UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 8-K

Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

January 12, 2017
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)

ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)



TEXAS AND VIRGINIA
1-10042
75-1743247
---------------------------------
------------------------
----------------------
(State or Other Jurisdiction
(Commission File
(I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation)
Number)
Identification No.)

1800 THREE LINCOLN CENTRE,
 
5430 LBJ FREEWAY, DALLAS, TEXAS
75240
----------------------------------------------------
-----------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)

(972) 934-9227
------------------------------
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

Not Applicable
---------------------------
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)



Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

□ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
□ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
□ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
□ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))










Item 5.02.
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers .

(a)
On January 19, 2017, Atmos Energy Corporation ("Atmos Energy") issued a news release in which it reported that Louis P. Gregory, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, will retire from Atmos Energy effective February 1, 2017. A copy of the news release announcing this management change is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1.

On January 12, 2017, Atmos Energy entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with Mr. Gregory under which Mr. Gregory’s retirement from the Company as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary will commence as of February 1, 2017. Under the Agreement, Mr. Gregory will receive a separation payment of $2,200,000 and will be entitled to receive any amounts of compensation or benefits otherwise payable in accordance with the terms of the Company’s compensation and benefits plans in which he participated, as set forth in the Agreement. As part of the Agreement, Mr. Gregory and the Company executed a mutual release of all claims related to Mr. Gregory’s employment. The full text of the Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

(b)
As reported in its news release issued January 19, 2017, Bret J. Eckert, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will leave Atmos Energy effective February 1, 2017. A copy of the news release announcing this management change is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.2.

On January 17, 2017, Atmos Energy entered into a Separation Agreement and General Release with Mr. Eckert under which Mr. Eckert’s employment with the Company as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will end as of February 1, 2017. Under the Agreement, Mr. Eckert will receive a separation payment of $2,600,000 and will be entitled to receive any amounts of compensation or benefits otherwise payable in accordance with the terms of the Company’s compensation and benefits plans in which he participated, as set forth in the Agreement. Mr. Eckert will also be entitled to receive Company-provided benefits, including COBRA continuation coverage and financial planning benefits, as set forth in the Agreement. As part of the Agreement, Mr. Eckert and the Company executed a mutual release of all claims related to Mr. Eckert’s employment. The full text of the Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

(c)
On January 19, 2017, Atmos Energy issued a news release in which it reported that Christopher T. Forsythe, Vice President and Controller of Atmos Energy since May 2009, has been appointed as Senior Vice President and CFO, effective February 1, 2017. Mr. Forsythe, 45, will report to Kim Cocklin, Chief Executive Officer, and will be a member of the company’s Management Committee. Although Atmos Energy is not a party to any employment agreement with Mr. Forsythe, he will receive an annual base salary of $375,000. Mr. Forsythe will also be eligible to participate in all other applicable incentive, benefit and deferred compensation plans offered by the company to its senior officers.

In addition, Atmos Energy will enter into a change in control severance agreement with Mr. Forsythe to provide certain severance benefits to him in the event of the termination of his employment within three years following a change in control of the company. The agreement will provide that in the case of such termination of employment, the company will pay Mr. Forsythe a lump sum severance payment equal to 2.5 times his total compensation, comprised of his annual base salary and “average bonus,” as such term is defined in the agreement. In addition, Mr. Forsythe will receive all medical, dental, vision, and any other health benefits which qualify for continuation coverage under Internal Revenue Code Section 4980B (“COBRA coverage”), for a period of 18 months from the date of his termination.

In the event of such termination of employment, the company will also pay Mr. Forsythe a lump sum payment generally equal to the actuarially equivalent sum of the value of (a) an additional three (3) years of age and service credits payable under the Pension Account Plan; (b) an additional three (3) years of company matching contributions under the Retirement Savings Plan; (c) the cost to the company of

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providing COBRA coverage benefits to Mr. Forsythe for an additional 18-month period and (d) the cost to the company of providing accident and life insurance as well as disability benefits for three (3) years following the date of his termination.

