Oct 9, 2025 7:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time PORTLAND, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of Northwest Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) has increased the quarterly dividend to 49.25 cents per share on the Company's common stock. The dividend will be paid on Nov. 14, 2025 to shareholders of record on Oct. 31, 2025. The Company's indicated annual dividend rate is $1.97 per share. About NW Natural Holdings NWN Gas Utility is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to ...

Company highlights safety advances, renewable energy investments, and emissions reduction efforts The Company's ESG activities and performance are overseen by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors as well as leadership from Southwest Gas, ensuring ESG practices are adopted throughout the Company. The complete report is available here: www.swgasholdings.com/esg About Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its primary operating subsidiary Sout ...

Core Insights - Duke Energy has selected three properties in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky for its 2025 Site Readiness Program, aimed at preparing high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development investments [1][4]. Group 1: Economic Impact - Since 2010, Duke Energy's Site Readiness Program has evaluated 42 sites in Ohio and Kentucky, resulting in 20 companies committing to grow on these sites, which collectively bring over $2 billion in capital investments and 5,400 new jobs to the region [2][6]. - In 2024 alone, Duke Energy facilitated the recruitment of $548 million in new capital investment and over 1,000 jobs across Ohio and Kentucky [4]. Group 2: Program Details - The Site Readiness Program helps communities enhance their competitiveness for economic development, leading to new jobs and a broader tax base [3]. - Duke Energy collaborates with the Site Selection Group, Bayer Becker, REDI Cincinnati, BE NKY Growth Partnership, and local governments to implement the program [3]. Group 3: Selected Properties - The three properties selected for the 2025 program include: 1. Frick Family Farms in Monroe, Ohio (Butler County) 2. Union Ren Farms in Middletown, Ohio (Warren County) 3. Commonwealth Commerce Center in Northern Kentucky (Pendleton County) [4]. Group 4: Recognition - Duke Energy has been recognized for 21 consecutive years by Site Selection magazine as one of the "Top Utilities in Economic Development" [4].

Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources is focusing on its regulated energy delivery business following the spinoff of Knife River and Everus Construction, with long-term capital investments aimed at improving service reliability and expanding its customer base [1][2] Group 1: Growth Opportunities - MDU Resources anticipates long-term earnings per share (EPS) growth of 6-8% and expects to see 1-2% annual customer growth in its electric and natural gas segments through 2026 [2][8] - The company plans to invest approximately $3.1 billion in regulated capital expenditures from 2025 to 2029 to enhance service reliability and accommodate a growing customer base [3][8] - MDU has signed electric service agreements for 580 megawatts (MW) of data center load, with 180 MW currently online and additional capacity expected to come online in the coming years [4][8] Group 2: Challenges - A significant portion of MDU's natural gas pipelines and transmission facilities is aging, which poses risks of equipment failure, pipeline leaks, and power line fires, potentially impacting operational results [5] - The company's operations are highly seasonal, leading to significant fluctuations in revenues and expenses across quarterly periods [6] Group 3: Stock Performance - Over the past month, MDU's shares have decreased by 7.1%, contrasting with a 1.4% growth in the industry [7]

Core Viewpoint - MDU Resources has announced a 7.7% increase in its quarterly dividend rate, raising it to 14 cents per share, reflecting the company's commitment to providing reliable long-term value to its investors [1][11]. Dividend Increase - The new annualized dividend is now 56 cents per share, up from 52 cents, with a current dividend yield of 3.16%, significantly higher than the Zacks S&P 500 composite average of 1.15% [2][11]. Historical Performance - MDU Resources has maintained uninterrupted dividend payments for 87 years, showcasing its reliability and dedication to shareholder returns [3][11]. Growth Prospects - The company anticipates long-term earnings per share growth of 6-8% and expects to see 1-2% customer growth annually in its electric and natural gas segments through 2026 [4][5]. Capital Expenditures - MDU Resources plans to invest $3.06 billion from 2025 to 2029 to enhance the reliability of its services and accommodate a growing customer base [5]. Data Center Opportunities - MDU has secured electric service agreements for 580 megawatts (MW) of data center load, with 180 MW currently online and an additional 100 MW expected to come online later this year [6]. Industry Context - The utility sector is characterized by stable operations and earnings, allowing companies like MDU to reward shareholders with regular dividends. Other companies in the sector, such as Chesapeake Utilities, The Southern Company, and PPL Corporation, have also recently increased their dividend rates [7].

Core Viewpoint - August 11 is recognized as National Safe Digging Day, emphasizing the importance of calling 811 before any excavation to prevent damage to underground utility lines [1][10]. Group 1: Importance of Calling 811 - The initiative encourages contractors, homeowners, and business owners to call 811 at least three business days prior to any digging project [3][5]. - Local utilities will mark underground lines with stakes, flags, or paint to prevent accidental damage [3][5]. Group 2: Damage Statistics - Duke Energy reported over 5,000 damages to underground electric and natural gas lines from January to June 2025 across its service territories [11]. - Specifically, there were about 290 damages to underground natural gas facilities and 89 damages to the underground electric network in Ohio and Kentucky [11]. - In 2024, Duke Energy recorded more than 8,870 damages to natural gas and electric lines [11]. Group 3: Company Overview - Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky serves 920,000 customers in a 3,000-square-mile area for electric service and 560,000 customers for natural gas in Ohio and Kentucky [7]. - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company, serves 8.6 million customers across multiple states and has a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts [8].

