Atmos Energy (ATO) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Individual investors often f ...

Core Insights - Spire Inc. (SR) is enhancing its operations through significant investments, which are aimed at meeting the rising demand from an expanding consumer base. The company's technological advancements are improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing service quality [1] Investment Plans - Spire plans to invest $875 million in fiscal 2025, an increase from the previous guidance of $840 million. This capital plan focuses on reliability, new service connections, and the completion of advanced meter installations in Spire Missouri. Over the next decade, Spire projects a total of $7.4 billion in capital investments, expecting to support a long-term rate base growth of 7-8% [2][8] Technological Advancements - The company is advancing the deployment of ultrasonic meters across its utilities to enhance customer experience. In fiscal 2024, Spire installed over 350,000 advanced meters, bringing the total number of customers benefiting from this technology to 850,000 [3] Expansion Strategy - Spire is expanding its customer base through acquisitions, which allows for an extended geographic reach and improved infrastructure. In July 2025, Spire signed an agreement to acquire Piedmont Natural Gas's Tennessee local distribution business for $2.48 billion, adding nearly 3,800 miles of distribution and transmission pipelines and expanding into the Nashville metro area, one of the fastest-growing regions in the U.S. [4][8] Stock Performance - Over the past year, Spire's shares have increased by 17.6%, outperforming the industry average rise of 9.2% [7]

Group 1 - Unitil Corporation announced a registered offering of $65 million of shares of its common stock, with an option for underwriters to purchase an additional $9.75 million [1][2] - The net proceeds from the offering will be used for equity capital contributions to regulated utility subsidiaries, repayment of indebtedness, and general corporate purposes [2] - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Scotia Capital (USA) Inc. are acting as active bookrunners for the offering, with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC as the bookrunner [3] Group 2 - The offering will be made by means of a prospectus supplement under the Company's effective registration statement filed with the SEC [4] - Unitil Corporation provides energy services in New England, serving approximately 109,400 electric customers and 97,600 natural gas customers [6]

Group 1 - Hope Utilities has entered into an agreement to construct a natural gas pipeline for a fuel cell project by American Electric Power, aimed at powering a data center in central Ohio [1][2] - The pipeline, to be built and maintained by Northeast Ohio Natural Gas Corporation, is expected to be operational by October 2026, providing necessary capabilities to meet customer requirements [2] - The investment in the pipeline is part of a broader strategy to enhance economic development in Ohio through infrastructure upgrades and community investments [3] Group 2 - Hope Utilities operates natural gas and water distribution utilities across six states, serving over 200,000 customers [4] - Northeast Ohio Natural Gas Corporation has been providing natural gas service to more than 36,000 customers in 31 Ohio counties since 1986 [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.04 for Q2 2025, up 21% from 2024, marking the fourth consecutive quarterly increase in earnings relative to the prior year period [7] - Adjusted gross margin was approximately $143 million, up 13% from 2024, driven by investments in infrastructure and operational efficiencies [24] - Adjusted net income was approximately $24 million, up 26% from 2024, reflecting strong performance despite a higher share count [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The regulated segment's adjusted gross margin was approximately $118 million, up 14% from the previous year, driven by organic growth and increased rates from recent rate cases [26] - The unregulated energy segment's adjusted gross margin was up 7% to approximately $25 million, with growth from Marlin Gas Services and Full Circle Dairy, offset by a reduction in propane margins [27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Year-to-date residential customer growth was 4.2% in Delmarva and 3% in Florida compared to the first half of last year, indicating strong demand for natural gas [8] - The company is seeing increased interest from multifamily developments opting for natural gas instead of all-electric builds, which supports overall growth strategy [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three pillars of growth: identifying and deploying capital, managing regulatory agendas, and transforming business operations to maintain top quartile growth and shareholder returns [10] - A five-year capital investment plan of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion has been initiated, with approximately 70% requiring no additional regulatory approval [16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving the full year 2025 EPS guidance of $6.15 to $6.35, contingent on a successful outcome of