Atmos Energy Corporation's (NYSE: ATO) continuous capital investments to increase the safety and reliability of its natural gas pipelines help enhance its performance. The company's expansion into renewable natural gas will boost its performance even further. Currently, the company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Let's look at the factors that are driving the stock. Growth Projections The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ATO's fiscal 2024 and 2025 earnings per share increased 1.82% and 0.99%, respectively, in the last 60 days. The consensus estimate for 2024 and 2025 sales indicates year-over-year growth of 9.39% and 11.32%, respectively. The long-term (three to five years) earnings growth of the company is pinned at 7%. Surprise History & Dividend Details Atmos Energy has a positive earnings surprise history. Its trailing four-quarter earnings surprise is 3.3%, on average. The company has been rewarding its shareholders through consistent increases in annual dividend rates for 40 consecutive years. It has consistently paid shareholders a cash dividend on its common stock since 1995. The current dividend yield of the ...