Summary
Cheniere Energy, Inc.'s 2018 10-K filing reveals a company in a significant growth phase, primarily focused on the development and expansion of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export facilities in Sabine Pass, Louisiana, and Corpus Christi, Texas. The company reported substantial increases in revenues and income from operations compared to the previous year, driven by the commissioning and full operation of multiple liquefaction "Trains" at its Sabine Pass facility. Key operational milestones include the commencement of commissioning for Train 5 at Sabine Pass and Train 1 at Corpus Christi, contributing to a significant increase in LNG cargo exports to a global customer base. Financially, Cheniere experienced a notable shift from net losses to net income attributable to common stockholders in 2018. This improvement was bolstered by increased operational capacity, favorable derivative results, and strategic debt management, including amendments and restatements of credit facilities to increase borrowing capacity and extend maturity dates. However, the company continues to carry a substantial amount of debt, primarily related to its extensive capital expenditure program for project development. Looking ahead, Cheniere remains focused on completing its ongoing projects, securing additional long-term contracts, and evaluating further expansion opportunities, while managing its significant debt load and capital requirements.
Financial Highlights
50 data points| Revenue | $7.99B |
| Cost of Revenue | $4.60B |
| Gross Profit | $3.39B |
| R&D Expenses | $7.00M |
| SG&A Expenses | $289.00M |
| Operating Expenses | $5.96B |
| Operating Income | $2.02B |
| Interest Expense | $875.00M |
| Net Income | $471.00M |
| EPS (Basic) | $1.92 |
| EPS (Diluted) | $1.90 |
| Shares Outstanding (Basic) | 245.60M |
| Shares Outstanding (Diluted) | 248.00M |
Key Highlights
- 1Cheniere reported a significant increase in revenues to $7.99 billion in 2018 from $5.60 billion in 2017, driven by the expansion of its LNG export capacity.
- 2The company achieved a net income of $471 million attributable to common stockholders in 2018, a substantial turnaround from a net loss of $393 million in 2017.
- 3Train 5 at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal was nearing completion (99.7% complete as of December 31, 2018) and expected substantial completion in Q1 2019, with Train 6 also being commercialized.
- 4Corpus Christi Stage 1 (Trains 1 & 2) was 96.7% complete and expected substantial completion in Q1 and 2H 2019, respectively, while Stage 2 (Train 3) was 42.0% complete with an expected substantial completion in 2H 2021.
- 5The company entered into several new long-term Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPAs) for LNG with major international customers, securing future revenue streams.
- 6Cheniere's financial position was strengthened by significant debt transactions, including increasing commitments under credit facilities and issuing new senior notes to manage its capital structure and fund ongoing development.
- 7The company continued to expand its global reach, having exported over 575 cumulative LNG cargoes, with more than 270 in 2018 alone, to 32 countries and regions.