the Florida City Gas depreciation study [7][32] - The company is committed to long-term EPS growth of 8% through 2028, supported by ongoing capital investments and operational excellence [31] Other Important Information - The company has increased its 2025 full-year capital expenditure guidance to $375 million to $425 million, reflecting growing demand for natural gas [8] - The company has successfully completed three rate cases, resulting in annual revenue increases of $3.5 million in Maryland, $6.1 million in Delaware, and $8.6 million in Florida [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Was the successful outcome in the FCG depreciation study assumed in the 2025 guidance? - Yes, the successful outcome was considered within the full guidance range for 2025 [35] Question: How does the company plan to fund the additional CapEx for this year? - The company plans to maintain its target capital structure and utilize available capacity from its revolving credit facility and long-term debt placements [37][39] Question: When will the company refresh its key guidance structure? - The company expects to evaluate and potentially refresh its capital guidance for 2026 in February, as it is still early in the current guidance period [40]

Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for Q2 2025 was $1.04, a 21% increase compared to $0.86 in Q2 2024[16, 24] - Adjusted Gross Margin for Q2 2025 reached $142.8 million, up 13% from Q2 2024[24] - Adjusted Net Income for Q2 2025 was $24.3 million, a 26% increase from Q2 2024[24] - Year-to-date Adjusted EPS reached $3.25, a 10% increase from YTD 2024[21, 25] - Year-to-date Adjusted Gross Margin was $325.2 million, up 12% from YTD 2024[25] - Year-to-date Adjusted Net Income was $75.4 million, a 14% increase from YTD 2024[25] Capital Expenditure and Projects - The company increased its 2025 capital expenditure guidance by $50 million, with a new range of $375 million to $425 million[17, 30] - A new Ohio pipeline project, with a capital investment of $10 million, will serve a fuel cell powering a data center and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2027[17, 44] - The Worcester Resiliency Upgrade (WRU) project, a $100 million FERC-approved LNG storage facility, is expected to add $3.9 million of additional full-year margin[46, 49, 50] Regulatory and Strategic Initiatives - Final orders were received for all three active rate cases in Delaware, Maryland, and Florida[17] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 Adjusted EPS guidance range of $6.15 to $6.35[30]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for the second quarter was $32 million or $0.53 per diluted share, compared to $27.2 million or $0.48 in the same period last year, reflecting a year-over-year increase [4][8] - The company raised its full-year 2025 financial guidance, now expecting net income between $261 million and $267 million and earnings per diluted share between $4.32 and $4.42, both 2.5% above the respective midpoints of the initial guidance ranges [5][7] - Operating and maintenance expenses increased by 7.5% year over year in the second quarter, primarily due to higher labor-related expenses [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the second quarter increased by approximately $21.1 million from new rates and $1.5 million from continued customer growth [8] - The company installed nearly 11,400 new meters through the first half of the year, sustaining a momentum of over 9% year-over-year increase in new customer additions [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved a $41.1 million revenue increase effective in June, and Texas Gas Service filed a rate case requesting a $41.1 million increase [11][12] - The Kansas Corporation Commission approved a $7.2 million increase under the gas system reliability surcharge statute, with new rates taking effect this month [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined execution and long-term growth, with a commitment to system integrity and responding to community needs [18][39] - The Austin system reinforcement project is highlighted as a significant capital investment aimed at expanding system capacity to support growing demand [14][40] - The company is pursuing opportunities in data centers, advanced manufacturing, and utility-scale generation, aiming to enhance system resiliency and align with customer needs [17][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong operational and financial results for the first half of the year and the positive impact of Texas House Bill 4,384 on financials [4][5] - The company remains optimistic about growth opportunities in Texas and other jurisdictions, driven by positive migration trends and job creation [39][40] Other Important Information - The company declared a dividend of $0.67 per share, unchanged from the previous quarter [10] - The company completed $190 million in capital projects during the second quarter, in line with the same period last year [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of House Bill 4,384 on financials - Management explained that the bill extends deferrals and accruals to all capital expenditures in Texas, potentially adding $4 million to $5 million of annual