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Spire Inc (SR)
NYSE:SR

Spire (SR) AI Stock Analysis

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SR

Spire

(NYSE:SR)

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Neutral 64 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:64Neutral
Price Target:
$98.00
â–²(9.99% Upside)
The score is primarily constrained by weak cash conversion and persistently negative free cash flow despite solid, improving utility-like profitability. Technicals are positive but appear overextended, while valuation and dividend yield are supportive. Reaffirmed multi-year guidance and a detailed capital/financing plan help offset execution and regulatory risks tied to the Tennessee acquisition and delayed storage-asset sale timing.
Positive Factors
Improving Profitability Margins
Sustained double-digit net and high-teens/low-20s operating margins reflect durable utility-style earnings conversion from rate-regulated operations. Higher margins increase cash generation capacity per dollar of revenue and support reinvestment, dividends, and debt servicing over multi-year horizons.
Regulated Revenue and Rate Actions
Regulatory rate adjustments and established rate-setting mechanisms provide predictable, durable revenue streams and margin uplift. Rate-driven earnings reduce commodity exposure, underpin steady cash flow, and support multi-year growth targets tied to rate base expansion and regulatory returns.
Defined Capital & Financing Plan
A clear $11.2B ten-year capex roadmap paired with explicit FFO/debt targets and active debt issuances signals disciplined long-term investment planning. This structural clarity aids regulatory filings, financing predictability, and execution of rate-base growth that underpins sustainable earnings expansion.
Negative Factors
Persistently Negative Free Cash Flow
Repeated negative free cash flow indicates capital spending and working-capital needs outpacing operating cash generation. Over months, this limits the company's ability to self-fund acquisitions or dividends, increasing reliance on external financing and raising execution risk for strategic projects.
Elevated and Conflicting Leverage Metrics
High annual leverage levels constrain financial flexibility and amplify interest-cost sensitivity across cycles. The wide divergence with TTM data weakens transparency of the true balance-sheet trend, complicating long-term capital planning and potentially pressuring credit metrics during additional issuances.
Acquisition & Integration Regulatory Risk
A material, pending acquisition creates structural uncertainty: regulatory approval timing, mandated conditions, and complex integration of noncontiguous operations require prolonged management attention and capital. Delays or onerous terms could raise costs and defer anticipated rate-base benefits.

Spire (SR) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Spire Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSpire Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the purchase, retail distribution, and sale of natural gas to residential, commercial, industrial, and other end-users of natural gas in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Gas Utility and Gas Marketing. It is also involved in the marketing of natural gas. In addition, the company engages in the transportation of propane through its propane pipeline; compression of natural gas; risk management; and other activities. Further, it provides physical natural gas storage services. The company was formerly known as The Laclede Group, Inc. and changed its name to Spire Inc. in April 2016. Spire Inc. was founded in 1857 and is based in St. Louis, Missouri.
How the Company Makes MoneySpire generates revenue through a multi-faceted business model primarily centered around subscription-based services and data sales. The company charges clients for access to its extensive database of satellite-derived information, offering tailored analytics and insights based on specific industry needs. Key revenue streams include contracts with government agencies, partnerships with private enterprises in the shipping and logistics sectors, and subscriptions from businesses requiring weather forecasting and climate data. Additionally, Spire collaborates with significant partners in various industries, enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market reach, which in turn contributes to its overall earnings.

