April 29 (Reuters) - Expand Energy ( EXE ) beat

analysts' estimates for first-quarter profit on Tuesday, driven

by a jump in natural gas prices.

Average natural gas prices have been on an upward

trajectory over the past few quarters and touched a two-year

high on March 10, supported by record flows to liquefied natural

gas (LNG) export facilities and concerns over supply in the

lead-up to the summer season.

Expand Energy's ( EXE ) average realized price for natural gas

during the quarter was up 23.2% year-over-year, at $3.51 per

thousand cubic feet (Mcf).

The company reported an adjusted profit of $2.02 per share

for the quarter ended March 31, compared with analysts' average

estimate of $1.88, according to data compiled by LSEG.

(Reporting by Tanay Dhumal in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj

Kalluvila)