Group 1 - Aktsiaselts Infortar's subsidiary AS Elenger Grupp has secured a EUR 170 million syndicated term loan facility to refinance existing long-term debt and invest in gas distribution networks [1] - The financing will enhance investment capacity, improve service quality, and strengthen supply security for over 400,000 customers, linking gas infrastructure to climate goals [2] - The transaction does not impact Infortar's debt servicing capacity and has no material effect on the company's economic activities [6] Group 2 - Infortar operates in seven countries, focusing on maritime transport, energy, and real estate, with a 68.47% stake in Tallink Grupp and a 100% stake in Elenger Grupp [7] - The company has a diverse portfolio, including approximately 141,000 m² of real estate and employs 6,866 people across 110 companies [7]

Core Viewpoint - ONE Gas (OGS) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [4]. Recent Performance of ONE Gas - ONE Gas is expected to earn $4.33 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, showing no year-over-year change [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ONE Gas has increased by 1.5%, reflecting a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade of ONE Gas to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Industry Overview - Natural gas is increasingly utilized in power generation due to its cleaner-burning characteristics compared to other fossil fuels, leading to a rise in domestic natural gas output and greater LNG exports [1] - The demand for natural gas across various consumer categories necessitates the installation of more distribution pipelines [1][2] Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure - The U.S. natural gas network comprises nearly 3 million mainline and other pipes, essential for transporting natural gas from transmission networks to end users [2] - The natural gas pipeline industry requires a consistent flow of funds for the repair and maintenance of its extensive network and to address aging infrastructure [3] Production and Market Trends - According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, dry natural gas production increased by over 1 billion cubic feet per day from Q1 to Q2 of 2025, but is expected to decline by a similar amount in the following year [4] - Marketed natural gas production is projected to grow by 3% over 2024 volumes [4] Company Comparisons - A comparative analysis of Atmos Energy (ATO) and Northwest Natural (NWN) shows both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ATO's fiscal 2025 EPS has risen by 1% to $7.33, while NWN's EPS estimate increased by 1.4% to $2.92 [6][10] Financial Metrics - ATO's return on equity (ROE) is 9%, while NWN's ROE is 8.6%, compared to the industry average of 9.08% [7] - ATO has a current ratio of 1.37, indicating sufficient short-term assets to cover liabilities, whereas NWN's current ratio is 0.68 [8] - ATO's debt-to-capital ratio stands at 40.21%, significantly lower than NWN's 62.05% and the industry average of 51.09% [11] Stock Performance - In the past month, ATO shares have increased by 7%, outperforming NWN's 2% rise and the industry's 3.9% growth [10][12] - ATO's dividend yield is 2.1%, while NWN's is 4.74%, both exceeding the S&P 500 composite average of 1.15% [14] Conclusion - Both Atmos Energy and Northwest Natural are positioned as strong investment options, with ATO being favored due to its superior debt management, liquidity, and stock performance [15]

Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources is currently viewed as a superior value option compared to ONE Gas based on various valuation metrics [7] Valuation Metrics - MDU Resources has a forward P/E ratio of 17.18, while ONE Gas has a forward P/E of 17.45 [5] - MDU's PEG ratio is 2.48, indicating a more favorable expected earnings growth rate compared to ONE Gas's PEG ratio of 3.14 [5] - MDU has a P/B ratio of 1.22, compared to ONE Gas's P/B ratio of 1.42, suggesting MDU is more undervalued relative to its book value [6] Earnings Outlook - Both MDU Resources and ONE Gas have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and an improving earnings outlook [3]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a sharp retreat after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged in the range of 4.25-4.50% [4][5] - Investor optimism faded following the announcement, leading to increased market volatility [1] - The uncertainty surrounding President Trump's impending tariff decisions is contributing to market fluctuations [1][7] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), and IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) [2] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1), making them suitable for investors seeking stability [3] Company Profiles ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) - OGS is a regulated natural gas distribution utility serving over 2.3 million customers across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas [9] - Expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 9.7%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.2% over the last 60 days [11] - OGS has a beta of 0.80 and a current dividend yield of 3.68% [11] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Fortis operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [12] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 4.2%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.8% over the last 60 days [12] - FTS has a beta of 0.48 and a current dividend yield of 3.63% [12] Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN) - NWN builds and maintains natural gas distribution systems and invests in pipeline projects, serving customers in the U.S. and Canada [13] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 23.6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 1.4% over the last 60 days [14] - NWN has a beta of 0.53 and a current dividend yield of 4.83% [14] IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) - IDA is involved in the transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity services in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon [15] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.3% over the last 60 days [15] - IDA has a beta of 0.56 and a current dividend yield of 2.81% [15]

