Zacks Industry Forecast for Atmos, Brookfield, and Spire
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 15 2025
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Industry Overview: The natural gas distribution industry in the U.S. is poised for growth due to rising demand for clean-burning natural gas, despite challenges such as aging infrastructure and competition from renewable energy sources.
Key Players: Companies like Atmos Energy, Brookfield Infrastructure, and Spire Inc. are highlighted for their significant investments in infrastructure and expansion plans, positioning them well to benefit from increased natural gas consumption.
Economic Factors: The recent decline in interest rates is seen as a positive development for utility operators, allowing them to finance necessary upgrades and expansions more affordably, despite previous rate hikes impacting their operations.
Market Performance: The gas distribution industry has underperformed compared to the broader market, with a Zacks Industry Rank indicating weak near-term prospects, although some individual stocks within the sector are rated as "Buy."
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Analyst Views on SR
Wall Street analysts forecast SR stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SR is 96.67 USD with a low forecast of 89.00 USD and a high forecast of 104.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
6 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 83.980
Low
89.00
Averages
96.67
High
104.00
Current: 83.980
Low
89.00
Averages
96.67
High
104.00
About SR
Spire Inc. is a holding company for Spire Missouri Inc. (Spire Missouri), Spire Alabama Inc. (Spire Alabama), other gas utilities, and gas-related businesses. Spire Missouri is a public utility engaged in the purchase, retail distribution and sale of natural gas. Spire Alabama is a public utility engaged in the purchase, retail distribution and sale of natural gas principally in central and northern Alabama, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers. The Company's segments include Gas Utility, Gas Marketing and Midstream. The Gas Utility segment includes the regulated operations of Spire Missouri, Spire Alabama, Spire Gulf Inc. and Spire Mississippi Inc. The Gas Marketing segment includes Spire Marketing Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary providing natural gas marketing services. The Midstream segment includes Spire STL Pipeline LLC, Spire MoGas Pipeline LLC, and Spire Storage, which are subsidiaries engaged in the transportation and storage of natural gas.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Spire Inc. Announces Redemption of Preferred Stock
- Redemption Notice Issued: Spire Inc. has notified holders of its 5.90% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of its intent to redeem all 10,000 shares on February 13, 2026, at a total price of $25.36056 per share, including unpaid dividends, indicating a strategic move to optimize its capital structure.
- Dividend Accumulation Halted: The Series A Preferred Stock will cease to accumulate dividends prior to the redemption date, meaning shareholders will not receive any dividends on February 17, 2026, reflecting the company's financial management decisions.
- Delisting from Exchange: Following the redemption, the Series A Preferred Stock will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, marking a significant change in the company's capital market presence that may influence investor holding strategies.
- Investor Guidance: Investors holding Depositary Shares should contact their banks or brokers for information on obtaining the Redemption Price, ensuring a smooth transfer of funds during the redemption process, which demonstrates the company's commitment to shareholder rights.
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Spire Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend and Preferred Stock Redemption
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Spire Inc.'s board declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.825 per share, payable on April 2, 2026, reflecting the company's strong financial performance with continuous dividends since 1946, marking the 23rd consecutive year of increases, which enhances investor confidence.
- Preferred Stock Redemption Plan: The company notified holders of its 5.90% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock of its intent to redeem all outstanding shares on February 13, 2026, aimed at optimizing its capital structure and enhancing shareholder value.
- Market Position: As one of the largest publicly traded natural gas companies in the U.S., Spire serves 1.7 million homes and businesses daily, showcasing its strong market presence in Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri, further solidifying its industry leadership.
- Commitment to Business Transformation: The company is committed to transforming its business through organic growth, infrastructure investment, and continuous improvement, indicating its strategic determination to remain competitive in the rapidly changing energy market.
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