Core Insights - Zacks Premium provides tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence, including daily updates, research reports, and stock screens [1][2] Zacks Style Scores - Zacks Style Scores rate stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, serving as complementary indicators to the Zacks Rank, helping investors identify securities likely to outperform the market in the short term [3][4] - Stocks are rated from A to F, with A indicating the highest potential for outperformance [4] Value Score - The Value Score focuses on identifying undervalued stocks using financial ratios such as P/E, PEG, and Price/Sales, appealing to value investors [4] Growth Score - The Growth Score assesses a company's future prospects by analyzing projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow, targeting growth investors [5] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score identifies optimal entry points for stocks based on price trends and earnings estimate changes, catering to momentum traders [6] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive rating that highlights stocks with attractive value, growth potential, and positive momentum [7] Zacks Rank - The Zacks Rank is a proprietary model that leverages earnings estimate revisions to guide investors in building successful portfolios, with 1 (Strong Buy) stocks achieving an average annual return of +25.41% since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [8][9] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal investment potential [10] Stock Highlight: MDU Resources - MDU Resources Group, based in Bismarck, ND, operates as a utility natural gas distribution company and has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) with a VGM Score of A [12] - The company has a Value Style Score of B, supported by a forward P/E ratio of 18.35, making it attractive to value investors [13] - MDU's earnings estimate for fiscal 2025 has been revised upwards, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.01 to $0.95 per share, and it has an average earnings surprise of 1.3% [13]

Financial Performance & Guidance - Q1 2025 EPS reached $103[9], with 2025 EPS guidance set at $207-$211[9] - Infrastructure investments for 2025 are projected to be $14 billion - $15 billion[9] - The company issued approximately $210 million of equity via ATM[9] - Q1 2025 operating revenues increased by 280% to $7836 million, compared to $6121 million in Q1 2024[30] - Net income for Q1 2025 increased by 68% to $2838 million, compared to $2658 million in Q1 2024[30] - Net income per share for Q1 2025 increased by 62% to $103, compared to $097 in Q1 2024[30] Growth & Investment - Infrastructure investments of approximately $78 billion are planned for 2025-2029[14] - The company is targeting approximately 11% rate base CAGR for Peoples[16] - The company expects to raise approximately $315 million in equity in 2025[48] Regulatory & Acquisitions - Completed regulatory recoveries in the water segment are expected to increase annualized revenue by $896 million[43] - Pending regulatory recoveries in the water segment are requesting an annualized revenue increase of $472 million[43] - Gas segment surcharges in KY with annualized revenue increase of $05 million[43]

Financial Performance - GAAP net income was approximately $143 million, a $7.1 million increase quarter-over-quarter[21] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased from $1.37 in Q1 2024 to $1.65 in Q1 2025[48] - Southwest Gas expects to issue less than $100 million of equity in 2025 through the existing ATM program, pending Centuri exit path[56] - Southwest Gas reaffirmed its 2025 net income guidance of $265 - $275 million and CapEx of ~$880 million[19, 61] - The company is targeting a 6.0% to 8.0% net income growth and 6.0% to 8.0% rate base growth from 2025-2029[19] Regulatory Updates - Arizona general rate case approved, resulting in ~$80.2 million revenue increase, a 9.84% allowed return on equity, and a 48.5% allowed equity capitalization[21, 25] - GBGTC rate case approved, leading to a revenue increase of ~$9.6 million[25] - California rate case filed in September 2024, requesting a revenue increase of ~$44 million, with rates anticipated to become effective January 2026[25, 37] Growth and Operations - Approximately 40,000 new meter sets were added during the last 12 months, resulting in a 1.8% customer growth rate[21] - Operations and maintenance expense decreased by 1.1% over the first three months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024[21] - The company projects a population growth of 4.40% in Arizona and 3.42% in Nevada from 2025 to 2030[42]

Core Insights - Southwest Gas Holdings reported a net income of $113.9 million for Q1 2025, an increase of $26.2 million compared to Q1 2024, driven by higher operating margins and improved performance at Centuri [4][7][20] - The company achieved a utility return on equity (ROE) of 8.2% over the last twelve months, with a 5.2% earnings growth in Q1 2025 [6][24] - An annual revenue increase of approximately $80.2 million was approved in Arizona, which included an increase in the allowed return on equity to 9.84% [6][25] Financial Performance - Net income for Q1 2025 was $113.9 million, compared to $87.7 million in Q1 2024, reflecting a significant improvement [4][20] - Adjusted net income for Q1 2025 was $119.4 million, up from $98.5 million in the same period last year, marking a 21% increase [7][22] - Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.58 in Q1 2025 from $1.22 in Q1 