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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)

65Neutral
National Fuel Gas Company demonstrates strong operational efficiency and cash flow management but faces challenges with high leverage and recent profitability issues. The stock's technical indicators suggest positive momentum, though valuation remains a concern with a negative P/E ratio. Recent corporate initiatives to align executive goals with sustainability and performance metrics add a positive strategic dimension.
Positive Factors
Earnings
The company had adjusted EPS come in at $1.66, beating Street estimates of $1.53.
Hedging Strategy
National Fuel Gas remains one of the most well-hedged companies among natural gas weighted E&Ps, providing some protection in the current commodity price environment.
Share Buyback
Despite weak natural gas prices, the company remains committed to its share buyback program, indicating confidence in its future performance.
Negative Factors
Natural Gas Pricing
The earnings per share guidance for 2025 has been lowered due to weaker natural gas pricing.
Operational Leverage
Given the company’s relatively lower leverage to natural gas prices, it is seen as a disadvantage when compared to similar natural gas companies.
Regulatory Risk
Longer term, there are risks of increasing capital intensity and regulatory risk for the New York utility business.

National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) vs. S&P 500 (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 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
1.89B1.94B2.17B2.19B1.74B1.55B
Gross Profit
762.88M817.70M847.85M902.96M759.72M567.70M
EBIT
214.15M209.72M755.15M814.52M639.92M461.48M
EBITDA
557.61M682.98M1.18B1.16B976.50M760.73M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-10.52M77.51M476.87M566.02M363.65M-123.77M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
426.80M38.22M55.45M46.05M31.53M20.54M
Total Assets
4.99B8.32B8.28B7.90B7.46B6.96B
Total Debt
1.25B2.78B2.67B2.69B2.79B2.66B
Net Debt
822.20M2.74B2.62B2.65B2.76B2.64B
Total Liabilities
3.28B5.47B5.32B5.82B5.68B4.99B
Stockholders Equity
1.71B2.85B2.96B2.08B1.79B1.97B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
134.72M134.72M227.21M695.00K39.82M-481.60M
Operating Cash Flow
1.07B1.07B1.24B812.52M791.55M740.81M
Investing Cash Flow
-933.90M-933.90M-1.11B-518.70M-633.22M-1.22B
Financing Cash Flow
-149.28M-149.28M-207.00M-276.24M-58.74M476.09M

National Fuel Gas Company Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price76.46
Price Trends
50DMA
74.51
Positive
100DMA
68.53
Positive
200DMA
63.24
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.82
Negative
RSI
76.78
Negative
STOCH
77.41
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 76.46 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 77.02, above the 50-day MA of 74.51, and above the 200-day MA of 63.24, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 1.82 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 76.78 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 77.41 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
79
Outperform
$60.42B7.5119.39%5.09%-4.07%-20.34%
EE
77
Outperform
$38.66B15.785.58%5.72%-5.16%-41.74%
ECEC
77
Outperform
$18.08B5.0218.70%19.09%-1.24%-16.75%
YPYPF
76
Outperform
$13.81B5.0122.65%7.35%
TGTGS
72
Outperform
$4.90B9.5522.77%27.62%746.56%
NFNFG
65
Neutral
$6.76B82.82-0.36%2.79%-10.64%-102.62%
57
Neutral
$7.44B4.21-3.75%6.64%-0.07%-64.77%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
NFG
National Fuel Gas Company
76.46
24.99
48.55%
EC
Ecopetrol SA
8.80
-1.67
-15.95%
E
Eni SPA
26.44
-5.18
-16.38%
EQNR
Equinor ASA
23.25
-2.50
-9.71%
TGS
Transportadora De Gas Sa Ord B
25.39
8.49
50.24%
YPF
YPF Sociedad Anonima
30.03
8.86
41.85%

National Fuel Gas Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Jan 29, 2025 | % Change Since: 12.42% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 30, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong operational performance and strategic hedging that mitigated the impact of low natural gas prices. Regulatory achievements and sustainability milestones were significant positives. However, lower natural gas prices and project impairments posed challenges for future earnings.
Highlights
Strong Hedge Book Performance
National Fuel's strong hedge book delivered a $61 million gain during the quarter, largely mitigating the impact of low natural gas prices.
Production and Efficiency Gains
Seneca's production increased by 5% year-over-year, while capital expenditures decreased by 10%, demonstrating improved capital efficiency.
Regulatory Achievements
A 3-year settlement in New York rate case resulted in an $86 million annual revenue requirement increase phased over 3 years, addressing recovery of higher operating costs.
Sustainability Achievements
Seneca surpassed its 2030 methane intensity reduction goal of 40% and renewed its MIQ certification with an A grade.
Share Buyback and Dividend Program
Progress on a $200 million buyback authorization with 1.4 million shares repurchased at an average price of $57 per share.
Lowlights
Natural Gas Price Impact
Adjusted EPS guidance for fiscal 2025 was revised lower due to declining natural gas prices, impacting earnings forecasts.
Northern Access Project Impairment
A noncash impairment of $34 million was recorded for the Northern Access project, which is no longer being pursued.
Voluntary Curtailments
Seneca faced nearly 14 Bcf of voluntary price curtailments during fiscal '24, affecting overall production output.
Company Guidance
During the National Fuel Gas Company Q4 2024 earnings call, the executives provided guidance reflecting a mix of operational achievements and financial adjustments. The company reported fourth-quarter adjusted operating results of $0.77 per share, with natural gas prices posing a challenge yet mitigated by a $61 million gain from hedging activities. Looking ahead, the company forecasted fiscal 2025 adjusted operating results in the range of $5.50 to $6.00 per share, assuming a NYMEX price of $2.80 per MMBtu. Notable metrics included Seneca's record production of 392 Bcfe, a 5% year-over-year increase, and an anticipated production guidance of 400 to 420 Bcfe for fiscal 2025. Additionally, the company highlighted a $56 million annual rate increase from a Supply Corporation rate settlement and a total annual revenue requirement increase of $86 million phased over three years from a new utility rate case settlement. Capital efficiency improvements were also noted, with Seneca's fiscal 2025 capital guidance midpoint set $20 million lower than fiscal 2024, driven by operational efficiencies and project optimization.

National Fuel Gas Company Corporate Events

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.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
National Fuel Gas Updates Investor Presentation with Risks
Neutral
Jan 29, 2025

On January 29, 2025, National Fuel Gas Company updated its Investor Presentation, which included non-GAAP financial measures. These measures are intended to provide investors with alternative methods for assessing the company’s operating results, cash flow, and liquidity, and for comparing its financial performance to other companies. The company highlighted various risk factors that could impact its future results, such as changes in natural gas prices, regulatory actions, economic conditions, and technological disruptions.

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.