However, if Mr. Forsythe is terminated by the company for “cause” (as defined in the agreement), or if his employment is terminated by retirement, death, or disability, the agreement will provide that the company will not be obligated to pay the severance benefits to Mr. Forsythe. The agreement will further provide that if Mr. Forsythe voluntarily terminates his employment except for “constructive termination” (as defined in the agreement), the company will not be obligated to pay him the severance benefits. A form of such change in control severance agreement has been previously filed with the Commission as Exhibit 10.3(a) to Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.

A copy of the news release announcing this management change is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.3.

Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Number
Description
 
 
10.1
  
Separation Agreement and General Release entered into by Atmos Energy Corporation and Louis P. Gregory dated January 12, 2017

 
 
10.2
 
Separation Agreement and General Release entered into by Atmos Energy Corporation and Bret J. Eckert dated January 17, 2017

 
 
99.1
 
News Release issued by Atmos Energy Corporation dated January 19, 2017
 
 
99.2
 
News Release issued by Atmos Energy Corporation dated January 19, 2017
 
 
99.3
 
News Release issued by Atmos Energy Corporation dated January 19, 2017











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SIGNATURE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
ATMOS ENERGY CORPORATION
 
             (Registrant)
 
 
 
 
DATE: January 19, 2017
By: /s/ KIM R. COCKLIN                        
       Kim R. Cocklin
       Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 

























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INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit Number
Description
 
10.1
Separation Agreement and General Release entered into by Atmos Energy Corporation and Louis P. Gregory dated January 12, 2017

 
10.2
Separation Agreement and General Release entered into by Atmos Energy Corporation and Bret J. Eckert dated January 17, 2017

 
99.1
News Release issued by Atmos Energy Corporation dated January 19, 2017
 
99.2
News Release issued by Atmos Energy Corporation dated January 19, 2017
 
99.3
News Release issued by Atmos Energy Corporation dated January 19, 2017
 







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Exhibit 10.1
    

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

This SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is an agreement between Atmos Energy Corporation (including its affiliates, successors and assigns, “Atmos Energy”), and Louis P. Gregory (the “Executive”). The “Effective Date” of this Agreement shall be the 8 th day after this Agreement has been signed by Executive and the expiration of the cancellation period described in paragraph 13.

In consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Employment Separation Executive’s employment with Atmos Energy as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary will end as of February 1, 2017 (“Retirement Date”).

2. Separation Pay and Benefits . Subject to this Agreement becoming effective and irrevocable, Atmos Energy agrees to provide Executive the following separation benefits, which Executive acknowledges he would not otherwise receive.

a. Separation Payment . Atmos Energy will pay Executive a Separation Payment of $2,200,000.00 less required taxes and customary withholding.

b. Withholding and Taxes . Executive understands and agrees that payments made under this Agreement will be subject to required taxes and customary withholdings and shall be paid on the later of the Retirement Date or Effective Date, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Executive. Except as set forth below, Executive assumes full responsibility to state and federal taxing authorities for any tax consequences, including interest and penalties, regarding employee or income taxes arising out of the payments to him set forth in this Agreement and agrees to indemnify Atmos Energy, its officers, directors, employees, subsidiary companies, successors, assigns, representatives and agents for any and all investigations or liabilities imposed by any taxing authority due to Executive’s failure to properly report and pay any such taxes when due. Atmos Energy agrees to indemnify Executive in the event it shall be determined that any payment, distribution, or benefits of any type by Atmos Energy to or for the benefit of Executive, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise (the "Total Payments"), is subject to the tax imposed by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or any interest or penalties with respect to such tax (such tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are collectively referred to as the "409A Tax"), then Executive shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by Executive of all taxes (including additional taxes under said Section 409A, and any interest and penalties imposed with respect to any such taxes) imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, Executive retains an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the 409A Tax imposed upon the Total Payments. The Company shall pay the Gross-Up Payment to Executive at least ten (10) business days prior to the due date of any applicable tax return required to be filed by Executive and relating to the Total Payments or the Gross-Up Payment.
   