2024 [4][22] Operational Highlights - The utility added approximately 40,000 new meter sets, resulting in a 1.8% customer growth rate over the past twelve months [6][12] - The operating margin increased by $38.9 million, with combined rate relief in Nevada, California, and Arizona contributing approximately $27 million [12][20] - Operations and maintenance expenses decreased by $1.5 million, primarily due to reduced external contractor costs [12][20] Strategic Developments - The company is committed to fully separating Centuri and is evaluating market conditions for optimal timing and value [3][11] - A constructive outcome on the revenue phase of the Arizona general rate case has bolstered the company's regulatory strategy [2][6] - The company anticipates a final decision on the proposed system integrity mechanism settlement in the third quarter of 2025 [2][11] Guidance and Outlook - The company reaffirmed its 2025 net income guidance of $265 million to $275 million and projected capital expenditures of approximately $880 million [10] - The expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for adjusted net income from 2025 to 2029 is estimated to be between 6.0% and 8.0% [10] - The authorized rate base across various jurisdictions totals approximately $5.81 billion, with an average authorized return on common equity of 9.89% [25][26]

Group 1: Market Overview - Stocks experienced volatility as the Federal Reserve maintained interest rates in the range of 4.25-4.5% during its May FOMC meeting, amid high inflation and economic uncertainty due to tariffs [1][4] - The U.S. economy contracted by 0.3% in Q1 2025, contrary to expectations of a 0.4% growth, raising recession fears [7] Group 2: Investment Recommendations - Defensive stocks, particularly in the utilities sector, are recommended for investment, including The AES Corporation, DTE Energy Company, Atmos Energy Corporation, and American Water Works Company, all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [2][3] - These stocks are characterized as low-beta (beta < 1) with high dividend yields, making them attractive during market volatility [3] Group 3: Company Profiles - **The AES Corporation**: A global power company with operations in 14 countries, expected earnings growth rate of 1.4%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.94, and a dividend yield of 6.74% [8][9] - **DTE Energy Company**: A diversified energy company with an expected earnings growth rate of 6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.47, and a dividend yield of 3.17% [10] - **Atmos Energy Corporation**: Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution, with an expected earnings growth rate of 5.3%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.74, and a dividend yield of 2.15% [11][12] - **American Water Works Company**: Provides water services to over 14 million customers, with an expected earnings growth rate of 6.1%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.73, and a dividend yield of 2.08% [13][14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fiscal year to date, the company reported a net income of $837 million, or $5.26 per diluted share, reflecting a 6.7% increase over the prior year period [4][10] - Operating income increased to $1.1 billion, representing a 14.6% increase for the first six months of the fiscal year [10] - The fiscal year 2025 earnings per share guidance was updated to a range of $7.2 to $7.3, up from the previous range of $7.05 to $7.25 [4][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rate increases in both operating segments totaled $185 million, contributing to operating income growth [11] - Revenues in the Pipeline and Storage segment increased by $11.4 million, driven by a 10% increase in volumes transported [11] - The company added nearly 59,000 new customers year to date, with approximately 46,000 of those in Texas [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texas added jobs at a faster rate than the national average, with nearly 192,000 jobs added over the last twelve months, representing a 1.4% annual growth rate [5] - Industrial demand for natural gas remained strong, with the addition of nine new industrial customers during the second quarter [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage systems while providing reliable service to 3.4 million customers across eight states [4] - Ongoing projects include the installation of new pipelines to support growth in the DFW Metroplex, enhancing safety, reliability, and supply diversification [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's performance, citing robust growth driven by favorable employment trends in Texas [4] - The company anticipates that the remaining contribution to fiscal year 2025 earnings per share will be recognized somewhat evenly by quarter in the back half of the fiscal year [17][18] Other Important Information - The company has extended its credit facilities totaling $3.1 billion and had $5.3 billion in available liquidity at quarter end [17] - The company is actively monitoring legislative developments across its operating states, which could impact its business [47][48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the higher guidance for 2025 a fair base to think about growth going forward? - Management indicated that they will assess market conditions before finalizing fiscal year 2026 plans, acknowledging current market volatility [26] Question: How are you thinking about the higher O&M this year and any efforts to derisk 2026? - Management noted