Inflection Point for Energy Investors

This column was originally published on RealMoney on Oct. 27 at 11:04 a.m. EDT. It's being republished as a bonus for TheStreet.com readers.

Chesapeake Energy (CHK - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) spoke, and investors are likely to listen.

After Thursday's close, Chesapeake reported earnings well ahead of expectations for a third quarter that many felt could be a turbulent one for energy companies. In fact, the number was so far above estimates that one investor told me he thought there was a mistake in the press release.

There's no mistake: Chesapeake's spate of acquisitions, its ability to harvest natural gas from those properties, and its smart strategy to lock in lofty natural gas prices are beginning to impact the bottom line. This morning's conference call will probably further articulate a strategy that looks to be among the most powerful in the business.

Macro Views

Many investors now look to Chesapeake for insight on the broader energy markets. In Chesapeake's nearly ream-sized press release, it didn't disappoint them.

The message appears to be bullish. Early this fall, the company announced it was shutting in production because of low prices. However, the company now says that's a distant memory, as all production is back on line.

"The V-shaped recovery in natural gas has been remarkable," said Jeff Mobley, Chesapeake's senior vice president of investor relations and research, in an interview late Thursday. "Today's prices support additional production, production that was not economic at significantly lower prices a month ago."

Those wanting to turn bullish on natural gas markets were hoping for just that kind of signal. The decision to resume production should serve to spur hopes of increased activity in oil and natural gas fields, just as its previous announcement of a shut-in raised concerns about a slowing drilling and energy services market.

Chesapeake also plans to continue expanding its drilling program through at least 2007. "We currently have 120 operated rigs working, up from an average of 73 operated rigs in 2005 and an average of 89 operated rigs to date in 2006," said Chesapeake CEO Aubrey McClendon. "We anticipate increasing our drilling activity to approximately 133 operated rigs by year-end 2006 and up to 150 operated rigs in 2007."