3. Coordination with SERP and Other Benefits . The Parties agree that Executive does not waive any rights or claims to benefits available under the Atmos Energy Corporation

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Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), the Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), the Pension Account Plan (PAP) the Retiree Medical Plan for Retirees and Disabled Employees of Atmos Energy Corporation (RMP) or the Time Off Policy (PTO). With the exception of the SERP, RSP, LTIP, PAP, RMP and PTO, it is expressly understood that the Separation Payment includes full and complete satisfaction of all amounts due to Executive as a result of his employment with the Company and the separation therefrom.

4. Cooperation .   Executive agrees, upon Atmos Energy’s reasonable request, to cooperate in any investigations and/or litigations, claims, or other disputed matters regarding events that occurred during Executive’s employment with Atmos Energy. Executive will be entitled to indemnity by Atmos Energy with respect to any claims asserted against Executive in the future by any third party in accordance with the terms and extent of any indemnity obligations in effect at the time to any former officer. If Atmos Energy requests Executive’s assistance under this paragraph 4, Atmos Energy will compensate Executive at the rate of $500 per hour and will reimburse Executive for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his obligations under this paragraph 4. The obligations of Executive set forth in this paragraph 4 will terminate two (2) years after the Effective Date.

5. Mutual Release .   There are various local, state, and federal statutory and common laws that may apply and/or relate to Executive’s employment with Atmos Energy. Executive understands that, among other things, these laws prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of age, color, race, gender, sexual reference/orientation, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, religious affiliation, veteran status, or other protected classification, and that these laws are enforced through the courts and agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Labor, and state human rights, wage and hour and fair employment practices agencies.

Such laws include, but are not limited to, federal and state wage and hour laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), federal and state whistleblower laws, federal and state leave laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), federal and state anti-discrimination and other laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (ADEA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. 100l, et seq. (ERISA) (excluding COBRA), 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) and any other federal or state employment laws, as each may be amended from time to time.

By signing this Agreement, Executive releases Atmos Energy, and its respective directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees, and any of Atmos Energy's successors or predecessors, affiliates, or related companies (collectively referred to as "Releasees") from any and all claims, known or unknown, including claims for attorneys' fees and costs with respect to, or arising out of, Executive’s employment or termination of employment with Atmos Energy. In so doing, Executive agrees to give up any rights he may have under any laws that may apply to his employment or termination of employment with Atmos Energy except those described in paragraph 6 below.

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Executive understands that he is giving up all statutory, common law or contract claims and rights, including those that Executive is not currently aware of and those not mentioned in this Agreement, up to and through the date that Executive signs and delivers this Agreement to Atmos Energy. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Atmos Energy has fully satisfied any and all obligations owed to him arising out of his employment with or termination from Atmos Energy, and no further sums or benefits are owed to him by Atmos Energy or by any of the other Releasees at any time.

Atmos Energy, in return for Executive signing this Agreement, hereby mutually releases, acquits and forever discharges Executive from any and all claims, known or unknown, including claims for attorneys' fees and costs with respect to, or arising out of, Executive’s employment or termination of employment with Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy understands that Atmos Energy is giving up all statutory, common law or contract claims and rights, including those that Atmos Energy is not currently aware of and those not mentioned in this Agreement, up to and through the date that Executive signs and delivers this Agreement to Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy acknowledges and agrees that Executive has fully satisfied any and all obligations owed to Atmos Energy arising out of Executive’s employment with or termination from Atmos Energy.

6. Activities Not Covered . Executive understands that this Agreement does not prohibit or prevent Executive from filing a charge or participating, testifying or assisting in investigations, hearings or other proceedings conducted by the EEOC, the NLRB, or a similar agency enforcing federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws. However, to the maximum extent provided by law, Executive does give up all rights to recover or receive individual damages, money, or other personal benefits as a result of such charge, investigation or proceeding.

Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from a) reporting possible violations of law (including securities laws) to any government agency, including to the U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission or Inspector General; b) making disclosures protected under federal whistleblower laws; or c) otherwise fully participating in any federal whistleblower programs.

7. Agreement Not to Sue .   Executive agrees not to sue Atmos Energy with respect to claims Executive has released in this Agreement. If Executive does, Executive agrees to pay Atmos Energy's reasonable legal fees to the extent permitted by law. Atmos Energy agrees not to sue Executive with respect to claims Atmos Energy has released in this Agreement. If Atmos Energy does, Atmos Energy agrees to pay Executive’s reasonable legal fees to the extent permitted by law.

8. Non-Admission .   This Agreement shall not in any way be construed as an admission by either Party of any acts of wrongdoing, violation of any statute, law or legal or contractual right. Atmos Energy and Executive acknowledge that each has willingly entered into this Agreement.

9. Review by Counsel .   Executive acknowledges that he is advised to discuss this Agreement and the effect of same with legal counsel of his own choosing and at his own expense, that he has had a reasonable time to review this Agreement that he fully understands all the provisions of the Agreement and is voluntarily entering into this Agreement.


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10. Confidential and Privileged Information . Executive understands that after Retirement Date, Executive will continue to be bound by his professional and other obligations and promises to the Company. Within five (5) days after the later of the Retirement Date or Effective Date, Executive shall deliver to Atmos Energy all originals and copies of non-public documents, notes, memoranda or any other written materials that relate or refer to Atmos Energy.

Executive will not disclose to any third party attorney-client privileged information or non-public Company information. Attorney-client privileged information may never be disclosed absent a written waiver of the privilege by Atmos Energy as to the specific communications. Executive further promises that he will not disclose Atmos Energy’s confidential information including, financial, legal or business information. The Executive agrees that all documents, records, techniques, business secrets, price and route information, business strategy and other information, whether in electronic form, hardcopy or other format, which have come into Executive’s possession from time to time during his employment by Atmos Energy is deemed to be confidential and proprietary to Atmos Energy. Executive understands that this paragraph shall not apply to information that is known in the industry or disclosed by Atmos Energy or is required to be disclosed by valid legal process, provided, however, that prior to any such disclosure, if reasonably practicable, the Executive must first notify Atmos Energy and cooperate with Atmos Energy (at Atmos Energy’s expense) in seeking a protective order.

11. Enforceability of Agreement . In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be unenforceable under the applicable law, the rest of the Agreement shall continue to apply.

12. Other Agreements . If any provision of any agreement, plan, policy, or other written document between or relating to Executive and Atmos Energy conflicts with any express provision of this Agreement, the provision of this Agreement will control. In deciding to sign this Agreement, Executive is not relying on any statements or promises except those found in this Agreement.

13. Time to Consider and Cancel . Executive understands that, pursuant to the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, (OWBPA), Executive has the right to consult an attorney at his own expense before signing this Agreement, and Atmos Energy has advised Executive to consult an attorney; Executive has at least twenty-one days from the date Executive received this Agreement to consider the Agreement before signing it. Executive may change his mind and cancel the Agreement within seven calendar days after signing it, and the Agreement shall not go into effect until then. Executive agrees that any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement, do not restart or affect in any manner the original up to twenty-one day consideration period. If Executive decides to cancel this Agreement, Executive understands that Atmos Energy must receive written notice of Executive’s decision directed to the Chief Executive Officer’s attention before the seven-day period expires.

14. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

15. Executive’s Heirs, etc . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors,

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heirs, distributes, devisees and legatees. If Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to him hereunder as if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms hereof to his designee, or if there is no such designee, to his estate.

16. Publicity . The Parties will consult with each other prior to issuing any publication or press release of any nature with respect to this Agreement and shall not make or issue any such publication or press release prior to such consultation and without the prior written consent of the other Party except to the extent, but only to such extent, that, in the opinion of the Party issuing such publication or press release, such announcement or statement may be required by law, any listing agreement with any securities exchange or any securities exchange regulation.

