Independent natural gas producer EXCO Resources Inc. XCO is expected to release its second-quarter 2017 results around Tuesday, Aug 1.Factors to Consider This QuarterWith natural gas prices averaging higher than the second quarter of 2016, EXCO’s earnings and cash flows are expected to improve from their year-earlier levels.Moreover, the company’s successful cost-reduction initiatives are expected to cushion the results to a large extent. EXCO Resources’ efforts to improve liquidity and restructure the balance sheet to enhance capital structure are also expected to have a positive impact on the quarterly results.However, EXCO Resources’ core operational region – the Haynesville shale – has seen a drastic fall in the number of gas rigs employed. Production is likely to suffer as a result.Share PerformanceShares of EXCO Resources have lost 71.5% during the second quarter, underperforming the industry's 16.9% decrease.Other Stocks to Report Near-TermApart from EXCO Resources, here are some other firms from the energy space that are expected to come out with second quarter earnings in the next few days:Range Resources Corp. RRC, having a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), is expected to release earnings results on Aug 1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.TransCanada Corp. TRP, with a Zacks Rank #1, is likely to release earnings on Jul 28.Pembina Pipeline Corp. PBA, with a Zacks Rank #1, is likely to release earnings on Aug 1.More Stock News: Tech Opportunity Worth $386 Billion in 2017 From driverless cars to artificial intelligence, we've seen an unsurpassed growth of high-tech products in recent months. Yesterday's science-fiction is becoming today's reality. Despite all the innovation, there is a single component no tech company can survive without.Demand for this critical device will reach $387 billion this year alone, and it's likely to grow even faster in the future. Zacks has released a brand-new Special Report to help you take advantage of this exciting investment opportunity. Most importantly, it reveals 4 stocks with massive profit potential. See these stocks now>>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Pembina Pipeline Corp. (PBA): Free Stock Analysis Report TransCanada Corporation (TRP): Free Stock Analysis Report Range Resources Corporation (RRC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research