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Atos

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FY2010 Annual Report · Atos
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Atmos Energy Corporation 2010 Summary Annual Report

Our business 
is all about safety.

To better serve our customers and to 
ensure safe and reliable service, we designed 
and built the most advanced technical 
training facility in the natural gas industry. 
It was just one of the many things we did to 
keep natural gas America’s safest, most 
reliable energy source.

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KEY HOLE TECHNOL OG Y: Atmos Energy technicians can 
cut very small holes in the street to do repairs. Holes are resealed 
using the pavement that was cut out, saving time and money.

KEEPING  IT CL EAN: After cutting a hole, a VacTron truck 
uses pressurized water to excavate around the pipes. It then 
vacuums up the water and soil for a cleaner and better repair.

PREVENTING I GNITI ON: In the rare case of fire, all 
Atmos Energy technicians are trained to respond appropriately 
to minimize potential harm to people and property.

LAUNCHING PIGS: When pipelines are installed, cleaned or 
inspected, electronic and mechanical “pigs” are sent through 
them to detect anomalies or other conditions that need attention.

LEARNING IN TH E P ITS: Technicians use protective equipment 
to repair leaks in a safe manner. Static kits prevent sparks and 
allow technicians to squeeze off a leaking line to safely repair it.

SMALL SPACES: Using a special tripod and personal protective 
equipment, Atmos Energy technicians are trained to perform 
work in very tight, confined spaces.

REA L  LIFE: A working natural gas system is the ideal place for 
technicians to learn to serve customers in their home—to  
find gas leaks, check appliances and detect carbon monoxide.

KEEPING  TH E GA S ON: Our technicians learn to safely 
bypass our gas meters to do regular and special maintenance 
without shutting off the gas and inconveniencing the customer. 

WELCOME HOME: We’re there when customers move in.  
We visit to turn on the gas, light appliances and show customers 
how to safely use their natural gas appliances.

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Gas City

is part of the company’s new Charles K. Vaughan Center in Plano, Texas. 
The learning and service center is a tangible example of the company’s 
commitment to pipeline safety, infrastructure modernization, technical standards 
and employee development. Along with our own employees, emergency 
responders, community officials and even school children come here to learn 
about natural gas—America’s safest and most plentiful energy source.

Charles K. Vaughan, founding chairman and lead director (center), 

Robert W. Best, executive chairman of the board (left), and Kim R. 

Cocklin, president and chief executive officer (right), stand in front of 

our Charles K. Vaughan Center in Plano, Texas. Completed in 2010, 

the Vaughan Center is the premier technical training facility and 

customer service center in the natural gas utility industry. It reflects 

Atmos Energy’s commitment to ensuring safety and reliability through 

superior employee development and service excellence.

2      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT   

To O ur
Sh arehol ders

Atmos Energy places a top priority on providing safe and reliable natural gas service 

to its customers in the more than 1,600 communities we serve across 12 states.

No better evidence exists of our commitment to safety 
and reliability than our new Charles K. Vaughan 
Center, which opened in the fall of 2010. Honoring 
our founding chairman and lead director, the Vaughan 
Center is one of the natural gas distribution industry’s 
finest facilities for training and development.

To enhance classroom instruction, the center includes 

a gas flow-control laboratory and a simulated com-
munity, named Gas City, where our service technicians 
apply their training to situations they can encounter 
when responding to service and emergency calls.
More than $300 million of our annual capital 

budget goes to protect our communities and to deliver 
excellent service. We instill a “culture of safety” among 
our employees through continual training and safety 
awareness meetings. We constantly monitor our 
operations and are highly vigilant about the integrity 
of our 77,000-mile pipeline system. We offer around-
the-clock service from our U.S. call centers with our 
technicians always on the job ready to respond to 
customers’ needs. And, we promote awareness of gas 
pipeline safety by communicating with our customers, 
the public, residents living along our pipeline rights of 
way, firefighters and other first-responders, excavators 
and contractors, and state and local public officials.

Continual improvement, constant attention and 
professional expertise make this nation’s natural gas 
transmission and distribution infrastructure among the 
world’s best. In this report, you will see activities that 
we undertake because our business is all about safety.

2010 Results We are pleased to report that our 
operational and financial performance in fiscal 2010 
resulted in us achieving our stated goal of increasing 
earnings per diluted share, on average, by 4 percent 
to 6 percent for the 10th consecutive year. 

Our reported earnings per diluted share increased 
by 13 cents a share to $2.20. Net income in fiscal 2010 
rose 8 percent over that of fiscal 2009 to $205.8 million. 
Return on average shareholders’ equity was 9.1 percent.
Regulated operations, comprising our 12-state 
natural gas utility distribution system and our Texas 
intrastate gas transmission and storage division, 
provided more than four out of every five dollars of 
net income. Earnings from regulated operations 
improved by 6 percent over comparable earnings in 
fiscal 2009 to $167.4 million. Net income from non-
regulated operations increased by 16 percent year over 
year to $38.4 million.

We paid cash dividends in fiscal 2010 of $1.34 per 
share. In November 2010, the board of directors raised 
the dividend for the 27th consecutive year, making 
the current indicated annual rate $1.36 per share.

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      3

FISCAL 2010 NET INCOME BY SEGMENT

Contributions from Regulated and Nonregulated Operations

61% Natural Gas Distribution

20% Regulated Transmission and Storage

14% Natural Gas Marketing

  5%  Pipeline, Storage and Other

Operational Highlights Our collaborative approach 
with regulators and customers provided settlements 
with “win-win” outcomes and acceptable rate changes 
in many jurisdictions. We received rate outcomes 
that increased operating income by a net $56.8 million 
in fiscal 2010.

Our Mid-Tex Division, which serves the Dallas-
Fort Worth Metroplex and more than 500 other Texas 
municipalities, reached a settlement with two coalitions 
of cities and the City of Dallas to recover our investment 
for a two-year steel service line replacement program. 
In this program, we are replacing aging steel service lines 
with corrosion-resistant polyethylene pipe. The lines run 
primarily from our mains to homes and businesses. 
In addition, we reached agreement with the two 
coalitions of cities to renew until 2012 an existing rate 
review mechanism, or RRM, which was first negoti-
ated in 2008. The RRM provides a transparent process 
for annually updating our rates by reviewing our costs 
and investments in those communities, thereby 
avoiding time-consuming and costly rate-case litiga-
tion that ultimately must be paid for by our customers.
Our rate strategy is to continue to improve rate 
designs by eliminating regulatory lag in recovering 
our costs, streamlining the rate-review process and 
reducing volatility in our customers’ bills. An 
important protection that we seek in our rate designs 
is a weather normalization adjustment, or WNA. 
WNA protects approximately 94 percent of our gross 

4      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

margins from the vagaries of weather, helps stabilize our 
earnings and reduces volatility in our customers’ bills. 
Having WNA in rates saved approximately $52 million in 
fiscal 2010 for our utility customers by lowering their 
gas bills when colder-than-normal weather hit last winter.

