Industry Overview - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a natural gas storage build of 55 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ending June 27, bringing total inventories to 2,953 Bcf, which is above expert expectations and continues an 11-week trend of larger-than-average additions [1][8] - Current storage levels are 6.2% above the five-year average but nearly 6% below last year's levels, indicating potential for supply tightening if cooling demand remains strong [6] Demand Dynamics - Total natural gas usage, including LNG exports, is projected to exceed 106 Bcf per day, up from 103.7 Bcf per day the previous week, driven by hot weather and increased demand for cooling [4] - LNG exports are gradually recovering, averaging 15.4 Bcf per day in early July, despite some minor roadblocks due to softer global prices [4] Price Movements - Natural gas prices have been volatile, with U.S. natural gas futures for August delivery dropping 2.26% to $3.44 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) following the EIA's storage report, reflecting concerns over excess supply [5] - Spot prices recently reached a three-year high for June, averaging $3.02/MMBtu, indicating traders are closely monitoring weather patterns for potential demand increases [5] Investment Opportunities - Companies such as Expand Energy (EXE), Coterra Energy (CTRA), and Antero Resources (AR) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities due to their strong fundamentals and positioning in the natural gas market [3][8] - Expand Energy has become the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and is well-positioned to benefit from increasing demand, with a projected 461.7% year-over-year surge in 2025 earnings per share [9][10] - Coterra Energy, with a significant share of natural gas in its production, has an expected earnings growth rate of 29.1% over the next three to five years, outperforming the industry average [11][12] - Antero Resources, a leading natural gas producer, has a strong production outlook with a projected 1,457.1% year-over-year growth in 2025 earnings per share [13][14]