U.S. natural gas futures ended Sept. 25 on a strong note, settling at about $3.19 per MMBtu, up roughly 9.5% over the prior five sessions despite some late profit-taking. Prices were supported by a pipeline disruption in West Virginia, tighter-than-usual storage additions and firm liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) feedgas demand. The commodity briefly reached a three-month high as supply concerns intensified. Although easing weather demand and still-strong U.S. production limited the rally, the week showed that the market remains sensitive to even short-lived supply disruptions. Overall, natural gas ended the week with a much firmer tone than it began, heading into the final September stretch. 

At this stage, investors looking for exposure to the natural gas space may keep Cheniere Energy (LNG Quick QuoteLNG - Free Report) , Antero Resources (AR Quick QuoteAR - Free Report) and Excelerate Energy (EE Quick QuoteEE - Free Report) on their watchlists.

Smaller Storage Build Offers Support

The EIA reported a 53-Bcf injection into U.S. natural gas storage for the week ended Sept. 18, matching analysts’ expectations but falling well below the five-year average build of 76 Bcf and last year’s 77 Bcf increase. Total inventories reached 3,351 Bcf, standing 95 Bcf above the five-year average but 146 Bcf below the year-ago level. Importantly, the storage surplus versus the five-year norm narrowed for a sixth straight week, suggesting that the previously comfortable inventory cushion is gradually tightening. 

Strong U.S. production remains a key factor that could prevent prices from rising too quickly. Dry gas output has remained elevated, while adequate inventories and softer LNG demand in parts of Asia continue to provide a balancing force. At the same time, expanding LNG export capacity is gradually increasing feedgas needs, which could strengthen demand over time.  

Outlook Remains Constructive

The weekly rise offers some encouragement for natural gas-focused investors. Storage remains above the five-year average, and U.S. production is still high, so the market is not short of supply. Even so, the shrinking storage surplus, softer production readings in some regions and LNG feedgas demand provide support. The latest pipeline disruption also showed how quickly prices can respond when supply becomes constrained. 

Looking ahead, colder weather and stronger winter demand could improve the setup, especially if storage builds remain below normal and LNG exports stay firm. Risks remain because mild weather, abundant production and weaker overseas demand could cap prices. Still, the market will enter the coming weeks with momentum and a tighter storage cushion than earlier in the refill season.

3 Stocks to Focus On

In this environment, investors looking to benefit from natural gas trends may want to watch Cheniere Energy, Antero Resources and Excelerate Energy — each carrying Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) — closely. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Cheniere Energy: Cheniere Energy is a leading U.S. LNG exporter, with large facilities at Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi. These plants process natural gas into LNG so it can be shipped to customers overseas. Together, they provide more than 55 million tons per year of operating production capacity, while additional capacity is under construction or being developed. This gives Cheniere a large role in connecting U.S. gas supply with global buyers.

The company is still expanding. Corpus Christi Stage 3 is nearing completion, while Sabine Pass Expansion Phase 1 is moving toward a final investment decision. Long-term contracts also provide cash-flow visibility and support the company’s LNG growth plans. 

Cheniere Energy beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in three of the last four quarters and missed in the other. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of roughly 21.7%, on average.

Antero Resources: Antero Resources is an Appalachian natural gas producer with added exposure to natural gas liquids, including propane. Its business combines gas production with firm transportation that can move volumes to stronger markets. About 67% of production is already sold into premium markets, giving Antero access to demand centers stretching from West Virginia to the Gulf Coast.

Future demand is an important part of the story. Antero expects growth from LNG exports, Mexico exports, data centers and power generation through 2030. It is also returning to dry-gas drilling with newer well designs, while lower operating costs and hedging are intended to strengthen margins and reduce swings in cash flow.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Antero Resources’ 2026 earnings per share indicates a 154.4% year-over-year surge.

Excelerate Energy: Excelerate Energy helps move LNG into markets that need dependable natural gas supply. Its main assets include floating storage and regasification units, or FSRUs, which receive LNG, turn it back into gas and deliver it to local markets. The company has 12 floating regasification terminals in operation and has handled more than 8,300 Bcf of regasified LNG deliveries worldwide.

Growth is coming from new projects and better use of existing vessels. Excelerate is advancing Iraq’s first LNG import terminal, operating the Excelerate Acadia in Jordan and preparing to redeploy the Express to Colombia. It is also converting an LNG carrier into a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit for expected commercial use in 2028.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Excelerate Energy’s 2026 earnings per share indicates 22.7% year-over-year growth. This firm has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of roughly 11.8%, on average.