Spire Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 03, 2026
(Q1-2026)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call presented a decidedly positive operational and financial picture: materially higher adjusted earnings and EPS, strong utility performance driven by new rates, reaffirmed multi-year guidance, disciplined capital spending and a large ten-year capital plan, successful operational response to extreme weather, and concrete financing activity supporting the Tennessee acquisition. Offsetting issues include a delayed timeline for storage asset sales, higher O&M/depreciation/interest expense partially offsetting gains, incremental debt issuance related to preferred redemption, and pending regulatory approval and integration risks for the Tennessee acquisition. Overall, the positive drivers and reaffirmed guidance outweigh the headwinds.
Q1-2026 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Quarterly Earnings and EPS Growth
Adjusted earnings of $108 million ($1.77 per share) in Q1 FY2026 versus $81 million ($1.34) a year ago — an increase of $27 million (33.3% in aggregate earnings) and EPS growth of ~32.1% year-over-year.
Gas Utilities Performance
Gas Utilities segment earned $104 million, up over 33% (~$26 million) year-over-year, driven by new Missouri rates and higher margin under the RSE in Alabama.
Marketing and Midstream Contributions
Gas marketing earnings of $4.5 million (up $2.3 million, ~104.5% YoY improvement) due to increased portfolio optimization; Midstream earnings of $12.7 million, up almost $1 million (~8.5% YoY), supported by additional capacity at Spire Storage.
Reaffirmed Guidance and Long-Term Targets
Reaffirmed FY2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $5.25–$5.45 and FY2027 guidance of $5.65–$5.85, plus a long-term adjusted EPS growth target of 5%–7% and a ten-year capital plan of $11.2 billion.
Capital Investment Discipline
Q1 CapEx of $230 million (majority toward utilities for system upgrades and modernization); FY2026 CapEx guidance of $800–$900 million. Near-term CapEx was lower YoY due to near completion of St. Louis AMI and wrap-up of storage expansion.
Operational Resilience During Extreme Weather
Successful operational response to winter storm Fern — delivered gas equivalent to ~31 GW of electric generation at lower customer cost and met all customer obligations, demonstrating system reliability and effective hedging/utility purchasing strategies.
Progress on Tennessee Acquisition and Financing
On track to close Piedmont (Tennessee) acquisition (pending Tennessee PUC approval). Financing activity includes $900 million junior subordinated notes issued, $825 million master note purchase for Spire Tennessee, expectation of minimal common equity needs, and a financing plan aimed at maintaining current credit ratings.
Balance Sheet and Financing Targets Maintained
Targeting FFO to debt of 15%–16%; excluding Tennessee, expected equity needs of $0–$50 million per year; recent issuance activity (e.g., $200 million first mortgage bonds and $200 million 6.38% JSNs) undertaken to support financing plan.
Strategic Simplification and Pipeline Consolidation
Merger of STL and Mogas pipelines completed on January 1, 2026 (now Spire Mogas). Company continuing a portfolio simplification effort, including an active evaluation of storage asset sales.
Negative Updates
Storage Asset Sale Timeline Extended
Evaluation and sale process for natural gas storage assets has taken longer than initially expected; announcement now targeted later this quarter. The extension reflects management's focus on achieving the right value but introduces timing uncertainty.
Higher Operating Costs and Depreciation
Benefits in Gas Utilities were partially offset by higher O&M, depreciation, and interest expense this quarter, weighing on incremental margin despite rate increases.
Increased Corporate Costs and Interest Expense
Other corporate costs were an adjusted loss of $12.7 million, approximately $2 million higher than the prior year, reflecting higher corporate costs and slightly higher interest expense.
Incremental Debt Issuance and Financing Impact
Projected long-term debt issuances for 2026 increased by $250 million (driven by redemption of preferred shares); the adjusted corporate and other range was updated to negative $40M to negative $46M, lowering the midpoint by $9M to reflect incremental interest expense related to preferred redemption.
Regulatory Approval Risk for Tennessee Acquisition
Closing of the Piedmont (Tennessee) acquisition remains pending approval from the Tennessee Public Utility Commission, creating execution risk until approval is received.
Integration Complexity and Execution Risk
Integration planning for Tennessee is substantial (100+ people involved) and will require significant post-close work despite an 18-month transition services agreement; non-contiguous operations and back-office consolidation present execution challenges.
Company Guidance
Spire reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $5.25–$5.45 and 2027 guidance of $5.65–$5.85, reiterated a long‑term adjusted EPS growth target of 5–7% and a ten‑year CapEx plan of $11.2 billion (FY‑2026 CapEx $800–$900 million; Q1 CapEx $230 million); rate‑base/regulatory growth targets include ~7% Missouri, ~7.5% Tennessee and ~6% regulated equity growth in Alabama/Gulf; corporate & other adjusted loss is now guided at negative $40–$46 million (midpoint lowered $9 million) with preferred‑dividend EPS impact expected to be $9 million lower; financing metrics/targets include FFO/debt of 15–16%, recent financings of $900 million JSNs, an $825 million Spire Tennessee note facility, $200 million Spire Missouri first‑mortgage bonds and $200 million 6.38% JSNs, projected long‑term debt issuances up $250 million, expected equity needs excluding Tennessee of $0–$50 million/year and roughly $750 million to raise or recycle for the Tennessee acquisition; the company expects the Piedmont/Tennessee close in calendar Q1 2026 (pending approval), 2026 guidance excludes Piedmont and includes a full year of storage earnings while 2027 guidance includes Piedmont and excludes Spire Storage, and a storage‑asset sale announcement is expected later this quarter.