that some of the higher O&M for 2025 could be a pull forward from 2026, emphasizing proactive maintenance and compliance efforts [27][28] Question: Can you update us on the equity financing for the rest of the year? - Management confirmed that their financing strategy remains balanced, utilizing a combination of equity and long-term debt, with equity needs anticipated for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 [37] Question: Can you discuss any quantifiable backlog of projects? - Management clarified that while there is no backlog per se, they are focused on high-priority projects and scheduled work based on reliability and safety [40][42] Question: What key bills are being monitored that could benefit your business? - Management is monitoring various legislative sessions and bills but refrained from making predictions until final decisions are made [47][48] Question: Should the new EPS guidance midpoint be used as the new EPS base for calculating the five-year CAGR? - Management indicated that using the new EPS guidance midpoint as a base for calculations is a safe assumption [49][50] Question: What are the underlying growth assumptions for APT expansion projects? - Management explained that growth assumptions are based on city models and anticipated demand, with ongoing reviews to adjust plans as necessary [69][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fiscal year to date, the company reported a net income of $837 million, or $5.26 per diluted share, reflecting a 6.7% increase over the prior year period [2][9] - Operating income increased to $1.1 billion, representing a 14.6% increase for the first six months of the fiscal year [9] - The fiscal year 2025 earnings per share guidance was updated to a range of $7.2 to $7.3, up from a previous range of $7.05 to $7.25 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rate increases in both operating segments totaled $185 million, contributing to the operating income growth [10] - Revenues in the Pipeline and Storage segment increased by $11.4 million, reflecting a 10% increase in volumes transported across the system [10] - The company added nearly 59,000 new customers year to date, with approximately 46,000 of those in Texas [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Texas added jobs at a faster rate than the nation, with nearly 192,000 jobs added over the last twelve months, representing a 1.4% annual growth rate [4] - Industrial demand for natural gas remained strong, with nine new industrial customers added during the second quarter, expected to have an annual load of approximately 8 Bcf [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing its natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage systems while safely providing reliable service to 3.4 million customers across eight states [3] - Ongoing projects include the installation of approximately 44 miles of pipe to support growth in the DFW Metroplex, expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the fiscal year 2025 performance, attributing it to the strength of APT's three-system business and favorable market conditions [16] - The company anticipates O&M expenses to be in the range of $860 million to $880 million, with a significant portion of the year-over-year increase already recognized [17] Other Important Information - The company has extended its credit facilities totaling $3.1 billion and had $5.3 billion in available liquidity at quarter end [15] - The company is monitoring legislative developments across its operating states, with potential implications for its business [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the higher guidance for 2025 a fair base to think about growth going forward? - Management indicated that they will assess market conditions before releasing fiscal year 2026 guidance, acknowledging current market volatility [22][23] Question: How are you thinking about the higher O&M this year and any efforts to derisk 2026? - Management noted that some of the higher O&M for 2025 may be a pull forward from 2026, emphasizing proactive maintenance and compliance efforts [24][25] Question: Can you update us on the equity financing for the rest of the year? - Management confirmed that their financing strategy remains balanced, utilizing a combination of equity and long-term debt, with equity needs anticipated for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 [34] Question: What are some of the key bills you are monitoring legislatively? - Management is monitoring various bills across their eight states but refrained from making predictions until the legislative process is complete [44][45] Question: What are the underlying growth assumptions for APT expansion projects? - Management explained that growth assumptions are based on population increases and anticipated capacity requirements, with ongoing reviews to adjust plans as necessary [65][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - UGI reported a 12% year-over-year increase in adjusted diluted EPS for the fiscal second quarter, achieving the highest adjusted diluted EPS in the company's history [5] - The fiscal 2025 guidance range for adjusted diluted EPS has been increased to $3.00 to $3.15, driven by favorable weather conditions and operational improvements [8][11] - The balance sheet showed $1,900,000,000 in available liquidity and a leverage ratio of 3.8 times at the end of the quarter [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Utility segment reported EBIT of $241,000,000, up $15,000,000 year-over-year, primarily