.

***Time of Adoption***

In addition to the pre-clearance requirement described above, a 10b5-1 plan may only be adopted at a time when:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The person entering into the 10b5-1 plan is not aware of any MNPI; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• No blackout period is in effect.

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September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

***Plan Instructions***

Any 10b5-1 plan must be in writing, signed, and either:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Specify the amount, price and date of the sales (or purchases) of Atmos Energy Securities to be effected;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Provide a formula, algorithm or computer program for determining when to sell (or purchase) Atmos Energy Securities, the quantity to sell (or purchase) and the price; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• delegate decision-making authority with regard to these transactions to a broker or other agent without any MNPI about Atmos Energy or Atmos Energy Securities.

For the avoidance of doubt, the person entering into the 10b5-1 plan may not subsequently influence how, when or whether to effect purchases or sales with respect to the Atmos Energy Securities subject to a 10b5-1 plan.

***Good Faith Requirements***

The person entering into the 10b5-1 plan must be entering into such plan in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions or Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act. This must be true as of the time of adoption of the 10b5-1 plan and is also required throughout the duration of the plan.

***Certifications for Directors and Officers***

If the person entering into the 10b5-1 plan is a director or a Section 16 Officer, the 10b5-1 plan must include certifications by the person adopting the 10b5-1 plan that on the date of such plan's adoption:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Such person is not aware of MNPI about Atmos Energy or Atmos Energy Securities; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Such person is adopting the 10b5-1 plan in good faith and not as part of a plan or scheme to evade the prohibitions of Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act.

***Cooling-Off Periods***

The first trade under the 10b5-1 plan may not occur until the expiration of a cooling-off period as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For directors and Section 16 Officers: the later of (a) two business days following the filing of the Form 10-Q or Form 10-K for the completed fiscal quarter in which the 10b5-1 plan was adopted and (b) 90 calendar days after adoption of the 10b5-1 plan; provided, however, that the cooling-off period shall in no event exceed 120 days.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For all others: 30 days after adoption of the 10b5-1 plan.

***No Overlapping 10b5-1 Plans***

A person may not have multiple, overlapping 10b5-1 plans effecting trades at any time, subject to certain exceptions.

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September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

***Single Transaction Plans***

A person may not enter into more than one 10b5-1 plan designed to effect the open-market purchase or sale of the total amount of Atmos Energy Securities as a single transaction during any rolling 12-month period, subject to certain exceptions. A 10b5-1 plan is "designed to effect" the purchase or sale of Atmos Energy Securities as a single transaction when the terms of the plan would, for practical purposes, directly or indirectly require execution in a single transaction.

***No Hedging***

The person entering into the 10b5-1 plan must not have entered into or altered a corresponding or hedging transaction or position with respect to the Atmos Energy Securities subject to the 10b5-1 plan and must agree not to enter into any such transaction while the 10b5-1 plan is in effect.

***Modifications and Terminations***

Modifications/amendments and terminations of an existing 10b5-1 plan are strongly discouraged due to legal risks, and can affect the validity of trades that have taken place under the plan prior to such modification/amendment or termination. Any modification/amendment to the amount, price, or timing of the purchase or sale of the Atmos Energy Securities underlying the 10b5-1 plan will be deemed to be a termination of the current 10b5-1 plan and creation of a new 10b5-1 plan. If a person is considering ministerial changes to a 10b5-1 trading plan, such as changing the account information, such person should consult with the Compliance Officers in advance to confirm that any such change does not constitute an effective termination of such plan.

As such, the modification/amendment of an existing 10b5-1 trading plan is subject to the review and approval by the Compliance Officers in accordance with the pre-clearance procedures set forth above, and will be subject to all the other requirements set forth in this policy regarding the adoption of a new 10b5-1 plan.

The termination (other than through an amendment or modification) of an existing 10b5-1 plan is subject to the review and approval by the Compliance Officers. Except in limited circumstances, the termination of a 10b5-1 plan will not be approved unless:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The 10b5-1 plan will be terminated at a time when the person is not aware of MNPI; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• No trading blackout period is in effect.

