Goldman Sachs says own these 3 stocks as Iran war alters the LNG market

Geopolitical volatility has redrawn the map of global energy in recent weeks, as prolonged conflict between the US and Iran sent shockwaves through the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector.

With Qatar’s export capacity crippled by recent attacks, Goldman Sachs warns market disruptions could persist through 2027.

Still, the bank sees a “tighter balance” ahead, projecting that growing margins – up roughly 200% already – will create a lucrative environment for specific infrastructure names.  

According to its analyst John Mackay, while supply remains constrained, three specific companies are uniquely positioned to turn this global energy crunch into significant shareholder value.

Venture Global: capitalising on price volatility

Goldman Sachs sees Venture Global as a key beneficiary of the shifting supply-demand dynamic.

Its “buy” rating on the NYSE-listed firm comes with an $18.50 price objective, indicating potential upside of more than 10% from current levels.

The investment firm has aggressively raised its EBITDA estimates for VG by 62% through 2028, citing its immense leverage to rising global gas prices.

In his research note, Mackay said investors now have an “increasingly clear line of sight to funding levers and deleveraging,” which reduces the historical “cone of uncertainty” surrounding the firm’s ambitious medium-term growth plans.

As the industry faces stretched timelines for new supply, Venture Global’s existing and accelerating project path offers a rare catalyst for investors seeking meaningful upside amidst the chaos.

Cheniere Energy: a fortress balance sheet

Cheniere stock remains a top-tier pick for those prioritizing stability and capital returns as the market tightens.

Goldman Sachs sees the firm’s robust balance sheet as a strategic weapon that could drive its share price up to $312 by year-end, signaling potential upside of about 7% from here.

Cheniere committed $1 billion to buybacks in late 2025 – and remains well-positioned to continue its aggressive capital allocation strategy.

The current market allows LNG “to make large stock repurchases,” rewarding shareholders while navigating the high-price environment, Mackay told clients.

In short, Cheniere offers a blend of defensive reliability and steady growth as it bridges the gap left by the missing Middle Eastern supply.

Golar LNG: floating toward new highs

Goldman Sachs’ bullish view on Golar LNG shares comes with a $60 price target – indicating over 10% potential upside.

The company’s specialized focus on floating LNG vessels makes it a “nimble” player in a market desperate for rapid infrastructure solutions.

Goldman Sachs points to a potential fourth vessel commission as a major earnings driver, further bolstered by a recently initiated strategic review.

By decoupling production from traditional land-based constraints, GLNG provides a unique hedge against terrestrial geopolitical risks.

Mackay views these developments as “another positive” – suggesting the firm’s specialized fleet is perfectly suited for an era where flexible, offshore gas processing has become a global necessity.