National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is included among the 14 Best Mid-Cap Dividend Stocks to Buy Now. BofA Flags Rising Oversupply Risk in Natural Gas, Trims View on National Fuel Gas (NFG) On January 16, BofA trimmed its price target on National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) to $99 from $102. It maintained an Underperform rating on the stock. The firm noted that optimism around natural gas has stayed strong for roughly the past 18 months, but it believes the market could start facing a higher risk of ove ...

Core Insights - New Found Gold Corp. has commenced its 2026 drill program at the Queensway Gold Project, focusing on resource conversion and exploration targets [1][3] - The K2 zone has shown consistent gold mineralization, with results aligning closely with the initial mineral resource block model, indicating potential for resource growth [3][11] 2026 Drill Program and Exploration Update - The 2026 drill program includes four active rigs focusing on infill drilling at the K2 and Cokes zones, aiming to convert inferred resources to indicated [4] - Exploration drilling is set to begin at the newly acquired Bullseye mineral license, targeting a 500 m corridor along the Appleton Fault Zone [4] - Regional exploration efforts are ongoing, with soil sampling programs designed to generate new trenching and drill targets for future advancement [5] K2 Infill Summary and Results - The K2 zone is defined by a mineralized footprint of approximately 490 m in length and 395 m in width, with gold mineralization starting at the surface and extending to a maximum depth of 250 m [6] - Initial 2025 K2 infill results have been released, with additional drilling continuing to demonstrate consistent gold mineralization [10][11] - Notable drill results include intersections of 5.22 g/t Au over 14.90 m and 18.9 g/t Au over 2.40 m, among others [8][12] 2025 Drill Program Summary - The 2025 drill program involved 74,377 m of drilling across 614 diamond drill holes, with 75% focused on the AFZ Core area [16] - Approximately 50% of the results from the 2025 drilling remain outstanding, including results from various zones and ongoing grade-control drilling [17] Future Plans - The 2026 infill drilling will initially target PEA Phase 2 open pit resource conversion, transitioning to Phase 3 underground resource conversion later in the year [18] - Additional grade-control drilling is planned for the Iceberg excavation, with potential expansions at the Keats and Iceberg excavations [19] - Exploration drilling will focus on resource expansion at the AFZ Core and advanced targets at Queensway South, expected to commence in H2/26 [21]

Group 1 - BofA has lowered the price target on National Fuel (NFG) to $99 from $102 while maintaining an Underperform rating on the shares [1] - There has been persistent bullish sentiment on natural gas for the past 18 months [1] - The firm anticipates rising risks of oversupply in 2027, which, along with lower price forecasts, leads to an average 12% reduction in price objectives among the gas-levered E&P group [1]

Core Viewpoint - National Fuel Gas Company will release its first quarter fiscal 2026 earnings results on January 28, 2026, after market close [1] - A conference call to discuss the results is scheduled for January 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET [1] Group 1: Earnings Release Details - The earnings results will be available after market close on January 28, 2026 [1] - A conference call will follow on January 29, 2026, featuring remarks from the executive team and a Q&A session [1] Group 2: Conference Call Participation - Participants must pre-register to join the conference call using the provided registration link [2] - A webcast link for the conference call will be available on the NFG Investor Relations website [2] - A replay of the call will be accessible until February 5, 2026, with a specific access code for dial-in [2] Group 3: Company Overview - National Fuel is an integrated energy company with three operating segments: Integrated Upstream and Gathering, Pipeline and Storage, and Utility [2] - Additional information about the company can be found on its official website [2]

Core Viewpoint - National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is positioned as a strong investment opportunity, particularly following its acquisition of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business, which is expected to enhance its regulated cash flows and market presence [2][4][5]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - National Fuel Gas Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis [3][4]. - The acquisition values the business at approximately 1.6 times its estimated 2026 rate base of $1.6 billion, and it includes a workforce that operates around 5,900 miles of distribution and transmission pipelines [4]. - The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, significantly expanding National Fuel's regulated footprint and doubling its gas utility rate base [5]. Group 2: Market Outlook and Analyst Ratings - JPMorgan analyst Zach Parham raised the price target for National Fuel Gas Company to $96 from $95, maintaining a Neutral rating, citing a shift in natural gas demand and growing supply-side risks for oil and liquids [2]. - The firm notes that the long-awaited demand inflection for natural gas has finally arrived, which could positively impact National Fuel's market position [2].

Core Insights - The article discusses the significance of dividend-paying stocks in generating long-term returns and stability in the market, highlighting the performance of various categories of dividend stocks from 1973 to 2022 [1][2][4]. Dividend Performance - Dividend-paying companies achieved an average annual return of 9.18%, while non-dividend payers lagged at 3.95%. Companies that consistently raised dividends performed even better with a return of 10.24%, while those maintaining dividends saw 6.60% returns. The worst performers were companies that cut dividends, which had a -0.60% annual return [2]. Volatility Analysis - Non-dividend-paying stocks exhibited a beta of 1.18, indicating higher volatility compared to the market, while dividend-paying stocks had a beta of 0.94, suggesting steadier performance with fewer extreme price swings [3]. Investment Strategy - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in companies with a consistent history of dividend payments, as these firms are often more stable and resilient during economic downturns [4][6]. Realty Income Corporation - Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is highlighted as a top dividend stock, with a dividend yield of 5.72% and 27 hedge fund holders as of December 28. Morgan Stanley recently raised its price target for the company to $65 from $62 [9][10]. - The company operates by acquiring single-tenant commercial properties and leasing them under triple-net leases, which helps maintain steady cash flow and reliable monthly dividends [10][11]. - Realty Income has a strong track record, having paid 666 consecutive monthly dividends and raised its dividend 133 times since its NYSE listing in 1994 [13]. National Fuel Gas Company - National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is another notable dividend stock, with a dividend yield of 2.64% and 32 hedge fund holders as of December 28. JPMorgan recently raised its price target for the company to $96 from $95 [15][16]. - The company is set to acquire CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion, which will significantly expand its regulated footprint and double its gas utility rate base [18][19]. - This acquisition is expected to enhance National Fuel's cash flows and reinforce its investment-grade balance sheet, as it serves a large customer base across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania [20].

