<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 8, 1996
REGISTRATION NO.
================================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
-------------------
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
-------------------
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
TEXAS 751743247
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1800, DALLAS, TEXAS 75240 (214) 934-9227
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER,
INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
-------------------
PLEASE SEND COPIES OF ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO:
GLEN A. BLANSCET, ESQ. DAN BUSBEE, ESQ.
VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL LOCKE PURNELL RAIN HARRELL
AND CORPORATE SECRETARY (A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION)
5430 LBJ FREEWAY, SUITE 1800 2200 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 2200
DALLAS, TEXAS 75240 DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
(214) 934-9227 (214) 740-8000
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND
TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
-------------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time to
time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [_]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] ___
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ] ___
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==============================================================================================
PROPOSED PROPOSED
MAXIMUM MAXIMUM
OFFERING AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SECURITIES AMOUNT TO BE PRICE PER OFFERING REGISTRATION
TO BE REGISTERED REGISTERED SHARE (A) PRICE (A) FEE(A)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock, no par value......... 313,411 shares $24.875 $7,796,098.625 $2,689
==============================================================================================
</TABLE>
(A) Computed in accordance with Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933 on
the basis of the average of the high and low prices of the Company's Common
Stock as reported by the NYSE on May 3, 1996.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said section 8(a),
may determine.
================================================================================
<PAGE>
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UINDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF +
+ANY SUCH STATE. +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 8, 1996
PROSPECTUS
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
313,411 SHARES
COMMON STOCK
--------------------------------
Shares (the "Shares") of the common stock, no par value (the "Common
Stock"), of Atmos Energy Corporation, a Texas corporation ("Atmos" or the
"Company"), may be offered from time to time by a shareholder of the Company
(the "Selling Shareholder") at such prices and upon such terms as are determined
in light of market conditions at the time of sale. The Company will not receive
any proceeds from the sale of Shares hereunder.
The Selling Shareholder acquired the Shares in connection with a
reorganization and merger transaction consummated on November 29, 1995, pursuant
to which Atmos acquired Oceana Heights Gas Company, a Texas corporation ("Oceana
Heights"). The Company issued the Shares to the Selling Shareholder pursuant to
an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"). The purpose of this offering is to register
the Shares for public sale by the Selling Shareholder and his pledgees, donees
or transferees, if any. See "The Merger."
The sale, transfer or distribution of the Shares by the Selling
Shareholder, or by his pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in
interest, if any, may be effected from time to time on the New York Stock
Exchange or in the over-the-counter market or through brokers, agents, dealers
or underwriters, in one or more transactions, in negotiated transactions, or
otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated
prices. In addition, any offered Shares that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule
144 or Rule 145 under the Securities Act may be sold under either of such rules
rather than pursuant to this Prospectus. To the extent required, the specific
Shares to be sold, the purchase price, the public offering price, the name of
any such brokers, agents, dealers or underwriters, and any applicable commission
or discount with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an
accompanying Prospectus Supplement. See "Plan of Distribution."
Upon any sale of the Common Stock offered hereby, the Selling Shareholder
and participating agents, brokers and dealers may be deemed to be underwriters,
as that term is defined in the Securities Act, and commissions or discounts or
any profit realized on the resale of such securities purchased by them may be
deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act.
The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
"ATO." On May 6, 1996, the last reported sale price for the Company's Common
Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $24.875 per share.
Subject to certain limitations, all expenses of registration incurred in
connection with this offering are being borne by Atmos, and all selling and
other expenses incurred by the Selling Shareholder will be borne by the Selling
Shareholder.
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS,
OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING
DESCRIBED HEREIN, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS
MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY ATMOS. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL, OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY, NOR
SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES BY ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR SUCH PERSON TO MAKE SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS, NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER, SHALL
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE AN IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
--------------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR BY ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
--------------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1996.
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith files
reports, proxy and information statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), which may be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at
450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following
regional offices of the Commission: New York Office (7 World Trade Center,
Fourteenth Floor, New York, New York 10048) and Chicago Office (Northwestern
Atrium Center, 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60621-2511).
Copies of such materials also can be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, at
prescribed rates.
