Valued at a market cap of $28.4 billion, Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is a fully regulated natural gas company based in Dallas, Texas. It provides natural gas distribution, transmission, and storage services to over 3 million customers across eight states, primarily in the South and Midwest regions. It is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q4 earnings for 2025 after the market closes on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Ahead of this event, analysts expect this utility company to report a profit of $0.96 per share, up 1 ...

PresentationHello and welcome to the National Fuel Gas Company acquisition of CenterPoint's Ohio Natural Gas Utility Conference Call. My name is Alex. I'll be coordinating the call today. [Operator Instructions]. I now hand it over to Natalie Fischer, Director of Investor Relations, to begin. Please go ahead.Natalie FischerDirector of Investor Relations Thank you, Alex, and good morning. We appreciate you joining us on today's conference call for a discussion of National Fuel's acquisition of CenterPoint En ...

Summary of National Fuel Gas Company Conference Call Company and Industry - **Company**: National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) - **Industry**: Natural Gas Utility Key Points and Arguments Acquisition Details - National Fuel Gas Company announced the acquisition of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio Natural Gas Utility business for **$2.62 billion** on a cash-free, debt-free basis, valuing the transaction at approximately **1.6 times** the estimated rate base at year-end **2026** [4][10] - The acquisition will add **335,000 customers** and over **5,900 miles** of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines, along with a **$1.6 billion** rate base [4][10] - Expected closing of the acquisition is in the **fourth quarter of calendar 2026**, pending regulatory reviews [4][10] Strategic Importance - The acquisition is part of National Fuel's strategic priority to grow through M&A, particularly in regulated sectors [4][10] - It is expected to enhance the company's investment-grade credit profile and support continued growth on both regulated and non-regulated sides [5][10] - The Ohio Natural Gas Utility business is seen as a great fit due to its scale, geographical proximity to existing operations, favorable regulatory environment, and stable customer base [5][6][10] Financial Implications - The acquisition is anticipated to be immediately accretive to the company's regulated earnings per share, excluding transaction-related expenses [6][10] - On a consolidated basis, adjusted operating results are expected to be neutral in **fiscal 2028**, with potential for accretion thereafter [7][10] - National Fuel plans to finance the acquisition through a combination of **$300 million to $400 million** in common equity, long-term debt, and free cash flow from integrated upstream and gathering operations [14][16] Regulatory Environment - Ohio's regulatory framework is described as constructive, with mechanisms in place for timely recovery of investments and system modernization [11][12] - The Ohio Commission has approved cost recovery for nearly **100%** of capital investments through various riders, providing certainty for future cash flows [12][10] Growth Opportunities - National Fuel plans to invest **$150 million to $200 million** in capital for modernization and safety improvements in the Ohio operations [27][10] - The service territory is positioned between Columbus and Cincinnati, presenting growth opportunities due to regional sprawl and investment [27][10] Integration and Future Outlook - National Fuel is committed to a smooth integration process with CenterPoint's Ohio workforce, emphasizing shared values in safety and customer service [9][17] - The acquisition is expected to deliver long-term value for stakeholders, with a strong outlook for the natural gas industry [10][18] Earnings and Capital Allocation - Historical net income from CenterPoint's Ohio business is approximately **$65 million**, with built-in rate increases expected to support growth over the next five years [30][10] - National Fuel aims to maintain a balance between strengthening its balance sheet and deploying capital for growth opportunities [40][10] Additional Important Information - The acquisition aligns with National Fuel's long-term strategy to enhance its portfolio and improve earnings and credit metrics [10][18] - The company has a nearly **125-year** history in the energy sector, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable energy supplies [9][10]

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Fuel Gas Company ("National Fuel" or the "Company") (NYSE: NFG) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp. (“CERC”), a subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) (“CenterPoint”) to acquire CenterPoint’s Ohio natural gas utility business (“CNP Ohio”). National Fuel is acquiring the equity interests in CNP Ohio for total consideration of $2.62 billion on a cash-free, debt-free basis, ...