Industry Overview - The Zacks Oil & Gas US Integrated industry includes companies involved in upstream and midstream energy businesses, focusing on oil and natural gas exploration and production [3] - Upstream operations are positively correlated with oil and gas prices, while midstream assets generate stable fee-based revenues [3] Current Trends - **Softness in Crude Prices**: The average price of West Texas Intermediate crude is projected to be $65.32 per barrel this year, down from $76.60 last year, with expectations of further decline to $51.42 per barrel by 2026 due to rising global oil inventory [4] - **Slowdown in Production Growth**: Weak oil prices are expected to hinder production growth, as companies prioritize returning capital to shareholders over increasing production [5] - **Increasing Focus on Renewables**: The shift towards cleaner fuels and renewable energy is likely to gradually reduce demand for fossil fuels, negatively impacting both upstream and downstream operations of integrated players [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Oil & Gas US Integrated industry has a Zacks Industry Rank of 205, placing it in the bottom 16% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a bearish outlook [7][8] - Over the past year, the industry has declined by 4.6%, underperforming the broader Zacks Oil - Energy sector, which gained 10.5%, and the S&P 500, which surged by 16.6% [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at an EV/EBITDA ratio of 4.36X, lower than the S&P 500's 18.56X and the sector's 5.36X [13] - Historically, the industry has traded between 3.10X and 13.82X over the past five years, with a median of 4.65X [13] Company Insights - **ConocoPhillips (COP)**: Expected to perform well in the soft crude pricing environment due to low breakeven costs and operations in prolific basins like Permian, Bakken, and Eagle Ford [15] - **Occidental (OXY)**: Major producer of oil and natural gas in the U.S., focusing on efficiency improvements and redirecting capital towards higher-return projects [19] - **National Fuel Gas (NFG)**: Positioned to navigate the uncertain environment with an integrated business model and a strong presence in the natural gas-rich Appalachian basin [22]

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Fuel Gas Company (“National Fuel” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into a subscription agreement (the “Subscription Agreement”) with a group of investors (the “Investors”) for a private placement of common stock (the “Offering”). Upon closing of the Offering, the Company expects to receive gross proceeds of $350 million, before deducting fees and expenses, resulting from the sale of approximately 4.4 million shares of commo ...

Core Insights - New Found Gold Corp. announced infill drill results from the Monte Carlo zone in the AFZ Core as part of its ongoing 2025 drill program on the Queensway Gold Project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada [1][3] Drill Results - The infill drilling aimed to upgrade mineral resources from inferred to indicated categories within the Phase 1 and Phase 2 open pits, with 2,306 meters drilled across 28 diamond drill holes [4][5] - Notable drill results include: - 22.4 g/t Au over 4.75 m from 102.25 m (NFGC-25-2462) - 6.59 g/t Au over 12.20 m from 33.00 m (NFGC-25-2450) - 25.5 g/t Au over 2.70 m from 29.00 m (NFGC-25-2447) [7][19] Geological Context - Gold mineralization at Monte Carlo extends approximately 235 m in strike length and to a depth of 160 m, situated within a fault zone on the western side of the Appleton Fault Zone [6] Future Plans - The company plans to integrate the new drill results into an updated mineral resource estimate scheduled for H1 2026 [3] - Future drill programs will focus on upgrading and expanding the underground portion of the Monte Carlo zone [3][4] Ongoing Drilling Programs - The 2025 Queensway drill program, which commenced in May 2025, is over 95% complete and is expected to conclude in Q4 2025 [13] - Additional drilling includes geotechnical, condemnation, and hydrogeological drilling, all aimed at supporting the Phase 1 mine plan [14] Exploration Activities - Exploration drilling continues in the vicinity of the Dropkick zone, where a new zone of gold mineralization is being outlined [15] - An excavation program has been completed at the Lotto zone, with results pending from the analysis of samples collected [16] Company Overview - New Found Gold is focused on advancing the Queensway Gold Project and bringing the Hammerdown Operation into steady-state production [38] - The company holds a 100% interest in Queensway and has a solid shareholder base, including cornerstone investor Eric Sprott [38]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough due diligence and research before making any investment decisions, particularly in the context of short-term trading and options trading, which are highlighted as potentially risky investment styles [2][3]. Group 1 - The author clarifies that they do not hold any stock or derivative positions in the companies mentioned and have no plans to initiate such positions in the near future [1]. - The article notes that past performance of investments is not indicative of future results, stressing that no specific investment recommendations are provided [3]. - It is mentioned that the author owns European/Scandinavian and Canadian tickers of the companies discussed, which may influence their perspectives [2]. Group 2 - The article highlights the necessity for investors to understand the risks associated with investing in European and non-US stocks, particularly regarding withholding tax risks [2]. - It is stated that the views expressed may not reflect those of the platform as a whole, indicating a diversity of opinions among analysts [3]. - The author is not a licensed financial advisor, which underscores the need for investors to seek professional advice tailored to their individual circumstances [2].