Venture Global's LNG Capacity Expansion Supports Its Growth Prospects

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Venture Global's LNG Capacity Expansion Supports Its Growth Prospects

Venture Global, Inc. VG is one of the largest U.S.-based exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and operates multiple LNG facilities in Louisiana. The company is expected to benefit from rising global LNG demand, driven by higher exports, growing power generation needs and the expansion of data center infrastructure. To meet the rising demand, VG is expanding its LNG production capacity.

Venture Global is advancing its CP2 and Plaquemines brownfield expansions. The CP2 expansion involves adding 12 liquefaction trains with a total capacity of 10 MTPA, with first production targeted for late 2028. In addition, the first phase of the Plaquemines expansion is expected to add approximately 6 MTPA, with production targeted for 2029. Together with these expansions, the company’s total production capacity is expected to reach approximately 85 MTPA by 2029.

The company's outlook is also supported by the recent geopolitical developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, which has led to reduced supply from Qatar and the UAE. However, global LNG imports remained effectively unchanged through July 2026 from the previous year, despite higher prices, demonstrating resilient demand. In addition, low European gas inventories could support LNG import demand ahead of the winter season. Management has raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $8.7-$9.1 billion, reflecting the current market outlook. The expansion of LNG capacity, resilient global demand and potentially tighter market conditions could position VG for significant growth in the near term.

Energy Sector Players to Benefit From Rising Natural Gas Demand

The rise of data centers and higher gas-fired power demand presents an opportunity for Enbridge Inc. ENB to capitalize on. Data centers require a huge amount of electricity, driving rapid growth in gas demand. Meanwhile, the shift from coal to gas for power generation is increasing the demand for gas. Enbridge is expected to benefit from the expansion of its natural gas storage facilities.

Shell SHEL has one of the industry’s largest and most geographically diversified LNG portfolios, with supply from more than 10 countries and sales across more than 30 markets. SHEL expects global LNG demand to rise about 65% by 2050, while projects in Qatar, Nigeria, Australia and other regions are set to expand its supply base and strengthen its ability to serve growing demand in Asia and Europe.

VG’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

Shares of VG have increased 46.5% over the past year compared with the 30.5% improvement of the composite stocks belonging to the industry.

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From a valuation standpoint, VG trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 9.98X. This is below the broader industry average of 11.04X.

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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VG’s 2026 earnings has witnessed upward revisions over the past 30 days.

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Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

VG and ENB carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each at present, while SHEL sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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Venture Global, Inc. (VG): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Enbridge Inc (ENB): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Shell PLC Unsponsored ADR (SHEL): Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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