Exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe and Asia, combined with increasing data center electricity demand, are expected to significantly increase natural gas consumption in the US and abroad in the coming years. Natural gas is a very positive resource because it is reliable, scalable and relatively cleaner than other fossil fuels. This makes it an effective means of meeting this need. This is especially true as renewable energy sources such as solar and wind face challenges related to intermittency and weather conditions. According to recent reports and market insights from Wall Street analysts, several natural gas stocks are well-positioned to benefit from this trend due to their roles in production, transportation and infrastructure. With prices recently reaching $4.21 MMBtu and above, it’s time for investors to examine the top companies in the natural gas sector.
Natural gas prices hit levels not seen since 2022. and 2025 in March, and are expected to grow further as the winter months approach.
LNG export demand, combined with electricity demand here in the US, could push prices up through 2026.
Some of the industry’s top companies are still within investor-friendly reach.
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We checked our 24/7 Wall St. energy stock research database for companies with the largest positions in the natural gas industry. We also looked for companies that, while not directly involved in exploration and production, played a critical role in the transportation and storage of natural gas and LNG. Our screens feature five top companies, all of which are dividend-paying leaders in their respective sectors. Plus, all are rated Buy at the top Wall Street firms we cover.
As leading US LNG exporter Cheniere Energy Inc. (NYSE: LNG ) can benefit from domestic AI-driven demand and international energy needs and pays a 1% dividend. Natural gas accounts for 43% of US electricity generation. Cheniere’s ability to scale quickly makes it a major player in the sector. The company’s export capabilities also protect against domestic market fluctuations. Some Wall Streeters believe that by 2030 the growth of electricity demand can increase by as much as 160 percent.
Cheniere Energy is a producer and exporter of LNG in the United States. The company supplies clean and safe LNG to integrated energy companies, utilities and energy trading companies around the world. The company operates two natural gas liquefaction and export facilities. One is in Sabine Pass, Louisiana (Sabine Pass LNG Terminal) and the other is near Corpus Christi, Texas (Corpus Christi LNG Terminal).
Sabina Pass The LNG terminal, which includes natural gas liquefaction facilities consisting of six operating trains, has a total production capacity of about 30 million cubic meters. tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG.
Corpus Christi The LNG terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas, consists of three trains with a total production capacity of approximately 15 million cubic meters. tons per year, three LNG storage tanks and two offshore berths. It also owns and operates a 94-mile natural gas pipeline that connects the Sabine Pass LNG terminal to several major interstate and interstate pipelines.
Jefferies has a Buy rating with $290 price target.
This top company is one of the largest producers of natural gas in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian Basin. It is recognized as a low-cost producer with a dividend yield of 1.13%. EQT Corp. (NYSE: EQT ) is a leading, vertically integrated American natural gas company with production and midstream operations focused on the Appalachian Basin. It operates in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.
Its strategic its location in the Southeast, especially near data centers like Northern Virginia, makes it a major supplier of AI power needs. EQT has secured deals to supply natural gas to major data center campuses, such as the conversion of a former coal plant in Homer City, Pennsylvania, to a natural gas-powered data center.
EQT belongs or leases approximately 610,000 net acres in Pennsylvania. Most of the acreage is in the southwestern region of the state, with most of it in Greene and Washington counties. In this area, the company develops the Marcellus shale and the Upper Devonian shale. It also owns or leases 405,000 net acres in West Virginia. Most of the acreage is in the northwest region of the state, with most of it in Doddridge, Marion, Tyler and Wetzel counties.
She owns it or leases 65,000 net acres in eastern Ohio and is developing the Utica Shale in Belmont County. It operates Utica wells throughout its Ohio footprint. The Marcel shale is nearly a mile or more below the surface in much of Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia.
UBS has a Buy rating and a $67 price target.
Children Morgan Inc. (NYSE: BMI) is one of North America’s largest energy infrastructure companies. It is one of the best energy stocks and remains a Wall Street favorite, paying a solid and reliable dividend of 4.49%. Kinder Morgan is an energy infrastructure company in North America.
