Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is recognized as one of the top 15 High Quality Dividend Stocks for Long-Term Investors. Morgan Stanley recently increased the price target on ATO to $182 from $181, maintaining an Overweight rating due to utilities lagging behind the S&P’s performance. ATO announced a 15% increase in quarterly dividend to $1.00 per share, marking its 41st consecutive year of dividend growth and 168th quarterly payout. For fiscal 2025, ATO reported $3.6 billion in capital spending, with a focus on safety and reliability initiatives, along with $4.9 billion in liquidity and $1.8 billion in financing to support operations. ATO is a major regulated natural gas utility in the US, emphasizing essential services and maintaining a stable customer base for a steady business profile in the regulated utilities space. While ATO shows promise as an investment, certain AI stocks may offer higher potential returns and lower risks. For more insights on AI stocks and investment opportunities, check out our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Atmos Energy (ATO) Gets Target Boost as Morgan Stanley Revises Utility Sector Outlook