Trump Win may Ignite U.S. LNG Exporters

Trump’s Promise to Roll Back Biden-era Moratoriums on LNG Export Permits may Boost Industry

President Joe Biden has taken multiple actions to limit expanded U.S. LNG production, largely motivated by environmental and climate concerns. In early 2024, his administration announced a temporary pause on new LNG export approvals to non-free trade agreement (FTA) countries, citing outdated analyses on environmental impact and energy costs​. Biden emphasized that this pause reflects a commitment to confronting “the existential threat” of climate change, noting the administration’s intent to protect American consumers and communities from pollution risks associated with LNG facilities. This policy had faced opposition in Congress, where efforts to overturn the pause highlighted potential economic and energy security concerns that, with President Trump back at the helm, are expected to play out favorably as previously suppressed LNG players reclaim years of lost value and opportunity.

As new U.S. national leadership settles into power, we at TradersQue anticipate the following lists of LNG players to be the most likely to re-establish previously lost market capture.

However, we also recognize risks that may temper investors’ appetite. As the U.S. is securely the top LNG exporter globally, the market incentive to expand ancillary NG/LNG capture is not as alluring to established producers stateside, even when factoring in Trump’s promise to open more federal lands for drilling. Moreover, there are a series of intended civil lawsuits in the works by various (and influential) environmental groups that can stall Trump’s initiative.

Additionally, diminished gasoline demand is forecasted in China through 2030 as its 25% global share of petroleum oil consumption is expected to decline precipitously as its oversized EV market continues expanding domestically. China’s pesky ongoing economic malaise does not help matters. Finally, ample U.S. natural gas inventories despite recent withdrawals risk suppressing price and value.

LNG Exporter + LNG Shipper/Tanker Combination

Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG)

Cheniere Energy Stock Price Today | NYSE: LNG Live – Investing.com

Cheniere Energy is the largest U.S. LNG exporter, operating the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals. The company recently received federal approval to commence operations on a supply line at their expanded Corpus Christi facility, further increasing their export capacity.

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $40 billion.
• Revenue: $15.86 billion (trailing twelve months).
• Net Income: $1.4 billion (trailing twelve months).

Growth Prospects: Cheniere’s expansion projects, including the Corpus Christi Stage 3, are expected to add over 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG production capacity by 2025, potentially increasing annual revenues by approximately $3 billion.

Associated Shipping Companies:

Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG)

Golar Stock Price Today | NASDAQ: GLNG Live – Investing.com

• Financial Highlights:
  • Market Capitalization: Approximately $3.84 billion.
  • Revenue: $276.58 million (trailing twelve months).
  • Net Income: $140.74 million (trailing twelve months).
  • Growth Prospects: Golar’s ongoing projects, including the development of new FLNG units, are expected to increase production capacity by 1.5 MTPA by 2025, potentially boosting annual revenues by approximately $150 million.

Flex LNG Ltd. (NYSE: FLNG)

FLEX LNG Ltd NYSE Stock Price Today | OL: FLNG Live – Investing.com

• Financial Highlights:
  • Market Capitalization: Approximately $1.35 billion.
  • Revenue: $350 million (trailing twelve months).
  • Net Income: $108 million (trailing twelve months).
  • Growth Prospects: Flex LNG’s plans to add two new vessels by 2025 are projected to increase shipping capacity by 20%, potentially raising annual revenues by $70 million.

Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (NYSE: TNK)

Teekay Tankers Stock Price Today | NYSE: TNK Live – Investing.com

Teekay Stock Price Today | NYSE: TK Live – Investing.com

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $1.48 billion.
• Revenue: $500 million (trailing twelve months).
• Net Income: $150 million (trailing twelve months).
• Growth Prospects: Teekay’s strategic fleet expansion, including the addition of three LNG carriers by 2025, is expected to enhance capacity by 15%, potentially increasing annual revenues by $75 million.

GasLog Ltd. (NYSE: GLOG)

GasLog Partners LP Pref Series A Stock Price Today | NYSE: GLOP_pa Live – Investing.com

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $1.09 billion.
• Revenue: $450 million (trailing twelve months).
• Net Income: $120 million (trailing twelve months).
• Growth Prospects: GasLog’s fleet modernization, including retrofitting vessels with efficient propulsion systems, is projected to reduce operating costs by 10% and increase annual revenues by $50 million by 2025.

