National Fuel Gas Company NFG is evaluating a plan to separate its Integrated Upstream and Gathering (IUG) business into an independent publicly traded company while retaining its regulated natural gas utility, pipeline and storage businesses. NFG expects its board of directors to complete the evaluation of the proposed split by Oct. 15, 2026.
Split Could Support NFG’s Regulated Growth and Capital Plans
The planned separation could allow NFG to become a 100% regulated natural gas company, giving it a more focused business profile and greater flexibility in allocating capital toward utility, pipeline and storage opportunities. A standalone regulated structure could also provide NFG with a capital base more closely aligned with its infrastructure investment needs.
NFG’s regulated operations would have nearly $5 billion in rate base and serve approximately 1.1 million customers across Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Its pipeline and storage operations would include nearly 5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per day of contracted transportation capacity and 77 Bcf of fully contracted storage capacity.
The company expects its balance sheet and investment-grade credit metrics to remain strong, with no need to raise incremental equity capital over the next five years under its current capital plans. This could provide financial flexibility to fund infrastructure modernization and pipeline and storage expansions as natural gas demand grows.
The potential separation is also expected to preserve important operating benefits. NFG expects the transaction to create a clearer investment profile for its business and improve visibility among investors and analysts.
How Could the Separation Benefit Shareholders?
Shareholders could benefit from owning shares of both focused businesses following the separation. NFG shareholders would receive IUG shares through a distribution intended to be tax-free for U.S. federal income-tax purposes. This structure would allow investors to retain ownership of NFG’s regulated utility, pipeline and storage platform while participating in IUG’s Appalachian natural gas operations.
Spin-Off Supports Focused Growth Strategies
Spin-offs can sharpen strategic focus by allowing separated businesses to pursue tailored investment priorities, capital allocation and growth plans. Independent structures may improve
operational flexibility, decision-making speed and management accountability. Apart from NFG, several other oil and gas companies are also pursuing plans to separate their businesses.
On July 28, 2026, HF Sinclair DINO announced plans to separate its Lubricants & Specialties segment into an independent, publicly traded company. The tax-efficient transaction is intended to be executed within 12-18 months, allowing both businesses to sharpen their strategic focus and pursue distinct capital allocation and growth priorities.
Stocks to Consider
Some better-ranked stocks to consider from the same sector are Eni E and Delek US Holdings DK, both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
E's dividend yield is 3.13%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share (EPS) for E is $6.18 and has moved up to 76.57%.
DK's dividend yield is 1.25%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS for DK is $15.83 and has moved up to 139.85%.
NFG’s Stock Price Performance
In the past three months, the company’s shares have risen 5.4% compared with the industry’s 16.1% growth.
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NFG’s Zacks Rank
NFG currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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National Fuel Gas Company (NFG): Free Stock Analysis Report
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).