pretax earnings [24][28] Question: Long-term growth rate considerations - Management confirmed that the updated midpoint of guidance for 2025 will be used as the base for the new five-year range [34] Question: Texas capital plans and growth - Management stated that there will be no significant changes to the capital plans due to the bill, but growth in Texas jurisdictions is expected to continue [38] Question: Texas rate case and consolidation benefits - Management highlighted that consolidation will lead to efficiency, reducing administrative costs and benefiting customers [47] Question: Opportunities in power load growth and data centers - Management indicated that there are significant inbound inquiries for data center opportunities, and they are pursuing projects that enhance system resiliency [50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The trailing twelve-month return on equity (ROE) increased to 8.3% from 8% in the previous two years [7] - Full year net income guidance is reaffirmed at $265 million to $275 million [9][40] - The utility reported record net income for 2025 with modest increases in operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses compared to the previous year [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility segment saw higher margins supported by rate relief and continued customer growth, with a $26.6 million increase in utility operating margin [28][30] - O&M expenses increased by $7 million, primarily due to higher labor and benefit costs [31] - Other income increased by $3.6 million, driven by gains from COLI policies and a one-time nonoperating gain [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Approximately 40,000 new meter sets were added over the last twelve months, indicating robust growth in the utility's service area [14][26] - The Great Basin expansion project received significant interest, with potential capacity requests estimated at 1.76 billion cubic feet per day [15][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position itself as a premier pure play, fully regulated natural gas business, focusing on operational and financial performance improvements [6] - The regulatory strategy includes pursuing alternative ratemaking in Nevada, which is expected to reduce regulatory lag and support price stability [7][22] - The company plans to invest approximately $4.3 billion over the next five years to support safety, reliability, and economic development [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory strategy and the positive economic outlook in service areas, which supports growth [40] - The company is optimistic about the impacts of the new legislation in Nevada and the completion of the Arizona rate case [20][21] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to support capital investments and stockholder value [13][38] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed two secondary public offerings of Century shares, generating over $470 million in net proceeds used to repay debt [10][34] - The company no longer expects to issue new equity under its ATM program in 2025 [13][35] - The balance sheet remains strong, with over $350 million in cash and more than $1 billion in liquidity [14][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on Great Basin expansion and return profile - Management confirmed that the increase in the project cost range is purely volume-driven from additional shipper requests for capacity [45][46] Question: Timeline for Nevada rate case and alternative rate making - Management indicated that the Nevada rate case and the new legislation could work complementarily, and they do not see an advantage in delaying the next rate case [50][51] Question: Duration and cadence of Arizona rate case - Management is evaluating the timing of the next Arizona rate case and the potential for formula rates, considering ongoing rate cases in the state [60][61] Question: Clarification on COLI gains and interest savings - Management confirmed that the COLI gains contributed positively to the corporate segment, and interest savings from debt repayment will continue to benefit the company [64][65] Question: Confidence in Great Basin project and CPCN filing - Management expressed confidence in proceeding with the CPCN filing once sufficient precedent agreements are signed, indicating strong project viability [68][70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a trailing twelve-month return on equity (ROE) of 8.3%, an increase from 8% in the previous two years [8] - Full year net income guidance remains between $265 million to $275 million [9] - The utility reported record net income for 2025 with modest increases in operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses compared to the previous year [9][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The utility segment saw higher margins supported by rate relief and continued customer growth, with utility operating margin increasing by $26.6 million [29][31] - O&M expenses increased by $7 million year-over-year, primarily due to higher labor and benefit costs [32] - Other income increased by $3.6 million, driven by gains from COLI policies and a one-time nonoperating gain from an asset sale [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added approximately 40,000 new meter sets over the last twelve months, indicating robust growth driven by strong economic activity in its service area [14][27] - The Great Basin expansion project received significant interest, with potential shippers requesting approximately 1.76 billion cubic feet of capacity per day [16][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position itself as a premier pure play, fully regulated natural gas business, focusing on operational and financial performance improvements [7] - The regulatory strategy includes pursuing alternative ratemaking in Nevada, which is expected to reduce regulatory lag and support price stability [8][11] - The company plans to invest approximately $4.3 billion over the next five years to support safety, reliability, and economic development across its service territories [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the regulatory strategy and the completion of the Arizona rate case, which is expected to positively impact future earnings [41] - The company anticipates that the regulatory cycle will result in nonlinear net income growth, with a focus on maintaining flat O&M per customer trends [41][42] - Management highlighted the importance of customer service and executing strategic priorities while delivering strong financial results [43] Other Important Information - The company successfully executed two secondary public offerings of Century shares, generating over $470 million in net proceeds, which were used to repay debt [10][34] - The company has no plans to issue new equity in 2025 following the Century sell-downs [13][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more granularity on the Great Basin expansion? - Management confirmed that the increase in the project cost range is purely volume-driven due to additional shippers requesting incremental capacity [46][47] Question: How should we think about the return profile of the Great Basin investment? - Management indicated that the return profile would be based on the FERC authorized rate of return and that AFUDC would apply to the project [48][51] Question: Will you consider delaying a traditional rate case filing in Nevada to help accelerate formula rates? - Management stated that they do not see an advantage in delaying the next rate case, as both processes can work complementarily [52][53] Question: How long do you think the Nevada Commission will take to sort out the SB 417 process? - Management anticipates that the rulemaking process could be completed within the next twelve months [58][60] Question: What are your thoughts on the cadence and duration of the Arizona rate case? - Management is evaluating whether to accelerate the timing of the next Arizona rate case, considering the preference for formula rates expressed by the commission [61][62] Question: Can we infer that you feel comfortable with the level of agreements signed for the Great Basin project if you make the CPCN filing? - Management confirmed that the CPCN filing would indicate confidence in the agreements signed to date [69][73]

Core Insights - ONE Gas, Inc. reported strong operational performance in the second quarter of 2025, leading to increased financial guidance for the year [2][15] - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.67 per share, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders [6][15] Financial Performance - For Q2 2025, ONE Gas reported operating income of $71.9 million, up from $69.3 million in Q2 2024, driven by regulatory mechanisms that mitigated the impact of weather [3][38] - Net income for Q2 2025 was $32.0 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, compared to $27.2 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, in Q2 2024 [6][38] - Year-to-date net income for 2025 reached $151.5 million, or $2.51 per diluted share, compared to $126.6 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, in the same period last year [6][38] Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures and asset removal costs for Q2 2025 were $190.1 million, slightly lower than $194.6 million in the same period last year [5][38] - Year-to-date capital expenditures totaled $367.8 million, compared to $374.0 million in the first half of 2024 [9][38] Regulatory Activities - Texas Gas Service filed a rate case in June 2025, requesting a $41.1 million revenue increase, with new rates expected to take effect in Q1 2026 [10] - Oklahoma Natural Gas reached a settlement for a $41.1 million base rate revenue increase, effective from June 2025 [12][14] Financial Guidance - The company raised its 2025 financial guidance, expecting net income in the range of $261 million to $267 million, up from the previous range of $254 million to $261 million [15] - Earnings per diluted share guidance was increased to approximately $4.32 to $4.42, from a prior range of $4.20 to $4.32 [15] Customer Metrics - ONE Gas serves over 2.3 million customers across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, with a slight increase in customer numbers compared to the previous year [19][38] - The average number of residential customers was 2,124 thousand in Q2 2025, compared to 2,106 thousand in Q2 2024 [38]