due to colder weather [14] - Midstream and Marketing segment EBIT was $154,000,000, comparable to the prior year, with total margin increasing by $2,000,000 [15] - AmeriGas reported EBIT of $154,000,000, an increase of $16,000,000 year-over-year, driven by higher LPG volumes due to colder weather [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Regional natural gas demand continues to show robust growth, particularly in response to colder weather patterns [6] - UGI International experienced a 4% decline in LPG volumes, impacted by structural conservation and customer conversions from LPG to natural gas [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational excellence and strategic infrastructure investments, particularly in the regulated utility business [21] - AmeriGas is implementing process improvements to enhance customer retention and operational efficiency [21] - The company is well-positioned to leverage its infrastructure for growth in natural gas demand, particularly in the Appalachian region [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying strength of the business and the ability to execute strategic priorities in the second half of the fiscal year [11] - The company is optimistic about improving AmeriGas operations and enhancing customer service ahead of the next winter season [30] Other Important Information - The company deployed $160,000,000 in capital investment during the quarter, primarily in natural gas businesses [7] - Free cash flow for the year to date was approximately $490,000,000, up 55% year-over-year [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the learnings from AmeriGas this winter and targets for the upcoming fiscal year? - Management highlighted the focus on improving business processes and operational efficiency, with several key projects underway to enhance service and reduce costs [25][26] Question: Update on refinancing the 2026 maturities? - Management confirmed that objectives remain unchanged, with a focus on addressing the $664,000,000 due in late August [32] Question: Thoughts on UGI's positioning regarding Appalachian natural gas demand? - Management noted ongoing discussions with potential generators and data centers, emphasizing the company's strategic location and infrastructure [38] Question: Quantification of incremental margin or EBITDA from AmeriGas for fiscal 2026? - Management refrained from providing specific numbers but emphasized the importance of strengthening business processes and focusing on high-margin customers [45][46] Question: Comments on fiscal second half drivers and implied net loss? - Management explained that colder weather in the first half led to a shift in capital and operational expenditures to the second half, impacting earnings timing [49][50]

Financial Performance - The company increased its fiscal year 2025 indicated annual dividend by 8.1% to $3.48 per diluted share[3] - Year-to-date diluted EPS reached $5.26[6] - The company raised its fiscal year 2025 EPS guidance range from $7.05-$7.25 to $7.20-$7.30[6] - Q2 2025 net income was $486 million, compared to $432 million in Q2 2024[8] - Capital expenditures year-to-date totaled $1.7 billion, with 85% allocated to safety and reliability spending[6] Financing and Liquidity - The company issued $650 million in 30-year senior notes at a 5.00% interest rate[6] - The company settled $380 million of equity forwards[6] - Available liquidity stood at approximately $5.3 billion[6] - Equity capitalization was at 61% as of March 31, 2025[6] Regulatory and Rate Activity - Implemented $153.2 million in approved annualized operating income increases as of May 7, 2025[6] - $389.1 million in annualized operating income increases are currently in progress[6] - Mid-Tex Cities filed a Rate Review Mechanism (RRM) requesting an increase of $165.0 million in annual operating income[62] Outlook - The company anticipates total net income between $1.15 billion and $1.17 billion for fiscal year 2025[43] - Capital spending is projected to be approximately $3.7 billion for fiscal year 2025[43] - The effective tax rate is expected to be between 18% and 20% for fiscal year 2025[45]

Financial Performance & Guidance - NJR increased its Fiscal Year 2025 NFEPS guidance by $010 to a range of $315 to $330[5, 17] - The company anticipates a long-term annual NFEPS growth rate of 7-9%[3, 17] - For Q2 2025, the company reported EPS of $204 and NFEPS of $178[14] - Fiscal Year-to-Date 2025 consolidated NFE reached $3072 million[37, 38] Segment Contributions - New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) is expected to contribute 65-68% to the Fiscal Year 2025 NFEPS[20] - Clean Energy Ventures (CEV) is projected to contribute 19-22% to the Fiscal Year 2025 NFEPS[20] - Energy Services (ES) is expected to contribute 9-11% to the Fiscal Year 2025 NFEPS[20] Capital Investments & Growth - NJR's capital plan for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 is projected to be approximately $13 billion to $16 billion[41] - NJNG's capital expenditures through Q2 reached approximately $254 million[23] - CEV has approximately 417 MW of commercial solar capacity in service as of April 30, 2025[24, 25] Credit & Liquidity - NJR has substantial liquidity with $825 million of credit facilities available through Fiscal Year 2029[45, 63] - The company projects cash flow from operations of $900 million to $1 billion over the next two years[45] - NJR's adjusted funds from operations to adjusted debt is estimated to be in the range of 19-21% for Fiscal Year 2025[44]