In its upcoming report, Atmos Energy (ATO) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $2.92 per share, reflecting an increase of 2.5% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $1.88 billion, representing a year-over-year increase of 14.4%.The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.1% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates dur ...

Core Viewpoint - Black Hills Corp. has filed a rate review application with the Nebraska Public Service Commission, seeking an increase of $34.9 million in annual revenue to cover capital infrastructure and operational costs for its natural gas utility serving over 304,000 customers in Nebraska [1][3]. Financial Summary - The company has invested over $453 million since its last general rate filing in 2020 to enhance safety, reliability, and system integrity of its natural gas pipeline infrastructure [2]. - The total annual base rate revenue increase requested is $53.4 million, which includes the $34.9 million in new revenue and an additional $18.5 million of rider revenue [3]. - The capital structure proposed in the application consists of 50.52% equity and 49.48% debt, with a targeted return on equity of 10.50% [3]. Operational Insights - The application includes a request to renew the System Safety and Integrity Rider (SSIR) to facilitate accelerated, safety-focused pipeline replacement across Nebraska [4]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to providing safe and reliable natural gas service while managing costs in an inflationary environment [3]. Company Overview - Black Hills Corp. is a growth-oriented utility company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, serving 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states [5].

Southwest Gas (SWX) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the system.Sinc ...

National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) reported second-quarter fiscal 2025 adjusted operating earnings of $2.39 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.18 by 9.6%. The bottom line also increased 33.5% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure of $1.79. (See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news.)GAAP earnings for the quarter were $2.37 per share compared with $1.80 in the year-ago quarter.NFG’s Total RevenuesNFG reported sales of $730 million, which missed the Zack ...

Core Insights - Spire reported a revenue of $1.05 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, reflecting a decrease of 6.8% year-over-year and falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09 billion by 3.97% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $3.60, an increase from $3.45 in the same quarter last year, but below the consensus estimate of $3.70, resulting in an EPS surprise of -2.70% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Gas Utility operating revenues were $970.20 million, down 9.6% year-over-year, and below the average estimate of $982.65 million [4] - Gas Marketing operating revenues reached $53.60 million, exceeding the average estimate of $37.64 million, with a year-over-year increase of 16.5% [4] - Midstream operating revenues were $38.40 million, significantly above the average estimate of $28.36 million, marking a year-over-year increase of 78.6% [4] - Other operating revenues totaled $4.90 million, surpassing the average estimate of $4.07 million, with a year-over-year change of 19.5% [4] - Eliminations reported a figure of -$15.80 million, worse than the average estimate of -$4.47 million, with no year-over-year change [4] Operating Income Analysis - Gas Marketing operating income was $12.40 million, below the average estimate of $22.55 million [4] - Midstream operating income reached $21.80 million, exceeding the average estimate of $15.54 million [4] - Gas Utility operating income was $272 million, slightly below the average estimate of $279.87 million [4] - Other operating income was $0.20 million, significantly lower than the average estimate of $15.26 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Spire's shares have returned -2.2%, compared to a -0.2% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings of $3.6 per share for Q2 FY 2025, an increase from $3.45 per share a year ago, reflecting strong growth in utility and midstream segments [8][12] - Adjusted earnings for the quarter totaled over $214 million, an increase of almost $18 million compared to the previous year [18] - The Gas Utilities segment had earnings of approximately $195 million, over $7 million higher than last year, driven by increased ISRS revenues and usage [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility CapEx increased nearly 27% year over year, focusing on upgrading distribution infrastructure and connecting more homes to natural gas [15] - Midstream segment earnings showed strong growth due to new contracts and higher rates on contract renewals [19] - Marketing segment earnings were strong but slightly lower than the prior year due to reduced market volatility [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced colder temperatures in both Missouri and Alabama compared to last year, impacting volumetric margins [20] - The weather mitigation adjustment in Missouri was ineffective, leading to misalignment between revenues and usage [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth, infrastructure investment, and continuous improvement, with a long-term EPS growth target of 5% to 7% [12][27] - A ten-year capital investment plan of $7.4 billion is in place, with an increased fiscal 2025 capital investment target of $840 million [15][12] - The company aims to modernize systems and enhance regulatory engagement to maximize value for customers and stakeholders [7][12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings guidance of $4.4 to $4.6 per share, despite challenges from weather-related margin headwinds [12][22] - The company is committed to executing its capital investment plan and driving operational excellence [12][27] - Management highlighted the positive economic developments in St. Louis, including job growth from Boeing's new contracts [13] Other Important Information - The Missouri Public Service Commission staff recommended a $19 million revenue increase in the infrastructure system replacement surcharge [10] - Senate Bill four was signed into law, allowing utilities to set rates based on projected costs, which is expected to enhance system reliability [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you speak about 1H trends and full-year guidance? - Management acknowledged margin weakness in Missouri but noted strong performance in the midstream segment, indicating a mixed outlook for the utility business [32][34] Question: Is weather the sole deviation on the utility side? - Management confirmed that weather-related margin issues were the main driver of the deviation, with some minor additional factors [34] Question: Is the $8 million increase in midstream guidance a one-off? - Management indicated that while there is some optimization contributing to the increase, it suggests a potential uplift in run rate over time [36] Question: What are the prospects for a settlement within the rate case? - Management expressed optimism about engaging in constructive discussions with stakeholders regarding the rate case [48][49] Question: Timing on future rate cases after SB4? - Management clarified that the first opportunity to file based on a future test year would be in July 2026, with current focus on the ongoing rate case [56] Question: Will there be a rulemaking process before filing for a future test year? - Management confirmed that rulemaking is required and they will actively participate once it begins [72]