Our average customer’s gas bills also remained 
relatively unchanged from fiscal 2009 because of our 
diligent management of natural gas supplies and taking 
advantage of declining gas costs on behalf of our  
customers. Our average cost of gas went down from 
$6.95 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) in fiscal 2009 to $5.77 
per Mcf in fiscal 2010.

Consolidated natural gas distribution throughput rose 

11 percent in fiscal 2010 to 454 billion cubic feet (Bcf) 
mainly due to colder weather and higher consumption. 
Although our customer growth remained flat because 
of the sluggish economy, the appeal of natural gas 
continued to grow because of stable prices and abundant 
supplies. In some areas, we started to see signs of 
economic improvement, such as proposals for large 
commercial housing projects that will use natural gas.

In September 2010, our Atmos Pipeline–Texas Division 

filed a rate request for a change in operating income of 
$38.9 million. The division’s last increase in base rates took 
effect in 2004. This case will be decided in fiscal 2011.

Our regulated transmission and storage transportation 

volumes declined 19 percent from those in fiscal 2009 
because of lower throughput for electricity generation 
and reduced shipments of natural gas, especially from the 
Barnett Shale production area.

Our nonregulated natural gas marketing business 
benefited from unrealized margins that contributed to 
the segment’s higher net income in fiscal 2010. However, 
Atmos Energy Marketing’s delivered gas margins  
declined from those in fiscal 2009. Lower per-unit  
margins and a 5 percent decline in consolidated sales 
volumes to 354 Bcf reflected the lower market demands 
of industrial users and power plants. Despite bearish 
conditions in gas markets, Atmos Energy Marketing 
attracted new customers and retained nearly all of its 
long-standing customers through its dedicated focus on 
high-quality customer service.

Financial Condition and Outlook Entering fiscal 2011, 
our balance sheet and financial position are in excellent 
condition. Our available liquidity at the end of fiscal 
2010 was approximately $1.2 billion. We have in place 
credit facilities to meet our working capital needs as well 

NET INCOME PER DILUTED SHARE

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$2.20

$1.65

$1.10

$0.55

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as plans for refinancings that should lower our cost of 
debt in 2011.

During the past year, all three major credit-rating 
agencies upgraded or reaffirmed the company’s debt 
ratings. This will help us access capital markets for 
future needs and obtain financing at reasonable costs.
Our capital expenditures in fiscal 2010 increased by 
$33 million to $542.6 million. A portion of this spending 
funded a new information technology data center, con-
struction of two service centers and work on the Mid-Tex 
Division’s steel service line replacement program.  

For fiscal 2011, we expect capital spending to range 

from $580 million to $595 million. We will continue 
making significant investments in upgrading mains 
and service lines in all our utility operations, the 
largest being for the Mid-Tex Division’s steel service 
line replacement program.

We also will be investing in two long-term improve-
ments to our customer service: a new state-of-the-art 
customer call center in Amarillo to be completed 
in 2011 and a multi-year project to modernize our 
customer-information software system for better 
coordination of all aspects of our customer contacts, 
service dispatching and customer billing.

We have forecast that our fiscal 2011 earnings per 

diluted share will be between $2.25 and $2.35.

Board and Management Transitions In February 
2010, two long-time members of the board of directors, 
Travis W. Bain II and Thomas J. Garland, retired as 
directors. Mr. Bain, whose distinguished career 
included management consulting, leading retailing and 
manufacturing companies and founding his own busi-
nesses, had served since 1988. Mr. Garland, a highly 
respected banker, former Tennessee state senator, 
state ethics-panel chairman and university educator, 
had served since 1997. We thank these outstanding 
directors for their years of dedicated service to Atmos 
Energy’s shareholders, customers and employees.

Effective October 1, 2010, the board of directors named 
Robert W. Best to the new position of executive chairman 
of the board and promoted Kim R. Cocklin to be president 
and chief executive officer. This succession in the corpora-
tion’s senior leadership had been planned for the past 
four years with the guidance and approval of the board.
Having worked together and known each other for 
nearly 30 years at Atmos Energy and at other companies, 
we have developed virtually the same business philosophy 
and have coordinated closely to make the ongoing 
transition seamless. Some management matters may 
change; however, Atmos Energy’s vision and strategy will 
remain as they have since Charles K. Vaughan put 
forth our guiding principles during his 14 years as the 
company’s senior leader.

During the past 13 years as chief executive officer, Bob 

Best refined these principles and adapted them to the 
much-larger company that Atmos Energy has become. 
In the future, we intend to continue the company’s track 
record of creating shareholder value through

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4 percent to 6 percent a year

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gas business

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our regulated businesses

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Atmos Energy’s management, working closely with 

the board of directors, will build on the past while 
staying focused on the future. This strategy serves all our 
stakeholders well. In essence, it reflects the same safety 
and reliability that underlie all our activities.

Sincerely,

Robert W. Best
Executive Chairman of the Board

Kim R. Cocklin
President and Chief Executive Officer

November 30, 2010

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      5

6       ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

1

Inves ti ng
in
Sa fe ty

Smart investments are safe investments. In our case, 

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ture modern, our communities safe and our employees 

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communities with the highest quality service lines. In 

mature neighborhoods, we are continually replacing 

legacy service lines with new, modern pipe. And, in 

every community, we inspect and monitor our pipelines 

and distribution lines to ensure a reliable system.

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1 Polyethylene pipe is being used in many areas to replace 
our older steel service lines. In just the Mid-Tex Division 
alone, Atmos Energy will replace 100,000 steel service lines 
during the next two years.

2 To update older cast iron and steel mains, Atmos  
Energy is installing new, high-pressure lines next to 
existing lines, which can then be safely and efficiently 
removed or abandoned.

3 In many neighborhoods, new flexible polyethylene 
piping can be fitted through existing steel pipes to 
modernize our natural gas delivery system. This approach 
not only increases safety, but also allows us to efficiently 
install new piping with minimal disruption. 

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  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      7

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4 Atmos Energy technicians use the latest fusing technology to join sections 
of polyethylene pipe to make strong and secure connections. 

5 Natural gas in its raw state has no odor. To make it identifiable by the 
public, we add an odorant to the gas in precise concentrations, using highly 
accurate chemical instruments.

6   Atmos Energy chemists calibrate measuring equipment to continuously 
monitor the chemical components and Btu value of our product, ensuring that 
our natural gas meets the exact needs for home and industrial uses alike. 

8      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

2000

1950

1900

1850

1800

PROGRESS IN PIPELINES

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8

Polyethylene – Late 1960s to present

Coated Steel – 1950s to present

Bare Steel – 1920s to early 1940s

Cast Iron – 1900s to 1920s

Wood – 1830s to 1910

Bamboo – First used by the Chinese 

around 900 BC to transport natural gas

7 Wooden pipes were state-of-the-art pipelines in the early 19th century. 
Later, they were replaced with more reliable cast iron, steel and coated 
steel pipes. Today’s polyethylene pipe will stand the test of time for many 
decades to come.