The Company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and
reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company can be
inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, Room 401, 20 Broad
Street, New York, New York 10005.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents, which have heretofore been filed by the Company
with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act, are incorporated herein by
reference and are deemed to be a part hereof:
(a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1995.
(b) A description of the capital stock of the Company contained in
the prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act of 1933
as contained in the registration statement on Form S-4 bearing Commission
registration number 33-67098, filed with the Commission on August 9, 1993,
including any amendment or report filed by the Company under the Exchange
Act for the purpose of updating such prospectus.
(c) Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended
December 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996.
All documents filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or
15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the Common Stock offered hereby also shall be
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the
date of filing of such documents.
The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this
Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a
copy of any or all of the foregoing documents incorporated herein by reference
(other than exhibits to such documents). Such requests should be directed to:
Atmos Energy Corporation, 1800 Three Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Dallas,
Texas 75240, Attention: Corporate Secretary.
2
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
Atmos Energy Corporation is the issuer of the Common Stock referred to
herein. The Company's principal executive office is located at 1800 Three
Lincoln Centre, 5430 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75240, and its telephone number
is (214) 934-9227.
The Company is engaged in the distribution and sale of natural gas to
residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other customers in
approximately 400 cities, towns and communities in parts of Texas, Louisiana,
Kentucky, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Selling Shareholder will receive all of the net proceeds from the
offering of the Shares hereby (the "Offering"). The Company will not receive
any proceeds from the Offering. The Company will pay certain fees and expenses
(other than underwriters', brokers' or dealers' discounts or commissions) of the
Selling Shareholder incurred in connection with the Offering.
THE MERGER
Atmos acquired Oceana Heights, a company engaged in the distribution and
sale of natural gas to approximately 9,700 customers in southern Louisiana, in
connection with that certain Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (the
"Reorganization Agreement"), dated October 17, 1995, among Atmos, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Atmos ("Acquisition"), Oceana Heights and the Selling Shareholder,
pursuant to which Oceana Heights was merged with and into Acquisition and
Acquisition was subsequently merged with and into Atmos (together, the "Merger")
in a tax-free transaction accounted for as a pooling-of-interests. The Merger
was consummated on November 29, 1995. In connection with the Merger, Atmos
issued the Shares to the Selling Shareholder without registration pursuant to
the exemption set forth in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D
thereunder.
The terms of the Reorganization Agreement provide for Atmos to file a shelf
registration statement (the "Shelf Registration Statement") covering the Shares.
The registration statement of which this Prospectus is a part constitutes the
Shelf Registration Statement. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company has
agreed to use its best efforts to maintain the effectiveness of the Shelf
Registration Statement until the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the
effective date of the Shelf Registration Statement, or (ii) November 29, 1998.
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, and in connection with the Shelf
Registration Statement, the Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling
Shareholder against certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act, and
the Selling Shareholder has agreed to indemnify the Company, each of its
directors, each of its officers who has signed the Shelf Registration Statement,
each underwriter (including any broker or dealer through whom Shares may be
sold), and each person who controls Atmos or any such person within the meaning
of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against certain liabilities arising under
the Securities Act.
3
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the Reorganization Agreement, Atmos may (i) postpone the
preparation and filing of a prospectus supplement to this Prospectus by not more
than 120 days if its board of directors determines in good faith that such
filing would interfere with any material financing, acquisition, corporate
reorganization or other material transaction or would adversely affect an
offering by Atmos; and (ii) withdraw the Shelf Registration Statement no earlier
than ten business days before Atmos files a registration statement relating to
an underwritten public offering of its equity securities, provided that
following such withdrawal, Atmos shall, upon the expiration of 120 days
following the effective date of such registration statement, or immediately
following the abandonment of such offering, prepare and file a new shelf
registration statement with respect to any unsold Shares previously covered by
the Shelf Registration Statement.
SELLING SHAREHOLDER
The following table sets forth certain information as of May 6, 1996 with
respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock by the Selling
Shareholder. The Selling Shareholder may offer all or a portion of the Shares
from time to time pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement. The number of
Shares to be offered for the Selling Shareholder's account at any particular
time, and the amount and percentage of the Common Stock to be owned by the
Selling Shareholder after completion of any such offering, will be set forth in
a Prospectus Supplement, if required, at such time. There can be no assurance
that the Selling Shareholder will sell any or all of the Shares offered by him
hereunder.