17. Counterparts .   This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall be deemed performable by all Parties in Dallas County, Texas and the construction and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by Texas law without regard to its conflicts of law rules.


BY SIGNING BELOW, EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT, HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE, UNDERSTANDS IT, AND IS VOLUNTARILY ENTERING INTO IT. READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY. IT CONTAINS A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.
Each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year indicated below.
 

Atmos Energy Corporation

By: /s/ KIM R. COCKLIN Date: 1/12/2017
Name: Kim R. Cocklin
Title: Chief Executive Officer


By: /s/ LOUIS P. GREGORY Date: 1/12/2017
Louis P. Gregory


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Exhibit 10.2

SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

This SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is an agreement between Atmos Energy Corporation (including its affiliates, successors and assigns, “Atmos Energy”), and Bret J. Eckert (the “Executive”). The “Effective Date” of this Agreement shall be the 8 th day after this Agreement has been signed by Executive and the expiration of the cancellation period described in paragraph 13.

In consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. Employment Separation Executive’s employment with Atmos Energy as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will end as of February 1, 2017 (“Separation Date”).

2. Separation Pay and Benefits . Subject to this Agreement becoming effective and irrevocable, Atmos Energy agrees to provide Executive the following separation benefits, which Executive acknowledges he would not otherwise receive.

a. Separation Payment . Atmos Energy will pay Executive a Separation Payment of $2,600,000.00 less required taxes and customary withholding.

b. COBRA Continuation . If Executive elects COBRA continuation coverage under the Atmos Energy medical plan, then Atmos Energy agrees to pay the same portion of Executive’s premiums for such coverage as the portion of said premiums that Atmos Energy is paying for active employees of Atmos Energy until the earlier of: (i) 18 months following the Separation Date, (ii) the date Executive becomes eligible for coverage under the medical plan of another employer of Executive, regardless of whether Executive elects to be covered by such medical plan, or (iii) the date Executive’s continuation coverage under the Atmos Energy medical plan otherwise terminates. Thereafter, if Executive is eligible and wishes to continue his continuation coverage and the maximum applicable continuation coverage period has not expired, Executive may continue such coverage, provided, however, Executive shall be solely responsible for payment of the entire premium for such coverage.

c. Financial Planning . Executive will be entitled to the Atmos Energy Financial Planning Benefit for tax years 2016 and 2017.

d. Outplacement . Atmos Energy will provide Executive with participation in the Atmos Energy’s outplacement program for a period of six months free of charge.

e. Withholding and Taxes . Executive understands and agrees that all payments made under this Agreement will be subject to required taxes and customary withholdings and shall be paid on the later of the Separation Date or Effective Date, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Executive. Except as set forth below, Executive assumes full responsibility to state and federal taxing authorities for any tax consequences, including interest and penalties, regarding employee or income taxes arising out of the payments to him set forth in this Agreement. Executive further agrees to indemnify Atmos Energy, its officers, directors, agents, employees, subsidiary companies, successors, assigns, representatives and agents for any and all

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investigations or liabilities imposed by any taxing authority due to Executive’s failure to properly report and pay any taxes due.
   
3. Coordination with SERP and Other Benefits . The Parties agree that Executive does not waive any rights or claims to benefits available under the Atmos Energy Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP), the Atmos Energy Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) and the Time Off Policy (PTO). With the exception of the SERP, RSP, and PTO, it is expressly understood that the Separation Payment includes full and complete satisfaction of all amounts due to Executive as a result of his employment with the Company and the separation therefrom.

