Comstock Resources(US:CRK) ZACKS·2025-10-30 13:56Core Insights - The third-quarter earnings season is underway, with energy companies like Comstock Resources Inc., Williams, and Marathon Petroleum Corp. expected to report better-than-expected earnings due to a favorable energy business environment in the September quarter [1] Oil & Gas Pricing Analysis - Average WTI spot prices for July, August, and September were $68.39, $64.86, and $63.96 per barrel, respectively, indicating a healthier pricing environment compared to the previous quarter [2] - Year-over-year, the pricing environment was less favorable, with average prices in July, August, and September 2024 at $81.80, $76.68, and $70.24 per barrel, respectively [3] - Natural gas prices in the September quarter of 2025 were higher than in the same period of 2024, with Henry Hub average prices at $3.20, $2.91, and $2.97 per million Btu [4] Stock Selection Strategy - Identifying stocks with potential for better-than-expected earnings is challenging, but a combination of positive Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank can help [5] - Stocks with this combination have a 70% chance of delivering an earnings surprise [6] Company-Specific Insights - Comstock Resources, a leading natural gas producer, is expected to benefit from favorable commodity pricing, with an Earnings ESP of +2.86% and a Zacks Rank of 3, scheduled to report on Nov. 3 [8] - Williams, known for its midstream operations, is anticipated to benefit from stable cash flows and higher natural gas prices, with an Earnings ESP of +0.56% and a Zacks Rank of 3, also reporting on Nov. 3 [9] - Marathon Petroleum, a leading refiner, is likely to gain from lower year-over-year oil prices, with an Earnings ESP of +8.68% and a Zacks Rank of 3, set to report on Nov. 4 [10]