Core Insights - Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) reported that its energy efficiency programs saved customers over $95 million on utility bills in the previous year, with energy savings equivalent to the annual natural gas needs of nearly 125,000 homes [1][2] - The company avoided more than 260,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions, comparable to removing over 56,000 cars from the road for a year [1] - SoCalGas expanded financing options through its Marketplace and GoGreen programs, supporting nearly $67 million in facility and appliance improvements for homes and small businesses [2] Energy Efficiency Programs - SoCalGas administers over 70 customer-facing energy efficiency programs, providing incentives and services to various customer segments including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and public customers [3] - The company engaged more than 2 million customers in 2024 through direct installations, property assessments, and outreach, while educational programs reached over 30,000 students [3] Water Conservation Efforts - SoCalGas' energy efficiency programs also contribute to water conservation, with high-efficiency water devices installed saving over one billion gallons of water in 2024, and an expected total of 11 billion gallons over their lifetime [2] Recognition and Awards - In April 2024, SoCalGas received the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for the second consecutive year, being the only utility in California to be recognized [4] - The company also received the Organizational Leadership Award from The Climate Registry for its support of California's energy goals [4] Company Overview - SoCalGas is the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, serving over 21 million consumers across approximately 24,000 square miles of Central and Southern California [6] - The company is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), a leading North American energy infrastructure company [6]

Core Insights - Fusion Fuel Green PLC announced new projects through its subsidiary Al Shola Al Modea Gas Distribution LLC, focusing on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems in Dubai, UAE [1][4] Group 1: Project Details - The largest new projects under contract are valued at over AED 1.9 million (approximately $517,000), including a 20-floor residential building with 722 apartments valued at AED 885,000 (approximately $241,000) and an 8-floor mixed-use development valued at AED 850,000 (approximately $232,000) [2] - Al Shola Gas confirmed several additional contracts with total estimated values of approximately AED 200,000 (approximately $54,000), contributing significantly to the project pipeline [3] Group 2: Market Demand and Company Strategy - Since the beginning of 2025, Al Shola Gas has averaged between 580 and 630 metric tons (MT) of bulk LPG and 160 to 180 MT of LPG in cylinders per month, indicating strong demand for LPG in the UAE market [4] - The CEO of Fusion Fuel highlighted that the new orders not only provide near-term revenue but also support the strategy to grow the energy services platform in the Gulf region, with the engineering team fully booked for the next 18 months [4] Group 3: Company Overview - Fusion Fuel Green PLC provides integrated energy engineering, distribution, and green hydrogen solutions, supporting decarbonization across various sectors [5]

Agreements & Legal - Depa (Greek state gas distributor) reached an out-of-court agreement with Gazprom regarding supply pricing [1] - The agreement follows an international arbitration [1]

Industry Overview - The U.S. natural gas distribution pipeline network is crucial for transporting natural gas to end users, consisting of nearly 3 million mainline and other pipes, driven by rising natural gas usage [1] - Natural gas is increasingly favored for power generation due to its cleaner burning characteristics, with domestic production rising due to increased LNG exports and public awareness of lower emissions [2] Financial Environment - The natural gas pipeline industry requires a consistent flow of funds for maintenance and repair of aging infrastructure, with the Federal Reserve lowering the federal fund rate by one percentage point since September 2024, expected to reduce capital servicing costs for utilities [3] Utility Performance - Utility service providers generally experience steady revenue and profitability growth, allowing for regular dividend payments that enhance shareholder value [4] - The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts natural gas consumption for electricity generation to average 38.4 billion cubic feet per day in June, a 26% increase from May, with an overall expected increase of 1% in 2025 [5] Company Analysis - A comparative analysis of Atmos Energy (ATO) and ONE Gas (OGS) shows both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ATO's fiscal 2025 EPS has increased by 0.6% to $7.24, while OGS's EPS estimate has risen by 0.7% to $4.29 [7] Financial Metrics - ATO's return on equity (ROE) is 9.05%, while OGS's ROE is 8.15%, both slightly below the industry average of 9.24% [8] - The debt-to-capital ratios for ATO and OGS are 39.3% and 40.43%, respectively, compared to the industry average of 50.49% [9] - ATO has a current ratio of 1.33, indicating strong liquidity, while OGS's current ratio is 0.59, below the industry average of 0.63 [11] Stock Performance - Over the past six months, ATO's stock has risen by 11.7%, outperforming the industry's 2% growth and OGS's 5.2% increase [10][12] - ATO's dividend yield is 2.23%, while OGS's is 3.64%, both exceeding the S&P 500 Composite's average of 1.25% [14] Conclusion - Both Atmos Energy and ONE Gas are positioned as strong investment opportunities, with ATO being favored due to better debt management, liquidity, and stock performance [15]

Core Points - Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) has made a $75,000 donation to support small businesses in Altadena affected by the Eaton Fire [1][2] - The funds will assist local businesses in covering essential expenses such as relocation, equipment replacement, and operational restart costs [2][3] - The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Foundation (PCCF) will manage the grant applications and distribution based on need and potential impact [3][4] Company Contributions - SoCalGas previously contributed $400,000 to the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles to aid in the response to the Eaton Fire, providing various support services to displaced families and first responders [4] - The company emphasizes its commitment to the local economy and the resilience of small businesses during recovery efforts [4][5] Community Impact - The Eaton Fire has significantly impacted Altadena's small business community, necessitating collaborative efforts for recovery [4] - SoCalGas aims to provide meaningful support through its partnership with the Pasadena and Altadena Chambers [4][5] - The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Foundation focuses on workforce development, disaster recovery, and support for local businesses [6][9]