The Selling Shareholder does not hold, and during the last three years has
not held, any position, office or other material relationship with the Company
or any affiliate of the Company. The Company leases an office building in
Thibodaux, Louisiana from the Selling Shareholder at a market rate.
Name of Selling Shareholder Beneficial Ownership Prior to Offering
- --------------------------- --------------------------------------
Percentage of Outstanding
Shares Shares
------ ------
Robert H. Meyer............ 313,411 1.96%
108 Menard Place
Thibodaux, Louisiana
4
<PAGE>
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The Shares may be sold from time to time by the Selling Shareholder or by
his pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest (each, a
"Donee"), if any. The Shares may be offered and sold directly to purchasers or
through underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents, who may receive compensation
in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the
Selling Shareholder or a Donee selling as principal and/or the purchasers of the
Shares for whom they may act as agent. The Shares may be sold from time to time
in one or more transactions (which may involve crosses and block transactions)
on the New York Stock Exchange, on any other stock exchanges on which the Shares
are admitted for trading, pursuant to and in accordance with the rules of such
exchange or exchanges, in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions or otherwise, at a fixed offering price, which may be changed, at
varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. The
Selling Shareholder or any Donee may effect such transactions by selling Shares
to or through securities broker-dealers, and such broker-dealers may receive
compensation in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions
from the Selling Shareholder or any Donee and/or purchasers of Shares for whom
such broker-dealers may act as agent or to whom they sell as principal, or both
(which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer might be in excess of
customary commissions).
If any broker-dealer purchases the Shares as principal it may effect
resales of the Shares from time to time to or through other broker-dealers, and
the other broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of concessions or
commissions from the principals and/or the purchasers of the Shares for whom
they may act as agents. The Selling Shareholder, any Donee and any underwriter,
dealer or agent that participates in the distribution of the Shares may be
deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act, and any profit on the sale of
the Shares by it and any discounts, commissions, concessions or other
compensation received by any such underwriter, dealer or agent may be deemed to
be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.
Atmos has advised the Selling Shareholder that the anti-manipulative Rules
10b-6 and 10b-7 under the Exchange Act may apply to his sales in the market, has
furnished the Selling Shareholder with a copy of these Rules and has informed
him of the need for delivery of copies of this Prospectus. The Selling
Shareholder or any Donee may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in
transactions involving the sale of the Shares against certain liabilities,
including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.
Upon notification by the Selling Shareholder to Atmos that any material
arrangement has been entered into for the sale of Shares, to the extent
required, a Prospectus Supplement will be distributed that will set forth the
number of shares of Common Stock being offered and the terms of the offering,
including the name or names of any underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents
(whether such party is acting as a principal or as agent for the Selling
Shareholder), any discounts, commissions, concessions and other items
constituting compensation from the Selling Shareholder and any discounts,
commissions or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers.
5
<PAGE>
In addition, any Shares that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 or Rule
145 under the Securities Act may be sold under either of such rules rather than
pursuant to this Prospectus.
To comply with securities law of certain states, if applicable, the Shares
will be sold in such states only through registered or licensed brokers or
dealers. In addition, in certain states the Shares may not be sold unless they
have been registered or qualified for sale in such states or an exemption from
registration or qualification is available.
Subject to certain exceptions, the Company will pay all of the expenses
incident to the offering and sale of the Shares to the public other than the
fees and expenses (including underwriting fees and selling commissions) of the
Selling Shareholder. In the event any Prospectus Supplements to this Prospectus
are required to be filed, the Company will pay the expenses for the first such
Prospectus Supplement and the Selling Shareholder will pay the expenses for any
subsequent Prospectus Supplement.
There can be no assurance that the Selling Shareholder or any Donee will
sell any or all of the Shares offered hereby.
