All eyes on Nextdecade earnings amid Rio Grande LNG buildout

Nextdecade Corp. is scheduled to release its third-quarter earnings ahead of the market opening on Thursday. Investors are closely watching the Houston-based company as it faces significant financial challenges during the most capital-intensive phase of building its Rio Grande LNG export terminal in Texas. Analysts predict Nextdecade will report a loss of 71 cents per share for the September quarter, a sharp increase from the 25-cent loss recorded in the previous quarter.

The company, currently in development mode with no revenue expected, has a mean price target of $8.70, indicating a potential 35% increase from its current price of $6.45. Despite the losses, analysts believe the stock is a Buy due to the project's progress. The Rio Grande LNG project is reportedly ahead of schedule and under budget, signaling positive momentum.

Management expects to begin gas production at the terminal in the second half of 2026, with first LNG exports anticipated for 2027. The project currently has five trains under construction, with three more in the planning stage. Investors will be closely monitoring the company's financing arrangements and liquidity position as it funds this massive buildout.

The report will gauge whether investors remain confident in Nextdecade's ability to execute on one of the largest LNG export projects on the Gulf Coast.