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National Fuel Gas Company (NFG)
NYSE:NFG

National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) AI Stock Analysis

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National Fuel Gas Company

(NYSE:NFG)

Rating:70Outperform
Price Target:
National Fuel Gas Company demonstrates strong operational performance with stable cash flow, bolstered by recent earnings growth and positive technical indicators. However, high leverage and a negative P/E ratio pose significant risks. The upward revision in earnings guidance and strong demand outlook are strong positives, but regulatory challenges and valuation concerns weigh on the overall score.
Positive Factors
Earnings
The company's adjusted earnings per share exceeded expectations due to lower operating and maintenance costs and higher non-service pension and post-retirement benefits.
Guidance
National Fuel Gas updated its earnings guidance for 2025 higher, driven by increased production and reduced expenses.
Hedging Strategy
National Fuel Gas has effectively managed its hedging strategy, increasing its hedged volume for 2025 and 2026 to provide more stability.
Negative Factors
Natural Gas Prices
Given the company’s relatively lower leverage to natural gas prices, it is seen as a disadvantage when compared to similar natural gas companies.
Revenue Impact
New rates approved by FERC are expected to result in a modest decline in revenue, reducing it by $500,000 annually.
Stock Buyback
The buyback pace has slowed as the company seeks more flexibility amidst current macroeconomic uncertainties.

National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

National Fuel Gas Company Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionNational Fuel Gas Company operates as a diversified energy company. It operates through four segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Gathering, and Utility. The Exploration and Production segment explores for, develops, and produces natural gas and oil in California and in the Appalachian region of the United States. As of September 30, 2021, it had proved developed and undeveloped reserves of 21,537 thousand barrels of oil and 3,723,433 million cubic feet of natural gas. The Pipeline and Storage segment provides interstate natural gas transportation and storage services through an integrated gas pipeline system in Pennsylvania and New York; and owns and operates underground natural gas storage fields. This segment also transports natural gas for National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, as well as for other utilities, industrial companies, and power producers in New York State; and owns and operates the Empire Pipeline. The Gathering segment builds, owns, and operates natural gas processing and pipeline gathering facilities in the Appalachian region, as well as provides gathering services to Seneca Resources Company, LLC. The Utility segment sells natural gas or provides natural gas transportation services to approximately 753,000 customers in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Jamestown, New York; and Erie and Sharon, Pennsylvania. The company markets gas to industrial, wholesale, commercial, public authority, and residential customers primarily in western and central New York, and northwestern Pennsylvania. As of September 30, 2021, the company also owned approximately 95,000 acres of timber property; and managed approximately 2,500 additional acres of timber cutting rights. National Fuel Gas Company was incorporated in 1902 and is headquartered in Williamsville, New York.
How the Company Makes MoneyNational Fuel Gas Company generates revenue through its diversified operations across multiple segments. The Exploration and Production segment focuses on the extraction of natural gas and oil, selling these resources to the market. The Pipeline and Storage segment earns income by transporting and storing natural gas through its extensive network of pipelines and storage facilities, charging fees for these services. The Utility segment provides natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers, collecting revenue through regulated rates. Additionally, the Energy Marketing segment involves the sale of natural gas to wholesale, commercial, and industrial customers, generating revenue through purchasing agreements and market sales. Strategic partnerships and regulatory frameworks in its operational regions further support NFG's revenue streams.

National Fuel Gas Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 10.37%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 31, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant growth in earnings, production, and strong demand outlooks for National Fuel Gas Company. However, regulatory challenges and delays in the share buyback program were noted as concerns. Overall, the positive aspects significantly outweigh the negatives.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Earnings Increase
National Fuel Gas Company reported a more than 30% increase in earnings compared to last year, driven by momentum across all business segments.
Production Growth
Seneca Resources reported an 8% sequential growth in production, with outstanding well results from the Utica program in Elliott County.
Utility Earnings Boost
The utility segment saw an earnings per share increase of $0.22, primarily due to a rate settlement approved by the New York PSC.
Successful Hedging Strategy
The company added 76 Bcf of swaps and collars for fiscal '26 and '27 with swaps executed at over $4 and collars with a floor of $4 and cap of $5.50.
Record Production and Throughput
Seneca achieved record production of almost 106 Bcf, driving all-time high gathering volumes of nearly 130 Bcf.
Strong Demand Outlook
The outlook for natural gas remains strong, with increasing demand from LNG exports and domestic energy needs, positioning National Fuel well to capture market share.
Debt Refinancing
National Fuel issued $1 billion in new notes, achieving record low credit spreads and managing fixed income liabilities effectively.
Negative Updates
Rate Decrease at Empire Pipeline
The company agreed to a modest $500,000 rate decrease at Empire Pipeline, which will take effect in November.
Regulatory and Litigation Challenges
Significant energy infrastructure projects face substantial regulatory and litigation risks, which may impact future developments.
Buyback Program Adjustment
The company reduced its buyback activity amid broader macroeconomic uncertainty, potentially delaying the completion of the buyback program.
Company Guidance
During the National Fuel Gas Company Q2 Fiscal 2025 Earnings Conference Call, several key metrics and guidance updates were discussed. The company reported a more than 30% increase in earnings compared to last year, driven by strong performance across its businesses, including an 8% sequential growth in production. The utility segment saw earnings per share rise by $0.22, influenced by a rate settlement approved by the New York PSC. Earnings guidance for adjusted operating results was updated to a range of $6.75 to $7.05 per share, reflecting a $0.15 per share increase from prior guidance, based on a NYMEX price of $3.50 per MMBtu. The company highlighted a capital efficiency trajectory, with production increasing and capital costs decreasing over the next few years. Additionally, recent improvements in well design have led to record production levels, with notable success in their Utica program, contributing to these metrics.

