Core Insights - Piedmont Natural Gas is providing resources and assistance programs to help customers manage energy bills during colder temperatures in the Southeast [1] Energy Management Tools - Piedmont offers an Equal Payment Plan (EPP) that allows customers to pay a predictable monthly amount based on their annual natural gas usage, helping to avoid billing surprises [3] - Customers can access their gas usage history online to identify trends and potential savings opportunities [8] Financial Assistance Programs - The Share the Warmth program provides funds to local agencies to assist families with utility bills, regardless of the energy source [4] - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers financial assistance for natural gas, electric, and other energy sources used in homes [4][5] Energy-Saving Tips - Recommendations include setting thermostats to lower settings, using smart thermostats, and managing water heater temperatures [8] - Customers are advised to seal their homes and regularly change air filters to improve energy efficiency [8]

Group 1 - MDU Resources Group, Inc. will host a year-end 2025 earnings conference call on February 5, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET, with results released before U.S. markets open that day [1] - The webcast will be accessible on the company's website under the "Investors" section, specifically in "Events & Presentations" [1] - A replay of the webcast will be available after the live event at the same location [1] Group 2 - MDU Resources Group Inc. is part of the S&P SmallCap 600 index and provides electric utility and natural gas distribution services to over 1.2 million customers in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest [2] - The company operates a natural gas pipeline network exceeding 3,800 miles, ensuring reliable energy delivery across the Northern Plains [2] - MDU Resources has a legacy of over a century and focuses on delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible energy solutions [2]

Core Insights - The investment landscape in 2026 is influenced by themes from 2025, including AI optimism, Federal Reserve policies, geopolitical tensions, and tariff risks [1] Sales Growth as an Indicator - Sales growth is a reliable metric for evaluating stocks, reflecting actual demand and underlying company momentum, unlike earnings which can be influenced by accounting practices [3] - Consistent sales growth indicates potential market share expansion and successful entry into new markets, serving as an early indicator of earnings upside and long-term value creation [3] Contextual Analysis of Sales Performance - Sales performance should be contextualized against peers, industry trends, and economic conditions to identify companies with durable growth and competitive advantages [4] - Durable growth supports predictable cash flows, allowing management to reinvest and maintain balance sheet strength without excessive debt [4] Stock Selection Criteria - Stocks are shortlisted based on criteria including 5-Year Historical Sales Growth greater than industry average and Cash Flow exceeding $500 million [5] - Additional metrics include a Price/Sales (P/S) Ratio lower than industry average, positive changes in sales estimate revisions, operating margins above 5%, and Return on Equity (ROE) greater than 5% [6][7][8] Highlighted Stocks for 2026 - MKS Inc. (MKSI), Ameren Corporation (AEE), and ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) are identified for their robust sales growth and strong financial fundamentals [10] - MKSI expects a sales growth of 6.9% in 2026, AEE projects 7.2%, and OGS forecasts a 5% increase, all while maintaining high cash flow and solid operating margins [10][11][12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy Corporation will host a conference call on February 4, 2026, to discuss its Fiscal 2026 first quarter financial results, which will be released on February 3, 2026, after market close [1]. Company Overview - Atmos Energy Corporation is a natural gas-only distributor and an S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, serving approximately 3.4 million distribution customers across over 1,400 communities in eight states, primarily in the South [3]. - The company focuses on delivering reliable, affordable, efficient, and abundant natural gas while investing in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability, and community development [3]. - Atmos Energy manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas [3]. Conference Call Details - The conference call is scheduled for February 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. Eastern / 8 a.m. Central [3]. - Participants can join the call by dialing the toll-free number 800-715-9871 or the international number +1 646-307-1963, using Conference ID: 15904 [2][3]. - The call will also be available via an Internet webcast on the Atmos Energy website, which will be archived for 30 days [2].

Core Viewpoint - New Jersey Resources Corporation (NYSE:NJR) is identified as a promising investment in the hydrogen and fuel cell sector for 2026, with a recent upgrade from Mizuho indicating strong fundamentals and attractive valuation [1]. Financial Performance - NJR reported mixed financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, with earnings per share of $0.16, falling short of the expected $0.19, resulting in a 15.79% negative surprise [3]. - The company exceeded revenue expectations, reporting $336.08 million compared to the anticipated $307.19 million [3]. Market Position and Outlook - Mizuho upgraded NJR from Neutral to Outperform, raising its price target to $54 from $51, citing a 23% discount relative to its local distribution peer group based on 2028 consensus expectations [1]. - NJR is considered largely insulated from regulatory challenges affecting other local power companies, which are facing scrutiny regarding affordability [2]. - Positive growth outlooks are noted for NJR's S&T and CEV divisions, with the CEV division expected to benefit from in-state generation requirements [2]. Company Overview - New Jersey Resources Corporation is a diversified energy holding company that provides regulated natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage services, along with unregulated clean energy operations [4].