Core Viewpoint - Investor sentiment is currently affected by fears of a government shutdown, a slowing labor market, and high stock valuations, leading to a potential interest in dividend stocks for stable returns [1] Group 1: Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) - Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is a global infrastructure company with diversified assets in utilities, transport, midstream, and data sectors [3] - BIP paid a dividend of 43 cents per unit on September 29, marking a 6% year-over-year increase, with an annualized dividend of $1.72 per unit, resulting in a dividend yield of 5.2% [3] - BMO Capital analyst Devin Dodge reiterated a buy rating on BIP with a price target of $42, citing strong organic growth trends expected to become more evident in upcoming quarters [4] - Dodge noted an increase in high-growth platforms within BIP's portfolio and highlighted significant investment opportunities, particularly in digital infrastructure, with hyperscalers' capital spending projected to rise by 50% this year [5] - BIP's funds from operations per unit (FFO/unit) growth is nearing an inflection point, with a compound annual growth rate of about 10% over the past five years, despite challenges [6] - Dodge believes that as FFO/unit growth increases, it will positively impact distribution growth and valuation [7] Group 2: Ares Capital (ARCC) - Ares Capital is a specialty finance company providing direct loans and investments to private middle-market companies, offering a quarterly dividend of 48 cents per share, equating to an annualized dividend of $1.92 per share and a yield of 9.4% [8] - RBC Capital analyst Kenneth Lee reiterated a buy rating on Ares Capital with a price target of $24, favoring it along with other stocks in the current market scenario [9] - Lee emphasized Ares Capital's competitive advantage through its access to the Ares global credit platform and its potential for above-peer-average return on equity [10] - The experienced senior management team and core earnings per share generation back Ares Capital's dividends, contributing to its strength [11] Group 3: ONE Gas (OGS) - ONE Gas is a regulated natural gas utility serving over 2.3 million customers in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, with a quarterly dividend of 67 cents per share, leading to an annualized dividend of $2.68 per share and a yield of 3.3% [12] - Mizuho analyst Gabe Moreen upgraded OGS to buy from hold, raising the price forecast to $86, citing benefits from Texas legislation and lower interest rates [13] - Moreen anticipates that the Texas HB 4384 legislation could generate an incremental EPS benefit of about 18 cents in fiscal 2026, which will grow with OGS's capital spending [14] - Elevated short-term interest rates previously forced OGS to revise its guidance, but expected Federal Reserve interest rate cuts could ease interest expenses [15] - Moreen highlighted growth opportunities for OGS due to rising natural gas demand from data centers and advanced manufacturers, making it an attractive investment at current valuations [16]

Core Viewpoint - Atmos Energy (ATO) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) due to an upward trend in 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 the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, reflecting the company's changing earnings picture [1][2]. - Changes in future earnings potential, as indicated by earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for Atmos suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to increased stock prices [5][10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings across over 4,000 stocks, ensuring that only the top 20% receive a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating [9][10]. Specifics for Atmos Energy - Atmos is projected to earn $7.33 per share for the fiscal year ending September 2025, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2% over the past three months [8].

Core Insights - Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) is positioned as a strong investment option in the utility sector due to strategic acquisitions, the addition of industrial customers, and favorable rate outcomes contributing to revenue and profitability growth [1] Growth Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2025 earnings per share (EPS) has increased by 1.2% to $7.33 over the past 90 days [2] - The estimated sales for fiscal 2025 are projected at $4.81 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 15.6% [2] - ATO's long-term earnings growth rate is forecasted at 7.32%, with an average earnings surprise of 1.7% over the last four quarters [2] Liquidity Position - Atmos Energy's current ratio stands at 1.37, significantly higher than the industry average of 0.54, indicating sufficient short-term assets to cover liabilities [3] Debt Management - ATO's total debt to capital ratio is 40.21%, which is better than the industry average of 51.09% [4] - The time-to-interest earned ratio is 8.6, demonstrating the company's capability to meet future interest obligations comfortably [4] Capital Investments - Atmos Energy has a robust capital expenditure plan, with $3.7 billion earmarked for fiscal 2025 and a total of $24 billion planned over the next five years to enhance pipeline safety and reliability [5][6] - This investment strategy is expected to yield annual earnings growth of 6-8% during the same period [6] Dividend Policy - ATO currently pays a quarterly dividend of 87 cents per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $3.48, up from $3.22 the previous year [7] - The company aims to increase its dividend by 6-8% annually through fiscal 2026, subject to board approval, with a current dividend yield of 2.09% [7] Stock Performance - Over the past year, Atmos Energy's shares have appreciated by 20.8%, outperforming the industry's growth of 8.2% [9]

