A downtrend has been apparent in New Jersey Resources (NJR) lately with too much selling pressure. The stock has declined 5.3% over the past four weeks. However, given the fact that it is now in oversold territory and Wall Street analysts are majorly in agreement about the company's ability to report better earnings than they predicted earlier, the stock could be due for a turnaround.How to Determine if a Stock is OversoldWe use Relative Strength Index (RSI), one of the most commonly used technical indicato ...

Southwest Gas (SWX) makes strategic investments to further strengthen its infrastructure and boost operations. The company is also gaining from consistent customer additions. Given its earnings growth opportunities and better debt management, SWX makes for a solid investment option in the utility sector.Let’s focus on the factors that make this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company a strong investment pick at the moment.SWX’s Growth Projections & Surprise HistoryThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per shar ...

While the proven Zacks Rank places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find strong stocks, we also know that investors tend to develop their own individual strategies. With this in mind, we are always looking at value, growth, and momentum trends to discover great companies.Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that t ...

Core Insights - Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG) reported first-quarter 2025 operating earnings per share (EPS) of $1.03, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents by 28.8% and showing a year-over-year improvement of 41.1% [1] - Total operating revenues reached $784 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $691 million by 13.3% and reflecting a year-over-year increase of 28.1% [2] - The regulated Water segment generated revenues of $300.8 million, a 7.5% increase from $279.9 million in the first quarter of 2024, driven by higher rates and surcharges [2] - The regulated Natural Gas segment reported revenues of $470.8 million, up from $324.3 million in the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to higher purchased gas costs and increased delivery volumes from colder weather [3] Financial Performance - Operating income totaled $338.9 million, marking a 46.9% year-over-year increase, while operation and maintenance expenses rose slightly by 0.7% to $137.8 million [4] - Interest expenses increased by 12% to $82.1 million from $73.3 million in the prior-year quarter [4] - Current assets were $494.5 million as of March 31, 2025, compared to $485.9 million as of December 31, 2024, while long-term debt rose to $7.52 billion from $7.36 billion [5] Future Outlook - The company reaffirmed its 2025 EPS guidance in the range of $2.07-$2.11, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $2.10, exceeding the midpoint of the projected range [6] - Management anticipates a 2-3% expansion in the customer base for the water segment through acquisitions and organic growth [6] - Essential Utilities plans to invest $1.4-$1.5 billion in infrastructure in 2025 and a total of $7.8 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance water and natural gas systems and improve customer service [7]

Core Insights - Southwest Gas Holdings Inc. (SWX) reported first-quarter 2025 operating earnings of $1.65 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.61 by 2.5% and increasing 20.4% from $1.37 in the same quarter last year [1] - Total operating revenues were $1.30 billion, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.70 billion by 23.5% and decreasing 18% from $1.58 billion in the prior-year quarter [1] Financial Performance - Utility infrastructure service expenses reached $528.6 million, up 2.5% from $515.6 million in the year-ago quarter [2] - Total operating income was $200.4 million, reflecting a 26.7% increase from $158.1 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Total system throughput for the first three months of 2025 was 73.12 million dekatherms, down 4.8% from 76.81 million dekatherms in the first three months of 2024 [2] Cash Flow and Debt - Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2025, were $406.3 million, compared to $363.8 million as of December 31, 2024 [3] - Long-term debt, less current maturities, was $4.33 billion as of March 31, 2025, slightly down from $4.35 billion as of December 31, 2024 [3] - Net cash provided by operating activities in the first three months of 2025 was $291.3 million, down from $543.7 million in the year-ago period [3] Future Guidance - Southwest Gas anticipates the Natural Gas Distribution segment's net income for 2025 to be in the range of $265-$275 million [4] - Capital expenditures are expected to be $880 million for 2025, aimed at supporting customer growth, system improvements, and pipe replacement programs [4] - Projected capital expenditures for the 2025-2029 period are $4.3 billion, with a utility rate base CAGR of 6-8% [4] Market Position - Southwest Gas currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [5]

Essential Utilities (WTRG) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 12, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Brian Dingerdissen - Vice President of Investor Relations & TreasurerChristopher Franklin - Chairman & CEOMichael Huwar - President of Peoples Natural GasDaniel Schuller - Executive VP & CFODurgesh Chopra - Managing Director Conference Call Participants None - AnalystTravis Miller - AnalystGregg Orrill - AnalystRyan Connors - Senior Managing Director and Research Analyst Operator Thank you for standing by, and wel ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record net income for the first quarter of 2025, with a trailing twelve-month return on equity (ROE) of 8.2% [9][10] - The net income guidance for the full year is reaffirmed at $265 million to $275 million [35] - Operating margin increased by $38.9 million, driven by $27 million of combined rate relief and customer growth [27][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility segment benefited from rate relief in Nevada and Arizona, contributing to higher net income [25] - Approximately 40,000 new meter sets were added over the past twelve months, indicating strong customer growth [27][22] - Century's results improved due to higher volumes under master services agreements and lower interest expenses, although offshore wind project revenues decreased [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Economic activity and demand for natural gas service remain strong, particularly in Arizona and Nevada, with significant growth in sectors like advanced manufacturing and data centers [21][22] - The Arizona Commission opened a docket to address resource adequacy of natural gas infrastructure due to increased demand [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming a premier fully regulated natural gas utility and is committed to separating Century to enhance shareholder value [10][11] - A capital investment plan of approximately $4.3 billion over the next five years is expected to support safety, reliability, and economic development [24] - The company aims to maintain a flat O&M cost per customer trend while achieving net income growth through regulatory strategies [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory strategy and the positive outcomes from recent rate cases in Arizona and Great Basin [10][18] - The company anticipates continued robust capital spending driven by safety, reliability, and economic activity in service territories [9][35] - Management noted that the successful execution of separation options for Century is contingent on favorable market conditions [12] Other Important Information - The company has over $400 million in cash on hand and more than $1 billion in liquidity, providing flexibility for capital investments [13] - The balance sheet remains strong, with a commitment to maintaining an investment-grade profile [33][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the current status of your plans to exit Century? - Management reiterated their commitment to the separation of Century and mentioned the ability to file an S-three to facilitate market execution [42] Question: What are the financial implications of the SIM if the settlement is approved? - Management indicated that clarity on timing and projects would come once the SIM is approved, which represents about 40% of non-revenue producing infrastructure investment [43] Question: Has there been any change to Southwest Gas' internal controls or accounting processes? - Management confirmed that there have been no changes in internal controls related to the recent accounting issue that caused a delay in the earnings call [46] Question: Can you speak to the incremental CapEx investment opportunities from the influx of data centers? - Management stated that current guidance does not include material changes due to new demand but will monitor and adjust as necessary [49] Question: Is the Great Basin open season binding? - Management confirmed that the open season is binding and will provide better indications of future CapEx changes once it closes [53]

