A deep freeze in the Northern Hemisphere would likely mean higher power and natural gas prices, adding to the cost burden for ratepayers as inflation remains stubbornly high, writes @WeatherSullivan @joewertz and @maryhui https://t.co/eeVKfoyyvd ...

Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) anticipates a sequential increase in third-quarter 2025 earnings by $300 million due to changes in oil prices [1] - The company expects a sequential increase in September quarter earnings by $200 million attributed to natural gas price fluctuations [2] - The projected impact of oil price changes on XOM's third-quarter earnings is estimated to range from a loss of $100 million to a profit of $300 million, while natural gas price changes may result in a loss or profit of up to $200 million [2] Oil and Natural Gas Price Analysis - Average WTI spot prices for July, August, and September 2025 were $68.39, $64.86, and $63.96 per barrel, respectively, indicating a healthier pricing environment compared to the previous quarter [3] - In the prior quarter, average prices were $63.54, $62.17, and $68.17 per barrel for April, May, and June [3] Earnings Expectations - XOM's energy products business unit is projected to generate earnings between $300 million and $700 million in Q3 2025, driven by favorable refining margins [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM's third-quarter 2025 earnings is $1.72 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 10.4% [4] Industry Context - Other integrated energy companies like Chevron Corporation (CVX) and BP plc (BP) are also affected by oil and natural gas price fluctuations, which are expected to impact their upstream businesses [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CVX's third-quarter 2025 earnings is $1.88 per share, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 25.1%, while BP's estimate is 70 cents per share, showing a decline of nearly 16% [6]

October Nymex natural gas (NGV25) on Tuesday closed up +0.067 (+1.97%). Oct nat-gas prices recovered from a 2-week low on Tuesday and rallied sharply on forecasts for late summer heat in the US that will boost nat-gas demand and limit the buildup of inventories ahead of the critical winter heating season.  Forecaster Atmospheric G2 said Tuesday that much hotter-than-normal temperatures are forecast across most of North America for September 21-25, which will boost nat-gas demand from electricity providers ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported net sales of $143 million, net income of $27 million, and EBITDA of $53 million, with a declared distribution of $2.26 per common unit [5][8] - Ammonia prices increased by 5% year-over-year, while UAN prices declined by 4% due to delayed shipments [6][11] - The company ended the quarter with total liquidity of $172 million, including $122 million in cash [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated ammonia plant utilization was at 101%, with combined ammonia production of 216,000 gross tons and UAN production of 348,000 tons for Q1 2025 [5][6] - Approximately 336,000 tons of UAN were sold at an average price of $256 per ton, and 60,000 tons of ammonia at an average price of $554 per ton [6][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The USDA estimates that farmers will plant approximately 95 million acres of corn and 83 million acres of soybeans in spring 2025, with carryout inventory levels below ten-year averages [11][12] - Natural gas prices in Europe have declined to about $12 per MMBtu, while U.S. prices range between $3 and $4.5 per MMBtu [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reliability and performance, with ongoing debottlenecking projects aimed at improving production rates and reducing downtime [18][19] - Plans to install a nitrous oxide abatement unit at the Coffeyville plant align with the strategy of reducing the carbon footprint [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for a strong planting season due to favorable weather and solid demand for nitrogen fertilizer [7][11] - Concerns about geopolitical risks and tariffs impacting fertilizer and grain prices were highlighted, with a focus on the potential effects on U.S. farmer economics [12][15] Other Important Information - The company anticipates total capital spending for 2025 to be between $50 million and $60 million, primarily for maintenance capital [9] - The Board of Directors continues to reserve capital for future projects, with expectations for cash flows to support growth initiatives [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the step down in utilization rates from Q1? - Management explained that the step down is due to the installation of a new control system at the East Dubuque facility, not a performance issue [24] Question: What is the status of growth projects and their impact on ammonia production? - Management indicated that several projects aim to reduce downtime and potentially expand nameplate capacity, leading to increased production over the next two to three years [25][26] Question: Can you provide a cost estimate for the natural gas project? - Management mentioned that the cost is expected to be in the low double digits, with ongoing evaluations of alternatives [27] Question: Should we expect more robust UAN pricing in Q2? - Management confirmed that pricing has been escalating since December and Q2 will reflect higher market prices [32] Question: How will the tight inventory impact summer fill pricing? - Management expressed optimism that tight inventory levels will bode well for summer fill pricing [33][34] Question: What is the perspective on the pricing divergence between urea and ammonia? - Management noted that the Midwest ammonia market is not accurately represented by the Tampa ammonia contract, and the supply-demand balance remains tight [35][36] Question: How will China's reduced corn purchases impact American farmers? - Management indicated that Mexico is a more significant buyer of corn, and while China may reduce soybean purchases, global demand for corn and soybeans remains strong [37][38]