In this article, we will discuss the 5 Most Profitable Natural Gas Stocks to Buy Now. For deeper discussion and analysis, read 10 Most Profitable Natural Gas Stocks to Buy Now.
5. National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG)
Net Profit Margin: 28%
Operating Margin: 41.61%
On April 6, KeyBanc initiated coverage of National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) with an Overweight rating and a $110 price target, highlighting the company as an “under-the-radar” opportunity within the energy sector despite multiple growth catalysts. The firm emphasized that the pending acquisition of CenterPoint Energy’s Ohio gas utility business will significantly expand National Fuel’s regulated footprint, effectively doubling its rate base and enhancing earnings stability. This strategic shift toward a larger regulated business mix not only improves visibility into future cash flows but also strengthens the company’s credit profile—an increasingly valuable attribute in a volatile macro environment increasingly shaped by AI-driven energy demand and infrastructure resilience.
On March 20, JPMorgan raised its price target on National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) to $97 from $95 while maintaining a Neutral rating, noting that global energy markets have undergone a rapid structural shift due to geopolitical tensions. The firm highlighted that supply disruptions and heightened geopolitical risk could embed a sustained premium into long-term energy prices, supporting stronger profitability across the sector. For a diversified operator like National Fuel, this environment enhances both upstream earnings potential and midstream utilization rates, reinforcing its integrated value chain advantage.
National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG) is a diversified energy firm operating across exploration and production, pipeline transportation, storage, and regulated utility segments. Founded in 1902 and headquartered in New York, the company benefits from a balanced business model that combines stable, utility-like cash flows with exposure to commodity upside. With industry-leading margins and expanding scale in its regulated operations, National Fuel is well-positioned to capitalize on rising natural gas demand and infrastructure investment, supporting a compelling long-term investment case with significant upside potential.
4. Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE:GPOR)
Net Profit Margin: 28.37%
Operating Margin: 37.88%
On March 24, Truist initiated coverage on Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE:GPOR) with a Hold rating and a $230 price target, noting that while the company’s inventory quality and longevity are underappreciated, its smaller scale and leadership transition introduce elements of uncertainty. Despite these concerns, Gulfport’s asset base provides a solid foundation for long-term value creation, particularly as natural gas markets strengthen.
On March 20, JPMorgan raised its price target on Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE:GPOR) to $250 from $229 while maintaining an Overweight rating, citing a sharp shift in global oil market dynamics driven by geopolitical tensions. The firm noted that supply constraints, including disruptions to key transit routes, have introduced a structural risk premium into energy prices, which could persist over the long term. This environment supports stronger cash flows and improved economics for upstream producers.
Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE:GPOR) is an independent exploration and production company with core operations in the Utica Shale and SCOOP region. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company is leveraged to natural gas and liquids production in key U.S. basins. With tightening global supply conditions and improving commodity pricing, Gulfport is well-positioned to capitalize on favorable market dynamics, supporting a strong investment case with meaningful upside potential.
3. Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VIST)
Net Profit Margin: 29.10%
Operating Margin: 30.25%
On March 26, UBS raised its price target on Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VIST) to $86 from $65 while maintaining a Buy rating, reflecting growing confidence in the company’s production growth and asset quality. The upward revision underscores improving fundamentals in Latin American energy markets, particularly as global investors increasingly seek exposure to high-margin shale developments outside of North America.
On March 23, Goldman Sachs also raised its price target on Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VIST) to $75 from $66.90 while maintaining a Buy rating, reinforcing a broad-based positive outlook among analysts. The consistent upward revisions suggest that Vista’s operational execution and growth trajectory are being increasingly recognized by the market, particularly as it continues to scale production in one of the world’s most attractive shale basins.
Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:VIST) ranks third. The company is a leading independent oil and gas company focused on developing unconventional resources in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation, one of the most promising shale plays globally. Headquartered in Mexico City, the company combines high-quality assets with a disciplined growth strategy. As global energy demand rises and investors look for scalable, high-return production opportunities, Vista stands out as a key beneficiary, supporting a compelling investment case.
2. CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE:CNX)
Net Profit Margin: 29.55%
Operating Margin: 37.07%
On March 27, Morgan Stanley raised its price target on CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE:CNX) to $34 from $32 while maintaining an Underweight rating, reflecting improved commodity price assumptions across the energy complex. The firm highlighted that oil, LNG, and refining margins have reached multi-year highs, prompting a reassessment of earnings potential across North American producers. This macro-driven uplift provides a supportive backdrop for CNX’s cash flow generation, even as relative positioning remains debated.
On March 24, Truist initiated coverage on CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE:CNX) with a Sell rating and a $35 price target, citing concerns around the company’s inventory depth relative to peers and the early-stage nature of its New Tech initiatives. While these ventures, including remediated mine gas, offer differentiated exposure, they have yet to materially impact financial performance, leaving near-term valuation dependent on core operations.
CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE:CNX) is an independent natural gas producer operating primarily in the Appalachian Basin, with integrated capabilities spanning exploration, production, and midstream processing. Headquartered in Pennsylvania, the company also has exposure to emerging energy technologies. With improving macro tailwinds and optionality from new business lines, CNX offers a nuanced investment profile that could benefit from higher commodity prices and evolving energy demand dynamics.
1. DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM)
Net Profit Margin: 49.40%
Operating Margin: 52.78%
On April 6, Jefferies raised its price target on DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM) to $150 from $148 while maintaining a Buy rating ahead of its Q1 results. The firm highlighted that the company’s Haynesville exposure continues to provide meaningful long-term optionality, even as near-term macro volatility introduces some uncertainty. Investors are closely watching for additional project announcements or backlog visibility, which could serve as catalysts for further valuation expansion.
The day before, JPMorgan raised its price target on DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM) to $142 from $126 while maintaining a Neutral rating, reflecting updated financial projections following recent results. The firm’s revised outlook underscores confidence in the company’s steady earnings growth, supported by its strategic positioning within key natural gas infrastructure corridors.
DT Midstream, Inc. (NYSE:DTM) is a pure-play natural gas infrastructure company focused on pipelines, storage, and gathering systems. Headquartered in Detroit, the company serves utilities, industrial customers, and power generation markets. With exceptionally high operating and net margins, DT Midstream benefits from stable, fee-based revenue streams while retaining upside to growing natural gas demand. As global energy systems increasingly rely on reliable gas infrastructure—particularly to support AI-driven power consumption—DT Midstream offers a highly attractive combination of stability and growth potential.
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