Core Insights - The S&P 500 has rebounded slightly after a significant drop but remains in negative territory for the year, while Dividend Kings are outperforming the index [1][3] - There are currently 55 Dividend Kings, with 31 of them beating the S&P 500 year to date as of May 1, 2025 [3] - Some Dividend Kings have shown remarkable performance, such as Consolidated Edison with a 25% increase and National Fuel Gas with over 30% gain year to date [4] Dividend Kings Performance - Not all Dividend Kings are performing well; for instance, Genuine Parts is barely positive, and Cincinnati Financial is down year to date but still better than the S&P 500 [4] - Income investors may find Altria and Universal Corporation appealing due to their high forward dividend yields of 6.88% and 5.57% respectively, despite potential reluctance due to their tobacco products [5] - Consumer defensive stocks like Coca-Cola and Wal-Mart are considered safe havens, with Coca-Cola's shares increasing nearly 15% [6] Sector Analysis - Healthcare stocks such as Abbott Labs and Kenvue have also shown double-digit percentage increases year to date, although they may face risks from potential tariffs [7] - The utilities sector is performing exceptionally well, with several Dividend Kings like Consolidated Edison and National Fuel Gas continuing to outperform the market [8] Top Picks - Coca-Cola and National Fuel Gas are highlighted as the best Dividend Kings to buy currently [9] - Coca-Cola is recognized as a strong blue-chip stock with a robust brand and a resilient business model [10] - National Fuel Gas is noted for its integrated energy operations and projected compound annual growth rate of over 10% through 2027, driven by the growing demand for natural gas in AI data centers [11][12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - National Fuel Gas Company reported a more than 30% increase in earnings compared to the previous year, with adjusted operating results increasing by 32% for the quarter [4][16]. - Earnings per share for the utility segment increased by $0.22, driven by a rate settlement approved by the New York PSC [6][16]. - The company expects adjusted operating results guidance to be in the range of $6.75 to $7.05 per share, reflecting a $0.15 per share increase from prior guidance [18][19]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At Seneca, production grew by 8% sequentially, with record production levels of almost 106 Bcf and all-time high gathering volumes of nearly 130 Bcf [5][26]. - The utility segment benefited from a modernization tracker in Pennsylvania, with expectations for growth over the next two fiscal years [6][7]. - The FERC regulated pipeline and storage business continues to benefit from a rate settlement that went into effect last February [7][8]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The outlook for natural gas remains strong, with demand increasing rapidly and significant LNG export growth anticipated [12][24]. - Natural gas prices have seen structural improvements, with a shift from a 5% surplus to a 10% deficit compared to the five-year average [16][17]. - The company has layered in favorable hedges for fiscal 2026 and 2027, with swaps executed at an average price of over $4 [17][19]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - National Fuel is focused on optimizing well-designed facilities to enhance productivity and inventory life, with a long-term outlook for its Appalachian development program [5][13]. - The company is positioned to capture market share in Appalachia as other operators moderate activity levels [13][14]. - There is a strong emphasis on operational excellence and capital efficiency gains, with plans to maintain a one to two rig development program [26][32]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for natural gas, citing robust domestic energy demand and the critical role of natural gas in providing reliable baseload generation [12][13]. - The company is optimistic about new opportunities arising from increased interest from data center developers and independent power producers [14][24]. - Management highlighted the importance of permitting reform to facilitate the construction of significant energy infrastructure projects [11][24]. Other Important Information - The company issued $1 billion in new notes, the largest bond issuance in its history, to manage fixed income liabilities and reduce refinancing risk [23][24]. - National Fuel's balance sheet is on track towards a 2x debt to EBITDA ratio by the end of the year, providing flexibility for capital allocation [22][24]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on the buyback program and stock price impact - Management remains committed to the buyback program, considering stock price as a factor but prioritizing growth opportunities [34][36]. Question: Infrastructure build and potential for the Constitution pipeline - The main roadblock for the Constitution pipeline is New York State, and the new administration could help by addressing the Clean Water Act and judicial review processes [37]. Question: Leading edge EUR for recent EDA wells - Recent pads are showing pressure declines exceeding expectations, with sustained rates anticipated for several months [40][42]. Question: Outlook for regulated M&A - The company is focused on gaining scale in the regulated business, with interest in larger acquisitions rather than just bolt-ons [53][75]. Question: CapEx cadence beyond 2025 - The company anticipates continued reductions in capital expenditures while maintaining production growth, with a multiyear trend expected [68][70].

Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced significant volatility in 2025, with all three major stock indexes (Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite) in negative territory year to date [1] - Small-cap benchmarks (Russell 2000, S&P 600) and mid-cap-specific S&P 400 Index are also in the red year to date [1] High-Performing Mid-Cap Stocks - Despite market headwinds, five mid-cap stocks have provided over 25% returns year to date: ADMA Biologics Inc. (ADMA), FirstCash Holdings Inc. (FCFS), Stride Inc. (LRN), Life Time Group Holdings Inc. (LTH), and National Fuel Gas Co. (NFG) [2] - These stocks exhibit strong revenue and earnings growth potential for 2025, with positive earnings estimate revisions over the last 60 days [3] ADMA Biologics Inc. - ADMA Biologics specializes in plasma-based biologics for treating and preventing infectious diseases, targeting immune-compromised individuals [7][8] - Expected revenue growth rate is 16.3% and earnings growth rate is 44.9% for the current year, with a 2.9% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [9] FirstCash Holdings Inc. - FirstCash operates retail pawn stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America, providing loans against personal property and retailing forfeited merchandise [10][11] - Expected revenue growth rate is 0.2% and earnings growth rate is 17.2% for the current year, with a 2.6% improvement in earnings estimates over the last seven days [13] Stride Inc. - Stride is a technology-based education service company offering online curriculum and educational services [14] - Expected revenue growth rate is 14.9% and earnings growth rate is 48.4% for the current year, with a 4.3% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [16] Life Time Group Holdings Inc. - Life Time provides health, fitness, and wellness experiences, operating various fitness and recreation centers [17][18] - Expected revenue growth rate is 12.9% and earnings growth rate is 37.9% for the current year, with a 6.5% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [19] National Fuel Gas Co. - National Fuel Gas focuses on systematic investments to strengthen operations and reduce emissions, with significant capital investments planned [20][21] - Expected revenue growth rate is 31.5% and earnings growth rate is 39.1% for the current year, with a 1.9% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [22][23]

Core Insights - National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) is scheduled to report its Q2 '25 earnings on April 30th after market close [1] Company Overview - The company is focused on long-term investment strategies, typically with a 5-10 year horizon [1] - The investment approach emphasizes a portfolio mix of growth, value, and dividend-paying stocks, with a particular focus on value [1] - The company occasionally engages in options trading as part of its investment strategy [1]

Group 1: Company Overview - CrossAmerica Partners (CAPL) is a notable stock within the Oils-Energy sector, which consists of 246 companies and ranks 13 in the Zacks Sector Rank [2] - CAPL currently holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a favorable earnings outlook [3] Group 2: Performance Metrics - Over the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CAPL's full-year earnings has increased by 72.7%, reflecting improved analyst sentiment [4] - Year-to-date, CAPL has gained approximately 4.7%, while the Oils-Energy sector has seen an average return of -7%, demonstrating CAPL's outperformance [4] Group 3: Industry Context - CAPL is part of the Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing - Master Limited Partnerships industry, which includes 6 stocks and ranks 53 in the Zacks Industry Rank; this group has gained an average of 0.7% this year [6] - In contrast, National Fuel Gas (NFG), another stock in the Oils-Energy sector, has a year-to-date return of 30.1% and is part of the Oil and Gas - Integrated - United States industry, which has declined by -8.6% this year [5][7]

Core Viewpoint - The current market pullback may persist for an extended period, prompting investors to prepare for various scenarios, particularly the worst-case scenario [1] Energy Sector Performance - The energy sector has shown significant outperformance over the last week, month, and year-to-date, featuring some of the cheapest companies in the market [3] - During the 2022 bear market, energy stocks were a bright spot as investors shifted towards real assets [3] Chevron (CVX) - Chevron is a major vertically integrated energy company with a long history of strong returns and currently offers a 4.2% dividend yield [4] - The company has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) rating, with expected earnings growth of 17.7% this year and 10.1% annually over the next three to five years [5] - CVX's valuation at 15.2x forward earnings is in line with its long-term median of 13x [5] - Recent technical analysis indicates that CVX stock has broken out of its range after two years of consolidation, suggesting strong investor interest [6] Exxon Mobil (XOM) - Exxon Mobil is a diversified energy giant that provides steady profits and dividends, with a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) rating [9][10] - Projected earnings growth for Exxon is 20% this year and 5% annually over the next three to five years [10] - The company has a robust balance sheet with net assets of $270 billion and over $35 billion in free cash flow over the last 12 months [10] - Exxon boasts a Free Cash Flow yield of 7%, significantly higher than the S&P 500 average [11] National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) - National Fuel Gas Company is leading the sector, particularly benefiting from the rising demand for natural gas due to data centers [13] - The company has a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) rating, with earnings revisions trending upward and a nearly 50% stock gain over the last year [14] - NFG is trading at a reasonable valuation of 11.8x forward earnings, making it an attractive option despite its recent price increase [15] Investment Considerations - Energy stocks like Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and National Fuel Gas Company offer defensive stability, attractive valuations, and strong earnings potential amid market volatility [16] - These companies are positioned to outperform whether the market stabilizes or experiences further corrections, making them compelling investment opportunities [17]