Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG Quick QuoteLNG - Free Report) is set to release first-quarter 2026 results on May 7.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $3.91 per share on revenues of $5.7 billion.

Let us delve into the factors that are likely to have influenced the liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) exporter’s performance in the to-be-reported quarter. But, before that, it is worth taking a look at Cheniere Energy’s performance in the previously reported quarter.

Highlights of Q4 Earnings & Surprise History

In the last reported quarter, this Houston, TX-based oil and gas storage and transportation company missed estimates, caused by lower total margins per MMBtu (million British thermal units) of LNG delivered, along with higher provisions for income tax and higher net income attributable to non-controlling interests. Cheniere Energy reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.87, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.83. However, the company’s quarterly revenues of $5.5 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.2 billion.

LNG’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the last four quarters and missed it in the other two, delivering an average surprise of 58.44%.

This is depicted in the graph below: 

Cheniere Energy, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

 

 

Cheniere Energy, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Cheniere Energy, Inc. Quote

LNG’s Trend in Estimate Revision

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2026 earnings has not witnessed any movement in the past seven days. The estimated figure indicates an 149.04% year-over-year increase. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues indicates a 4.65% increase from the year-ago period’s level.

Factors to Consider Ahead of LNG’s Q1 Results

Cheniere Energy generates most of its revenues through long-term, take-or-pay agreements, where customers commit to fixed payments in exchange for access to liquefaction capacity at its LNG export facilities, ensuring stable and predictable cash flows. In addition, the company captures incremental earnings by sourcing natural gas, processing it into LNG, and marketing globally, leveraging pricing spreads and opportunistic short-term trades.

LNG’s revenues are likely to have improved in the quarter to be reported. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter revenues implies an increase from the year-ago quarter’s level. This can be attributed to the strong increase in LNG sales and LNG revenues from the liquefaction projects sold under third-party long-term contracts. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LNG revenues implies an increase of 7.9% from the year-ago quarter’s level. Additionally, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues from liquefaction projects sold under third-party long-term contracts implies a 54.4% increase from the year-ago quarter’s level.

Rising expenses may, however, weigh on results. Cheniere Energy’s fourth-quarter total costs and expenses were 10.9% higher than the year-ago quarter’s figure, and this upward trajectory is expected to have persisted in the quarter to be reported. Higher expenditures on cost of sales and depreciation, amortization, and accretion, coupled with ongoing inflationary pressures, might have continued to pressure margins.

What Does Our Model Say About LNG Stock?

The proven Zacks model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Cheniere Energy this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of beating estimates. However, that is not the case here.

You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Earnings ESP of LNG: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, for this company, is -5.79%.

LNG’s Zacks Rank: LNG currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.

Stocks to Consider

Here are some firms from the energy and other space that you may want to consider, as these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this reporting cycle.

Calumet, Inc. (CLMT Quick QuoteCLMT - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +3.51% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The firm is scheduled to release earnings on May 8. Calumet is an independent manufacturer and marketer of specialty hydrocarbon products and refined petroleum. Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Calumet’s 2026 earnings per share indicates 53.85% year-over-year growth. Valued at around $2.96 billion, Calumet’s shares have risen 224.7% in a year.

ANI Pharmaceuticals (ANIP Quick QuoteANIP - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +7.81% and a Zacks Rank #3. The firm is scheduled to release earnings on May 8.

ANI Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in developing, manufacturing, and marketing generic and branded prescription drugs. Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ANI Pharmaceuticals’ 2026 earnings per share indicates 52.33% year-over-year growth. Valued at around $1.85 billion, ANI Pharmaceuticals’ shares have risen 16.6% in a year.

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals (CPRX Quick QuoteCPRX - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +13.66% and a Zacks Rank #2. The firm is scheduled to release earnings on May 11.  Catalyst Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes therapies for people with rare, debilitating diseases.

Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Catalyst Pharmaceuticals’ 2026 earnings per share indicates 2.57% year-over-year growth. Valued at around $3.54 billion, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals’ shares have risen 27% in a year.