SNL Energy editors' picks for the best stories for the week ended Feb. 23.

1. Against talk of fiscal discipline, analysts see groundwork for US oil, gas M&A

In the two years since the end of the price collapse that started in late 2014, oil and gas industry observers have been waiting for a sustained pickup in merger and acquisition activity. It has yet to happen, but that did not deter EY and Deloitte teams from projecting a rebound.

2. Jacksonville, Fla., officials start exploring sale of city's utility

City and utility officials in Jacksonville, Fla., have officially started exploring whether to sell JEA, the municipally owned power company.

3. Regional skilled labor shortage complicates US coal market stabilization

Complicated labor issues persist for some U.S. coal companies looking to hire miners now that strong international markets are tempting metallurgical coal producers.

4. Exxon, Chevron shares struggle to regain ground after disappointing earnings

Taking a hit after posting some unimpressive sector results for the fourth quarter of 2017, oil and natural gas majors Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp. stock prices are struggling to regain ground.

5. Details from EQT's midstream separation, simplification puzzle some analysts

EQT Corp.'s announced plans to separate its midstream and upstream businesses came as no surprise to analysts who cover the Appalachian gas producer.