Atmos Energy is required to disclose whether any Section 16 Officer has adopted, modified or terminated a 10b5-1 plan in its Forms 10-Q and 10-K filed with the SEC, along with the material terms of such plan, other than the price.

<u>If you have any questions regarding 10b5-1 plans, please contact the Compliance Officers.</u>

**Additional&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*Short-Term Transactions***

------

![image_0.jpg](image_0.jpg)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

**Prohibited&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**

**Transactions&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Atmos Energy considers it improper for our directors and officers to engage in

**and Restrictions&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**short-term or speculative transactions involving Atmos Energy Securities. Accordingly, any director or officer who is a reporting person for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act must hold any Atmos Energy Securities purchased for a minimum of six months if no exemption under Section 16b of the Exchange Act is available for earlier disposition of the securities.

***Hedging-Related Transactions***

Atmos Energy directors, officers and employees may not purchase any financial instruments (including, without limitation, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds) that establish a short position in our common stock and are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of our common stock granted by Atmos Energy as part of compensation to employees or directors or Atmos Energy common stock already held by them. In addition, the following transactions relating to our common stock are prohibited:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Short sales (sales of Atmos Energy common stock that are not then owned), including a "sale against the box" (a sale with delayed delivery)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Trading of put options, call options or other derivatives of Atmos Energy common stock (other than on broad-based indices that include our common stock)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For our directors and executive officers only, purchases of Atmos Energy common stock on margin, or holding our common stock in a margin account, borrowing against any account in which our common stock is held or otherwise pledging our common stock as collateral for a loan.

**Company**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From time to time, Atmos Energy may engage in transactions in Atmos Energy

**Transactions**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Securities. It is Atmos Energy's policy to comply with applicable securities and state law (including appropriate approvals by the Board of Directors or appropriate committee, if required) when engaging in transactions in Atmos Energy Securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**Penalties for&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;** Sections 21A and 32(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provide that the

**Noncompliance&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**following civil and criminal penalties may be imposed on those who violate the insider trading laws:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Imprisonment for up to 20 years

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Criminal fines of up to $5 million

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Civil penalties of up to three times the profits gained or losses avoided

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Prejudgment interest

------

![image_0.jpg](image_0.jpg)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

September 16, 2025

**Insider Trading Policy**

Private causes of action are also available to individuals under certain circumstances.

Violations of the law may also damage the reputation of Atmos Energy, and violation of this policy by an employee could result in termination.

**Reporting&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Questions or concerns and reports of any suspected violations of the Insider

**Violations&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Trading Policy may be directed to the Compliance Officers. All information provided, including the reporting person's identity, will be kept confidential to the greatest extent possible, unless required to be disclosed by law or for safety purposes. Additionally, a toll-free Compliance Helpline has been established to provide an anonymous option to report any violations of this policy. The Helpline number is 1-866-543-4065 and the website address is www.atmosenergy.ethicspoint.com.

**Questions&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**The ultimate responsibility for complying with this policy and avoiding improper transactions rests with each director, officer, and employee of the Company. Contact Ashley Burton at 972-855-3789 or ashley.burton@atmosenergy.com for additional guidance or information about a specific transaction or this policy.