National Fuel Gas Company Financial Statement Overview

Summary
National Fuel Gas Company shows operational strength with stable margins and effective cash flow management, though it faces challenges with revenue consistency and high leverage. The TTM period highlights concerns about profitability and equity dependence, suggesting the need for careful strategic planning to enhance financial stability and growth.
Income Statement
68
Positive
The company demonstrated strong gross profit margins, though net income has been volatile. The recent TTM data shows negative net income, indicating potential challenges. Revenue growth has been inconsistent, with a noticeable decline in the latest TTM period compared to prior years. EBIT and EBITDA margins are stable, suggesting operational efficiency despite revenue fluctuations.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet shows a high debt-to-equity ratio, indicating significant leverage which poses a risk in volatile markets. The equity ratio has decreased, showing reduced equity financing. However, historical ROE has been strong, reflecting effective use of equity. The latest TTM balance sheet shows a very low stockholders' equity, raising concerns about financial stability.
Cash Flow
72
Positive
Cash flow analysis reveals strong operating cash flow relative to net income, highlighting good cash generation capabilities. Free cash flow has been positive yet fluctuating, with recent growth in free cash flow suggesting improved capital management. The free cash flow to net income ratio indicates efficient conversion of income into cash.
BreakdownTTMSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.07B1.94B2.17B2.19B1.74B1.55B
Gross Profit1.02B817.70M847.85M902.96M759.72M567.70M
EBITDA737.13M691.71M1.18B1.19B970.13M325.73M
Net Income39.56M77.51M476.87M566.02M363.65M-123.77M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets8.48B8.32B8.28B7.90B7.46B6.96B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments39.95M38.22M55.45M46.05M31.53M20.54M
Total Debt0.002.78B2.67B2.69B2.79B2.66B
Total Liabilities5.71B5.47B5.32B5.82B5.68B4.99B
Stockholders Equity2.77B2.85B2.96B2.08B1.79B1.97B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow70.03M134.72M227.21M695.00K39.82M-481.60M
Operating Cash Flow953.57M1.07B1.24B812.52M791.55M740.81M
Investing Cash Flow-876.14M-933.90M-1.11B-518.70M-633.22M-1.22B
Financing Cash Flow-36.90M-149.28M-207.00M-276.24M-58.74M476.09M

National Fuel Gas Company Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price84.21
Price Trends
50DMA
81.62
Positive
100DMA
78.23
Positive
200DMA
69.86
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.82
Positive
RSI
56.82
Neutral
STOCH
34.05
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For NFG, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 84.21 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 83.54, above the 50-day MA of 81.62, and above the 200-day MA of 69.86, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.82 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 56.82 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 34.05 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for NFG.

National Fuel Gas Company Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
ECEC
83
Outperform
$18.71B5.5618.64%67.31%-2.26%-20.04%
EE
73
Outperform
$50.13B18.384.78%3.38%-2.17%-25.00%
73
Outperform
$70.21B8.1618.28%5.71%3.96%-1.69%
TGTGS
72
Outperform
$3.99B9.9520.40%3.49%37.43%395.49%
YPYPF
72
Outperform
$12.69B7.4915.54%8.58%
NFNFG
70
Outperform
$7.61B191.821.30%2.55%7.14%-90.91%
68
Neutral
$15.14B9.956.38%5.21%4.16%-67.19%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NFG
National Fuel Gas Company
84.21
31.30
59.16%
EC
Ecopetrol SA
9.17
-0.95
-9.39%
E
Eni SPA
32.79
3.37
11.45%
EQNR
Equinor ASA
25.69
0.12
0.47%
TGS
Transportadora De Gas Sa Ord B
27.09
9.40
53.14%
YPF
YPF Sociedad Anonima
32.28
11.73
57.08%

National Fuel Gas Company Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
National Fuel Gas Signs Consulting Agreement with DeCarolis
Neutral
Jun 18, 2025

On June 13, 2025, National Fuel Gas Company entered into a Consulting Services Agreement with Donna L. DeCarolis, who will retire on July 1, 2025, and continue as a consultant until July 1, 2028. The agreement ensures her involvement in New York State energy policy matters and provides her a consulting fee of $15,000 per month, while Michael D. Colpoys will succeed her as President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation.

The most recent analyst rating on (NFG) stock is a Buy with a $80.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on National Fuel Gas Company stock, see the NFG Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
National Fuel Gas Updates Investor Presentation
Neutral
Apr 30, 2025

On April 30, 2025, National Fuel Gas Company updated its Investor Presentation to include non-GAAP financial measures, which are intended to provide investors with alternative insights into the company’s operational performance and financial health. The release also highlighted numerous factors that could impact future results, such as regulatory changes, economic conditions, and market pressures, emphasizing the inherent uncertainties in the energy sector.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: May 02, 2025