Natural gas is a seasonal commodity that typically reaches annual highs during the coldest winter months, when heating demand peaks. In my January 15, 2026, Barchart report on energy commodities in Q4 and 2025, I wrote the following on the prospects of NYMEX natural gas futures prices in early 2026: Natural gas and coal prices should remain volatile through the winter as demand will depend on weather conditions. Nearby NYMEX natural gas prices settled at $3.686 per MMBtu on December 31, 2025, and were lo ...

Core Insights - U.S. natural gas futures have surpassed $5 per MMBtu for the first time since 2022, driven by severe winter conditions and increased export flows, with prices rising over 70% since mid-October [1][8] - The market is experiencing structural shifts due to record LNG exports and heightened domestic heating demand, leading to increased price volatility [4][5][6] Natural Gas Market Dynamics - Natural gas futures saw a 9% weekly increase, reaching $5.289 per MMBtu, supported by colder-than-normal temperatures across the U.S. [2] - The U.S. is experiencing its coldest December since 2010, resulting in a surge in heating needs and pushing natural gas futures to three-year highs [3] - Record LNG exports of 10.9 million metric tons in November are straining domestic supply, intensifying competition between export and domestic heating demands [4][8] Company Focus - **Coterra Energy**: An independent upstream operator with over 60% of its production from natural gas, expected earnings per share growth rate of 27.8% over three to five years [7][9] - **Cheniere Energy**: The first company to receive regulatory approval for LNG exports, with strong operations and a 26.3% increase in the earnings estimate for 2025 over the past 60 days [10][11] - **The Williams Companies**: Positioned to benefit from long-term U.S. natural gas demand growth, with a projected EPS growth rate of 17.6% over three to five years [12][13]