First quarter 2021 net income was $95.6 million, or $1.79 per diluted share, compared with $91.7 million, or $1.72 per diluted share, in the first quarter 2020.

Actual heating degree days across the company's service areas were 5,600 in the first quarter 2021, 7% colder than normal and 19% colder than the same period last year.

In March 2021, the company issued $1.7 billion of 2- and 3-year fixed rate senior notes and $800 million of 2-year floating rate senior notes, with proceeds used for general corporate purposes, including payment of gas purchase costs resulting from Winter Storm Uri.

The board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.58 per share, or $2.32 per share on an annualized basis, payable on June 1, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 17, 2021.