8    To keep our pipelines in top condition, electronic and mechanical 
“pigs” are sent through our pipelines to inspect for anomalies, cracks or 
scratches and to keep the lines clean.  

9   We conduct periodic pipeline-integrity 
inspections, using a variety of structural, 
metallurgical and process tests, to prevent 
problems and safeguard the public.

9

Since 2004,
Atmos Energy
has spent more
than $1 billion
to modernize
its system.

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      9

2

The
Vaughan 
Ce nte r

From its inception, the Vaughan Center was 

designed as a place to teach, learn, innovate and 

practice the highest standards of professionalism, 

customer service and, most importantly, safety. 

When we named it, there was no question. 

Embedded in the heart and soul of our company 

and in this facility are the visionary leadership 

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CEO, Charles K. Vaughan.

1    The Flow Lab inside the Vaughan Center is a high-tech 
teaching facility. Compressed air is used in the lab to simulate 
the pressures and situations our technicians encounter in 
the field. The lab allows us to set up multiple scenarios 
with a variety of meters, regulators and other devices to 
train and certify our service technicians and field operators.

2    Hands-on classroom training, guided by expert 
instructors, teaches our technicians to keep flow-control 
devices working accurately and 
communicating with our SCADA 
control system regarding gas 
flow and system availability.

3

3    The Vaughan Center also houses our new Plano, Texas, 
service center, where technicians are dispatched to serve 
customers in a number of North Texas communities.

10      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

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emergency responders, industry innovators and constituents who deal with natural 

gas systems. Inside are state-of-the art classrooms and an advanced Flow Lab for 

ensuring safety and reliability in the way our natural gas facilities are installed,  

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and information transfer today as well as a resource for beta testing the latest  

technologies and processes for the future.

4 Solar-paneled field devices allow monitoring natural gas flow in remote areas 
of our system. Smart field devices, such as handheld digital assistants and laptop 
computers, interface with our SCADA system, so that we constantly know the con-
dition and flow of our natural gas system. 

5 As one of the country’s largest natural gas utilities, we work with manufacturers 
to beta test their newest equipment, such as this highly complex natural gas meter 
designed for energy-demanding industrial environments.

6 New technicians and veterans alike train at the Vaughan Center to be certified 
and recertified on a regular basis. Virtually our entire technical workforce must 
be recertified at least every four years to meet federal and state operator qualifica-
tion requirements.

5

12      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

DELIVERING YOUR NATURAL GAS

SCADA/Control Center

(cid:32)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:213)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:147)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:136)(cid:76)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:195)(cid:222)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:147)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:219)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:156)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:195)(cid:202)

of interconnected components to ensure safety and reliability. Our 

(cid:105)(cid:181)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:171)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:118)(cid:62)(cid:86)(cid:136)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:118)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:136)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:202)

(cid:86)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:171)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:125)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:119)(cid:105)(cid:143)(cid:96)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:143)(cid:156)(cid:220)(cid:202)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:202)(cid:147)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:125)(cid:213)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:202)

(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:121)(cid:156)(cid:220)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:118)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:202)(cid:86)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:176)

RTU Electronic Flow 
Measurement

Meter

Chromatograph
Chromatograph

Gas from Wells, 
Pipelines and Plants

Odorizer

Power Plant Customers

Control Valve

Positive Shutoff Valve 

Construction,
Maintenance,
Leak Repair

Pig Launcher

Underground Storage

Relief Valves

Cathodic Protection

Liquified Natural 
Gas Storage

Pressure Control

Compressor Station

Meter/Advanced
Metering Infrastructure

Monitor Regulators

Remote Terminal 

Unit (RTU)

Low Point Controller

Residential/Commercial/
Industrial Customers

City Gate Meter

6

7 Most natural gas systems today rely on digital electronics for data 
collection, flow control and continuous monitoring. The Vaughan Center 
teaches our technicians how to install, calibrate, operate and maintain 
our field data systems.

8 The entire Vaughan Center, including Gas City, the Flow Lab and the 
Plano service center, is registered to be LEED certified. Standing for  
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, this green-building  
certification program encourages using sustainable building and 
development practices and recognizes projects that are designed for 
energy efficiency and environmental betterment.

7

8

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      13

1

14      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

Our 
Cultur e 
of Sa fe ty

(cid:77)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:112)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:100)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:102)(cid:104)(cid:103)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:110)(cid:108)(cid:51)(cid:3)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:104)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:112)(cid:97)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:110)(cid:102)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:96)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:93)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:3)(cid:96)(cid:104)(cid:104)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:99)(cid:104)(cid:91)(cid:3)(cid:94)(cid:111)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:114)(cid:39)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:104)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:37)(cid:3)

(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:108)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:95)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:98)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:93)(cid:90)(cid:98)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:107)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:109)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:94)(cid:37)(cid:3)(cid:108)(cid:110)(cid:93)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:103)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:219)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:102)(cid:108)(cid:94)(cid:101)(cid:111)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:94)(cid:103)(cid:109)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:95)(cid:3)

(cid:94)(cid:113)(cid:109)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:104)(cid:107)(cid:93)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:107)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:94)(cid:111)(cid:94)(cid:103)(cid:109)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:3)(cid:112)(cid:97)(cid:98)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:102)(cid:91)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:102)(cid:104)(cid:103)(cid:108)(cid:109)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:98)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:98)(cid:107)(cid:98)(cid:109)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:96)(cid:94)(cid:3)

to safeguard others.

2

3

1 Best friends Michael Rangel and Tucker Redden, both 6 years old, were 
doing what boys do—playing on Michael’s backyard swing set. Across the 
fence, Richard Herrera was doing what Atmos Energy technicians do—
advising Michael’s dad, Mike, about an issue with his water heater. Suddenly, 
Tucker came racing from the backyard in a panic with blood on his hands. 
Little Michael was caught in a tube slide with a cord tightening around his 
neck. Bleeding from his mouth and unconscious, Michael’s situation was 
dire. Quickly, Mike and Richard went into action. As Mike pushed his son 
up from the bottom of the slide, Richard pulled him out from the top. 
Richard cut the rope around Michael’s neck and administered CPR until 
paramedics came. Today Michael is fine. He and Tucker are buddies for life, 
and in their eyes, Richard Herrera is an Atmos Energy superhero.

2 Partners in safety, Brian Martens, a former fire chief and now Atmos 
Energy’s manager of public affairs in Colorado, and Chief Mark Quick of the 
Durango Fire & Rescue Authority share the same number-one priority of 
keeping the community safe. Atmos Energy maintains close relationships with 
first-responders in our communities to keep them informed about our  
natural gas system and to coordinate response plans if an emergency arises.

