NEXT

NextDecade ($NEXT) LNG Giant Potential Revealed Through $6.45M Concentrated Buying by CEO and Hanwha

11/17/2025 21:29

NextDecade Corp ($NEXT) is a U.S.-based LNG company developing the Rio Grande LNG export terminal in Texas. The project targets 17.6 million tonnes per annum production capacity with a total investment of $18.4 billion, positioning it as a major LNG export hub upon completion. September 2025 witnessed significant insider buying activity at $NEXT. CEO Matthew Schatzman purchased 281,500 shares at an average price of $7.14 on September 12th, investing approximately $2 million. Director William Vrattos followed with substantial purchases totaling 600,000 shares worth $4.35 million on September 12th and 17th. Most notably, Hanwha Aerospace continued its strategic accumulation, purchasing 1.79 million shares worth approximately $10.83 million across September 23-24 and November 11-14. The timing of these concentrated purchases is particularly significant. $NEXT's stock had plummeted from the $8 range to $4-5 following an August 2024 court ruling that vacated FERC's approval. The stock remained depressed throughout the period, trading in the $6-7 range when insiders made their September purchases - still well below the $8+ levels seen in early 2024. Management's decision to buy at these levels signals strong conviction in the business outlook. Hanwha Aerospace's continued stake building reflects a strategic partnership perspective. As an existing major shareholder with deep LNG industry knowledge, Hanwha's additional investments suggest long-term business partner commitment beyond mere financial investment. The Rio Grande LNG project currently stands at a critical juncture. Following a March 2025 court revision of FERC's supplemental environmental impact statement order, FERC staff recommended final environmental approval in July. $NEXT has strengthened the project's commercial foundation through long-term LNG supply agreements with Saudi Aramco, TotalEnergies, and Japan's JERA. The final investment decision for Train 4 has been completed, with construction now in full swing. Investors should monitor key indicators for investment signals. Positive triggers include final investment decisions on Train 5, additional long-term supply contract announcements, and confirmed first LNG production timelines. Warning signs include project cost escalations exceeding 20%, environmental regulatory reviews, or major customer contract modifications. Delays pushing first LNG production beyond 2029 would significantly impact the investment thesis. In an optimistic scenario, smooth Train 1-3 operations in 2027-2028 combined with rising LNG prices could drive shares to $12-15. The base case anticipates project execution as planned with shares trading in the $9-11 range. However, construction delays, cost overruns, or persistent global LNG oversupply could keep shares range-bound at current $6-7 levels or lower. September's insider buying suggests significant upside potential from current price levels. The combination of CEO and director personal capital deployment plus Hanwha's strategic additions demonstrates insider confidence in business prospects. Nevertheless, LNG projects' inherent risks from long development timelines and high capital intensity remain. Investors should closely monitor project progress and global LNG market dynamics while considering the timing and scale of insider purchases when evaluating current price level attractiveness.