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is expected to report its second-quarter fiscal 2025 results on May 7, with an earnings surprise of 1.4% in the previous quarter [1] Group 1: Factors Impacting Q2 Earnings - Strategic investments and modernization of transmission and distribution systems are likely to have positively impacted the company's bottom line [2] - An expanding customer base and implementation of new rates in service regions are expected to contribute positively to earnings [3] - Higher distribution revenues and lower interest expenses are anticipated to further benefit the quarterly performance [3] - However, increased operation and maintenance expenses, along with higher depreciation and amortization, may have negatively affected the bottom line [4] Group 2: Q2 Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is $2.89 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 1.4% [5] - The revenue estimate stands at $1.88 billion, indicating a year-over-year improvement of 14.4% [5] Group 3: Earnings Prediction - The company's Earnings ESP is +1.33%, suggesting a strong likelihood of an earnings beat [6] - Atmos Energy currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), which supports the prediction of an earnings beat [7]

Financial Performance - Q2 FY25 adjusted earnings were $360 per share, compared to $345 in Q2 FY24[10] - The company reaffirmed FY25 adjusted EPS guidance range of $440 to $460[10] - Overall adjusted earnings were $178 million higher due to Gas Utility growth, Midstream growth, and other factors[22] Capital Expenditure - Q2 YTD FY25 capex reached $479 million, driven by Gas Utility investment[16] - FY25 capex target was raised to $840 million from $790 million[16] - The company maintains a 10-year capex target of approximately $74 billion[10, 16] Regulatory Matters - Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) Staff recommended a $2462 million revenue increase for Spire Missouri in the rate case[10, 17] - Spire Missouri originally requested a $2895 million revenue increase in November 2024[17, 19] - Senate Bill 4 was signed into law in Missouri, enabling future test year ratemaking beginning July 2026[10] Segment Performance - Gas Utility earnings (pre-tax) grew due to higher Missouri ISRS revenues (+$87 million), Missouri usage net of weather mitigation (+$65 million), Alabama RSE (+$57 million), and lower run-rate O&M (+$08 million)[23] - Midstream growth was driven by additional storage capacity, contract renewals at higher rates, and asset optimization[23]

Group 1 - The company, Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., will host its first quarter earnings conference call on May 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM ET [1] - A news release will be issued before the markets open on the same day [1] - The conference call will be available for live streaming on the company's website [1] Group 2 - The telephone number for the conference call is (800) 836-8184, with an international number of (646) 357-8785 [2] - A digital replay of the call will be accessible starting one hour after the call ends, available until 4:30 PM ET on May 14, 2025 [2] - The replay can be accessed by dialing (888) 660-6345 or internationally at (646) 517-4150, with a replay code of 98626 [2]

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]