economy
January 20, 2026
Generating income: This natural gas stock has paid a dividend for more than a century
In addition to buying the stock, an investor interested in potentially enhancing income beyond dividends could consider a buy-write options strategy.
TL;DR
- National Fuel Gas Company has origins dating back to the early 1800s, with its precursor drilling the nation's first commercial natural gas well in 1825.
- The company announced a $2.5 billion acquisition of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility, expected to close in late 2026.
- This acquisition will double NFG's gas utility rate base and add 335,000 customers, expanding its presence to New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
- NFG reported a 58% increase in adjusted earnings per share for Q4 fiscal 2025 and a 17% increase in revenue for the full fiscal year 2025.
- The company's vertically integrated structure, with an unregulated exploration and production business generating substantial free cash flow, is a key advantage.
- National Fuel has a consistent history of shareholder returns, with 55 consecutive years of dividend increases and 123 consecutive years of dividend payments.
- Strategic pipeline expansion projects are underway, including the Shippingport Lateral project aimed at serving data centers.
- A buy-write strategy is suggested for investors seeking to enhance income, though NFG options have limited liquidity.
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