ATO Stock Today: January 17 Citi Lifts to $182, Barclays Sets $165
Atmos Energy stock is in focus after Citi raised its 12‑month price target to $182 while keeping Neutral, and Barclays set $165. A Benzinga roundup places the average target near $179, up about 5% from $170.50. Shares of ATO recently traded near $170.47, implying roughly 6.8% upside to Citi and 3.2% downside to Barclays. As a regulated natural gas utility, Atmos offers stability and income with a 2.12% yield. We break down what the new targets and today’s setup mean ahead of the February 3, 2026 earnings date.
Fresh targets from Citi and Barclays
Citi increased its Atmos Energy price target to $182 and maintained a Neutral stance, signaling confidence in regulated growth yet a balanced risk-reward near current levels. At a recent $170.47, implied upside is about 6.8%. See the update on MarketScreener for details source. For investors, the raised target supports a firmer long-range view without a rating upgrade.
Barclays set $165, about 3.2% below the latest price, reflecting a more cautious stance on Atmos Energy stock. Even so, the Street’s average target has risen to about $179 from $170.50, according to Benzinga source. The mixed but higher targets suggest investors see steady regulated growth and capital investment supporting earnings over the next year.
Price action and technicals
Atmos Energy stock traded around $170.47, with a day range of $169.13 to $170.67. The 52-week range is $138.77 to $180.65. Volume of 814,384 sits below the 1,024,735 average, pointing to lighter participation. Market cap is $27.57 billion. The 50-day average is $171.03, and the 200-day is $163.54, placing price slightly below the 50-day trend but well above the longer-term average.
RSI at 44.96 is neutral. MACD histogram turned positive at 0.19, hinting at improving momentum, while ADX at 25.69 indicates a firm trend. Price is near the Bollinger upper band at 170.19 and above the middle band at 168.01, a mild short-term stretch. Keltner middle is 168.81 and upper 173.79. We watch 170.67 for a breakout and 168.00 to 165.83 as support.
Valuation, dividends, and balance sheet
ATO trades at 22.85 times EPS of 7.46 and about 2.0 times book, reasonable for a steady natural gas utility. The dividend yield is 2.12% with a 46% payout ratio, leaving room for reinvestment. Next earnings are scheduled for February 3, 2026 after the close. Atmos Energy stock often reacts to guidance, rate base updates, and capital plans on results day.
Debt-to-equity is 0.69 with interest coverage of 9.09, indicating manageable leverage. Net debt to EBITDA of about 3.82 is typical for regulated utilities. Operating cash flow per share is 12.89, while free cash flow is negative at -9.51 per share due to heavy capital expenditures that grow the regulated asset base. These investments support long-term earnings and rate recovery.
What investors should watch next
ATO analyst ratings show 6 Buys, 5 Holds, and 0 Sells, with a consensus of 3.00, roughly a Hold. The average target near $179 implies about 5% upside from $170.47, with Citi’s $182 above and Barclays’ $165 below. For Atmos Energy stock, sentiment is constructive but not euphoric, consistent with a defensive utility profile.
Key watch items include the February 3 earnings print, capital plan updates, and any rate case milestones. Interest rate moves can shift relative valuation versus bonds and peers. Weather normalization, system modernization, and pipeline integrity spending are important. If momentum carries price above the recent $170.67 high and the 50-day near $171.03, traders may look toward $175 next.
Final Thoughts
New targets sharpen the near-term map. Citi at $182 and Barclays at $165 frame a tight risk-reward around the Street’s $179 average. With shares near $170.47, implied upside is modest, which fits a regulated profile. Valuation near 22.85 times earnings and a 2.12% yield looks fair, backed by steady balance sheet metrics. Tactically, we would watch 170.67 to 171.03 for confirmation and 168.00 to 165.83 as support. Into the February 3 earnings date, focus on rate base growth, capex cadence, and guidance. For long-term investors, Atmos Energy stock still offers durable cash flows and measured growth. For shorter-term traders, momentum confirmation matters more than targets.
FAQs
Is Atmos Energy stock a buy after Citi’s target hike?
Citi’s $182 target implies about 6.8% upside from $170.47 and keeps a Neutral rating. Street consensus is 6 Buys and 5 Holds with an average target near $179, about 5% upside. That mix supports a steady, not aggressive, outlook. Suitability depends on your income needs and risk tolerance.
What is Atmos Energy’s dividend yield and payout ratio?
The trailing dividend yield is about 2.12% on recent pricing, with a payout ratio near 46%. That leaves room for reinvestment in the regulated asset base and potential dividend growth, subject to earnings, rate decisions, and capital plans approved by regulators.
When is Atmos Energy’s next earnings report?
The company is scheduled to report on February 3, 2026 after the close. We will watch guidance, capital plan details, and any updates on rate base growth. Price often reacts to commentary on spending, cost recovery, and customer growth across its service territories.
What technical levels are most important right now?
Immediate resistance sits near the day high at 170.67 and the 50-day average around 171.03. The Bollinger middle band near 168.01 and lower band at 165.83 are support. RSI near 45 is neutral, and MACD momentum is improving. A close above 171 would strengthen the short-term setup.
How do interest rates affect Atmos Energy stock?
Utilities often trade in relation to Treasury yields. Rising rates can pressure valuations, while falling rates can help. For Atmos, the regulated model and 2.12% yield add stability, but rate moves still influence relative appeal versus bonds and other income-oriented sectors.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