Spire Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Profitability is solid and improving (TTM net margin ~11.1%, operating margin ~22.0%), but overall financial quality is weighed down by consistently negative free cash flow (TTM -$267M; FY2025 -$344M) and moderate balance-sheet risk given elevated leverage in annual data (debt-to-equity ~1.47–1.60) alongside a conflicting lower TTM leverage figure.
Income Statement
74
Positive
Profitability is solid and improving: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) net margin is ~11.1% (vs. ~9.7% in FY2024 and ~8.2% in FY2023), and operating profitability has also strengthened (TTM operating margin ~22.0%). Revenue growth is modest in TTM (~3.8%) and has been uneven in recent annual periods, reflecting a steadier, regulated profile but limited growth momentum.
Balance Sheet
58
Neutral
Leverage looks mixed across periods. The latest annual reports show elevated leverage (debt-to-equity ~1.47–1.60 in FY2023–FY2025), which can constrain flexibility, even though returns on equity are steady around ~7.5%–8.3%. TTM shows much lower reported leverage (debt-to-equity ~0.26), but the sharp divergence versus annual figures reduces confidence in the underlying trend; overall, balance sheet risk appears moderate with a leverage overhang in the annual data.
Cash Flow
42
Neutral
Operating cash generation is positive (TTM operating cash flow ~$578M), but free cash flow is consistently weak: negative in TTM (-$267M) and FY2025 (-$344M), with only FY2024 modestly positive. Cash conversion is a key concern, as free cash flow relative to net income is negative in TTM and most recent years, indicating heavy capital spending and/or working-capital pressure that limits internally funded growth and increases reliance on external financing.
BreakdownTTMSep 2025Sep 2024Sep 2023Sep 2022Sep 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue2.57B2.48B2.59B2.67B2.20B2.24B
Gross Profit1.06B1.93B982.30M887.90M825.00M823.40M
EBITDA872.20M833.70M789.10M696.80M636.80M659.90M
Net Income285.40M271.70M250.90M217.50M220.80M271.70M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets11.88B11.58B10.86B10.31B10.08B9.36B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments4.10M5.70M4.50M5.60M6.50M4.30M
Total Debt5.35B5.24B4.76B4.74B4.36B3.73B
Total Liabilities8.45B8.18B7.62B7.38B7.25B6.69B
Stockholders Equity3.43B3.39B3.23B2.92B2.82B2.66B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-267.20M-344.40M51.10M-222.30M-497.20M-375.00M
Operating Cash Flow577.90M578.00M912.40M440.20M55.00M249.80M
Investing Cash Flow-857.60M-916.40M-1.03B-695.50M-546.70M-622.00M
Financing Cash Flow277.70M344.70M123.90M260.60M500.90M379.40M

Spire Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price89.10
Price Trends
50DMA
84.24
Positive
100DMA
84.57
Positive
200DMA
78.99
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.74
Negative
RSI
62.40
Neutral
STOCH
69.09
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SR, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 89.1 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 86.36, above the 50-day MA of 84.24, and above the 200-day MA of 78.99, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.74 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.40 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 69.09 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SR.

Spire Risk Analysis

Spire disclosed 29 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Spire reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Spire Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (66)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$6.25B13.505.42%3.07%-23.15%157.45%
73
Outperform
$2.04B19.547.20%4.18%11.27%20.04%
67
Neutral
$5.04B19.228.51%3.45%15.06%12.27%
66
Neutral
$5.32B16.3013.66%4.01%13.94%13.93%
66
Neutral
$17.65B18.105.60%3.62%6.62%11.55%
65
Neutral
$8.18B14.0612.52%3.92%1.10%140.04%
64
Neutral
$5.27B19.358.46%3.82%-4.50%2.49%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SR
Spire
89.42
18.48
26.05%
NJR
New Jersey Resources
52.87
8.25
18.48%
NWN
Northwest Gas
49.30
10.13
25.86%
SWX
Southwest Gas
87.24
12.58
16.84%
UGI
UGI
38.40
7.01
22.35%
OGS
ONE Gas
85.55
15.77
22.60%

Spire Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Spire Simplifies Capital Structure After Preferred Share Redemption
Positive
Feb 18, 2026

On February 13, 2026, Spire Inc., a regulated natural gas utility, terminated the Certificate of Designations related to its 5.90% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock by filing an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation with the Missouri Secretary of State. This action, which removed all provisions governing the Series A Preferred Stock from its charter, followed the company’s completion on the same date of the previously announced full redemption of all outstanding Series A Preferred shares and related depositary shares, simplifying its capital structure and eliminating this class of preferred equity from its balance sheet.