4. Cooperation .   Executive agrees, upon Atmos Energy’s reasonable request, to cooperate in any investigations and/or litigations, claims, or other disputed matters regarding events that occurred during Executive’s employment with Atmos Energy. Executive will be entitled to indemnity by Atmos Energy with respect to any claims asserted against Executive in the future by any third party in accordance with the terms and extent of any indemnity obligations in effect at the time to any former officer. If Atmos Energy requests Executive’s assistance under this paragraph 4, Atmos Energy will compensate Executive at the rate of $500 per hour and will reimburse Executive for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his obligations under this paragraph 4. The obligations of Executive set forth in this paragraph 4 will terminate two (2) years after the Effective Date.

5. Mutual Release .   There are various local, state, and federal statutory and common laws that may apply and/or relate to Executive’s employment with Atmos Energy. Executive understands that, among other things, these laws prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of age, color, race, gender, sexual reference/orientation, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, religious affiliation, veteran status, or other protected classification, and that these laws are enforced through the courts and agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Labor, and state human rights, wage and hour and fair employment practices agencies.

Such laws include, but are not limited to, federal and state wage and hour laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), federal and state whistleblower laws, federal and state leave laws, including the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), federal and state anti-discrimination and other laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (ADEA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, 29 U.S.C. 100l, et seq. (ERISA) (excluding COBRA), 42 U.S.C. Section 1981, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) and any other federal or state employment laws, as each may be amended from time to time.

By signing this Agreement, Executive releases Atmos Energy, and its respective directors, officers, representatives, agents and employees, and any of Atmos Energy's successors or predecessors, affiliates, or related companies (collectively referred to as "Releasees") from any and all claims, known or unknown, including claims for attorneys' fees and costs with respect to, or arising out of, Executive’s employment or termination of employment with

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Atmos Energy. In so doing, Executive agrees to give up any rights he may have under any laws that may apply to his employment or termination of employment with Atmos Energy except those described in paragraph 3, above, and paragraph 6 below.
Executive understands that he is giving up all statutory, common law or contract claims and rights, including those that Executive is not currently aware of and those not mentioned in this Agreement, up to and through the date that Executive signs and delivers this Agreement to Atmos Energy. Executive acknowledges and agrees that Atmos Energy has fully satisfied any and all obligations owed to him arising out of his employment with or termination from Atmos Energy, and no further sums or benefits are owed to him by Atmos Energy or by any of the other Releasees at any time.

Atmos Energy, in return for Executive signing this Agreement, hereby mutually releases, acquits and forever discharges Executive from any and all claims, known or unknown, including claims for attorneys' fees and costs with respect to, or arising out of, Executive’s employment or termination of employment with Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy understands that Atmos Energy is giving up all statutory, common law or contract claims and rights, including those that Atmos Energy is not currently aware of and those not mentioned in this Agreement, up to and through the date that Executive signs and delivers this Agreement to Atmos Energy. Atmos Energy acknowledges and agrees that Executive has fully satisfied any and all obligations owed to Atmos Energy arising out of Executive’s employment with or termination from Atmos Energy.

6. Activities Not Covered . Executive understands that this Agreement does not prohibit or prevent Executive from filing a charge or participating, testifying or assisting in investigations, hearings or other proceedings conducted by the EEOC, the NLRB, or a similar agency enforcing federal, state or local anti-discrimination laws. However, to the maximum extent provided by law, Executive does give up all rights to recover or receive individual damages, money, or other personal benefits as a result of such charge, investigation or proceeding.

Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Executive from a) reporting possible violations of law (including securities laws) to any government agency, including to the U.S. Congress, Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission or Inspector General; b) making disclosures protected under federal whistleblower laws; or c) otherwise fully participating in any federal whistleblower programs.

7. Agreement Not to Sue .   Executive agrees not to sue Atmos Energy with respect to claims Executive has released in this Agreement. If Executive does, Executive agrees to pay Atmos Energy's reasonable legal fees to the extent permitted by law. Atmos Energy agrees not to sue Executive with respect to claims Atmos Energy has released in this Agreement. If Atmos Energy does, Atmos Energy agrees to pay Executive’s reasonable legal fees to the extent permitted by law.

