Why Is National Fuel Gas (NFG) Up 6% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings, beating estimates and showing significant year-over-year growth in both earnings and revenues, indicating positive momentum leading up to the next earnings release [2][3][5]. Financial Performance - Adjusted operating earnings for Q1 fiscal 2026 were $2.06 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.91 by 7.85% and increasing 24.1% from $1.66 in the prior year [2]. - Total revenues reached $651.5 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $647 million by 0.7% and reflecting an 18.6% increase from $549.5 million in the previous year [3]. - Total operating expenses decreased to $375.4 million, down 18.9% from $463.3 million in the year-ago quarter, contributing to an operating income of $276.1 million, which is up 220.3% from $86.2 million [5]. Segment Performance - Utility segment revenues were $259.05 million, up 13.4% from $228.4 million in the year-ago quarter [4]. - Integrated upstream and Gathering and Other segments generated revenues of $323.2 million, reflecting a 28.1% increase from $252.4 million [4]. - Pipeline and Storage segment revenues amounted to $69.2 million, a slight increase of 0.6% from $68.8 million [4]. Production and Cash Flow - Seneca produced 109 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas, an increase of 11 Bcf or 12% from the prior year, attributed to new Utica pads in Tioga County [6]. - Cash and temporary cash investments as of December 31, 2025, were $271.4 million, significantly up from $43.2 million as of September 30, 2025 [7]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for Q1 fiscal 2026 totaled $274.9 million, compared to $220.1 million in the previous year [7]. Guidance and Future Outlook - NFG reiterated its guidance for adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 to be between $7.60 and $8.10, with capital expenditure expected to be in the range of $0.96-$1.07 billion [8][9]. - Production for fiscal 2026 is anticipated to be between 440-455 Bcf [9]. - Recent estimates have shown a 20.66% upward trend, indicating positive sentiment among investors [10]. Investment Scores - NFG has a Growth Score of B and a Value Score of B, but lags in Momentum Score with a D, resulting in an aggregate VGM Score of B [11].

National Fuel Gas pany-Why Is National Fuel Gas (NFG) Up 6% Since Last Earnings Report? - Reportify