NFE stock: why the Puerto Rico LNG deal isn’t a strong enough reason to buy

New Fortress Energy (NASDAQ: NFE) soared nearly 30% in premarket on Monday after securing conditional approval from Puerto Rico for a 7-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement.The $3.2 billion deal represents a major commercial opportunity for the energy infrastructure firm, which has been expanding its footprint in the Caribbean.However, the contract requires revisions to existing tolling terms and reassurances of competitive port access before final approval is granted.Therefore, while investors cheered the headline, the underlying risks remain rather significant for NFE stock.What the LNG deal means for New Fortress Energy stockThe tentative agreement triggered a sharp rally in New Fortress Energy shares since it could mean a substantial revenue stream for the company through the end of this decade.Puerto Rico relies heavily on imported fuel, which makes LNG supply critical, and the New York-based company is positioned to deliver this essential resource.The multi-billion-dollar valuation underscores the scale of the opportunity, while the contingency requirement for a third‑party supplier adds credibility to the arrangement by reducing supply risk.In short, the deal strengthens NFE’s regional presence, cementing its role as a key energy provider in the territory – and offers meaningful visibility into future cash flows, which investors often prize in infrastructure-linked business.Why NFE shares remain unattractive to own heading into 2026The meteoric rally in NFE shares this morning, nonetheless, appears speculative, only considering final approval for the Puerto Rico contract is not even guaranteed yet.Investors must tread with caution on New Fortress Energy also because its balance sheet is highly leveraged, with debt levels that limit flexibility.Moreover, cash flows have been inconsistent, and margins are vulnerable to LNG price volatility.Regulatory conditions tied to competitive port access could dilute NFE’s advantage as well, while reliance on a single geography increases concentration risk.New Fortress Energy Inc continues to grapple with uneven profitability – raising questions about sustainability. Given these risks, the company’s current valuation looks stretched after today’s pop.Other risks surrounding New Fortress Energy IncThe Puerto Rico LNG deal is undeniably a milestone for New Fortress Energy – offering scale and visibility in a market that needs a reliable fuel supply.Still, NFE stock remains unattractive to buy heading into 2026 because it continues to hover around $1.5 only, which means the delisting risk isn’t entirely off the table.Being a penny stock, the energy firm runs the risk of unusually high volatility and pump-and-dump behaviour as well.At the time of writing, it receives coverage from only one Wall Street analyst, which further means limited visibility, liquidity, and institutional confidence in New Fortress Energy.All in all, the company’s future hinges on execution and favorable policy decisions, but the current valuation leaves little room for disappointment. For now, the headline excitement is not enough to justify buying into the stock.The post NFE stock: why the Puerto Rico LNG deal isn’t a strong enough reason to buy appeared first on Invezz