National Fuel Gas pany(NFG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - National Fuel Gas Company reported a 66% increase in adjusted operating results compared to the previous year, driven by higher natural gas prices and lower per unit operating costs at Seneca [15][29] - The company narrowed its earnings guidance for fiscal 2025 to a range of $6.80 to $6.95 per share, reflecting positive momentum across the company despite a reduction in NYMEX forecast from $3.50 to $3.25 for the fourth quarter [15][16] - For fiscal 2026, the company anticipates earnings per share in the range of $8.00 to $8.50, representing a 20% increase from fiscal 2025 at the midpoint [17][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production at Seneca increased by 16% year-over-year, with guidance for full-year production expected to rise approximately 8% compared to fiscal 2024 [4][5] - The company raised its production guidance for fiscal 2025 to a new target range of 420 Bcf to 425 Bcf, an 8% increase at the midpoint year-over-year [30] - For fiscal 2026, production is projected to grow by 6% at the midpoint, with capital expenditures expected to decrease by 4% [31][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The natural gas market outlook remains constructive, supported by strong supply and demand fundamentals, with U.S. LNG demand exceeding 16 Bcf per day [33][34] - The company noted that while U.S. gas production has increased, storage levels have remained near the five-year average, indicating resilient structural demand [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - National Fuel is focused on organic growth, with ongoing investments in modernization and expansion projects, including the Shippingport Lateral and Tioga Pathway projects [7][25] - The company aims to achieve mid-single-digit rate base growth over the next several years while continuing to invest in system modernization [6][28] - Management emphasized the importance of infrastructure to support growing energy demand, particularly in Pennsylvania, where significant investments have been announced [7][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the natural gas industry's future, highlighting that demand for natural gas is at all-time highs both domestically and abroad [13][14] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on new infrastructure developments and has a strong balance sheet to support growth initiatives [28] - Management acknowledged the need for permitting reform to facilitate larger-scale projects in the future [77] Other Important Information - The company raised its dividend for the 55th consecutive year to an annual rate of $2.14 per share, reflecting strong results and confidence in the long-term outlook [10] - National Fuel's capital spending guidance for fiscal 2025 remains unchanged, with a modest increase projected for fiscal 2026 due to inflationary pressures [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the buyback pause and capital allocation - Management indicated that the decision to pause the buyback program was driven by capital allocation priorities, focusing on balance sheet flexibility for growth opportunities [39][40] Question: Impact of cash taxes in 2026 and beyond - Management expects cash tax rates to be in the high single digits for the current year, moving to low to mid-single digits next year due to changes in tax legislation [42][43] Question: Tioga Pathway project spending cadence - Construction for the Tioga Pathway project will begin in spring, with the bulk of spending occurring in summer as contractors install the lines [46] Question: Industry trends on service costs - Management noted that while there are inflationary pressures, they do not expect significant increases in service costs and anticipate a neutral to slightly down trend overall [48][49] Question: Supply agreements with new egress in Northeast Pennsylvania - Management expressed excitement about opportunities arising from new egress projects and highlighted the company's strong position due to deep inventory and an investment-grade credit rating [52][53] Question: Growth opportunities in regulated pipeline investments - Management emphasized organic growth as the top priority, with ongoing projects like Shippingport and Tioga Pathway seen as important steps, while larger-scale projects will require permitting reform [75][77]