8. Non-Admission .   This Agreement shall not in any way be construed as an admission by either Party of any acts of wrongdoing, violation of any statute, law or legal or contractual right. Atmos Energy and Executive acknowledge that each has willingly entered into this Agreement.

9. Review by Counsel .   Executive acknowledges that he is advised to discuss this Agreement and the effect of same with legal counsel of his own choosing and at his own expense,

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that he has had a reasonable time to review this Agreement that he fully understands all the provisions of the Agreement and is voluntarily entering into this Agreement.

10. Confidential and Privileged Information . Executive understands that after the Separation Date, Executive will continue to be bound by his professional and other obligations and promises to the Company. Within five (5) days after the later of the Separation Date or Effective Date, Executive shall deliver to Atmos Energy all originals and copies of non-public documents, notes, memoranda or any other written materials that relate or refer to Atmos Energy.

Executive will not disclose to any third party attorney-client privileged information or non-public Company information. Attorney-client privileged information may never be disclosed absent a written waiver of the privilege by Atmos Energy as to the specific communications. Executive further promises that he will not disclose Atmos Energy’s confidential information including, financial, legal or business information. The Executive agrees that all documents, records, techniques, business secrets, price and route information, business strategy and other information, whether in electronic form, hardcopy or other format, which have come into Executive’s possession from time to time during his employment by Atmos Energy is deemed to be confidential and proprietary to Atmos Energy. Executive understands that this paragraph shall not apply to information that is known in the industry or disclosed by Atmos Energy or is required to be disclosed by valid legal process, provided, however, that prior to any such disclosure, if reasonably practicable, the Executive must first notify Atmos Energy and cooperate with Atmos Energy (at Atmos Energy’s expense) in seeking a protective order.

11. Enforceability of Agreement . In the event that any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be unenforceable under the applicable law, the rest of the Agreement shall continue to apply.

12. Other Agreements . If any provision of any agreement, plan, policy, or other written document between or relating to Executive and Atmos Energy conflicts with any express provision of this Agreement, the provision of this Agreement will control. In deciding to sign this Agreement, Executive is not relying on any statements or promises except those found in this Agreement.

13. Time to Consider and Cancel . Executive understands that, pursuant to the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of 1990, (OWBPA), Executive has the right to consult an attorney at his own expense before signing this Agreement, and Atmos Energy has advised Executive to consult an attorney; Executive has at least twenty-one days from the date Executive received this Agreement to consider the Agreement before signing it. Executive may change his mind and cancel the Agreement within seven calendar days after signing it, and the Agreement shall not go into effect until then. Executive agrees that any modifications, material or otherwise, made to this Agreement, do not restart or affect in any manner the original up to twenty-one day consideration period. If Executive decides to cancel this Agreement, Executive understands that Atmos Energy must receive written notice of Executive’s decision directed to the General Counsel’s attention before the seven-day period expires.

14. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

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15. Executive’s Heirs, etc . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributes, devisees and legatees. If Executive should die while any amounts would still be payable to him hereunder as if he had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid in accordance with the terms hereof to his designee, or if there is no such designee, to his estate.

16. Publicity . The Parties will consult with each other prior to issuing any publication or press release of any nature with respect to this Agreement and shall not make or issue any such publication or press release prior to such consultation and without the prior written consent of the other Party except to the extent, but only to such extent, that, in the opinion of the Party issuing such publication or press release, such announcement or statement may be required by law, any listing agreement with any securities exchange or any securities exchange regulation.

17. Counterparts .   This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement shall be deemed performable by all Parties in Dallas County, Texas and the construction and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by Texas law without regard to its conflicts of law rules.


BY SIGNING BELOW, EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT, HAS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY OF HIS CHOICE, UNDERSTANDS IT, AND IS VOLUNTARILY ENTERING INTO IT. READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY. IT CONTAINS A RELEASE OF ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS.
Each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day and year indicated below.
 

