Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides various tools to help investors make informed decisions and maximize stock market returns [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores are indicators that assist investors in selecting stocks likely to outperform the market within 30 days, rated from A to F based on value, growth, and momentum characteristics [3] - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios like P/E and Price/Cash Flow [4] - The Growth Score evaluates a company's future prospects through projected earnings and sales growth [5] - The Momentum Score identifies stocks with upward or downward trends based on recent price changes and earnings estimates [6] - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive assessment of stocks based on value, growth, and momentum [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that uses earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios [8] - Stocks rated 1 (Strong Buy) have historically achieved an average annual return of +25.41%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [9] - To optimize returns, investors should focus on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B [10] Stock Example: National Fuel Gas (NFG) - National Fuel Gas Company, based in New York, operates in the energy sector with natural gas and oil assets [12] - NFG currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and has a VGM Score of B, indicating moderate potential [12] - The company has a Momentum Style Score of A, with shares increasing by 5.1% over the past four weeks, and an upward revision in earnings estimates for fiscal 2025 [13]

Core Viewpoint - Growth investors are interested in stocks with above-average financial growth, but identifying stocks that can fulfill their potential is challenging due to associated risks and volatility [1] Group 1: Company Overview - National Fuel Gas (NFG) is highlighted as a promising growth stock, possessing a favorable Growth Score and a top Zacks Rank [2] - The company has a historical EPS growth rate of 13.7%, with projected EPS growth of 40.4% this year, significantly surpassing the industry average of 15.8% [5] Group 2: Financial Metrics - Year-over-year cash flow growth for National Fuel Gas stands at 3.8%, outperforming the industry average of -0.1% [6] - The company's annualized cash flow growth rate over the past 3-5 years is 9.9%, compared to the industry average of 8.9% [7] Group 3: Earnings Estimates - There has been a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions for National Fuel Gas, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year increasing by 5.9% over the past month [9] - The combination of earnings estimate revisions and growth metrics has positioned National Fuel Gas as a Zacks Rank 2 stock with a Growth Score of B, indicating potential for outperformance [11]

Core Viewpoint - National Fuel Gas (NFG) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates in determining stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][3]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in stock price movements [3]. Company Performance Indicators - For the fiscal year ending September 2025, National Fuel Gas is projected to earn $6.64 per share, reflecting a 32.5% increase from the previous year [7]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for National Fuel Gas has risen by 8.8%, indicating a positive trend in earnings expectations [7]. Zacks Rating System Overview - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a 'Strong Buy' rating, highlighting their superior earnings estimate revision characteristics [8][9]. Conclusion - The upgrade of National Fuel Gas to a Zacks Rank 1 positions it favorably for potential market-beating returns in the near term due to its strong earnings estimate revisions [9].

Dividend Announcement - The Board of Directors of National Fuel Gas Company approved a quarterly dividend of 51.5 cents per share on common stock, payable on April 15, 2025, to stockholders of record as of March 31, 2025 [1] - The company has approximately 90.4 million shares of common stock outstanding and no preferred stock [1] Annual Meeting Results - At the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, preliminary results showed approval of three management proposals, including the election of directors for one-year terms expiring in 2026 [2] - The approved directors include David H. Anderson, David P. Bauer, Barbara M. Bauman, David C. Carroll, Steven C. Finch, Joseph N. Jaggers, Rebecca Ranich, Jeffrey W. Shaw, Thomas E. Skains, David F. Smith, and Ronald J. Tanski [2] - The advisory vote on named executive officer compensation and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm were also approved [2] Company Overview - National Fuel is a diversified energy company headquartered in Western New York, operating an integrated collection of natural gas assets across four business segments: Exploration & Production, Pipeline & Storage, Gathering, and Utility [3]

Core Viewpoint - National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) reported a strong first-quarter fiscal 2025 performance, with adjusted operating earnings exceeding estimates, although total revenues fell short of expectations. The company has raised its earnings guidance for the fiscal year, reflecting positive market conditions and operational improvements [2][9]. Financial Performance - Adjusted operating earnings for Q1 fiscal 2025 were $1.66 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.57 by 5.7% and increasing 13.7% from $1.46 in the prior year [2]. - Total revenues amounted to $549.5 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $594 million by 7.5%, but representing a 4.6% increase from $525.4 million year-over-year [3]. - Total operating expenses rose 45.6% to $463.3 million, primarily due to higher purchased gas and asset impairments [5]. Segment Performance - Utility segment revenues reached $228.4 million, up 13.1% from $201.9 million in the previous year [4]. - Exploration and Production revenues totaled $248.9 million, down 2% from $254 million year-over-year [4]. - Pipeline and Storage and Gathering revenues increased by 4% to $72.2 million from $69.4 million in the prior year [4]. Production and Cash Flow - Seneca produced 97.7 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas, a decrease of 3 Bcf or 3% from the previous year, attributed to the timing of new well turn-in lines [6]. - As of December 31, 2024, cash and temporary cash investments were $48.7 million, up from $38.2 million as of September 30, 2024 [7]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for the first three months of fiscal 2025 was $220.1 million, down from $270.9 million in the prior year [7]. Guidance and Outlook - NFG has raised its fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance to a range of $6.50-$7.00 from $5.50-$6.00, driven by higher natural gas price forecasts [9]. - The company expects capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 to be between $885-$960 million, slightly lower than the previous range of $885-$970 million [9]. - Production guidance for fiscal 2025 is now set at 410-425 Bcf, an increase of 7.5 Bcf or 2% at the midpoint compared to the previous estimate [10]. Market Position - National Fuel Gas holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating expectations for above-average returns in the coming months [13].

Company Overview - National Fuel Gas Company is an integrated energy company based in Williamsville, New York, with natural gas assets in the Appalachian basin and oil-producing assets in California [11] - The company operates through segments including Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, and Utility and Energy Marketing [11] Investment Ratings - National Fuel Gas is rated 1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, indicating a strong investment potential [12] - The company has a VGM Score of B, suggesting a favorable combination of value, growth, and momentum characteristics [12] Growth Potential - National Fuel Gas is projected to have year-over-year earnings growth of 32.5% for the current fiscal year, making it an attractive option for growth investors [12] - Recent analyst revisions indicate positive sentiment, with two analysts raising their earnings estimates for fiscal 2025, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.53 to $6.64 per share [12] - The company has an average earnings surprise of 8.3%, further enhancing its growth appeal [12] Summary - With a solid Zacks Rank and strong Growth and VGM Style Scores, National Fuel Gas is positioned as a top pick for investors [13]

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Sc ...

Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, February 10th:Peoples Financial Services Corp. (PFIS) : This bank holding company for Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10.2% over the last 60 days.This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 4.9%, compared with the industry average of 2.5%.National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) : This diversified energy company has w ...

National Fuel Gas (NYSE: NFG ) may not receive as much attention as some pure-play utilities or standalone energy producers. But its vertically integrated model—spanning upstream production, transportation, storage, and regulated distribution—is quite unique in the sector. This model generates revenues across multiple stagesJoseph Jones, professor at The University of Southern Mississippi, has over fifteen years of experience studying the market. He focuses on portfolio construction from a dividend growth i ...

National Fuel Gas (NFG) could be a solid choice for investors given the company's remarkably improving earnings outlook. While the stock has been a strong performer lately, this trend might continue since analysts are still raising their earnings estimates for the company.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this energy company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings est ...