Goldman says to buy these 3 energy stocks that will see profit upside from Iran-war disruptions

With global oil prices elevated and supply risks persisting, analysts at Goldman Sachs updated their outlook on a trio of buy-rated energy names they believe can benefit from a tighter gas market. Even if tensions ease in the near term, the bank expects disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz to remain a meaningful overhang, keeping gas balances tight and price volatility elevated.

Why these names now

Goldman’s team sees a constructive setup for select liquefied natural gas (LNG) players and related assets. Their thesis centers on three pillars: durable contracted cash flows that cushion volatility, visible growth projects set to ramp over the next several years, and strategic flexibility to capture upside from higher global gas prices. Against the backdrop of potential shipping and supply interruptions, the analysts argue these companies are positioned to translate market tightness into earnings and cash flow upside.

Cheniere Energy (ticker: LNG)

Goldman highlights Cheniere as a core beneficiary of ongoing tightness in global LNG markets. The firm points to several strengths:

• Robust contracted cash flows that underpin revenue visibility through long-term offtake agreements.
• A solid balance sheet and disciplined capital allocation that support both growth and returns to shareholders.
• Clear catalysts from U.S. Gulf Coast expansion projects in Louisiana and Texas, which are expected to add incremental capacity and enhance operating leverage as they come online.

In the bank’s view, the combination of contracted volumes and exposure to market-linked pricing provides a balanced mix of stability and upside. As global LNG demand remains resilient and supply disruptions linger, Cheniere’s portfolio is set up to capture favorable spreads while maintaining downside protection.

Venture Global LNG

Goldman sees an accelerating growth path for Venture Global, underscored by the company’s ability to leverage available or ramping liquefaction capacity. Key points cited:

• A clear and strengthening pipeline of positive catalysts as projects advance and commercial activity scales.
• Opportunity to capitalize on higher global gas prices given its capacity profile and market access.
• Strategic positioning within the U.S. LNG export ecosystem, which benefits from competitive feedgas and infrastructure advantages.

As global buyers prioritize supply security and flexible terms, the analysts expect Venture Global to continue building momentum, translating market conditions into incremental earnings power.

Golar LNG (ticker: GLNG)

Goldman is constructive on Golar LNG, highlighting multiple levers for value creation:

• Visibility into a potential fourth floating LNG (FLNG) vessel, which would expand capacity and earnings diversification.
• An underappreciated commodity upside embedded in its business model, allowing the company to benefit if prices and spreads remain supportive.
• Recent strategic review initiatives that could unlock additional value and sharpen capital allocation.

With FLNG solutions offering speed-to-market and flexibility relative to conventional liquefaction projects, Golar’s pipeline and potential asset additions present a tangible path for growth, particularly in a market constrained by logistical and geopolitical frictions.

Macro backdrop: tight balances, lingering risk

The analysts’ updates come as the energy market continues to digest supply risks stemming from conflict-related disruptions. Even with the possibility of a near-term de-escalation, constraints in key transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz can keep trade flows uneven and support elevated price dynamics. That backdrop favors LNG exporters and infrastructure operators able to quickly match shifting demand with flexible supply.

Bottom line

Goldman’s refreshed earnings estimates reflect a view that LNG-focused companies with strong contracts, advancing growth projects, and strategic flexibility are best positioned to monetize ongoing market tightness. Within that framework, Cheniere Energy, Venture Global LNG, and Golar LNG stand out as names with visible catalysts and the potential for earnings upside if disruptions persist and gas balances remain tight.