In the energy space, one of the fastest-growing markets is liquified natural gas (LNG). The market is growing quickly as Asian countries shift from coal to natural gas to help reduce emissions. And with an abundance of natural gas, the U.S. LNG export market is taking off. Shell predicts LNG demand to rise by 60% by 2040, showing the long-term growth of this market. Let's look at three stocks best positioned to benefit from growing U.S. LNG exports that you can buy and hold for the long term.Energy Transfer ...

Group 1: Deere (DE) - Deere's stock has increased over 16% year-to-date, driven by optimism regarding easing trade tensions [3] - The company reported a first-quarter net income of $869 million, with a full-year forecast of $5 billion to $5.5 billion, but faced a 30% revenue decline and a 50% drop in net income compared to the previous year [5] - Deere's supply chain is relatively protected against tariffs due to domestic manufacturing, and the company is expected to address supply chain adjustments in its upcoming earnings call [9] Group 2: Energy Transfer (ET) - Energy Transfer has a distribution yield of 7.5% and plans to invest $5 billion in growth capital expenditures in 2025, significantly higher than its maintenance capital expenditures of $1.1 billion [12] - The company is in discussions to develop a large LNG export facility in Lake Charles, Louisiana, which could enhance its position in the energy market [13] - The current administration's business-friendly policies are expected to support the development of U.S. energy assets, benefiting companies like Energy Transfer [11] Group 3: Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) - Huntington Ingalls' shares have risen over 20% in 2025, contrasting with a nearly 4% dip in the S&P 500, and the company offers a forward yield of 2.3% [14] - The company reported first-quarter revenue of $2.7 billion, below expectations, but exceeded earnings estimates with an EPS of $3.79 [15] - Management reaffirmed a 2025 forecast of shipbuilding revenue between $8.9 billion and $9.1 billion, alongside a free cash flow projection of $300 million to $500 million [16]