National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is named one of the 12 Best Income Stocks to Buy Now. JPMorgan raises its price target on NFG to $96 and cites a shift in natural gas demand as a reason for the increase. The firm points to supply-side risks for oil and liquids, while also noting a positive outlook for natural gas demand.

In October, NFG announced an agreement to acquire CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp.’s Ohio natural gas utility business for $2.62 billion. The deal values the business at about 1.6x its estimated 2026 rate base of $1.6 billion and brings a workforce operating 5,900 miles of pipelines serving 335,000 customers.

The acquisition of CNP Ohio is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, expanding NFG’s regulated footprint and doubling its gas utility rate base. This move allows NFG to enter Ohio, known for its supportive stance on natural gas and favorable regulatory environment, enhancing the company’s balance sheet and growth potential.

National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) distributes natural gas to customers in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania. The company’s expansion into Ohio through the acquisition of CNP Ohio strengthens its regulated footprint and enhances its ability to fund growth capital through free cash flow.

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Read more at Yahoo Finance: Natural Gas Demand Shift Supports JPMorgan’s Higher Target for National Fuel Gas (NFG)