Energy Crunch Ahead: 3 Natural Gas Stocks Set to Gain

Core Insights - Energy stocks are experiencing a rebound despite falling crude oil prices, driven by a multi-year energy crunch in the U.S. influenced by natural gas demand as a bridge fuel for clean energy [1] Group 1: Cheniere Energy - Cheniere Energy Inc. is the largest U.S. exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), crucial for global energy security, with a 12-month stock price forecast of $266.93, indicating a 21.31% upside from the current price of $220.04 [2] - The stock has appreciated 365% over the last five years and 19% in the last 12 months, with analysts forecasting free cash flow growth from $3.13 billion to $4.73 billion by 2029 [3] - Cheniere's stock is trading at around 13x earnings, below its historical average, with a consensus Buy rating and a price target suggesting over 16% upside [4] Group 2: National Fuel Gas - National Fuel Gas Co. operates in the production, gathering, transmission, distribution, and marketing of natural gas, with a 12-month stock price forecast of $98.00, representing a 15.02% upside from the current price of $85.20 [5][6] - The company benefits from a diversified energy model and operates in the low-cost Appalachian Basin, with projected earnings growth of 17% and a forward P/E ratio under 13x [7] - National Fuel has a strong dividend history, being part of the Dividend Kings with 55 consecutive years of dividend increases, offering a yield of 2.53% [8] Group 3: Kinder Morgan - Kinder Morgan Inc. operates over 80,000 miles of pipelines, handling approximately 40% of U.S. natural gas, with a 12-month stock price forecast of $30.88, indicating a 13.62% upside from the current price of $27.18 [9][10] - The stock trades at around 22x earnings, below its historical average, and offers a dividend yield of 4.28% [10] - Despite a Moderate Buy rating, Kinder Morgan is not highlighted by top analysts as a preferred investment compared to other stocks [11]