Atmos Energy Corporation

By: /s/ KIM R. COCKLIN Date: 1/17/2017
Name: Kim R. Cocklin
Title: Chief Executive Officer


By: /s/ BRET J. ECKERT Date: 1/17/2017
Bret J. Eckert

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Exhibit 99.1

A20171FORM8KEXHIBIT99_IMAGE1.JPG
                            
News Release
Analysts and Media Contact:
Susan Giles (972) 855-3729


Atmos Energy Announces the Retirement of
Senior Vice President and General Counsel Louis P. Gregory

DALLAS (January 19, 2017)—Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) today announced that effective February 1, 2017, Louis P. Gregory, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary is retiring.

“During Louis’ tenure on the executive management team, the Legal Department became an integral and value-added part of the business and helped the company achieve new levels of success,” said Kim Cocklin, Chief Executive Officer.

Gregory joined Atmos Energy on September 5, 2000, as Senior Vice President and General Counsel and added the position of Corporate Secretary in 2012. “Louis made many valuable contributions to the company, chief among them his significant leadership during the nearly $2.0 billion acquisition of the Mid-Tex and Atmos Pipeline Texas Divisions, a transaction that closed in record time and transformed our company,” said Robert W. Best, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “He has always led with integrity, high ethical standards and great dedication,” Best concluded.

Gregory’s successor will be named at a later date.


About Atmos Energy

Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country's largest, fully regulated, natural-gas-only distributor, serving over three million natural gas distribution customers in over 1,400 communities in eight states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy also manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com.

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Exhibit 99.2
A20171FORM8KEXHIBIT99_IMAGE2.JPG
News Release   
Analysts and Media Contact:
Susan Giles (972) 855-3729


Atmos Energy Corporation Announces Departure of Bret J. Eckert as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Christopher T. Forsythe to Succeed Eckert


DALLAS (January 19, 2017)—Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) today announced that Bret J. Eckert will be leaving the company as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to pursue other opportunities, effective February 1, 2017. Christopher T. Forsythe, Vice President and Controller, will succeed him.

“Since joining the company in 2012, Bret has been an outstanding contributor to Atmos Energy through his leadership and guidance,” said Robert W. Best, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “The past five years resulted in unprecedented growth for the company and Bret was an integral contributor to our success.”

“Through Bret’s exceptional leadership, he advanced our strategic direction and message, while strengthening the balance sheet, reducing risk and delivering consistent, sustainable growth to our shareholders,” added Kim Cocklin, Chief Executive Officer. “We are very appreciative of his service to Atmos Energy and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

About Atmos Energy

Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country's largest natural-gas-only distributor, serving over three million natural gas distribution customers in over 1,400 communities in eight states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy also manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com.

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Exhibit 99.3
A20171FORM8KEXHIBIT99_IMAGE3.JPG
News Release   
Analysts and Media Contact:
Susan Giles (972) 855-3729


Atmos Energy Corporation Names
Christopher T. Forsythe Chief Financial Officer


DALLAS (January 19, 2017)—Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) today announced that Christopher T. Forsythe, Vice President and Controller, has been promoted by the Board of Directors to Senior Vice President and CFO, effective February 1, 2017. He will report directly to Kim Cocklin, Chief Executive Officer, and serve on the company’s Management Committee.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Chris’ talent and background. Chris has been with the company for over 13 years in many leadership roles, ready to provide a seamless transition as the company’s Chief Financial Officer,” said Kim Cocklin, Chief Executive Officer. “He will broaden and complement our senior management team, remaining focused on preserving and strengthening our sound financial health.”

Forsythe, 45, joined Atmos Energy in June 2003 and was promoted to Director of Financial Reporting in September 2003, having previously worked as a Senior Audit Manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. He was promoted to his current position in 2009. Forsythe is a graduate of Baylor University with Bachelors of Business Administration degrees in Accounting and Management Information Systems. He is a member of the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.


About Atmos Energy

Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country's largest natural-gas-only distributor, serving over three million natural gas distribution customers in over 1,400 communities in eight states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy also manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com.

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