## Ex-21

Exhibit 21

SUBSIDIARIES OF ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Name | State of<br>Incorporation | Percent of<br>Ownership |
| ATMOS ENERGY HOLDINGS, INC.<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Corporation) | Delaware | 100% |
| ATMOS ENERGY KANSAS SECURITIZATION I, LLC<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Corporation) | Delaware | 100% |
| BLUE FLAME INSURANCE SERVICES, LTD<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Corporation) | Bermuda | 100% |
| ATMOS ENERGY LOUISIANA INDUSTRIAL GAS, LLC<br>(a limited liability company)<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc.) | Delaware | 100% |
| ATMOS ENERGY SERVICES, LLC<br>(a limited liability company)<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc.) | Delaware | 100% |
| EGASCO, LLC<br>(a limited liability company)<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc.) | Texas | 100% |
| ATMOS POWER SYSTEMS, INC.<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc.) | Georgia | 100% |
| ATMOS PIPELINE AND STORAGE, LLC<br>(a limited liability company)<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc.) | Delaware | 100% |
| UCG STORAGE, INC.<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Pipeline and Storage, LLC) | Delaware | 100% |
| WKG STORAGE, INC.<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Pipeline and Storage, LLC) | Delaware | 100% |
| ATMOS EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION, INC.<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Pipeline and Storage, LLC) | Delaware | 100% |
| TRANS LOUISIANA GAS PIPELINE, INC.<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Pipeline and Storage, LLC) | Louisiana | 100% |
| TRANS LOUISIANA GAS STORAGE, INC.<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Pipeline and Storage, LLC) | Delaware | 100% |
| ATMOS GATHERING COMPANY, LLC<br>(a limited liability company)<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Pipeline and Storage, LLC) | Delaware | 100% |
| PHOENIX GAS GATHERING COMPANY<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Gathering Company, LLC) | Delaware | 100% |
| FORT NECESSITY GAS STORAGE, LLC<br>(a limited liability company)<br>(wholly owned by Atmos Pipeline and Storage, LLC) | Delaware | 100% |

---

## Exhibit 23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form S-3, No. 33-37869; Form S-3, No. 33-58220; Form S-3D/A, No. 33-70212; Form S-3, No. 33-56915; Form S-3/A, No. 333-03339; Form S-3/A, No. 333-32475; Form S-3, No. 333-95525; Form S-3D, No. 333-113603; Form S-3D, No. 333-155666; Form S-3D, No. 333-208317; Form S-3ASR, No. 333-271038; Form S-3ASR, No. 333-283563; Form S-4, No. 333-13429; Form S-8, No. 33-57687; Form S-8, No. 33-57695; Form S-8, No. 333-32343; Form S-8, No. 333-46337; Form S-8, No. 333-73143; Form S-8, No. 333-73145; Form S-8, No. 333-63738; Form S-8, No. 333-88832; Form S-8, No. 333-116367; Form S-8, No. 333-138209; Form S-8, No. 333-145817; Form S-8, No. 333-155570; Form S-8, No. 333-166639; Form S-8, No. 333-177593; Form S-8, No. 333-199301; Form S-8, No. 333-210461; Form S-8, No. 333-217739; and Form S-8, No. 333-286862) of Atmos Energy Corporation and in the related Prospectuses of our reports dated November 14, 2025, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Atmos Energy Corporation and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Atmos Energy Corporation, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 2025.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Dallas, Texas

November 14, 2025

## Ex-31

**EXHIBIT 31**

**RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) CERTIFICATIONS**

I, John K. Akers, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Atmos Energy Corporation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 14, 2025

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JOHN K. AKERS |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;John K. Akers |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;President and |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Executive Officer |

---

------

I, Christopher T. Forsythe, certify that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Atmos Energy Corporation;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 14, 2025

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER T. FORSYTHE |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Christopher T. Forsythe |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior Vice President and |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Ex-32

**Exhibit 32**

**CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER**

**PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

**(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)**

In connection with the Annual Report of Atmos Energy Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, John K. Akers, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

November 14, 2025

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ JOHN K. AKERS |
| John K. Akers |
| President and |
| Chief Executive Officer |

---

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to Atmos Energy Corporation and will be retained by Atmos Energy Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

------

**CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER**

**PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002**

**(18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350)**

In connection with the Annual Report of Atmos Energy Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Christopher T. Forsythe, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

November 14, 2025

---

| |
|:---|
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER T. FORSYTHE |
| Christopher T. Forsythe |
| Senior Vice President and |
| Chief Financial Officer |

---

A signed original of this written statement has been provided to Atmos Energy Corporation and will be retained by Atmos Energy Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

<br>