Durable Goods (Jun F) -9.4% vs 9.3% Prior, Ex-Trans 0.2% vs 0.2%
On Thursday, Jefferies reiterated its Buy rating on Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG) with a steady price target of $303.00. The firm’s analyst pointed out that the company’s fourth-quarter EBITDA of approximately $1,577 million fell short of Jefferies’ estimate of around $1,622 million and the consensus estimate of roughly $1,626 million. This discrepancy was attributed to higher-than-anticipated operating and maintenance (O&M) and selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, despite robust volumes and margins.
The analyst remains optimistic about Cheniere Energy’s financial outlook, suggesting that the company’s 2025 EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow (DCF) guidance is within reach. Jefferies’ projections are at the higher end of the spectrum. With the first train of the Corpus Christi Liquefaction project (CCL3 T1) now operational, attention shifts to management’s commentary on the timing of subsequent trains, capital expenditures, and commissioning cargoes. The company has demonstrated strong financial performance with an impressive return on equity of 79% and a healthy EBITDA of $8.06 billion over the last twelve months. InvestingPro analysis indicates that Cheniere Energy is currently trading above its Fair Value, with 6 additional exclusive ProTips available for subscribers.
Investors are anticipated to focus on several key areas during the company’s calls, including the 2025 guidance, the timing of the CCL3 train, updates on regulatory and permitting matters, and the broader LNG market dynamics expected in 2025. These points of interest will likely shape investor sentiment as they assess the company’s future prospects in the evolving energy landscape. The stock has shown remarkable strength with a 37% return over the past year, though InvestingPro data suggests net income may face headwinds this year. Get access to the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available for Cheniere Energy and 1,400+ other top US stocks, for detailed analysis and actionable insights.
Cheniere Energy, as a major player in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector, has been closely watched for its performance and strategic moves, especially in light of the growing global demand for cleaner energy sources. The company’s ability to meet its financial targets and efficiently manage its expansion projects is crucial for maintaining investor confidence.
The reaffirmed price target of $303.00 reflects Jefferies’ confidence in Cheniere Energy’s potential for growth and profitability. The firm’s assessment underscores the importance of operational efficiency and strategic project execution in the company’s bid to capitalize on the positive market trends for LNG.
In other recent news, Cheniere Energy reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analyst expectations, showcasing strong revenue growth and a positive outlook for 2025. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of $4.33 for the quarter, surpassing the analyst consensus of $2.73. Revenue for the quarter reached $4.44 billion, beating estimates of $4.1 billion and marking a 1% increase year-over-year. For the full year 2024, Cheniere generated revenues of $15.7 billion and a net income of $3.3 billion. The company also reported a Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $6.2 billion and Distributable Cash Flow of $3.7 billion for the year. Looking ahead, Cheniere introduced guidance for 2025, projecting Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA between $6.5 billion and $7.0 billion, and Distributable Cash Flow between $4.1 billion and $4.6 billion. The company expects over 90% of its forecasted operational volumes to be sold under long-term agreements. Additionally, Cheniere announced the production of the first LNG cargo from its Corpus Christi Stage 3 Project in February 2025, with substantial completion anticipated by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
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