Oil and natural gas firm Comstock Resources Inc. (CRK) reported weaker-than-expected third quarter results as low commodity prices more than offset the rise in production volumes. Loss from continuing operations came in at 28 cents per share, 2 cents wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 26 cents. In the year-ago period, the company earned $1.18 per share. Oil and gas sales were down 58.8% year-over-year to $67.4 million.  Volume Growth  The company’s operational performance during the quarter continued to reflect the success of its enhanced onshore drilling programs and property acquisitions, resulting in quarterly volume growth of 13.2% year-over-year to 17.0 billion cubic feet equivalent (Bcfe), of which 94% was natural gas. Production in the East Texas/North Louisiana operating region increased 33.7% to 10.7 Bcfe, while production from the South Texas properties came in at 5.0 Bcfe, an approximately 6.7% decrease from the year-earlier level. ...

Today before the bell, ERF Wireless, Inc. and Schlumberger announced that they have signed an exclusive agreement for delivery of wireless broadband services throughout North America. As terms of the agreement, Schlumberger will exclusively resell wireless broadband and WiMAX terrestrial communications products and services from ERF Wireless in the North American oil and gas market.

“This joint contract with ERF Wireless provides Schlumberger with the ability to deliver cost effective ubiquitous communications to the oil and gas industry in the ERF Wireless coverage areas,” stated Slavo Pastor, vice president, Schlumberger Information Solutions, North America. “This will increase real-time activities and collaboration between remote sites and office-based asset teams.”

John Nagel, CEO of the ERF Wireless Oil and Gas Services subsidiary, commented, “The new Schlumberger and ERF Wireless broadband service empowers energy companies to execute on their digital oilfield initiatives. We’re proud to be working with Schlumberger to increase productivity, safety

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I'm writing this while on a short holiday in Macau, Asia's booming Las Vegas. And let me tell you (again) — judging by what I'm seeing in Macau, there are very few signs of a slowdown in Asia! More than 1.5 million international visitors arrived in Macau in the first six months of 2008 — UP 47% over the same period last year. Mainland China visitors to Macau soared to a record 8.8 million, and in total, a record 14.92 million tourists visited in the first half of this year, handing Macau's government a whopping 51.4% increase in gaming tax revenues. Of course, that's Macau, and it may not represent the rest of Asia, right? Wrong. I am seeing the same vibrant economies wherever I go on my current tour through Asia. ...

The five best performing stocks on the Zacks #1 Rank List last week were: CNOOC Limited (CEO), UTi Worldwide Inc. (UTIW), True Religion Apparel, Inc. (TRLG), Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) and Innophos Holdings, Inc. (IPHS).

CNOOC Limited (CEO) made the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List for the week ended Aug 29 as shares advanced 10.2%. Earnings estimates for this year are moving in the right direction, gaining approximately 22.6% in 2 months and 7.5% in the 7 days. Furthermore, analysts currently expect a more than 23% improvement in earnings next year, compared to this year.

The Chinese oil company enjoyed a strong first half of 2008 as it capitalized on high oil prices. Net profit for the period grew by more than 89% over the same period a year earlier. Oil and gas sales advanced 63.9%. In addition, its

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The five best performing stocks on the Zacks #1 Rank List last week were: CNOOC Limited (CEO), UTi Worldwide Inc. (UTIW), True Religion Apparel, Inc. (TRLG), Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) and Innophos Holdings, Inc. (IPHS).

CNOOC Limited (CEO) made the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List for the week ended Aug 29 as shares advanced 10.2%. Earnings estimates for this year are moving in the right direction, gaining approximately 22.6% in 2 months and 7.5% in the 7 days. Furthermore, analysts currently expect a more than 23% improvement in earnings next year, compared to this year.

The Chinese oil company enjoyed a strong first half of 2008 as it capitalized on high oil prices. Net profit for the period grew by more than 89% over the same period a year earlier. Oil and gas sales advanced 63.9%. In addition, its

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The five best performing stocks on the Zacks #1 Rank List last week were: CNOOC Limited (CEO), UTi Worldwide Inc. (UTIW), True Religion Apparel, Inc. (TRLG), Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX) and Innophos Holdings, Inc. (IPHS).

CNOOC Limited (CEO) made the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List for the week ended Aug 29 as shares advanced 10.2%. Earnings estimates for this year are moving in the right direction, gaining approximately 22.6% in 2 months and 7.5% in the 7 days. Furthermore, analysts currently expect a more than 23% improvement in earnings next year, compared to this year.

The Chinese oil company enjoyed a strong first half of 2008 as it capitalized on high oil prices. Net profit for the period grew by more than 89% over the same period a year earlier. Oil and gas sales advanced 63.9%. In addition, its

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