CenterPoint to sell Ohio gas business to National Fuel for $2.62bn

Core Viewpoint - CenterPoint Energy has agreed to sell its Ohio natural gas distribution business, Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, to National Fuel Gas Company for $2.62 billion, which includes approximately 5,900 miles of pipeline servicing around 335,000 customers [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals [2]. - CenterPoint is projected to receive $1.42 billion upon closing and the remaining $1.2 billion in 2027 via a seller note [1]. Group 2: Impact on National Fuel - The acquisition will double National Fuel's gas utility rate base to approximately $3.2 billion and expand its operations into Ohio [3]. - The transaction is expected to be accretive to National Fuel's earnings per share, excluding acquisition-related expenses, and neutral to overall operating results by fiscal year 2028 [4]. Group 3: Strategic Objectives - National Fuel's acquisition aligns with its strategic objective to increase the scale of regulated operations through high-quality assets in favorable regulatory environments [5]. - The acquisition provides an opportunity to reinvest free cash flow from integrated upstream and gathering operations, enhancing the long-term outlook for regulated growth [7].