Why CONE Midstream Partners, Bill Barrett, and Unit Corporation Surged This Week

Earnings season continued its crescendo this week, which resulted in a lot of earnings-driven stock moves, especially in the energy sector. It certainly was the fuel behind this week's

biggest movers, which according to S&P Capital IQ data, were CONE Midstream Partners (NYSE: CNNX), Bill

Barrett (NYSE: BBG), and Unit Corporation (NYSE: UNT). 

What:Midstream MLP CONE Midstream Partners (NYSE: CNNX) jumped more than 27%

this week.

So What: Key driver: CONE reported

strong third-quarter results on Tuesday

Revenue and average throughput increased 13% over last quarter, while operating costs fell 19%

Now What: This drove strong

distributable cash flow of $19.6 million, up 32% over last quarter

Key takeaway: It was a very strong quarter for CONE Midstream

What:Oil and gas producer Bill Barrett (NYSE: BBG) surged more than 32% this week.

So What: Key driver: Bill Barrett

reported stronger-than-expected production growth on Thursday

The company exceeded its production guidance by 13% due to strong DJ Basin drilling results

Now What: Lease operating expenses

were also down 19% from last quarter

Key takeaway: Stronger production when combined with lower costs is the formula for success in the energy industry

What:Diversified energy company Unit Corporation (NYSE: UNT) leapt more than 33%

this week.

So What: Key driver: Unit

Corporation reported strong third quarter results on Tuesday

Earnings of $0.03 per share were $0.31 per share ahead of the consensus estimate

Now What: Higher production and volumes

were the main driver Compared to last year’s third-

quarter, oil and gas production increased by 5%, while the volume of gas gathered and gas processed increased by 12% and 10%, respectively

Key takeaway: Anytime a company can turn in a surprising profit it will make investors really happy

This could be the next billion-dollar iSecret