Cheniere Energy stock edges up after CEO sets 2026 LNG target — what traders watch next

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HighTower Advisors LLC significantly increased its stake in Cheniere Energy, Inc. by 4.2% in the fourth quarter, bringing its total holdings to 176,121 shares valued at $34.24 million. Despite the company missing earnings per share estimates, its revenue grew by 7.8% year-over-year. Cheniere Energy has also demonstrated commitment to shareholder returns through a $10 billion share buyback program and a quarterly dividend.

Charif Souki, a veteran of the US liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, has stated that his latest venture, Phoenix Energy, will remain private. After being ousted from two previous public companies, Cheniere Energy Inc. and Tellurian Inc., Souki expressed a desire to avoid the challenges of selling a risky vision to public shareholders and boards of directors. Phoenix Energy, which has acquired drilling leases in the Haynesville Shale, aims to sell up to 4 million metric tons of LNG annually through tolling agreements.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has reduced its price target for Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG) from $338 to $325, while maintaining an "overweight" rating. This new target still suggests about a 25% upside for the stock. Despite JPMorgan's reduction, other major analysts have largely increased their price targets and ratings, contributing to a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating with an average target of $292.82.

Citigroup has raised its price target for Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG) to $330 from $280 while maintaining a "Buy" rating, projecting a potential upside of 17.49%. This positive outlook is supported by a strong quarterly EPS beat, a 22.9% year-over-year revenue increase, a $10 billion share buyback program, and the substantial completion of Train 5 at Corpus Christi Stage 3. However, recent significant share sales by two senior executives, totaling about 25% of their holdings each, have been noted as a potential concern despite high institutional ownership.

Bank of New York Mellon Corp reduced its stake in Cheniere Energy, Inc. by 10.8% in Q3, selling 109,061 shares and now holding 900,235 shares valued at $211.54 million. Despite this, Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for LNG with an average price target of $264.24. Cheniere Energy recently beat EPS estimates with $4.75 but missed on revenue, and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.555 per share.