CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With temperatures expected to plummet across the Southeast early next week, heating systems will be working harder – and using more energy. Piedmont Natural Gas reminds customers of tips, tools and assistance programs that can help them manage seasonal energy bills and stay comfortable. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to pay for natural gas, electric and other energy sources customers use in their homes. Piedmont says ...

Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) is included among the 14 Best US Stocks to Buy for Long Term. Mizuho Sees Atmos Energy’s (ATO) Strengths Well-Reflected in the Market On December 2, Mizuho analyst Gabriel Moreen boosted the price target on Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO) to $180 from $170 and maintained a Neutral rating on the stock. The update came after the company’s Q4 earnings last month. Moreen appreciated the company’s fundamentals and performance in the quarter and said that the stock’s cur ...

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]

Spire (SR) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.The power of a changing earnings p ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $204,000 or $0.02 per share in Q4 2025, compared to a net income of $141,000 or $0.01 per share in the same quarter of the previous year [6][7] - For the full fiscal year 2025, net income was $13.3 million or $1.29 per share, a 15% increase from $11.8 million or $1.16 per share in fiscal 2024 [7][8] - Total capital expenditures (CapEx) for fiscal 2025 were $20.7 million, down 6% from the previous year [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company installed nearly five main miles, which is 50% higher than the total main miles installed in fiscal 2024, and connected over 700 new services compared to approximately 630 in fiscal 2024 [2][3] - Delivered gas volumes increased by 8% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with total volumes moving up 14% year-over-year due to colder weather and increased industrial consumption [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average customer count is expected to reach approximately 65,000 by the end of the second quarter, despite seasonal disconnections [3] - Heating degree days increased by 18%, contributing to the record level of gas delivery [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about continued customer growth in the Roanoke Valley, with a focus on healthcare and medical sector expansions [10][11] - The company filed an expedited rate case seeking a $4.3 million increase in annual revenues, expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, subject to commission review [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged inflationary pressures and higher expenses but expressed confidence in managing these challenges [6][18] - The company anticipates a more challenging fiscal 2026 compared to 2025, with a wider earnings per share guidance range due to uncertainties in volume deliveries and weather [18][19] Other Important Information - The company refinanced debt supporting its investment in the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) to extend maturity to 2032 [8] - A dividend increase of $0.04 per share was authorized, reflecting strong earnings in 2025 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the weather tracking compared to last year? - Management noted that October had unusual weather patterns, but colder weather has set in recently, which is expected to positively impact gas volumes [21][22] Question: Any capital requirements from the company for EVP projects in 2026? - The CFO indicated that funding for the Boost and Southgate projects would come from refinancing, with expected investments totaling $4-$5 million over the next several years [23] Question: Updates on data centers and Google's investment in the region? - Management highlighted ongoing interest and discussions regarding data centers in Southwest Virginia, with expectations for more announcements from Google in 2026 [25][26]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net loss of $204,000 or $0.02 per share in Q4 2025, compared to a net income of $141,000 or $0.01 per share in the same quarter of the previous year, reflecting higher expenses due to inflation [6][7] - For the full fiscal year 2025, net income was $13.3 million or $1.29 per share, a 15% increase from $11.8 million or $1.16 per share in fiscal 2024, driven by record gas deliveries and higher operating margins [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company installed nearly five main miles of gas lines, a 50% increase from fiscal 2024, and connected over 700 new services, up from approximately 630 in fiscal 2024 [2][3] - Total gas volumes delivered increased by 8% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with heating degree days up 18%, leading to a 14% increase in total volumes year-over-year [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects to end the second quarter of fiscal 2026 with approximately 65,000 customers, despite seasonal disconnections during spring [3] - The company is optimistic about customer growth in the Roanoke Valley, averaging over 660 new customers per year, maintaining a steady growth rate of around 1% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company filed an expedited rate case seeking a $4.3 million increase in annual revenues, expected to take effect on January 1, 2026, subject to commission review [13][14] - The capital budget for 2026 is projected at $22 million, focusing on system renewal and expansion opportunities as they arise [15][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that fiscal 2026 is expected to be more challenging than 2025 due to inflationary pressures and uncertainty in volume deliveries [19] - The company is optimistic about ongoing projects like the Southgate and Boost projects, which are expected to enhance cash flows and overall investment value [9][12] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced debt supporting its investment in the Mountain Valley Pipeline, extending maturity to 2032 [8][9] - The company plans to return certain tax credits to customers over the next 12 months, which will be reflected in regulatory liabilities [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the weather tracking compared to last year? - Management noted that while October had unusual weather patterns, November turned warm before becoming cold around Thanksgiving, which is expected to positively impact gas volumes [21][22] Question: Any capital requirements from the EVP projects in 2026? - The CFO indicated that the refinancing included facilities to fund investments in the Boost and Southgate projects, estimating total investment of $4-$5 million over the next several years [23] Question: Updates on data centers and Google’s investment? - Management highlighted significant investments by Google in Virginia, which may lead to more precise announcements regarding their intentions in the region in 2026 [25][26]

Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources Group, Inc. has initiated a public offering of $200 million in common stock, with the potential for an additional $30 million, to support various corporate purposes including debt repayment and capital expenditures [1][2]. Offering Details - The offering consists of $200 million in common stock, with underwriters Wells Fargo Securities, BofA Securities, and J.P. Morgan acting as joint lead bookrunners [1]. - MDU Resources plans to grant underwriters an option to purchase up to $30 million in additional shares [1]. - Shares will be sold through various methods including transactions on the New York Stock Exchange and negotiated transactions [1]. Forward Sale Agreements - MDU Resources will enter into forward sale agreements with Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, agreeing to sell approximately $200 million in shares at an initial forward sale price equal to the underwriters' purchase price [1]. - Settlement of these agreements is expected within 24 months following the offering [1]. Use of Proceeds - MDU Resources will not receive initial proceeds from the forward sellers' sales to underwriters. However, if physical settlement occurs, proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment, capital expenditures, and acquisitions [1][2]. Company Overview - MDU Resources Group, Inc. is a member of the S&P SmallCap 600 index, providing electric utility and natural gas distribution services to over 1.2 million customers [2]. - The company operates a 3,800-mile natural gas pipeline network, ensuring reliable energy delivery across the Northern Plains [2].

Core Insights - Northwest Natural Holding Company (NYSE:NWN) is recognized as one of the 14 Best Utility Dividend Stocks to Buy Now [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Northwest Natural Holding Company operates natural gas distribution utilities in the Pacific Northwest and Texas, along with water and wastewater utilities across six states [2] - The company has a strong commitment to shareholders, having approved a dividend increase for the fourth quarter, marking the 70th consecutive year of annual dividend increases [4] Group 2: Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Northwest Natural reported an adjusted loss per share of $0.73, which beat estimates by $0.1, while revenue was $164.7 million, missing expectations by over $10 million despite a 20% year-over-year increase [3] - The growth in revenue is attributed to a combined utility customer growth rate of 10.9% for the 12 months ending September 30, primarily due to gas utility acquisitions in Texas [3] - The company expects its FY 2025 results to be above the midpoint of its adjusted earnings range of $2.75 to $2.95 per share [3] Group 3: Analyst Ratings - On November 12, Stifel analyst Selman Akyol raised the stock's price target from $50 to $52 while maintaining a 'Buy' rating after updating estimates post-quarter [2]

November 2025 Investor Presentation Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Year End Financial Results Forward-Looking Statements and Non-GAAP Measures Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. NJR cautions readers that the assumptions forming the basis for forward-looking statement ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted earnings per share of $7.46, marking the 23rd consecutive year of earnings per share growth and the 41st consecutive year of dividend growth [3][10] - Consolidated capital spending increased to $3.6 billion, with 87% dedicated to improving safety and reliability [10] - Rate base increased by 14% to an estimated $21 billion as of September 30 [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 57,000 residential customers were added during Fiscal 2025, with over 44,000 located in Texas [4] - Nearly 3,200 commercial customers and 29 industrial customers were added, with anticipated annual gas consumption of approximately 4 BCF from industrial customers [4] - Over the last five years, the company has added nearly 300,000 residential and commercial customers and 225 industrial customers, with an estimated annual load of 63 BCF when fully operational [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texas added jobs at a faster rate than the nation, growing at a rate of 1.14% [5] - The current population estimate for the Texas metroplex is approximately 8.6 million, projected to be the third largest metropolitan area in the U.S. by 2030 [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest $26 billion over the next five years, with approximately 85% allocated to safety and reliability [7][14] - The five-year plan reflects the impact of Texas House Bill 4384, allowing for quicker capital recovery [8][15] - The company anticipates earnings per share growth of 6-8% from the midpoint of its rebased Fiscal 2026 guidance [8][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of safety, reliability, and modernization of natural gas systems to meet customer and community expectations [18][19] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a weighted average cost of debt of 4.2% and approximately $4.9 billion in liquidity [20] Other Important Information - The board of directors approved a 15% increase in the annual dividend to $4.00, reflecting the rebasing of the dividend to align with earnings per share growth [13][52] - The company expects to recover over 95% of its capital spending within six months due to the new legislation [8][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the larger load customers and the Refresh Capital plan? - Management indicated that 85% of spending is dedicated to safety and reliability, with modest growth included in the plan [24] Question: Can you elaborate on capital recovery and its impact on growth? - Management stated that the capital recovery process has been part of their planning since 2011, focusing on safety, reliability, and growth needs [26] Question: How does the Texas House Bill 4384 impact your guidance? - The annual impact from the legislation was clarified, with a full-year impact expected to be reflected in the rebased guidance [46] Question: What is the expected split between debt and equity in the five-year plan? - Management indicated a balanced approach with roughly 50% of funding coming from equity and 50% from debt [47] Question: Will the 60/40 split of HB 4384 benefits change year over year? - Management confirmed that they do not expect significant changes to the split due to their consistent five-year planning process [50]