Southwest Gas Holdings Inc (SWX) Q1 2025 Earnings Call May 12, 2025 11:00 AM ET Company Participants Justin Forsberg - Vice President of Investor Relations & TreasurerKaren Haller - President & CEOJustin Brown - President - Southwest Gas CorporationRobert Stefani - Senior VP & CFODylan Lipner - Associate - Equity ResearchRichard Sunderland - Equity Research - North American Utilities & Power Conference Call Participants Ryan Levine - Analyst Operator Welcome to Southwest Gas Holdings First Quarter twenty tw ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $1.3, a 6% increase compared to the same quarter last year [6] - Revenues increased by 28% from $612.1 million to $783.6 million year-over-year [24] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings per share guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11, compared to last year's non-GAAP earnings of $1.97 per share [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the Water and Gas businesses performed well, contributing to the overall strong results [6] - The Gas segment reported an increase in volumes due to normal weather conditions compared to significantly warmer weather in the previous year [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has begun to raise equity through its ATM program, issuing approximately $210 million so far this year [8] - The company is in discussions with data center developers representing up to five gigawatts of needed power generation in the Pittsburgh region [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion in infrastructure improvements in 2025, with $270.5 million already invested by March 31 [7] - The company is focusing on water and wastewater utility acquisitions, having acquired over $518 million in rate base since 2015 [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting the full-year earnings per share guidance, citing strong first-quarter performance but cautioning about potential headwinds in the remaining quarters [52] - The company is committed to addressing PFAS compliance and expects to spend approximately $450 million to achieve compliance by 2028 [10][56] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized for its operational achievements, including a 99.8% water quality compliance rate [9] - New rates went into effect for Aqua Pennsylvania, expected to increase total annual revenues by $73 million [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding equity issuance and share price - Management indicated that the focus is on raising the $315 million in equity needed for 2025 rather than considering 2026 equity needs at this time [43] Question: Texas rate case expectations - Management stated that they plan to file the Texas rate case by the end of the month and will provide details on revenue requests and equity layers at that time [45] Question: EPS guidance and performance - Management acknowledged strong first-quarter performance but emphasized the need to wait for clarity as the year progresses before adjusting guidance [52] Question: Impact of EPA announcement on PFAS - Management confirmed that they are proceeding with their PFAS mitigation plans and remain on track with their budget [56] Question: Data centers and gas supply - Management discussed various approaches to support data center development, including behind-the-meter generation and increased distribution volume [65] Question: Beaver Falls settlement status - Management expressed optimism about the Beaver Falls case being on the agenda in June and highlighted the importance of resolving such cases for water supply [90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $1.3, a 6% increase compared to the same quarter last year [5] - Revenues increased by 28% from $612.1 million to $783.6 million year-over-year [22][23] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 earnings per share guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11, compared to last year's $1.97 on a non-GAAP basis [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Both the Water and Gas businesses performed well, contributing to the overall strong results [5] - The Gas segment reported an increase in volumes due to normal weather conditions compared to significantly warmer weather in the previous year [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has begun to raise equity through its ATM program, issuing approximately $210 million so far this year [6] - The company expects to receive approximately $100 million in proceeds from settlements with polluters [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on infrastructure investments, planning to invest between $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion in 2025 [6] - The company is actively pursuing water and wastewater utility acquisitions, having acquired over $518 million in rate base since 2015 [30][31] - The company aims for a compounded annual growth rate of 8% in its combined utility rate base, with specific growth rates of 6% for regulated water and 11% for regulated natural gas segments [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in meeting the full-year earnings per share guidance, despite potential headwinds in the remaining quarters [50] - The company is committed to addressing PFAS compliance and expects to meet its $450 million capital spend target by 2028 [8][54] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized for its operational achievements, including a 99.8% water quality compliance rate [7] - Legislative developments in Texas and Ohio are seen as positive for the company's regulatory environment [10][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Equity issuance and share price - Management indicated that the focus is on raising the $315 million in equity needed for 2025 rather than considering 2026 equity needs at this time [40] Question: Texas rate case expectations - The company plans to file for the Texas rate case by the end of the month, with expectations for revenue increase and ROE consistent with other states [42][44] Question: EPS guidance and performance - Management noted that while the first quarter started strong, it is premature to adjust guidance due to uncertainties in the remaining quarters [50] Question: PFAS operational strategy - The company is proceeding with its PFAS mitigation plans and remains on track with its budget [54] Question: Data centers and gas supply - Discussions with data center developers are ongoing, with various approaches being considered, including behind-the-meter generation [62] Question: Beaver Falls settlement - Management expressed optimism about the Beaver Falls case, expecting it to be on the agenda in June [86]