3 Dressed for success and personal safety, Atmos Energy technicians are ready for any situation. Whether 
it’s working in closed, confined, underground spaces or dealing with heavy equipment and busy thoroughfares, 
our service technicians can suit up and create a safe environment for themselves, their fellow employees and 
everyone around them.

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      15

A
Saf e
Jo ur ney

(cid:70)(cid:104)(cid:108)(cid:109)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:104)(cid:103)(cid:108)(cid:110)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:90)(cid:100)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:95)(cid:104)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:96)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:109)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:98)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:3)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:98)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:112)(cid:90)(cid:114)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:37)(cid:3)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:93)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:110)(cid:108)(cid:94)(cid:39)(cid:3)(cid:59)(cid:110)(cid:109)(cid:37)(cid:3)

(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:8)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:102)(cid:104)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:101)(cid:98)(cid:111)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:3)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:3)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:109)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:94)(cid:114)(cid:94)(cid:39)(cid:3)(cid:63)(cid:107)(cid:104)(cid:102)(cid:3)(cid:102)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:96)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:95)(cid:3)

billions of cubic feet of gas supplies annually, to monitoring pipelines and inspecting our 

(cid:105)(cid:97)(cid:114)(cid:108)(cid:98)(cid:92)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:3)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:95)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:108)(cid:109)(cid:107)(cid:110)(cid:92)(cid:109)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:37)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:112)(cid:90)(cid:114)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:91)(cid:94)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:96)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:111)(cid:90)(cid:98)(cid:101)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:101)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:105)(cid:104)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:110)(cid:108)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:108)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:103)(cid:94)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:108)(cid:37)(cid:3)(cid:112)(cid:94)(cid:3)

(cid:109)(cid:90)(cid:100)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:94)(cid:111)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:90)(cid:108)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:94)(cid:103)(cid:108)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:3)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:220)(cid:104)(cid:112)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:110)(cid:108)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:108)(cid:90)(cid:95)(cid:94)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:101)(cid:98)(cid:90)(cid:91)(cid:101)(cid:114)(cid:39)

1 If you smell gas, whether it’s day or night, immediately 
leave the area and from a safe distance call Atmos Energy. 
Our service technicians will respond promptly and will use 
sensitive devices for detecting a leak inside or outside.

2 We regularly inspect our natural gas distribution and 
pipeline system with state-of-the art equipment. This service 
technician uses a remote methane leak detector that can  
sense minute gas particles of methane. 

3 Atmos Energy’s “sniffer” trucks patrol streets in cities and 
towns and along rights of way. These vehicles have highly 
sensitive detection devices to find natural gas seepages from 
underground distribution lines or pipelines.

3

2

Our call centers are
available at all hours, 
every day, to dispatch
technicians to resolve
natural gas issues at
homes and businesses.

16      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

1

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      17

4

4 SCADA, or supervisory control and data 
acquisition, equipment remotely monitors 
pipelines, compressor stations, city gates 
and other major facilities for operational 
integrity and community safety.

5 To patrol our pipelines buried under-
ground, airplanes fly our rights of way 
using infrared technologies that can detect 
leaks from in the air.

5

18     ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

8

6

7

6 “Walk the Safety Circle” is our safety mantra every time 
an employee approaches a company vehicle. All drivers 
are required to walk a complete 360° circle, making sure that 
no children, pets, toys, tools, other vehicles or nearby  
objects might pose a hazard.

7 Whether to initiate service, answer a billing question 
or respond to an emergency, staff members at our call centers 
are always available to care for our customers.

8 In Houston, Atmos Energy Marketing’s trading floor 
purchases large volumes of natural gas daily to ensure 
reliable supplies and economical prices for its many indus-
trial, municipal and power-generation customers.

9 Keeping our customers warm and safe in the winter 
means keeping natural gas meters clear of snow and debris 
and the rest of our system in excellent repair to endure 
frigid temperatures.

9

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      19

1

20      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

Su ppo rting 
S afe, Strong 
Commu nities

(cid:58)(cid:109)(cid:102)(cid:104)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:62)(cid:103)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:96)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:98)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:105)(cid:90)(cid:107)(cid:109)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:95)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:104)(cid:102)(cid:102)(cid:110)(cid:103)(cid:98)(cid:109)(cid:114)(cid:39)(cid:3)(cid:59)(cid:114)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:95)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:105)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:98)(cid:104)(cid:103)(cid:108)(cid:37)(cid:3)(cid:104)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:3)(cid:108)(cid:94)(cid:107)(cid:111)(cid:98)(cid:92)(cid:94)(cid:3)

(cid:109)(cid:94)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:103)(cid:98)(cid:92)(cid:98)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:107)(cid:94)(cid:3)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:111)(cid:98)(cid:109)(cid:94)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:97)(cid:104)(cid:102)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:93)(cid:3)(cid:91)(cid:110)(cid:108)(cid:98)(cid:103)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:108)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:109)(cid:104)(cid:3)(cid:92)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:92)(cid:100)(cid:3)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:109)(cid:110)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:101)(cid:3)(cid:96)(cid:90)(cid:108)(cid:3)(cid:90)(cid:105)(cid:105)(cid:101)(cid:98)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:92)(cid:94)(cid:108)(cid:3)

and our infrastructure. In turn, we encourage natural gas safety through school 

programs, public meetings and community celebrations. We believe that supporting 

gas safety awareness helps build stronger communities and provides our customers 

with the safest and most reliable energy available.

1 Jim Bartling, left, Atmos Energy’s manager of public affairs in Kansas, 
enjoys the fun at the annual open house of the City of Olathe Fire 
Department. The company has supported this family event for years to 
help firefighters teach safety awareness especially among children.

2   Atmos Energy’s employees say “thanks” to their neighbors in com-
munities across the country by grilling thousands of hot dogs and 
hamburgers every year at civic get-togethers, local fairs and charity events. 

3 Call before you dig! We constantly remind the public to ALWAYS 
call 811 to have utility lines marked before beginning any digging. 
By calling 811 just once, all underground utility lines will be marked 
by Atmos Energy, the electric utility, the telephone company and 
the water department 
to protect both the caller 
and the community.

3

2

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT       21

4

4   Our company runs on natural gas…literally. New 
natural gas vehicles in Atmos Energy’s fleet demon-
strate the clean-burning benefits of natural gas as well 
as its reliability as an all-American fuel.

5 Bill stuffers in English and Spanish give our 
customers safety information on natural gas topics 
and encourage them to watch out for household 
hazards.

6 Mayor John Shaddinger Jr. of Westwego,  
Louisiana, discusses safety needs in his community 
with Atmos Energy employees as part of our  
ongoing program to communicate with public 
officials about pipeline safety awareness.

22      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

5

6

8

9

7

10

7 Atmos Energy works with schools and community groups to teach children and their parents to 
“smell, listen, look and leave” if they suspect a natural gas leak in their homes or yards.

8 Ray Granado, a manager of public affairs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is a big hit in the classroom 
when he brings our “scratch and sniff” cards so that kids learn what natural gas odorant smells like.

