National Fuel Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2025 Earnings

Core Insights - National Fuel Gas Company reported strong financial results for fiscal year 2025, with adjusted earnings per share increasing by 58% year-over-year, reaching $1.22 compared to $0.77 in the previous year [4][6][9] - The company announced the acquisition of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility for $2.62 billion, which is expected to double the Utility segment's rate base and close in the fourth quarter of calendar 2026 [6][7][10] - Natural gas production in the Eastern Development Area increased by 21% year-over-year, totaling 112 Bcf, driven by strong well performance [6][17] Fiscal 2025 Highlights - GAAP earnings per share for fiscal 2025 were $5.68, compared to $0.84 in fiscal 2024, reflecting a significant recovery [6][9] - The company achieved record natural gas production of 426 Bcf for the fiscal year, a 9% increase from the prior year, while capital expenditures decreased by $40 million, or 6% [6][8] - The company declared its 55th consecutive dividend increase, raising the annual rate to $2.14 per share [6] Segment Performance Integrated Upstream and Gathering Segment - This segment's fourth quarter GAAP earnings increased by $245.6 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to the absence of non-cash impairment charges recorded in the previous year [16][17] - Adjusted earnings for this segment rose by $43.6 million, driven by higher production and realized natural gas prices, alongside lower operating expenses [17][18] Pipeline and Storage Segment - The Pipeline and Storage segment's fourth quarter GAAP earnings increased by $33.8 million year-over-year, primarily due to a prior year impairment charge [22][23] - Adjusted earnings remained relatively flat compared to the previous year, indicating stable performance [23] Utility Segment - The Utility segment reported a GAAP earnings decrease of $1.0 million, attributed to increased operation and maintenance expenses [25][27] - Customer margin increased by $5.3 million due to rate adjustments from a New York rate case settlement effective October 1, 2024 [26][27] Fiscal 2026 Guidance - The company provided guidance for adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 in the range of $7.60 to $8.10, assuming an average NYMEX natural gas price of $3.75 per MMBtu [9][10][37] - The guidance excludes expected financing and acquisition-related costs associated with the CenterPoint Energy acquisition [10][35] Proved Reserves Update - Seneca's total proved reserves increased by 5% year-over-year to 4,981 Bcfe, with a replacement rate of 154% for fiscal 2025 production [20]