April 21, 2009 10:43 AM EDT

Buckingham Research reiterates a 'Strong Buy' on Southwest Energy (NYSE: SWN)

Buckingham analyst says, "We have learned that SWN’s first exploratory wildcat well in the high-impact Haynesville Shale play drilled on the Texas side of the play in Shelby County is a significant discovery. Notably, Texas’s Haynesville shale is thought to be of poorer quality in terms of potential reservoir rock than Louisiana. However, SWN and others appear to be proving that otherwise. We have learned that SWN’s Red River 877-H well tested 7 MMcfd on a short horizontal lateral and only a few frac-stages. The company reportedly will re-enter the well, lengthen the lateral and re-frac it – so even greater results could be obtained in the near future. SWN’s is also testing its second Haynesville Shale well the Red River 164 H now and should have results by its 1Q09 earnings report on April 28th. Importantly, SWN recently spud a third well the Red River Smith 98-H, and just permitted its fourth and fifth wells the Red River 619 H well and Justin well — so it must be encouraged by what it has seen so far. Also the latter well is 17 miles south of its initial discovery so it could materially expand the play if successful. We have also learned that EOG Resources (NYSE: EOG) has had a significant success near SWN—this could raise investor enthusiasm for SWN and the Texas side of the play in general. EOG Resources’ Gammage H well was drilled in Nacogdoches County - the western most industry test for the Haynesville Shale. It will likely release the well’s results when it reports May 5th."

Southwestern Energy Company engages in the exploration, development, and production of natural gas and crude oil in the United States.