Company operates the largest natural gas transmission network in the United States, with approximately 66,000 miles of pipelines transporting approximately 40% of the nation’s natural gas production. It meets 20% of the US energy needs. This allows it to take advantage of a projected 15-20% of electricity demand from AI data centers by 2030. The company’s large gas storage capacity (15% of the US total) and fee-based revenue model provide stability and growth potential as gas volumes increase.
Children Morgan operates through four segments:
Natural gas
Products
Terminals
CO2
Natural Pipeline segment:
Owns and operates intrastate and interstate natural gas pipelines and underground storage systems
Natural gas collection systems and natural gas processing and processing facilities
Natural gas liquid fractionation facilities and transportation systems
Liquefied natural gas liquefaction and storage facilities
Products The Pipelines segment owns and operates refined petroleum products, crude oil and condensate pipelines, as well as related product terminals and oil OKE pipeline transfer facilities.
Terminals the segment owns and operates liquid and bulk terminals that store and handle a variety of commodities, including:
Gasoline
Diesel fuel
Chemicals
Ethanol
Metals
Petroleum coke
Has tankers
Finally, The CO2 segment produces, transports and sells CO2 to extract and produce crude oil from mature oil fields. It owns/operates oil fields, gasoline refineries and a natural pipeline system in West Texas. It has approximately 83,000 miles of pipelines and 144 terminals.
Wells Fargo has an overweight rating on the stock with a $34 price target.
Energy transfer LP (NYSE: ET ) is one of the largest and most diversified mid-energy companies in North America. This top-tier limited partnership is a safe choice for investors looking for energy exposure and income, as the company pays a hefty 7.88% dividend. Energy Transfer owns and operates one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of energy resources in the United States. It has a strategic footprint in all major domestic production basins.
Energy transfer operates one of the largest integrated midstream systems in the United States, with nearly 107,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and 235 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of storage capacity. Its large presence in Texas, particularly in the Permian Basin, provides access to some of the most affordable natural gas in the country. The company receives significant requests for pipeline projects to serve power plants (45 power plants in 11 states) and data centers (more than 40 upcoming projects). Potential demand exceeds 5 Bcf/d for power plants and 3 Bcf/d for data centers.
Company is a limited liability company whose main activities include:
Additional natural gas midstream, intrastate and interstate transportation and storage assets
Transportation and terminal assets for crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL) and refined products
Fractionation of NGLs
Various acquisition and marketing assets
Following in 2021 in december with the acquisition of Enable Partners, Energy Transfer owns and operates more than 114,000 miles of pipelines and related assets in 41 states, covering all major U.S. production regions and markets. This further strengthens its leadership position in the mid-level sector.
Through her Owned by Energy Transfer Operating, formerly known as Energy Transfer Partners, the company also owns an interest in Lake Charles LNG Company, a general partner, incentive distribution rights and $28.5 million. standard units of Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN ) and public partner interests and 39.7 million standard units of USA Compression Partners LP (NYSE: USAC).
Barclays has an overweight rating on the stock and a $25 price target.
Exxon Mobil. corp. (NYSE: XOM) owns an industry-leading resource portfolio and is one of the world’s largest integrated oil, gas and chemical companies. It has a solid dividend yield of 3.47%. Falling oil prices provide investors with an excellent entry point and are likely to take advantage of the opportunity for high dividend yields. Exxon is the world’s largest international integrated oil and gas company. It explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas in North and South America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere.
How significant Natural gas producer Exxon uses 43% of US electricity generated from natural gas. Its scale and ability to scale up production quickly make it a strong contender. While the increased focus on oil may dilute AI’s inherent benefits over pure natural gas companies.
Exxon also manufactures and markets major petrochemical products including olefins, aromatics, polyethylene and polypropylene, as well as specialty products. In addition, the company transports and sells crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products.
Upper wall Street analysts expect the company to remain a major beneficiary of higher oil prices, with most remaining very bullish on the company’s sudden positive capital allocation strategy.
Upstream portfolio and leverage for further demand recovery. Exxon offers greater consumer and/or chemical exposure than its peers.
Exxon completed its purchase of oil shale giant Pioneer Natural Resources in an all-stock deal valued at $59.5 billion. The deal created the largest producer of U.S. oilfields and guaranteed a decade of cheap production.
Wells Fargo has an Overweight rating with a $156 price target.
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