Originally published on Best Stocks Category: best stocks to buy nowGas utilities stocks are volatile and risky. However, they’re also a unique opportunity for long-term investors interested in a niche market with lots of potentials. The natural gas industry is growing steadily, and this subsector of the energy sector is poised to benefit as more firms switch from oil to natural gas. Unfortunately, gas utility stocks are often overlooked as investment options because most assume they are too risky for long-term investing. However, these stocks can be an ideal way to capitalize on the natural gas industry’s growth while still keeping your portfolio balanced and risk-reduced. Therefore, you should consider adding these gas utility stocks to your portfolio for a long-term return. ONE Gas (OGS) OGS is one of the largest natural gas distribution companies in the United States. It distributes natural gas to about 1.9 million people across more than 8,000 square miles in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, and Massachusetts. OGS was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. It has a market cap of $5.8 billion and an average analyst 12-month price target of $50.46. UGI Corporation (UGI) UGI is a diversified utility company that provides electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia, and Maryland. UGI was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Estero, Florida. It has a market cap of $11.6 billion and an average analyst 12-month price target of $61.02. Chesapeake Utilities (CPK) CPK is an energy company that provides regulated natural gas, water, and electricity to customers in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. It also owns an equity investment in a coal-fired power plant in West Virginia. Chesapeake Utilities was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Clarksville, Virginia. It has a market cap of $3.3 billion and an average analyst 12-month price target of $66.15. U.S. Physical Therapy (USPH) USPS is one of the largest operators of outpatient physical therapy clinics in the United States. Its clinics provide physical therapy services to patients with orthopedic and neurological injuries, such as knee pain, back pain, and ACL tears. U.S. Physical Therapy was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Naples, Florida. It has a market cap of $1.4 billion and an average analyst 12-month price target of $72.65. Conclusion Gas utilities stocks are volatile and risky. However, they’re also a unique opportunity for long-term investors interested in a niche market with lots of potentials. The natural gas industry is growing steadily, and this subsector of the energy sector is poised to benefit as more firms switch from oil to natural gas. These gas utility stocks are often overlooked as investment options because most assume they are too risky for long-term investing. However, these stocks can be an ideal way to capitalize on the natural gas industry’s growth while still keeping your portfolio balanced and risk-reduced.