9 Atmos Energy displays the nationwide Call 811 logo on all its service vehicles, customers’ bills 
and printed materials as a reminder to always call before digging. 

10  Brightly colored yellow markers along natural gas pipeline rights of way warn the public to call before 
digging and not to build structures or pile debris on the ground above a pipeline.

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT       23

Fina ncia l Hi ghlight s

Year E nded Se pt ember 30

Dollars in t housands, except per share data 

2010

2009

Ch an ge

Operating revenues 
Gross profit  

Natural gas distribution net income 
Regulated transmission and storage net income 
Natural gas marketing net income 
Pipeline, storage and other net income 

Total  

Total assets  
Total capitalization* 
Net income per share — diluted 
Cash dividends per share 
Book value per share at end of year 

$
$

$

$

$
$
$
$
$

4,789,690
1,364,941

125,949
41,486
27,729
10,675
205,839

6,763,791
3,987,899
2.20
1.34
24.16

$
$

$

$

$
$
$
$
$

4,969,080 
1,346,702

116,807
41,056
20,194
12,921 
190,978  

6,367,083
4,346,161
2.07
1.32
23.52

(3.6)%
1.4%

7.8%
1.0%
37.3%
(17.4)%
7.8%

6.2%
(8.2)%
6.3%
1.5%
2.7%

408,885
528,689
370,569
2,713

11.1%
(18.9)%
(4.5)%
2.5%
100%              2.0%
0.2%
2.2%

8.9% 

3,178,844

49.3% 

20,790
91,620

           (1.2)%
(5.1)%
0.9%

Consolidated natural gas distribution throughput (MMcf) 
Consolidated regulated transmission and storage transportation volumes (MMcf)  
Consolidated natural gas marketing throughput (MMcf) 
Heating degree days †
Degree days as a percentage of normal †
Meters in service at end of year 
Return on average shareholders’ equity 
Shareholders’ equity as a percentage of total capitalization

(including short-term debt) at end of year

Shareholders of record 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted (000s) 

454,175
428,599
353,853
2,780
  102%

3,186,040

 9.1%

  48.7%

19,738
92,422

* Total capitalization represents the sum of shareholders’ equity and long-term debt, excluding current maturities.
† Heating degree days are adjusted for service areas with weather-normalized operations.

Summary Annual Report
The financial information presented in this report about Atmos Energy Corporation 
is condensed. Our complete financial statements, including notes as well as manage-
ment’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, are 
presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Atmos Energy’s chief executive 
officer and its chief financial officer have executed all certifications with respect to 
the financial statements contained therein and have completed management’s report 
on internal control over financial reporting, which are required under the Sarbanes-
Oxley Act of 2002 and all related rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission. Investors may request, without charge, our Annual Report on Form 
10-K  for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, by calling Investor Relations at 
972-855-3729 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time. Our Annual Report on Form 
10-K also is available on Atmos Energy’s website at www.atmosenergy.com.  
Additional investor information is presented on pages 35 and 36 of this report.

In the Flow Lab of the Charles K. Vaughan Center, Atmos Energy 

technicians work with some of the most advanced natural gas 

metering technology available in the industry today. 

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At mos  Energy a t  a  Gla nc e

Year  En ded Septembe r  30

(cid:31)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:86)(cid:105)
Residential  
Commercial 
Industrial  
Public authority and other 
  Total meters  

Heating degree days*

Actual (weighted average) 
Percent of normal 

(cid:32)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:213)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:136)(cid:76)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:195)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:219)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:213)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:86)(cid:118)(cid:174)

Residential  
Commercial 
Industrial  
Public authority and other 

Total 

(cid:32)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:213)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:136)(cid:76)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:171)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:219)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:213)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:86)(cid:118)(cid:174)(cid:202)

(cid:47)(cid:156)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:152)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:213)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:136)(cid:76)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:213)(cid:125)(cid:133)(cid:171)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:86)(cid:118)(cid:174)

(cid:22)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:125)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:86)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:222)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:86)(cid:118)(cid:174)(cid:202)

(cid:10)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:96)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:152)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:213)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:136)(cid:76)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:213)(cid:125)(cid:133)(cid:171)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:31)(cid:31)(cid:86)(cid:118)(cid:174)

(cid:10)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:96)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:125)(cid:213)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:147)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:125)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:171)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:219)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:213)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:173)MM(cid:86)(cid:118)(cid:174)(cid:202)

(cid:10)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:96)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:152)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:213)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:147)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:142)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:213)(cid:125)(cid:133)(cid:171)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:173)MM(cid:86)(cid:118)(cid:174)

(cid:34)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:213)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:228)(cid:228)(cid:228)(cid:195)(cid:174)

Natural gas distribution sales revenues

Residential 
Commercial 
Industrial   
Public authority and other 
  Total gas distribution sales revenues 

Transportation revenues 
Other gas revenues 

Total natural gas distribution revenues 
Regulated transmission and storage revenues 
Natural gas marketing revenues 
Pipeline, storage and other revenues 

(cid:47)(cid:156)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:213)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:228)(cid:228)(cid:228)(cid:195)(cid:174)(cid:202)

Other statistics

Gross plant (000s) 
Net plant (000s)  
Miles of pipe  
Employees  

* Heating degree days are adjusted for service areas with weather-normalized operations.

26      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

2010

2009

2,910,672
262,778
2,090 
10,500
3,186,040

2,901,577    
265,843

2,193    
9,231
3,178,844

2,780

102%

2,713

100%

190,424
103,028
19,047
10,129
322,628

135,865
458,493
    (4,318)
454,175
428,599
353,853

159,762
91,379
18,563
12,413
282,117

130,691
412,808
     (3,923)
408,885
528,689
370,569

$

$

$
$

1,826,752
808,981
112,366
70,580
2,818,679 
61,384
31,560
2,911,623 
97,023
1,754,523 
26,521
4,789,690

6,542,318
4,793,075
77,157
4,913

$

$

$
$

1,830,140
838,184
135,633
89,183
2,893,140
59,115
31,711
2,983,966
119,427
1,832,912
32,775
4,969,080

6,086,618
4,439,103
76,942
4,891

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condense d  Consoli da te d  Ba lanc e S hee t s

Year E nded Se pt ember 30

Dollars in t housands, except sh are data 

2010

2009

Assets

(cid:42)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:222)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:171)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:181)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:171)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:202)

Construction in progress

(cid:29)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:86)(cid:86)(cid:213)(cid:147)(cid:213)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:171)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:86)(cid:136)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:147)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:226)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)

Net property, plant and equipment 

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of 

$12,701 in 2010 and $11,478 in 2009 

Gas stored underground 
Other current assets 
  Total current assets 

(cid:20)(cid:156)(cid:156)(cid:96)(cid:220)(cid:136)(cid:143)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:136)(cid:76)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:195)(cid:202)

