Oct 28 (Reuters) - U.S. natural gas producer Expand

Energy ( EXE ) reported a profit for the third quarter on

Tuesday, compared with a year-ago loss, driven by increased

output and stronger commodity prices.

Average U.S. natural gas prices during the quarter

jumped more than 26% over the year earlier, driven by strong

liquefied natural gas exports and growing demand fueled by the

rapid expansion of AI-focused data centers.

Average realized price of natural gas was $2.81 per thousand

cubic feet (Mcf), compared with $2.51 Mcf a year earlier.

Production at Expand Energy ( EXE ), formerly Chesapeake Energy and

the biggest independent natural gas producer in the U.S.,

averaged 7.33 billion cubic feet per day, up from 2.65 billion

cubic feet per day a year earlier.

The Oklahoma City-based company reported a profit of $547

million, or $2.28 per share, for the quarter ended September 30,

compared with a net loss of $114 million, or 85 cents per share,

a year earlier.