National Fuel Reports Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Earnings and Announces Preliminary Guidance for Fiscal 2026

Core Viewpoint - National Fuel Gas Company reported strong third-quarter results for fiscal 2025, highlighting record production and throughput in its upstream operations, alongside improved earnings in its regulated Utility and Pipeline & Storage segments, driven by recent ratemaking activities and organic investments [3][4]. Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Summary - The company achieved GAAP earnings of $149.8 million, or $1.64 per share, compared to a net loss of $54.2 million, or $(0.59) per share, in the prior year [7][8]. - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 66% to $1.64 from $0.99 in the previous year [8]. - Natural gas production reached 112 Bcf, a 16% increase year-over-year, driven by strong well performance in the Eastern Development Area [8][20]. Management Commentary - The CEO emphasized the company's positive momentum and long-term outlook for natural gas, projecting significant earnings growth for fiscal 2026 [3][4]. - The company anticipates mid-single-digit production growth in the coming years, supported by strong well results and ongoing investments in regulated businesses [4]. Return of Capital Update - The Board approved a 4% increase in the dividend, bringing the annual rate to $2.14 per share, marking the 55th consecutive year of dividend increases [5]. - Since March 2024, the company repurchased approximately 2 million shares at an average price of $59.70, although repurchases were paused during the quarter to evaluate growth opportunities [6]. Fiscal 2025 Guidance Update - The adjusted earnings per share guidance for fiscal 2025 has been revised to a range of $6.80 to $6.95, reflecting third-quarter results and expectations for lower realized natural gas prices [10][39]. - Preliminary earnings guidance for fiscal 2026 is expected to increase by 20% from fiscal 2025, based on various NYMEX price assumptions [12][39]. Segment Performance Exploration and Production - The Exploration and Production segment reported adjusted operating results of $0.95 per share, a 157% increase year-over-year, attributed to lower operating costs and higher natural gas prices [8][20]. - The segment's GAAP earnings increased by $198.7 million compared to the prior year, which included a significant impairment charge [19]. Pipeline and Storage - The Pipeline and Storage segment's GAAP earnings decreased slightly due to higher operations and maintenance expenses, primarily from inflationary pressures [25]. Gathering Segment - The Gathering segment's GAAP earnings increased by $5 million, driven by a 13% rise in operating revenues due to increased throughput from new wells [27]. Utility Segment - The Utility segment's GAAP earnings rose by 95% to $5 million, primarily due to new rates from a recent rate case settlement [29][30]. - Customer margin increased by $8.4 million, supported by higher customer usage and rate adjustments [30]. Capital Expenditures and Future Outlook - The company expects capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 to range between $955 million and $1.065 billion, reflecting ongoing investments in modernization and expansion projects [40]. - The Exploration and Production segment anticipates production to increase to a range of 440 to 455 Bcf in fiscal 2026, a 6% increase at the midpoint [16][40].