Winter Storm Fern Significantly Impacts Energy Sector and Stock Fluctuations
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 26 2026
0mins
Source: Benzinga
- Natural Gas Producers in Focus: The surge in natural gas prices due to Winter Storm Fern has put companies like Antero Resources and EOG Resources in the spotlight, with analysts predicting significant upside potential for these producers amid production disruptions.
- Equipment Manufacturers at Risk: The freezing of natural gas equipment and pipelines could halt operations for energy transfer companies such as Energy Transfer and Kinder Morgan, potentially impacting their production and revenue.
- Power Supply Assurance: PJM, the largest U.S. power grid, has warned of a potential winter peak, prompting CenterPoint Energy and Duke Energy to implement emergency plans to ensure reliable power supply during the storm.
- Airline Industry Disruption: The storm has led to the cancellation of over 9,400 flights by airlines including Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines, causing widespread travel disruptions and affecting numerous travelers nationwide.
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Analyst Views on EXE
Wall Street analysts forecast EXE stock price to rise
21 Analyst Rating
19 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 103.440
Low
106.00
Averages
132.89
High
150.00
Current: 103.440
Low
106.00
Averages
132.89
High
150.00
About EXE
Expand Energy Corporation is an independent natural gas producer in the United States. The Company is focused on developing a supply of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids (LNG) to expand energy access for all. Its operations are located in Louisiana, in the Haynesville and Bossier Shales (Haynesville), in Pennsylvania in the Marcellus Shale (Northeast Appalachia) and in West Virginia and Ohio in the Marcellus and Utica Shales (Southwest Appalachia) and include interests in approximately 8,000 gross natural gas and oil wells. The Company's operations include drilling, completion, and production. It also operates drilling rigs and provides certain oilfield products and services, principally serving the Company’s E&P operations through vertical integration. Haynesville is rich in natural gas with proximity to LNG export infrastructure. The Company's operations in Ohio and West Virginia target the Marcellus and Utica shales and provide oil and natural gas liquids.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Performance Metrics: Over the past two years, Expand Energy has exceeded EPS estimates 75% of the time and revenue estimates 50% of the time, demonstrating its competitive edge and profitability, despite the stock price stagnating since its 2022 peak.
- Analyst Ratings: Seeking Alpha rates the stock as a Hold, while Wall Street analysts view it as a Strong Buy, reflecting a divergence in market sentiment regarding the company's future performance, particularly against a backdrop of weaker natural gas prices, with projected free cash flow of $2 billion by 2026.
See More
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- Economic Indicators: This downturn occurred despite a better-than-expected jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and a relatively stable inflation report.
See More
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- Increased Market Volatility: Last week, stocks in software, real estate, financial services, and logistics faced selling pressure due to concerns over AI-related disruptions, with the Nasdaq Composite falling 0.2% and a weekly loss of 2.1%, indicating market sensitivity to AI impacts.
- Consumer Spending Data Focus: This week's highlight will be the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report on Friday, which will provide insights into consumer spending in December and inflation trends, especially following last week's unexpected slowdown in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Corporate Earnings in Spotlight: Walmart (WMT) is set to release its fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday, marking the first report under new CEO John Furner, making it a key indicator of consumer spending that the market is eagerly anticipating.
- Ongoing AI Impact: As AI tools' potential effects intensify across various sectors, software stocks like Salesforce (CRM) and ServiceNow (NOW) have seen significant declines, reflecting the market's heightened vigilance regarding AI disruptions, necessitating close monitoring of future industry developments.
See More
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- Leadership Change: Expand Energy (EXE) appointed Chairman Michael Wichterich as interim CEO, succeeding Nick Dell'Osso, who stepped down without explanation, potentially raising concerns about the company's future direction among investors.
- CEO Search Initiated: The board has launched a search for a permanent CEO with the assistance of an independent recruitment firm, indicating the company's commitment to leadership stability and aiming to restore investor confidence swiftly.
- Wichterich's Background: Michael Wichterich has served as Chairman since 2021 and was interim CEO for six months in 2021; he is also the founder and CEO of Three Rivers Operating Company, focusing on exploration and production in the Permian Basin, which may bring valuable industry experience to the role.
- Headquarters Relocation: Expand Energy plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Oklahoma City to Houston while reaffirming its synergy, capital, and operating outlook for Q4 and FY 2025, reflecting a proactive strategic adjustment in its operational footprint.
See More
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- Headquarters Relocation: Expand Energy announced plans to move its headquarters from Oklahoma City to Houston by mid-2026, a strategic move aimed at strengthening relationships with key industry partners to support long-term growth objectives.
- Leadership Changes: Michael Wichterich, the Chairman of the Board, has been appointed as Interim CEO, succeeding Domenic Dell'Osso, who stepped down but will serve as an external advisor to ensure a smooth transition, highlighting the company's focus on leadership stability.
- Financial Outlook Reaffirmed: The company reaffirmed its capital and operating outlook for Q4 and full year 2025, with financial results set to be released on February 17, 2026, indicating confidence in future performance.
- Market Opportunity Capture: As North America's largest natural gas producer, the relocation to Houston will accelerate the company's strategic positioning in the global natural gas market, aiming to provide competitive lower-carbon energy to meet the growing domestic and international demand.
See More
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Company Overview: Expand Energy Corp has confirmed its synergy, capital, and operational outlook for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2025.
Future Projections: The company is focusing on strategic growth and operational efficiency to enhance its performance in the upcoming periods.
See More