Core Viewpoint - ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE) is currently offering its highest yield in the last two years while expecting to continue growing at mid- to upper-single-digit rates [1] Company Summary - ONEOK, Inc. is positioned to provide attractive yields, indicating a strong potential for income generation for investors [1] - The company anticipates growth rates in the mid- to upper-single digits, suggesting a positive outlook for its operational performance [1]

Sempra (NYSE:SRE) Value Creation Update Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Sempra (NYSE:SRE) - **Date of Call**: September 23, 2025 - **Key Management Present**: Jeff Martin (CEO), Karen Sedgwick (CFO), Justin Bird (CEO of Sempra Infrastructure), Faisal Khan (CFO of Sempra Infrastructure), Diana Day (Chief Legal Counsel) Key Industry and Company Insights Strategic Initiatives - Sempra launched five strategic initiatives aimed at simplifying its business model, reducing risk, and creating value for shareholders in the near term [4][6] - The company announced the sale of a 45% equity stake in Sempra Infrastructure for approximately $10 billion, implying an enterprise value of nearly $32 billion at a 13.8x EBITDA multiple [5][14] Financial Implications - The transaction is expected to result in average annual EPS accretion of $0.20 starting in 2027, with cash proceeds structured to improve capital efficiency [7][16] - Sempra will retain a 25% interest in Sempra Infrastructure, which is expected to deconsolidate from Sempra's financials, improving the balance sheet by removing approximately $10 billion of debt [6][43] Project Developments - Positive final investment decision (FID) for Port Arthur LNG Phase Two was announced, with commercial operations targeted for 2030 and 2031 [11][12] - Estimated capital expenditures for Port Arthur Phase Two are around $12 billion, with expected unlevered after-tax returns exceeding 13% [12][13] Market Position and Growth - The company aims to achieve 95% of its earnings from regulated utility businesses, up from 81% in 2024 [9] - Sempra's strategy focuses on building a leading utility growth business, particularly in Texas, while reducing reliance on common equity issuances [10][31] Additional Important Points Capital Recycling and Future Plans - Sempra has raised over $15 billion through various stake sales in Sempra Infrastructure over the last five years, with a compounded annual growth rate of roughly 20% in overall equity value [14][15] - The company is committed to a capital recycling program to minimize reliance on issuing common equity, with a focus on maintaining a strong balance sheet [17][96] Regulatory and Legislative Developments - The management team has successfully secured wildfire legislation in California, which is crucial for risk management and operational excellence [89] - Ongoing discussions with credit rating agencies indicate a positive outlook for the company's credit profile post-transaction [41][44] Management and Leadership - The management team remains committed to maintaining continuity and momentum through the transition, with Justin Bird expected to continue leading Sempra Infrastructure until the transaction closes [102] Conclusion - Sempra is positioned for significant growth and value creation through strategic initiatives, capital recycling, and a focus on regulated utility earnings. The recent equity stake sale and developments in LNG projects are expected to enhance the company's financial strength and market position moving forward [16][17]

Transaction Overview - Sempra is selling a 45% ownership stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners for $10 billion[14] - The transaction implies an equity value of $22.2 billion and an enterprise value (EV) of $31.7 billion for Sempra Infrastructure Partners[14] - The EV/EBITDA multiple for the transaction is 13.8x[14] - The transaction is projected to result in an average EPS accretion of $0.20 on a full-year basis[14, 20] - The transaction is expected to close in Q2 – Q3 2026[14, 21] Financial Implications - The sale eliminates common equity needs in the 2025 – 2029 capital plan[20, 31] - Sempra is affirming its FY-2025 adjusted EPS guidance range of $4.30 – $4.70 and FY-2026 adjusted EPS guidance range of $4.80 – $5.30[31] - The company is targeting a 7% – 9% projected EPS CAGR for 2025 through 2029[31] Strategic Shift - The transaction sharpens Sempra's focus on becoming a leading U S utility growth business[19, 31] - The regulated business mix is expected to increase from approximately 81% pre-sale to a target of 95%[19, 34] - The sale reduces exposure to non-utility investments[19, 31] Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 - A final investment decision (FID) has been taken for Port Arthur LNG Phase 2[9, 23] - Sempra's pro-forma ownership in Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 will be 12.5%[24, 39] - The project is targeting an unlevered after-tax return of 13.2% to Sempra with an expected pro-forma equity requirement of $1 billion[26, 39]