Jefferies Lifts Price Target to $251 as Citizens Financial Quadruples Stake

LNGLNG

Jefferies raised its price target for Cheniere Energy to $251, implying a 21.05% upside potential. Citizens Financial Group RI increased its stake by 245.9% to 4,300 shares valued at over $1 million, while Pinnacle Bancorp and Salomon & Ludwin also expanded positions in the company.

1. Cheniere Energy Declares Quarterly Dividend

Cheniere Energy’s Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.555 per common share, payable on February 27, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 6. This represents the company’s 21st consecutive quarterly payout and underscores its commitment to returning capital to investors. Based on the current share count of approximately 200 million outstanding common shares, the total distribution is expected to amount to $111 million. The dividend yield, calculated on a trailing twelve-month average share price of $215, stands at roughly 1.03%, offering a stable income stream in a sector otherwise characterized by project-driven cash flow variability.

2. U.S. LNG Exports Surge to Record Levels

U.S. liquefied natural gas exports expanded by 24% year-over-year in 2025, reaching an average of 14.6 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). This growth was powered by full-rate production from Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi, which together account for 52 mtpa of licensed capacity, and the start of commissioning activities on over 9 mtpa of additional trains. Export volumes to European buyers climbed 30%, while deliveries to Asian markets rose 18%, reflecting robust global demand. However, narrowing price spreads between global LNG benchmarks and U.S. Henry Hub averages in the fourth quarter slightly compressed gross export margins by an estimated 5%, prompting exporters to optimize shipping and hedge schedules to protect cash flows.

3. Golar LNG Previews Q4 2025 Results Presentation

Golar LNG Limited announced that its fourth-quarter 2025 financial results will be released on February 25, 2026, ahead of market open, accompanied by a live webcast at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The presentation will outline operating metrics for its floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) and the Hilli Episeyo FLNG vessel, which collectively contributed an EBITDA of $145 million in Q3 2025. Management will provide guidance on charter rate renewals and discuss potential new FSRU contracts in the Mediterranean and South Pacific. Institutional investors and analysts are encouraged to join the question-and-answer session, where the company plans to address capital allocation priorities, including vessel capital expenditures and potential share repurchase authorizations.

Sources

BEGDF
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