Dynagas LNG Partners LP (NYSE: DLNG)

Dynagas LNG Partners LP Stock Price Today | NYSE: DLNG Live – Investing.com

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $144 million.
• Revenue: $100 million (trailing twelve months).
• Net Income: $30 million (trailing twelve months).
• Growth Prospects: Although Dynagas has a specialized fleet, its growth potential is more limited due to its smaller market share.

Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE)

Sempra Stock Price Today | NYSE: SRE Live – Investing.com

Through its subsidiary, Sempra Infrastructure, Sempra Energy operates the Cameron LNG terminal in Louisiana and is developing the Port Arthur LNG project in Texas. These projects are expected to significantly boost Sempra’s LNG export capacity.

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $45 billion.
• Revenue: $12.88 billion (trailing twelve months).
• Net Income: $2.1 billion (trailing twelve months).

Growth Prospects: The Port Arthur LNG project is anticipated to add 13.5 MTPA of LNG production capacity by 2025, potentially increasing annual revenues by approximately $4 billion.

Associated Shipping Companies:

• Flex LNG Ltd. (NYSE: FLNG)
  Financial Highlights and Growth Prospects: As detailed above.
• GasLog Ltd. (NYSE: GLOG)
  Financial Highlights and Growth Prospects: As detailed above.

Dominion Energy (NYSE: D)

Dominion Resources Stock Price Today | NYSE: D Live – Investing.com

Operating the Cove Point LNG terminal in Maryland, Dominion Energy plays a key role in U.S. LNG exports, supplying LNG to both domestic and international markets.

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $60 billion.
• Revenue: $14.17 billion (trailing twelve months).
• Net Income: $3.2 billion (trailing twelve months).

Growth Prospects: While not currently undergoing major expansions, Dominion’s existing operations and potential future projects could contribute to steady revenue growth.

Associated Shipping Companies:

• Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (NYSE: TNK)
  Financial Highlights and Growth Prospects: As detailed above.

Energy Transfer (NYSE: ET)

Energy Transfer Stock Price Today | NYSE: ET Live – Investing.com

Energy Transfer operates the Lake Charles LNG facility, which is anticipated to become a major player in U.S. LNG exports. The facility is undergoing significant upgrades to support increased production and exports.

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $40 billion.
• Revenue: $89 billion (trailing twelve months).
• Net Income: $4.5 billion (trailing twelve months).

Growth Prospects: Energy Transfer’s Lake Charles facility is projected to add over 10 MTPA of LNG production capacity by 2025. With this expansion, annual revenues could increase by approximately $2 billion.

Associated Shipping Companies:

• Dynagas LNG Partners LP (NYSE: DLNG)
  Financial Highlights and Growth Prospects: As detailed above.

NextDecade Corporation (NASDAQ: NEXT)

Nextdecade Corp Stock Price Today | NASDAQ: NEXT Live – Investing.com

NextDecade is focused on developing its Rio Grande LNG terminal in Texas. The Rio Grande project, one of the largest upcoming LNG developments, aims to position NextDecade as a key U.S. LNG exporter.

Financial Highlights:

• Market Capitalization: Approximately $2 billion.
• Revenue: Not yet applicable as the project is under development.
• Net Income: N/A, given development status.

Growth Prospects: The Rio Grande LNG project is projected to have a total capacity of over 27 MTPA. Expected to be operational by 2026, the project could generate substantial revenues, contributing an estimated $4 billion annually at full capacity.

Associated Shipping Companies:

• • Flex LNG Ltd. (NYSE: FLNG)
    Financial Highlights and Growth Prospects: As detailed above.
  • Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG)
    Financial Highlights and Growth Prospects: As detailed above.

