2Q2007

U.S. natural gas production in 2Q2007 increased 1.9% sequentially from the first three months of the year, representing the first sequential gain since 3Q2006, and it was up 3.5% from the same period a year ago, according to a survey by SunTrust Robinson Humphrey/Gerdes Group (STRH) energy analysts.

The Fayetteville Shale, where Southwestern Energy Corp. is the dominant player, powered double-digit production growth and profits for the company in 2Q2007. Gross daily natural gas output from its Arkansas leasehold was up four-fold from a year ago, to 200 MMcf/d from 50 MMcf/d in 2Q2006.

The Fayetteville Shale, where Southwestern Energy Corp. is the dominant player, powered double-digit production growth and profits for the company in 2Q2007. Gross daily natural gas output from its Arkansas leasehold was up four-fold from a year ago, to 200 MMcf/d from 50 MMcf/d in 2Q2006.

Describing itself as a “lower-risk play on the long term fundamentals of natural gas,” Questar Corp. may have validated its claim with its 2Q2007 earnings and production results. The company increased its natural gas and oil production by 13% and its net income by 24% from a year ago — in spite of the current price environment for Rocky Mountain natural gas production.

Describing itself as a “lower-risk play on the long term fundamentals of natural gas,” Questar Corp. may have validated its claim with its 2Q2007 earnings and production results. The company increased its natural gas and oil production by 13% and its net income by 24% from a year ago — in spite of the current price environment for Rocky Mountain natural gas production.

Although it remains “bullish on 2007 in aggregate,” Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co. Inc. (FBR) on Monday cut its 2007 natural gas price forecast to $7.60/Mcf from $8 and reduced its 2Q2007 gas benchmark assumption to $7.20/Mcf from $8.

Dominion Resources Inc. CEO Tom Farrell said last week the planned sale of the exploration and production (E&P) unit is on track to close in 2Q2007, and the company expects to show more stable and steady earnings and growth from its core utilities businesses. Dominion E&P, one of the largest exploration businesses in North America, is rumored to be drawing the interest of private equity players, global oil and gas majors and several U.S.-based independents.