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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.
Hedging Strategy
National Fuel Gas has effectively managed its hedging strategy, increasing its hedged volume for 2025 and 2026 to provide more stability.
Production Guidance
National Fuel Gas updated its earnings guidance for 2025 higher, driven by increased production and reduced expenses.
Negative Factors
Buyback Strategy
The buyback pace has slowed as the company seeks more flexibility amidst current macroeconomic uncertainties.
Market Position
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.

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 (NFG) is a diversified energy company that operates in the United States, primarily in the fields of natural gas and oil exploration, production, and distribution. Headquartered in Williamsville, New York, NFG is involved in multiple sectors of the energy industry, including exploration and production, pipeline and storage, and utility operations. The company's core services and products include natural gas extraction and production, the operation of an extensive pipeline network for gas transportation and storage, and the provision of natural gas utility services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
How the Company Makes MoneyNational Fuel Gas Company makes money through several key revenue streams, primarily centered around its operations in the natural gas sector. The company's exploration and production segment generates revenue by extracting and selling natural gas and oil. The pipeline and storage segment earns income from transporting and storing natural gas, typically charging fees for the use of its extensive pipeline network and storage facilities. Additionally, NFG's utility segment contributes to revenue by distributing natural gas to end-users, including residential, commercial, and industrial customers, who are billed for their consumption. The company may also engage in strategic partnerships and contracts that enhance its operational capabilities and expand its market reach, contributing further to its earnings.

National Fuel Gas Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 30, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 7.49%|
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.
Breakdown
TTMSep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021Sep 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
2.07B1.94B2.17B2.19B1.74B1.55B
Gross Profit
1.02B817.70M847.85M902.96M759.72M567.70M
EBIT
155.43M209.72M755.15M814.52M639.92M461.48M
EBITDA
737.13M691.71M1.18B1.16B976.50M760.73M
Net Income Common Stockholders
39.56M77.51M476.87M566.02M363.65M-123.77M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
39.95M38.22M55.45M46.05M31.53M20.54M
Total Assets
8.48B8.32B8.28B7.90B7.46B6.96B
Total Debt
0.002.78B2.67B2.69B2.79B2.66B
Net Debt
2.90B2.74B2.62B2.65B2.76B2.64B
Total Liabilities
5.71B5.47B5.32B5.82B5.68B4.99B
Stockholders Equity
2.77B2.85B2.96B2.08B1.79B1.97B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
70.03M134.72M227.21M695.00K39.82M-481.60M
Operating Cash Flow
953.57M1.07B1.24B812.52M791.55M740.81M
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 Price82.53
Price Trends
50DMA
79.54
Positive
100DMA
75.98
Positive
200DMA
67.93
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.86
Positive
RSI
56.52
Neutral
STOCH
37.63
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 82.53 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 81.67, above the 50-day MA of 79.54, and above the 200-day MA of 67.93, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.86 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 56.52 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 37.63 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 (57)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
ECEC
77
Outperform
$17.78B5.2718.64%11.05%-2.26%-20.04%
EE
74
Outperform
$45.85B17.004.78%4.92%-2.17%-25.00%
73
Outperform
$66.62B7.7218.28%4.62%3.96%-1.69%
YPYPF
72
Outperform
$13.72B7.9515.54%8.58%
TGTGS
71
Outperform
$3.99B10.4220.40%37.43%395.49%
NFNFG
70
Outperform
$7.46B188.001.30%2.50%7.14%-90.91%
57
Neutral
$7.22B3.16-4.49%5.63%0.82%-49.15%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NFG
National Fuel Gas Company
82.53
28.08
51.57%
EC
Ecopetrol SA
8.97
-1.30
-12.66%
E
Eni SPA
30.46
1.44
4.96%
EQNR
Equinor ASA
24.52
-1.39
-5.36%
TGS
Transportadora De Gas Sa Ord B
27.79
9.68
53.45%
YPF
YPF Sociedad Anonima
34.27
13.44
64.52%

National Fuel Gas Company Corporate Events

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.

Executive/Board Changes
National Fuel Gas Announces Leadership Transition
Neutral
Apr 3, 2025

Donna L. DeCarolis, President of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, announced her retirement effective July 1, 2025. This management change, disclosed in a press release dated April 3, 2025, marks a significant transition for the company as it prepares for leadership changes in its operations.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

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.