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Cheniere Energy, Inc. Just Recorded A 113% EPS Beat: Here's What Analysts Are Forecasting Next

Simply Wall St ·  Nov 3 20:59

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG) last week reported its latest quarterly results, which makes it a good time for investors to dive in and see if the business is performing in line with expectations. Revenues were US$3.8b, approximately in line with whatthe analysts expected, although statutory earnings per share (EPS) crushed expectations, coming in at US$3.93, an impressive 113% ahead of estimates. This is an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance in its report, look at what experts are forecasting for next year, and see if there has been any change to expectations for the business. So we collected the latest post-earnings statutory consensus estimates to see what could be in store for next year.

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NYSE:LNG Earnings and Revenue Growth November 3rd 2024

Taking into account the latest results, the most recent consensus for Cheniere Energy from 14 analysts is for revenues of US$18.9b in 2025. If met, it would imply a substantial 21% increase on its revenue over the past 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are forecast to dive 33% to US$10.88 in the same period. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of US$19.2b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$10.75 in 2025. So it's pretty clear that, although the analysts have updated their estimates, there's been no major change in expectations for the business following the latest results.

It will come as no surprise then, to learn that the consensus price target is largely unchanged at US$210. There's another way to think about price targets though, and that's to look at the range of price targets put forward by analysts, because a wide range of estimates could suggest a diverse view on possible outcomes for the business. Currently, the most bullish analyst values Cheniere Energy at US$232 per share, while the most bearish prices it at US$182. The narrow spread of estimates could suggest that the business' future is relatively easy to value, or thatthe analysts have a strong view on its prospects.

These estimates are interesting, but it can be useful to paint some more broad strokes when seeing how forecasts compare, both to the Cheniere Energy's past performance and to peers in the same industry. The period to the end of 2025 brings more of the same, according to the analysts, with revenue forecast to display 17% growth on an annualised basis. That is in line with its 19% annual growth over the past five years. By contrast, our data suggests that other companies (with analyst coverage) in a similar industry are forecast to see their revenues grow 2.8% per year. So it's pretty clear that Cheniere Energy is forecast to grow substantially faster than its industry.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. Happily, there were no major changes to revenue forecasts, with the business still expected to grow faster than the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at US$210, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.

With that in mind, we wouldn't be too quick to come to a conclusion on Cheniere Energy. Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. We have forecasts for Cheniere Energy going out to 2026, and you can see them free on our platform here.

You still need to take note of risks, for example - Cheniere Energy has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is potentially serious) we think you should know about.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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