10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2001

Cheniere Energy, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2001

Filed May 15, 2001For Securities:LNG

Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. reported a net loss of $910,851 ($0.07 per share) for the first quarter of 2001, a significant increase from the $302,377 ($0.03 per share) loss in the same period of 2000. This widening loss is primarily attributed to a substantial increase in General and Administrative (G&A) expenses, driven by business development projects and listing fees, as well as an equity in net loss from its unconsolidated affiliate, Gryphon Exploration Company. While revenues decreased due to lower production, higher commodity prices partially offset this decline. The company's balance sheet shows total assets of $36.05 million at March 31, 2001, up from $34.67 million at December 31, 2000. However, cash balances significantly decreased to $652,516 from $1,888,562, coinciding with a notable increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, leading to a working capital deficit of $1.63 million. Liquidity remains a key concern, with management outlining several potential sources of future funding, including equity offerings and asset sales.

Key Highlights

  • 1Net loss widened to $910,851 ($0.07/share) in Q1 2001 from $302,377 ($0.03/share) in Q1 2000.
  • 2Revenue decreased by $201,949 to $971,656, mainly due to lower production volumes, despite higher commodity prices.
  • 3General and Administrative (G&A) expenses more than doubled to $1,025,622, driven by business development and listing fees.
  • 4Cash decreased significantly to $652,516 from $1,888,562, and the company reported a working capital deficit of $1,634,608.
  • 5The company's investment in Gryphon Exploration Company resulted in an equity in net loss of $418,541 for the quarter.
  • 6Cheniere completed a private placement of common stock and warrants in February 2001, raising $493,329 in net proceeds.
  • 7Management expects future liquidity requirements to be met through various sources, including additional financing and asset sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the increased net loss is a significant rise in General and Administrative (G&A) expenses, which more than doubled compared to the prior year, largely due to business development projects and listing fees on the American Stock Exchange. Additionally, the company recognized an equity in net loss from its investment in Gryphon Exploration Company.

Cheniere's liquidity has decreased, as evidenced by a substantial drop in cash balance to $652,516 from $1,888,562. This, combined with an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, resulted in a working capital deficit of $1,634,608 at the end of the quarter. Management is planning to address future liquidity needs through various funding sources.

Cheniere has a strategy involving its affiliate, Gryphon Exploration Company, to fund its exploration program. The company is exploring multiple avenues for future funding, including debt and equity offerings, sales of working interests in its prospects, and potential sales of producing properties or seismic data licenses, aiming to meet its financial obligations and capital expansion plans.

Cheniere accounts for its investment in Gryphon using the equity method. Gryphon was formed in October 2000 to fund Cheniere's exploration program. While Cheniere's share of Gryphon's net income was recorded as a loss of $418,541 for the quarter, this investment is a key part of the company's strategy. Importantly, Cheniere's ownership stake in Gryphon could be diluted if it does not participate in future capital calls, as demonstrated by a recent event where Warburg Pincus was expected to fund the full amount of a cash call that Cheniere declined.