Deferred charges and other assets 

(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:171)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:226)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:29)(cid:136)(cid:62)(cid:76)(cid:136)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:195)

(cid:45)(cid:133)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:133)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:189)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:181)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:222)

Common stock, no par value (stated at $.005 per share);

200,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding:
2010 – 90,164,103 shares, 2009 – 92,551,709 shares 

Additional paid-in capital 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 
Retained earnings   
  Shareholders’ equity 

(cid:29)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:135)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:76)(cid:204)(cid:202)

Total capitalization 

Current liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Other current liabilities 
Short-term debt  
Current maturities of long-term debt 
  Total current liabilities 

(cid:12)(cid:105)(cid:118)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:86)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:221)(cid:105)(cid:195)

(cid:44)(cid:105)(cid:125)(cid:213)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:222)(cid:202)(cid:86)(cid:156)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:118)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:147)(cid:156)(cid:219)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:76)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)

Deferred credits and other liabilities

$

$

$

$

6,384,396
157,922
6,542,318 
1,749,243
4,793,075 

$

5,981,420
105,198
6,086,618
1,647,515 
4,439,103

131,952 

111,203

273,207 
319,038 
150,995
875,192 
740,148 
355,376
6,763,791

451
1,714,364 
(23,372)
486,905
2,178,348 
1,809,551
3,987,899 

266,208 
413,640 
126,100
360,131
1,166,079
829,128 
350,521 
430,164
6,763,791

232,806
352,728  
132,203  
828,940  
740,064  
358,976 
6,367,083

463
1,791,129
(20,184)
405,353 
2,176,761  
2,169,400  
4,346,161

207,421  
457,319 
72,550 
131
737,421
570,940  
344,403
368,158 
6,367,083

$

$

$

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT      27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condens ed Cons olid at ed  St at eme nts   of   Inco me

Year  En ded Septembe r  30

Do llar s in th ousands , except per sha re data 

2010

2009

2 0 08

$

2,912,493
203,013 
2,151,264
35,318
    (512,398)
4,789,690

$

2,984,765
209,658 
2,336,847
41,924
    (604,114)
4,969,080

$

3,655,130

195,917  

4,287,862
31,709
  (949,313)
7,221,305

1,863,046
—
2,065,313
7,178
   (510,788)
   3,424,749
1,364,941

468,038
216,960
190,507
—
    875,505
489,436

(339) 

    154,471
334,626
    128,787
205,839

2.22
2.20

91,852
92,422

$

$
$

1,960,137
—  
2,252,235
12,428
(602,422)
3,622,378
1,346,702

494,010
217,208
182,700
5,382
899,300
447,402
(3,303)
152,830
291,269
100,291
190,978

2.08
2.07

91,117
91,620

$

$
$

2,649,064
—
4,194,841
3,396
(947,322)
5,899,979
1,321,326

500,234
200,442
192,755
—
893,431
427,895
2,731
137,922
292,704
112,373
180,331

2.00
1.99

89,385
89,941

$

$
$

(cid:34)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:213)(cid:105)(cid:195)

Natural gas distribution segment 
Regulated transmission and storage segment 
Natural gas marketing segment 
Pipeline, storage and other segment 
Intersegment eliminations 

Purchased gas cost

Natural gas distribution segment 
Regulated transmission and storage segment 
Natural gas marketing segment 
Pipeline, storage and other segment 
Intersegment eliminations

Gross profit 

(cid:34)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:221)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:195)

Operation and maintenance 
Depreciation and amortization 
Taxes, other than income 
Asset impairments 

Total operating expenses 

Operating income 

(cid:31)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:86)(cid:105)(cid:143)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:105)(cid:156)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:86)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:105)(cid:221)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:174)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:152)(cid:105)(cid:204)

Interest charges 
Income before income taxes 

(cid:22)(cid:152)(cid:86)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:221)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:221)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:202)
Net income 

Per share data

Basic net income per share 

Diluted net income per share 

(cid:55)(cid:105)(cid:136)(cid:125)(cid:133)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:125)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:92)

Basic 
Diluted 

28      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Condens ed C ons olid at ed  St at eme nts   of   Ca s h  Fl ow s

Year E nded Se pt ember 30

Dollars in t housands

2010

2009

2 0 0 8

(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:143)(cid:156)(cid:220)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:118)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:34)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:1)(cid:86)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:195)

Net income 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

(cid:171)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:76)(cid:222)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:86)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:92)
  Asset impairments 

Depreciation and amortization:
  Charged to depreciation and amortization 
  Charged to other accounts 

  Deferred income taxes 

Stock-based compensation
Debt financing costs

  Other 
Changes in assets and liabilities 
  Net cash provided by operating activities 

(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:143)(cid:156)(cid:220)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:49)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:22)(cid:152)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:1)(cid:86)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:195)

Capital expenditures 
Other, net 
  Net cash used in investing activities 

(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:143)(cid:156)(cid:220)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:118)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:86)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:1)(cid:86)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:195)

Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt 
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 
Settlement of Treasury lock agreement 
Repayment of long-term debt 
Cash dividends paid 
Repurchase of common stock 
Repurchase of equity rewards
Issuance of common stock 
  Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:86)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:181)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:76)(cid:105)(cid:125)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:152)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:118)(cid:202)(cid:222)(cid:105)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:202)

(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:86)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:181)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:118)(cid:202)(cid:222)(cid:105)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:202)

$

205,839

$

190,978

$

180,331

—

5,382

—

216,960
173
196,731
12,655
11,908
(1,245)
83,455
726,476

(542,636) 
(66)
(542,702) 

54,268
—
—
(131)
(124,287)
(100,450)
(1,191)
8,766
(163,025)
20,749
111,203
131,952

217,208
94
129,759
14,494
10,364
(1,177)
352,131
919,233

(509,494)
(7,707)
(517,201)

(283,981)
445,623
1,938
(407,353)
(121,460)
—
—
27,687
   (337,546)
64,486
46,717
111,203

$

200,442  
147  
97,940
14,032
10,665
(5,492)
(127,132)
370,933

(472,273)  
(10,736)  
(483,009)  

200,174
—
—

(10,284)  
(117,288)
—
—
25,466
98,068
(14,008)
60,725
46,717

$

$

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Rep or t of Independent  Regist ere d   Pub li c A cco unti ng  Fi r m   on  Condens ed   Fi nanci al  St at e me nt s

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Atmos Energy Corporation

We have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Atmos Energy Corporation at September 
30, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash 
flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 30, 2010 (not presented separately 
herein); and in our report dated November 12, 2010, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those 
consolidated financial statements. 

