Excelerate Energy(EE) ZACKS·2025-04-01 14:45Core Insights - The U.S. Energy Department reported a higher-than-expected increase in natural gas supplies, with stockpiles rising by 37 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ended March 21, surpassing analysts' expectations of a 25 Bcf increase [2]. - Despite bearish inventory data, natural gas prices rose, closing at 4/MMBtu in the near term [7]. Industry Overview - Natural gas stockpiles in the lower 48 states are currently at 1,744 Bcf, which is 557 Bcf (24.2%) below the 2024 level and 122 Bcf (6.5%) lower than the five-year average [3]. - The total supply of natural gas averaged 110.8 Bcf per day, with daily consumption rising to 107.7 Bcf, reflecting increased residential and commercial usage [3]. - The U.S. has become the world's largest LNG supplier, with exports averaging 16 Bcf per day, driven by European and Asian demand for American LNG [6]. Company Insights - Expand Energy (EXE): The company has solidified its position as the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. following a merger, with a projected 422.7% year-over-year increase in 2025 earnings per share [8][10]. - Excelerate Energy: Specializing in LNG infrastructure, the company represents 20% of the global Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) fleet, with a projected 11.8% year-over-year growth in 2025 earnings per share [11][12]. - The Williams Companies: Positioned to benefit from long-term U.S. natural gas demand growth, the company has a projected 14.1% year-over-year growth in 2025 earnings per share [13][14].