Atmos Energy Corp. (ATO) Wednesday reported a rise in first-quarter net income to $116.4 million or $1.27 per share, from $109.1 million or $1.20 per share in the prior-year quarter.
On an adjusted basis, profit excluding net unrealized margins was $114.8 million, or $1.25 per share, compared with $116.8 million, or $1.28 per share in the year-ago quarter.
On average, five analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to earn $1.31 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.
Total operating expenses declined to $222.57 million from $223.36 million in the prior year.
Looking ahead to the fiscal year 2013, Atmos Energy now expects earnings to increase to a new range of $2.45 to $2.55 per share from its previous range of $2.40 per share to $2.50 per share. Analysts currently expect the company to earn $2.47 per share for fiscal year 2013.
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