LEGAL OPINION
The validity of the Shares offered hereby will be passed upon for Atmos by
the law firm of Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (A Professional Corporation), Dallas,
Texas. Dan Busbee, a director of Atmos, is a shareholder of Locke Purnell Rain
Harrell (A Professional Corporation). As of May 6, 1996, Mr. Busbee was the
beneficial owner of approximately 2,420 shares of the Common Stock.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Atmos Energy Corporation appearing
in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1995, have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their
report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such
consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
6
<PAGE>
[back cover page of prospectus]
UNTIL , 1996, ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE REGISTERED
SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED
TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO
DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH RESPECT TO THEIR
UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
--------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S> <C>
Available Information...... 2
Incorporation of Certain
Documents By Reference... 2
The Company................ 3
Use of Proceeds............ 3
The Merger................. 3
Selling Shareholder........ 4
Plan of Distribution....... 5
Legal Opinion.............. 6
Experts.................... 6
</TABLE>
313,411 SHARES
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
COMMON STOCK
(NO PAR VALUE)
[logo]
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
Set forth below is an estimate of the approximate amount of fees and
expenses payable by the Company in connection with the offering described in the
Registration Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Approximate
Amount
-----------
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee.. $2,689
------
Printing and engraving expenses...................... 2,000
------
Legal fees and expenses (including Blue Sky)......... 3,130
------
Miscellaneous expenses............................... 181
------
TOTAL.............................................. $8,000
======
</TABLE>
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
The Texas Business Corporation Act permits, and in some cases requires,
corporations to indemnify directors and officers who are or have been a party or
are threatened to be made a party to litigation against judgments, penalties
(including excise and similar taxes), fines, settlements, and reasonable
expenses under certain circumstances. Article IX of the Company's Restated
Articles of Incorporation and Article IX of the Company Bylaws provide for
indemnification of judgments, penalties (including excise and similar taxes),
fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses and the advance payment or
reimbursement of such reasonable expenses to directors and officers to the
fullest extent permitted by law.
The Company maintains an officers' and directors' liability insurance
policy insuring officers and directors against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The effect of such
policy is to indemnify such officers and directors of the Company against loss
incurred by them while acting in such capacities.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS.
5 Opinion of Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (A Professional
Corporation), regarding the validity of the securities
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4 to Atmos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1988, File No. 1-10042)
4.2(a) Rights Agreement, dated as of April 27, 1988, between Atmos and
Morgan Shareholder Services Trust Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 1 to Atmos' Current Report on Form 8-K filed
May 10, 1988, File No. 0-11249)
II-1
<PAGE>
4.2(b) Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, dated August 10, 1994
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(b) to Atmos' Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994,
File No. 1-10042)
4.2(c) Certificate of Adjusted Price, dated August 15, 1994 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.3(c) to Atmos' Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1994, File No. 1-10042)
4.3 Article VII of the Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended
as of February 9, 1995, of Atmos Energy Corporation (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Atmos' Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, File No. 1-10042)
4.4 Articles II and X of the Bylaws, as amended as of November 9, 1994,
of Atmos Energy Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.2 to Atmos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1995, File No. 1-10042)
15 Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information
23.1 Consent of Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (A Professional Corporation)
(included in Exhibit No. 5)
23.2 Consent of Independent Auditors
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(1) The registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events
arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change
in the information set forth in the Registration Statement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume
of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities
offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum
offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,
the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20%
change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
"Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective
registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to
the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
Registration Statement or any material change to such information
in the Registration Statement;
II-2
<PAGE>
Provided, however, that paragraphs (i) and (ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by
those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or
furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13
or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
(b) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective
amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold
at the termination of the offering.
(2) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling
persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise,
the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and
is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing a Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Dallas, State of Texas, on May 8, 1996.
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
By: /s/ ROBERT F. STEPHENS
------------------------------
Robert F. Stephens,
President and Chief
Operating Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature
appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Robert F. Stephens and James F.