Core Insights - Avista Corp. reported a net income of $14 million for Q2 2025, a decrease from $23 million in Q2 2024, and year-to-date net income of $93 million, slightly down from $94 million in the same period last year [1][2][3] - Earnings per diluted share for Q2 2025 were $0.17, down from $0.29 in Q2 2024, while year-to-date earnings per diluted share were $1.15, compared to $1.20 in 2024 [1][2][3] - The company expressed disappointment over lower valuations in its investment portfolio, particularly in clean technology, due to shifting public policy and sentiment [1] Financial Performance - Avista Utilities contributed $23 million to net income in Q2 2025, down from $24 million in Q2 2024, and $101 million year-to-date, up from $91 million [1][2] - AEL&P's net income remained stable at $1 million for both Q2 2025 and Q2 2024, but year-to-date income decreased from $5 million in 2024 to $4 million in 2025 [1][2] - The other non-reportable segment incurred a loss of $10 million in Q2 2025, compared to a loss of $2 million in Q2 2024, and a loss of $12 million year-to-date, up from $2 million in 2024 [1][2] Revenue and Margins - Electric utility margin increased by $14 million in Q2 2025, attributed to general rate cases, customer growth, and non-decoupled load growth [4] - Natural gas utility margin rose by $5 million in Q2 2025, also due to general rate cases and customer growth [4] - Other operating expenses increased by $11 million in Q2 2025, driven by higher employee salaries, benefits, and thermal generation costs [5] Capital Expenditures and Investments - Avista Utilities' capital expenditures for the first half of 2025 were $236 million, with expectations of approximately $525 million for the full year [11][12] - AEL&P's capital expenditures were $10 million in the first half of 2025, with a projected total of $21 million for the year [12] - The company plans to invest $5 million in non-regulated investment opportunities and economic development projects in 2025 [13] Guidance and Outlook - Avista Corp. confirmed its 2025 consolidated earnings guidance in the range of $2.52 to $2.72 per diluted share, expecting to be at the low end due to losses in other businesses [14] - Avista Utilities is projected to contribute earnings between $2.43 and $2.61 per diluted share, supported by strong performance and regulatory outcomes [15] - AEL&P is expected to contribute earnings in the range of $0.09 to $0.11 per diluted share in 2025 [16]

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported GAAP earnings per share of $0.38, a 35% increase compared to the same quarter last year [4] - Net income for the gas business was $17,500,000, contributing to strong overall performance [5] - Revenues increased by 18.5% year-over-year, rising from $434,400,000 to $514,900,000 [24][25] - Earnings per share increased by 35.7% year-over-year, driven by favorable rate case outcomes and increased gas volume [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The water business is expected to see annual rate base growth of 6% through 2029, not including acquisitions [15] - The gas business experienced strong revenue growth due to higher gas usage and favorable rate outcomes [24] - The water business contributed $2,100,000 to revenue growth, although lower water volumes offset some gains [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company serves over a million customers with a rate base exceeding $7,000,000,000 across eight states [15] - In Texas, the company has grown by nearly 25,000 connections over the last ten years, with another 90,000 under contract or negotiation [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is reaffirming its capital investment plans with a target of approximately $1,400,000,000 in infrastructure investment for 2025 [5] - The focus remains on growing the water and wastewater business through acquisitions, with recent purchases totaling approximately $58,000,000 [32] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet and deliver consistent dividend growth while keeping the payout ratio between 60-65% [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth opportunities, particularly in Pennsylvania due to low energy costs attracting hyperscalers [7][70] - The company is committed to addressing PFAS regulations and sees potential for acquisition growth as municipalities begin to comply with new standards [20][74] - Management expects GAAP earnings per share to exceed the guidance range of $2.07 to $2.11, driven by strong performance and non-recurring benefits [5][46] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors approved a 5.25% increase in the dividend, continuing a 30-year tradition of dividend growth [10] - The company has been recognized for its community engagement efforts, being named one of Greater Philadelphia's most community-minded businesses [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on quarterly earnings guidance - Management confirmed that GAAP earnings are expected to be above the guidance range due to strong revenue and some positive tax items [41][46] Question: Trends in cash flow and PFAS settlements - Management indicated a target for funds from operations (FFO) to be above 12% and expects to receive approximately $45,000,000 in PFAS proceeds this year [48][49] Question: Insights on Pennsylvania's regulatory environment - Management noted a positive engagement with the new consumer advocate and expressed hope for constructive relationships with all advocates [54][55] Question: Fair market value and acquisition strategy - Management stated they might consider paying above the reasonable review ratio if significant rate base growth is anticipated [58] Question: Tax rate modeling for future years - Management advised to expect a low single-digit benefit for 2025 and a low single-digit expense for 2026 [61]

Core Points - Black Hills Corp.'s natural gas utility subsidiary in Kansas received approval for new rates from the Kansas Corporation Commission, allowing recovery of approximately $118 million in system investments since the last rate filing in 2021 [1][2] - The approved settlement will generate approximately $10.8 million in new annual revenues and migrate about $4.4 million in annual rider revenue to base rates, resulting in a total annual base rate revenue increase of $15.2 million, effective August 1, 2025 [2][3] - The settlement allows the continued use of the Gas System Reliability Surcharge (GSRS) for safety-focused pipeline replacements and includes a new insurance tracker with deferred accounting treatment [3] Company Overview - Black Hills Corp. is a growth-oriented utility company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, serving 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming [4]