In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial 
statements is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated financial statements 
from which it has been derived.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States), the effectiveness of Atmos Energy Corporation’s internal control over financial 
reporting as of September 30, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
and our report dated November 12, 2010 (not presented separately herein) expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

Dallas, Texas
November 12, 2010

30      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

Cons olidated  Finan ci al  and  St a t i sti cal  Su mma r y   2006– 20 10

Year E nded Se pt ember 30

(cid:9)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:86)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:133)(cid:105)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:12)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:105)(cid:171)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:147)(cid:76)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:202)(cid:206)(cid:228)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:228)(cid:228)(cid:228)(cid:195)(cid:174)
Capital expenditures 
Net property, plant and equipment 
Working capital 
Total assets 
Shareholders’ equity 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities  
Total capitalization 

Income Statement Data
Operating revenues (000s) 
Gross profit (000s) 
Net income (000s) 
Net income per diluted share 

Common Stock Data
Shares outstanding (000s)

End of year 
Weighted average 
Cash dividends per share 
Shareholders of record 
Market price— High 
         Low 
         End of year 

Book value per share at end of year 
Price/Earnings ratio at end of year 
Market/Book ratio at end of year 
Annualized dividend yield at end of year 

(cid:10)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:54)(cid:156)(cid:143)(cid:213)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:173)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:174)
Consolidated distribution gas sales volumes (MMcf)  
 Consolidated distribution gas transportation

2010

2009

2008

2007

2 0 0 6

$

$

$

$
$
$
$

542,636
4,793,075 
(290,887) 
6,763,791 
2,178,348 
1,809,551 
3,987,899 

4,789,690
1,364,941 
205,839 
2.20 

90,164 
92,422 
1.34
19,738 
30.06
26.41
29.25
24.16
13.30 
1.21
4.6%

$

$

$

$
$
$
$

509,494
4,439,103 
91,519 
6,367,083 
2,176,761 
2,169,400 
4,346,161 

4,969,080
1,346,702 
190,978 
2.07 

92,552 
91,620 
1.32
20,790 
28.80
20.20
28.18
23.52
13.61 
1.20
4.7%

$

$

$

$
$
$
$

472,273
4,136,859 
78,017 
6,386,699 
2,052,492 
2,119,792 
4,172,284 

7,221,305
1,321,326 
180,331 
1.99 

90,815 
89,941 
1.30
21,756 
29.46
25.09
26.62
22.60
13.38 
1.18
4.9%

$

$

$

$
$
$
$

392,435
3,836,836
149,217
5,895,197
1,965,754
2,126,315
4,092,069

5,898,431
1,250,082
168,492  
1.91  

89,327  
87,486  
1.28
22,829  
33.11
26.47
28.32
22.01
14.83  
1.29
4.5%

$

$

$

$
$
$
$

425,324
3,629,156
  (1,616)
5,719,547
1,648,098
2,180,362
3,828,460

6,152,363
1,216,570
147,737  
1.81  

81,740  
81,173  
1.26  
24,690  
29.11  
25.79  
28.55  
20.16  
15.77  
1.42
4.4%                

322,628 

282,117 

292,676 

297,327  

272,033  

volumes (MMcf) 
Consolidated distribution throughput (MMcf)  

131,547
454,175 

126,768
408,885 

136,678
429,354 

130,542
427,869  

121,962
393,995  

 Consolidated transmission and storage 
transportation volumes (MMcf) 
Consolidated natural gas marketing

throughput (MMcf) 

Meters in service at end of year 
Heating degree days* 
Degree days as a percentage of normal* 
Gas distribution average cost of gas per Mcf sold 
Gas distribution average transportation fee per Mcf 

Statistics
Return on average shareholders’ equity 
Number of employees 
Net gas distribution plant per meter 
Gas distribution operation and maintenance

expense per meter 

Meters per employee—gas distribution 
Times interest earned before income taxes 

428,599 

528,689 

595,542 

505,493  

410,505  

353,853 
3,186,040 
2,780

102%
5.77
.46

9.1%

4,913 
1,243

114
676 
3.09 

$
$

$

$

370,569 
3,178,844 
2,713
  100%
6.95
.46

          8.9%
4,891 
1,165

116
678 
2.82 

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

$

389,392 
3,191,779 
2,820

100%
9.05
.43

8.8%

4,750 
1,091

122
700 
3.06 

$
$

$

$

370,668  
3,187,127
2,879

100%
8.09
.44

 8.8% 

4,653  
1,020

119
713  
2.75  

283,962  
3,181,199
2,527

87%

10.02
.49

8.9%
4,632  
969

112
723  
2.55  

$
$

$

$

* Heating degree days are adjusted for service areas with weather-normalized operations.

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Atm os  Ene rgy  Of fi ce rs

Senior Management Team

Regulated Divis ions

Robert W. Best
Executive Chairman
of the Board

Kim R. Cocklin
President and 
Chief Executive Officer

(cid:27)(cid:176)(cid:202)(cid:28)(cid:105)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:1)(cid:142)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)
President,
Kentucky/Mid-States Division

Richard A. Erskine
President,
Atmos Pipeline–Texas Division

Fred E. Meisenheimer
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

(cid:12)(cid:62)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:13)(cid:176)(cid:202)(cid:20)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:195)
President,
Mississippi Division

Louis P. Gregory
Senior Vice President and
General Counsel

Gary W. Gregory
President,
West Texas Division

Michael E. Haefner
Senior Vice President,
Human Resources

(cid:47)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:176)(cid:202)(cid:21)(cid:62)(cid:220)(cid:142)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:27)(cid:192)(cid:176)
President,
Louisiana Division

John A. Paris
President,
Mid-Tex Division

Gary L. Schlessman
President,
Colorado-Kansas Division

32     ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

Atm os  Ene rgy  Of fi ce rs

Nonr egulated Operations

Shared Ser vices  (continued)

Mark S. Bergeron
President,
Atmos Energy Holdings, Inc.

Richard J. Gius
Vice President and
Chief Information Officer

Share d Ser v ices

Verlon R. Aston, Jr.
Vice President,
Governmental and
Public Affairs

Christopher T. Forsythe
Vice President and Controller

Susan K. Giles
Vice President,
Investor Relations

Conrad E. Gruber
Vice President,
Strategic Planning

(cid:12)(cid:220)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:202)(cid:27)(cid:176)(cid:202)(cid:28)(cid:213)(cid:133)(cid:152)
Corporate Secretary

Kenneth M. Malter
Vice President,
Gas Supply and Services

(cid:31)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:219)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:29)(cid:176)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:220)(cid:105)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:152)
Vice President,
Customer Service

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     33

Boa rd  of  Dir ectors

Robert W. Best

Executive Chairman 

of the Board,

Richard W. Cardin

Kim R. Cocklin

Richard W. Douglas

(cid:44)(cid:213)(cid:76)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:13)(cid:176)(cid:202)(cid:13)(cid:195)(cid:181)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:143)

