Natural Gas Stocks Surge in 2024 Driven by Demand and Export Growth
In 2024, natural gas stocks experienced notable movements influenced by various market dynamics:
Market Performance:
- Kinder Morgan (KMI): The stock appreciated by 55% in 2024, driven by increased natural gas demand and the company’s extensive pipeline infrastructure. Investors.com
- EQT Corporation (EQT): Shares rose by 5.1% on December 30, 2024, following forecasts of colder January temperatures that boosted natural gas futures. Investopedia
- Cheniere Energy (LNG): The company continued to benefit from its LNG export operations, with expansions running ahead of schedule, contributing to stock performance. The Wall Street Journal
Industry Trends:
- Increased Demand: The surge in artificial intelligence (AI) applications led to higher electricity consumption, indirectly boosting natural gas demand as a primary energy source. Barron’s
- Export Growth: The U.S. expanded its natural gas exports, particularly LNG, to meet global demand, especially in Europe and Asia. The Wall Street Journal
- Price Fluctuations: Natural gas prices reached a 2024 high ahead of a cold snap, influencing stock valuations of companies in the sector. The Wall Street Journal
Investor Considerations:
Investors observed that companies with strong infrastructure and export capabilities, like Kinder Morgan and Cheniere Energy, were well-positioned to capitalize on the year’s market dynamics.