The most recent analyst rating on (SR) stock is a Buy with a $97.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Spire stock, see the SR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Spire posts stronger Q1 2026 results, affirms outlook
Positive
Feb 3, 2026

On February 3, 2026, Spire reported fiscal 2026 first-quarter results for the period ended December 31, 2025, posting net income of $95.0 million, or $1.54 per diluted share, up from $81.3 million, or $1.34 per share, a year earlier, and adjusted earnings of $108.4 million, or $1.77 per share. The Gas Utility segment drove much of the improvement, with adjusted earnings rising to $103.9 million on the back of new rates in Missouri, infrastructure surcharge revenues and higher margins in Alabama, partially offset by lower volumetric margins and higher depreciation and interest expense, while gas marketing and midstream also delivered higher contributions. The company advanced a sizable financing program tied to its Tennessee acquisition and capital plan, including junior subordinated and senior note issuances and new first mortgage bonds, and reiterated its adjusted earnings guidance ranges for fiscal 2026 and 2027, underpinned by an $11.2 billion 10‑year capital investment plan that targets 5–7% long-term adjusted EPS growth and reflects planned acquisition of Tennessee utility assets and an anticipated divestiture of gas storage facilities, both pending regulatory approval and board authorization.

The most recent analyst rating on (SR) stock is a Buy with a $93.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Spire stock, see the SR Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesShareholder Meetings
Spire shareholders back board, executive pay and auditor
Positive
Jan 30, 2026

At its virtual annual meeting of shareholders on January 29, 2026, Spire reported that 91.08% of outstanding common shares entitled to vote were present or represented by proxy. Shareholders elected Sheri S. Cook, Vinny J. Ferrari and Rob L. Jones to three-year terms on the board of directors expiring at the 2029 annual meeting, approved on an advisory basis the compensation of the company’s named executive officers, and ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Spire’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2026, signaling broad investor support for the company’s leadership, pay practices and audit oversight.

The most recent analyst rating on (SR) stock is a Hold with a $84.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Spire stock, see the SR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Spire Amends Syndicated Loan to Extend Financing Maturity
Positive
Dec 18, 2025

On December 18, 2025, Spire Inc. and its utility subsidiaries Spire Missouri, Spire Alabama and Spire Tennessee amended an existing syndicated loan agreement led by Wells Fargo, adding Spire Tennessee as a borrower and extending the facility’s final maturity to October 11, 2030. The borrowers, which maintain standard banking relationships with the participating banks, also paid arrangement and extension fees under a related fee letter, strengthening Spire’s long-term financing profile and supporting its ongoing utility operations and capital needs across its service territories.

The most recent analyst rating on (SR) stock is a Buy with a $100.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Spire stock, see the SR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Spire Subsidiary Issues $825M Debt for Operations
Neutral
Dec 17, 2025

On December 17, 2025, Spire Tennessee Inc., a subsidiary of Spire Inc., entered into a Master Note Purchase Agreement to issue $825 million in debt through Series 2026 Senior Notes across five tranches, with varying due dates between 2029 and 2038. These notes, aimed at supporting operational and strategic needs, will be issued as senior unsecured obligations, and the interest rates will adjust based on the timing of the closing, enhancing flexibility in financial planning.

The most recent analyst rating on (SR) stock is a Buy with a $100.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Spire stock, see the SR Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Spire Announces $825M Senior Notes Offering
Positive
Dec 8, 2025

On December 8, 2025, Spire Inc. announced an offering of $825 million in Senior Notes by Spire Tennessee Inc., contingent upon the acquisition of Piedmont Natural Gas Tennessee’s operations in Nashville. This strategic acquisition, announced in July 2025, aims to expand Spire’s regulated utility footprint and diversify its business mix, potentially enhancing long-term earnings growth and dividend increases. The acquisition, valued at $2.48 billion, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval.

The most recent analyst rating on (SR) stock is a Hold with a $89.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Spire stock, see the SR Stock Forecast page.

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: Feb 19, 2026