Purser, or each of them, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with
full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place
and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same,
with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and
agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ ROBERT F. STEPHENS President, Chief May 8, 1996
- --------------------------- Operating Officer,
Robert F. Stephens and Director
/s/ JAMES F. PURSER Executive Vice May 8, 1996
- --------------------------- President, Chief
James F. Purser Financial Officer,
and Director
/s/ DAVID L. BICKERSTAFF Vice President and May 6, 1996
- --------------------------- Corporate Controller
David L. Bickerstaff
/s/ CHARLES K. VAUGHAN Chairman of the Board May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
Charles K. Vaughan
II-4
<PAGE>
/s/ TRAVIS W. BAIN II Director May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
Travis W. Bain II
/s/ DAN BUSBEE Director May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
Dan Busbee
/s/ PHILLIP E. NICHOL Director May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
Phillip E. Nichol
/s/ JOHN W. NORRIS, JR. Director May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
John W. Norris, Jr.
/s/ CARL S. QUINN Director May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
Carl S. Quinn
/s/ LEE E. SCHLESSMAN Director May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
Lee E. Schlessman
/s/ RICHARD WARE II Director May 8, 1996
- ---------------------------
Richard Ware II
Director
- ---------------------------
Thomas C. Meredith
II-5
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT NUMBERED
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
- ------- ----------- ------------
5 Opinion of Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (A Professional
Corporation), regarding the validity of the securities
4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4 to Atmos' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1988, File No. 1-10042)
4.2(a) Rights Agreement, dated as of April 27, 1988, between Atmos
and Morgan Shareholder Services Trust Company (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 1 to Atmos' Current Report on
Form 8-K filed May 10, 1988, File No. 0-11249)
4.2(b) Amendment No. 1 to Rights Agreement, dated August 10, 1994
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(b) to Atmos'
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1994, File No. 1-10042)
4.2(c) Certificate of Adjusted Price, dated August 15, 1994
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3(c) to Atmos'
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1994, File No. 1-10042)
4.3 Article VII of the Restated Articles of Incorporation, as
amended as of February 9, 1995, of Atmos Energy Corporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Atmos' Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1995, File No. 1-10042)
4.4 Articles II and X of the Bylaws, as amended as of
November 9, 1994, of Atmos Energy Corporation (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Atmos' Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995,
File No. 1-10042)
15 Letter regarding unaudited interim financial information
23.1 Consent of Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (A Professional
Corporation) (included in Exhibit No. 5)
23.2 Consent of Independent Auditors
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 5
[LETTERHEAD OF LOCKE PURNELL RAIN HARRELL APPEARS HERE]
May 8, 1996
Atmos Energy Corporation
5430 LBJ Freeway
1800 Three Lincoln Center
Dallas, TX 75240-0205
Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel for Atmos Energy Corporation, a Texas corporation
(the "Company"), in connection with the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering 313,411 shares (the
"Shares") to be offered for sale from time to time by Robert H. Meyer, a
shareholder of the Company. The Shares were acquired by Mr. Meyer in a merger
transaction consummated on November 29, 1995 (the "Merger"), pursuant to which
the Company acquired Oceana Heights Gas Company.
We have examined such Merger documents and such corporate records,
certificates and other documents and such questions of law as we have considered
necessary or appropriate for the purposes of this Opinion. On the basis of the
foregoing, it is our opinion that:
1. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a
corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas.
2. The Shares were duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid, and
are non-assessable.
3. We consent to the reference to our firm under the heading "Legal
Opinion" in the Prospectus included in the Registration Statement, and to the
filing of this Opinion as Exhibit 5 thereto and in connection with the
registration or qualification of the Shares under the applicable securities laws
of any state or jurisdiction.
Very truly yours,
LOCKE PURNELL RAIN HARRELL
By: /s/ DAN BUSBEE
------------------------
Dan Busbee
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 15
May 8, 1996
The Board of Directors
Atmos Energy Corporation
We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-3) of Atmos Energy Corporation for the registration of 313,411 shares of
its common stock of our reports dated May 1, 1996 and February 7, 1996 with
respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of
Atmos Energy Corporation included in its Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March
31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively.
Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 our reports are not a part
of the registration statement prepared or certified by accountants within the
meaning of Section 7 and 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Dallas, Texas
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related prospectus of Atmos Energy
Corporation for the registraton of 313,411 shares of its common stock and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated November 8, 1995, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements of Atmos Energy Corporation for
the year ended September 30, 1995, included in Atmos Energy Corporation's Form
10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Dallas, Texas
May 8, 1996
