The article reviews the First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX ETF (FXU), a passively managed utilities sector ETF with $742.3 million in assets. FXU has gained 3.08% year-to-date and 0.74% over the past year, with a 0.61% expense ratio. However, it received a Zacks ETF Rank of 4 (Sell), making it less suitable compared to alternatives like Vanguard Utilities Index Fund ETF Shares (VPU) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU), which have lower expense ratios and significantly larger asset bases.

National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) completed its acquisition of CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion, adding approximately 335,000 customers and expanding its total customer base to 1.1 million. The deal is expected to double NFG's gas utility rate base to $3.2 billion and provide immediate accretion to regulated earnings per share, with consolidated accretion expected after fiscal 2028.

FXU is a smart beta ETF launched in 2007 that tracks the StrataQuant Utilities Index with 97.1% allocation to utilities stocks. While it has generated 6.68% returns year-to-date and 12.11% over one year, its 0.61% expense ratio is relatively high compared to traditional alternatives like VPU (0.09%) and XLU (0.08%), making it less suitable for cost-conscious investors seeking utilities exposure.

The Zacks Oil & Gas US Integrated industry faces headwinds from high crude prices hurting refining operations, slowing production growth as companies prioritize shareholder returns, and increasing renewable energy demand. However, ConocoPhillips, Occidental, and National Fuel Gas are positioned to navigate these challenges through low-cost operations, efficiency improvements, and diversified business models.

National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) announced a 4% increase in its quarterly dividend from 53.5 cents to 55.5 cents per share, marking the 56th consecutive year of dividend increases. The new dividend will be paid on July 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of June 30, 2026. The company has maintained dividend payments for 124 consecutive years.

National Fuel Gas Company's Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of 53.5 cents per share, payable April 15, 2026. At its Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the company announced that all three management proposals were approved, including the election of 11 directors for one-year terms, an advisory vote on executive compensation, and the ratification of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent auditor.

The article recommends three energy dividend stocks for passive income: ExxonMobil (43 consecutive years of dividend growth), Enbridge (31 consecutive years with a fee-based model less affected by commodity prices), and National Fuel Gas (55 consecutive years of dividend growth, achieving Dividend King status). These companies offer stable cash flows and inflation protection through their diversified energy portfolios.

GAMCO Investors added 37,056 shares of National Fuel Gas Company (NFG) in Q4 2025, valued at approximately $3.05 million, bringing their total position to $115.73 million. Despite the position value declining $14.37 million quarter-over-quarter, the purchase signals conviction in the company. National Fuel Gas demonstrated strong operational performance with adjusted earnings up 24% year-over-year and production rising 12%, supported by its vertically integrated business model spanning exploration, production, transportation, and regulated utility services.

National Fuel Gas Company is acquiring CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas local distribution company for $2.62 billion, expanding its utility operations to serve approximately 1.1 million customers across three states.

National Fuel Gas Company has agreed to acquire CenterPoint Energy's Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion, which will double its gas utility rate base and expand operations into Ohio, with the transaction expected to close in Q4 2026.

The article highlights three natural gas stocks poised for growth, driven by rising electricity demand, grid upgrades, and global clean energy transitions. These companies represent different segments of the natural gas value chain and offer potential investment opportunities.

National Fuel Gas Company released its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, highlighting significant emissions reductions, methane intensity target progress, operational reliability, and community engagement.