Editors’ Picks

Best Overall LNG Exporter + LNG Shipper/Tanker Combination

In assessing the leading U.S. LNG exporters, Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG) stands out as the best performer due to its established operations, ongoing expansions, and projected growth. Cheniere’s existing infrastructure, including the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals, positions it as the largest U.S. LNG exporter with a proven track record of profitability and steady revenue growth. The company’s expansion projects, especially the Corpus Christi Stage 3, are expected to add over 10 MTPA of capacity by 2025, potentially boosting annual revenues by $3 billion—a substantial increase that underscores Cheniere’s commitment to meeting rising global LNG demand.

Among Cheniere’s associated shipping companies, Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG), Flex LNG Ltd. (NYSE: FLNG), and Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (NYSE: TGP) are particularly well-suited to support Cheniere’s growth. Golar LNG, with its flexible Floating LNG (FLNG) units, brings agility and the potential for expanded production capacity, making it a valuable asset in Cheniere’s supply chain. Flex LNG, with plans to add two vessels by 2025, offers increased shipping capacity, which aligns with Cheniere’s expanded production capabilities. Teekay LNG’s focus on fleet expansion provides additional shipping options, ensuring that Cheniere’s increased output reaches global markets efficiently.

Together, Cheniere and its shippers represent a robust ecosystem, with Cheniere’s production strength complemented by flexible, expanding maritime logistics. This synergy gives Cheniere a competitive edge, positioning it as the top U.S. LNG exporter, equipped to handle current and future demand with reliability and scale. For investors seeking exposure to the U.S. LNG sector, Cheniere and its associated shipping companies present a compelling, well-integrated growth opportunity.

Best Individual Exporter

In evaluating the top U.S. LNG exporters, Cheniere Energy (NYSE: LNG) stands out as the strongest player. With extensive operational experience at both the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals, Cheniere’s established infrastructure and substantial export capacity give it a competitive advantage. Its continuous expansion, especially with the Corpus Christi Stage 3 project, positions Cheniere for significant revenue growth in the coming years. Additionally, Cheniere’s robust financials—$1.4 billion in net income and solid market capitalization—highlight its financial stability and capacity for future development. For investors looking for a well-established leader with long-term growth potential, Cheniere’s established market position and expansion projects make it the top U.S. LNG exporter choice.

Best Individual LNG Shipper/Tanker

In assessing the top LNG tanker companies, Flex LNG Ltd. (NYSE: FLNG) stands out due to its aggressive expansion strategy and high fleet efficiency. Its plans to add new vessels by 2025, coupled with an established financial position, project strong revenue growth and increased market share. Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG) is another solid contender, leveraging its FLNG units to boost production capacity. However, Flex LNG’s focused growth trajectory and capacity expansion place it slightly ahead as a leading LNG shipping partner poised for consistent returns and scalability in a rapidly growing LNG export market.

Best LNG/NG ETF

LNGG Stock Price | Roundhill Alerian LNG ETF – Investing.com

The Roundhill Alerian LNG ETF (NYSE: LNGG) showcases the greatest strength of all other LNG ETFs into 2025 stemming from its reputable list of top holdings (as of November 2024). In addition to four of the 9 top holdings just profiled, the ETF holds other notable public companies specializing in petroleum/LNG production, transport, or infrastructure:

1. 1. Cheniere Energy, Inc. ($LNG) – 14.49%
   2. Golar LNG Limited ($GLNG) – 5.32%
   3. NextDecade Corporation ($NEXT) – 3.56%
   4. New Fortress Energy Inc. ($NFE) – 3.06%
   5. Chevron Corporation ($CVX) – 2.09%
   6. Excelerate Energy, Inc. ($EE) – 2.08%
   7. Exxon Mobil Corporation ($XOM) – 2.07%
   8. Sempra ($SRE) – 2.01%
   9. Kinder Morgan, Inc. ($KMI) – 1.72

These holdings underscore the ETF’s focus on U.S.-listed companies heavily involved in LNG liquefication/production, transport, and infrastructure​.

Final Thoughts

President Trump’s reclaiming of the U.S. Presidency will prove to be a boon to U.S. oil and LNG companies and their respective supply chains, boosting fossil fuel-based production to a magnitude to satisfy increasing energy demand and consumption. Until nuclear energy scales adequately to meet such demand, U.S. LNG will corner more energy markets globally.

Additional Coverage

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