Retired partner of Arthur 

President and 

Executive Vice President, 

Vice President for 

Andersen LLP

Chief Executive Officer,

Jones Lang LaSalle LLC

Community and Corporate 

Atmos Energy Corporation

Nashville, Tennessee

Atmos Energy Corporation

Dallas, Texas

Relations, The University 

Dallas, Texas

Board member since 1997

Dallas, Texas

Board member since 2007

of Texas Southwestern 

Board member since 1997

Committees: Audit (Chairman), 

Board member since 2009

Committees: Human 

Medical Center at Dallas 

Executive, Nominating and 

Corporate Governance

Resources, Work Session/

Dallas, Texas

Annual Meeting

Board member since 2008

Committees: Audit, 

Human Resources

Richard K. Gordon

Robert C. Grable

General Partner, Juniper 

Partner, Kelly Hart & 

Energy LP, Juniper Capital LP 

Hallman LLP

Dr. Thomas C. 
Meredith

Retired, formerly 

Phillip E. Nichol

Nancy K. Quinn

Retired Senior Vice 

President of Central 

Principal, Hanover 

Capital, LLC 

and Juniper Advisory LP

Fort Worth, Texas

Commissioner of Mississippi 

Division Staff, UBS

East Hampton, New York

Houston, Texas

Board member since 2009

Institutions of Higher Learning

PaineWebber Incorporated

Board member since 2004

Board member since 2001 

Committees: Audit, Human 

Jackson, Mississippi

Dallas, Texas

Committees: Audit, 

Committees: Human 

Resources

Board member since 1995

Board member since 1985

Nominating and Corporate 

Resources (Chairman), 

Executive, Nominating and 

Corporate Governance

Committees: Work Session/

Committees: Nominating 

Governance

Annual Meeting (Chairman), 

and Corporate Governance 

Audit, Executive, Nominating 

(Chairman), Executive, Human 

and Corporate Governance

Resources, Work Session/

Annual Meeting

Stephen R. Springer

Charles K. Vaughan

Richard Ware II

Lee E. Schlessman

Retired Senior Vice President 

Retired Chairman 

President, Amarillo 

and General Manager, 

of the Board, 

National Bank

Honorary Director

President, Dolo 

Midstream Division, The 

Atmos Energy Corporation

Amarillo, Texas

Investment Company 

Williams Companies, Inc. 

Dallas, Texas

Board member since 1994

Denver, Colorado

Syracuse, Indiana

Board member since 1983

Committees: Audit, 

Retired from Board in 1998

Board member since 2005

Lead Director since 2003

Nominating and Corporate 

Committee: Work Session/ 

Committee: Executive 

Governance, Work 

Annual Meeting

(Chairman)

Session/Annual Meeting

34      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

Corpor at e Inf or ma ti on

Common Stock Listing
New York Stock Exchange. Trading symbol: ATO

Stock Transfer Agent and Registrar
American Stock Transfer and Trust Company
59 Maiden Lane
Plaza Level
New York, New York 10038
800-543-3038

To inquire about your Atmos Energy common stock, please call 
AST at the telephone number above. You may use the agent’s 
interactive voice response system 24 hours a day to learn about 
transferring stock or to check your recent account activity, all 
without the assistance of a customer service representative. Please 
have available your Atmos Energy shareholder account number 
and your Social Security or federal taxpayer ID number.

To speak to an AST customer service representative, please call 
the same number between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Eastern time, Mon-
day through Thursday, or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time on Friday.
You also may send an e-mail message on our agent’s website  

at www.amstock.com. Please refer to Atmos Energy in your 
e-mail message and include your Atmos Energy shareholder 
account number.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP
One Victory Park
Suite 2000
2323 Victory Avenue 
Dallas, Texas 75219
214-969-8000

(cid:19)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:163)(cid:228)(cid:135)(cid:28)
Atmos Energy Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K is 
available at no charge from Investor Relations, Atmos Energy 
Corporation, P.O. Box 650205, Dallas, Texas 75265-0205 or 
by calling 972-855-3729 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time. 
Atmos Energy’s Form 10-K also may be viewed on Atmos 
Energy’s website at www.atmosenergy.com.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders 
The 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held in the 
Pavilion Ballroom at the Belo Mansion, 2101 Ross Avenue, 
Dallas, Texas 75201 on Wednesday, February 9, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. 
Central time.

Direct Stock Purchase Plan 
Atmos Energy Corporation has a Direct Stock Purchase Plan that 
is available to all investors. For an Enrollment Application Form 
and a Plan Prospectus, please call AST at 800-543-3038. The 
Prospectus is also available at www.atmosenergy.com. You may 
also obtain information by writing to Investor Relations, Atmos 
Energy Corporation, P.O. Box 650205, Dallas, Texas 75265-0205.

This is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation to buy, any 
securities of Atmos Energy Corporation. Shares of Atmos 
Energy common stock purchased through the Direct Stock 
Purchase Plan will be offered only by Prospectus.

Atmos Energy on the Internet
Information about Atmos Energy is available on the Internet at 
www.atmosenergy.com. Our website includes news releases, 
current and historical financial reports, other investor data, 
corporate governance documents, management biographies,  
customer information and facts about Atmos Energy’s operations. 

Atmos Energy Corporation Contacts 
To contact Atmos Energy’s Investor Relations, call 972-855-3729 
between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time or send an e-mail 
message to InvestorRelations@atmosenergy.com.

Securities analysts and investment managers, please contact:

Susan K. Giles
Vice President, Investor Relations
972-855-3729 (voice)  972-855-3040 (fax)
InvestorRelations@atmosenergy.com

  ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     35

(cid:19)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:220)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:96)(cid:135)(cid:143)(cid:156)(cid:156)(cid:142)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:195)
The matters discussed or incorporated by reference in this Summary Annual Report 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 the Company 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 the Company’s 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-look-
ing statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this report. 
These risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. 
Although the Company believes 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, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or 
revise any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Other Information
You can view this Summary Annual Report, our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other financial documents for fiscal 2010 and previous 
years at www.atmosenergy.com.

If you are a shareholder who would like to receive our Summary Annual Report and other company documents electronically in the future, 
please sign up for electronic distribution. It’s convenient and easy, and it saves the costs to produce and distribute these materials.

To receive these documents over the Internet next year, please visit www.amstock.com and access your account to give your consent. Please 
remember that accessing our Summary Annual Report and other company documents over the Internet may result in charges to you from 
your Internet service provider or telephone company.

Inside back cover: An Atmos Energy technician uses specialized

protective equipment for working in underground confined spaces. 

Atmos Energy’s culture of safely emphasizes taking all precautions  

to work safely and protect fellow employees as well as the public.

Front cover: In Gas City at Atmos Energy’s new Charles K. Vaughan 

Center in Plano, Texas, service technicians learn and practice skills  

with the coaching and guidance of highly expert instructors.

© 2010 Atmos Energy Corporation. All rights reserved. 
Atmos Energy® is a registered trademark of Atmos Energy Corporation.
LEED and related logo is a trademark owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and is used by permission.

36      ATMOS ENERGY 2010 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT     

Atmos Energy Corporation

P.O. Box 650205

Dallas, Texas 75265-0205

atmosenergy.com