10 Best LNG and LNG Shipping Stocks to Buy According to Analysts

5. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM)

Average Upside Potential: 16.65%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 104

A pioneer in the global market for exploration and production of oil and natural gas, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) has major operations in the U.S., Papua New Guinea, Qatar, and the U.S. Gulf Coast. ExxonMobil yields 23 million tons per annum (mtpa) through its strategic ventures and affiliates, tactically positioning itself as a top player in the LNG market to meet international demand.

Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) faced a slight dip in earnings in the year 2024, achieving $33.7 billion, as compared to $36 billion reported in 2023. This decline was majorly attributable to lower refining margins and natural gas prices from its 2023 highs.

However, the company’s weaker base volumes were cushioned by Guyana’s and Permian Basin’s strong volume growth and high-value product sales. Since 2019, the company also reported $12.1 billion in structural cost savings, strengthening its resilient financial position. Generating $55.0 billion in operating cash flow and $34.3 billion in free cash flow, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) supports its shareholder return program with $36.9 billion in dividends and share repurchases during the year.

The company holds a promising future with four top-tier LNG projects currently in development. This puts the company on track to achieve over 40 million metric tons per annum of LNG sales by the year 2030. To expand its global LNG footprint, ExxonMobil projects also include a $10 billion Golden Pass LNG project in the United States, which will have an export capacity of 18 million tons of LNG, beginning at the end of 2025.

By the end of 2025, the company expects to achieve its first LNG sales from the Golden Pass development and from the Qatar North Field East expansion. These projects in the pipeline set the stage for future growth for Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) in the LNG sector, allowing it to make it to our list of the 10 Best LNG and LNG Shipping Stocks to Buy.