Core Insights - The article discusses the significance of dividend-paying stocks in generating long-term returns and stability in the market, highlighting the performance of various categories of dividend stocks from 1973 to 2022 [1][2][4]. Dividend Performance - Dividend-paying companies achieved an average annual return of 9.18%, while non-dividend payers lagged at 3.95%. Companies that consistently raised dividends performed even better with a return of 10.24%, while those maintaining dividends saw 6.60% returns. The worst performers were companies that cut dividends, which had a -0.60% annual return [2]. Volatility Analysis - Non-dividend-paying stocks exhibited a beta of 1.18, indicating higher volatility compared to the market, while dividend-paying stocks had a beta of 0.94, suggesting steadier performance with fewer extreme price swings [3]. Investment Strategy - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in companies with a consistent history of dividend payments, as these firms are often more stable and resilient during economic downturns [4][6]. Realty Income Corporation - Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is highlighted as a top dividend stock, with a dividend yield of 5.72% and 27 hedge fund holders as of December 28. Morgan Stanley recently raised its price target for the company to $65 from $62 [9][10]. - The company operates by acquiring single-tenant commercial properties and leasing them under triple-net leases, which helps maintain steady cash flow and reliable monthly dividends [10][11]. - Realty Income has a strong track record, having paid 666 consecutive monthly dividends and raised its dividend 133 times since its NYSE listing in 1994 [13]. National Fuel Gas Company - National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is another notable dividend stock, with a dividend yield of 2.64% and 32 hedge fund holders as of December 28. JPMorgan recently raised its price target for the company to $96 from $95 [15][16]. - The company is set to acquire CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion, which will significantly expand its regulated footprint and double its gas utility rate base [18][19]. - This acquisition is expected to enhance National Fuel's cash flows and reinforce its investment-grade balance sheet, as it serves a large customer base across Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania [20].

Economic Overview - Consumer confidence in the United States fell to 89.1 in December, a decline of 3.8 points from November's 92.9, indicating growing concerns over jobs and income amid a weakening economy [4][10] - The Present Situation Index dropped 9.5 points to 116.8, reflecting a negative assessment of current business and labor market conditions [4] - The Expectations Index remained unchanged at 70.7, staying below the 80 mark for 11 consecutive months, which signals a potential recession [5] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points three times in the current year but indicated only one rate cut for the next year due to persistent high inflation [5][6] Market Trends - A significant tech selloff has occurred, with investors offloading tech stocks due to concerns over profitability against high valuations, leading to a loss of momentum in the tech rally [6][10] Investment Recommendations - Investors are advised to focus on low-beta, defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors to mitigate market volatility [2][10] - Recommended stocks include: - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.7%, beta of 0.75, and a dividend yield of 2.38% [8][7] - **American States Water Company (AWR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 5.1%, beta of 0.70, and a dividend yield of 2.76% [12][11] - **Sempra (SRE)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 12.1%, beta of 0.73, and a dividend yield of 2.91% [13] - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 1.6%, beta of 0.72, and a dividend yield of 2.94% [14]

Core Insights - Piedmont Natural Gas is reminding customers about energy-saving tips and assistance programs as temperatures are expected to drop significantly in the Southeast [1] Energy Management Tools - The Equal Payment Plan (EPP) allows customers to manage their budgets by leveling out natural gas bills into a predictable monthly amount, calculated based on annual usage [3] - Customers can access their gas usage history online to identify trends and savings opportunities [7] Financial Assistance Programs - The Share the Warmth program provides funds to local agencies to assist families with utility bills, regardless of the energy source [4] - The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers financial assistance for natural gas, electric, and other energy sources [4][5] Energy-Saving Tips - Set thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting and consider installing smart or programmable thermostats to reduce energy use [7] - Utilize natural sunlight by keeping drapes open during the day and closing them at night to insulate the home [7] - Regularly change air filters to ensure heating systems operate efficiently [7] - Manage water heater temperatures and consider energy-efficient options like tankless water heaters [7] - Seal homes and air ducts to prevent heat loss, potentially saving 10% to 20% on heating and cooling bills [7] - Evaluate insulation needs in ceilings, floors, and walls to improve energy efficiency [7] Company Overview - Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, serves over 1.2 million customers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee [8]

Core Insights - Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is recognized as one of the 14 best US stocks for long-term investment [1] - Mizuho analyst Gabriel Moreen raised the price target for Atmos Energy to $180 from $170, maintaining a Neutral rating, reflecting the company's strong fundamentals and performance [2] - In Q4 2025, Atmos Energy reported $3.6 billion in capital expenditures, with 87% allocated to safety and reliability, and announced a 15% increase in its quarterly dividend, marking 41 consecutive years of dividend growth [3] Company Overview - Atmos Energy is a Texas-based natural gas distribution company serving approximately 3.4 million customers in the South [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best American stocks for long-term investment, emphasizing the shift in investor strategies towards diversification and away from traditional portfolios [1][2] Long-term Investment Trends - A significant portion of investors, approximately 60%, believe that long-term discipline is essential in today's market, with 70% expressing greater patience for investment growth compared to their initial investing experiences [2] - The trend towards dividend investing aligns with long-term strategies, as 80.9% of S&P 500 companies pay dividends, with an average yield of 1.93% among Dow Jones Industrial Average constituents [3] Methodology for Stock Selection - The article outlines a methodology for selecting US companies that provide regular dividends, focusing on those with over 9% revenue growth over five years and positive analyst sentiment, resulting in a list of 14 hedge fund-favored companies [6][7] Company Highlights - **Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO)**: - Holds 32 hedge fund positions and has a 5-year revenue growth of 9.92% - Recently increased its quarterly dividend by 15%, marking 41 consecutive years of dividend growth, with capital expenditures of $3.6 billion in FY25, primarily for safety and reliability [8][10][11] - **CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF)**: - Holds 41 hedge fund positions and boasts a 5-year revenue growth of 15.96% - Focused on decarbonizing production with low-carbon ammonia, reporting a trailing twelve-month operating cash flow of $2.63 billion and free cash flow of $1.7 billion [12][13][14] - **Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG)**: - Holds 42 hedge fund positions with a remarkable 5-year revenue growth of 36.06% - Benefits from low-cost production in the Permian Basin, generating 15% higher free cash flow per share despite a 14% decline in oil prices, and is nearing its $1.5 billion net debt target [15][17][18]