10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2009

Cheniere Energy, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2009

Filed August 7, 2009For Securities:LNG

Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) reported a net loss of $13.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, a significant improvement from the $136.5 million net loss in the same period of the prior year. This improvement was driven by increased LNG receiving terminal revenues, primarily due to the commencement of capacity reservation fee payments from Total, and a notable gain from the early extinguishment of debt. Total assets decreased to $2.79 billion from $2.92 billion at the end of 2008, largely due to a reduction in restricted cash and cash equivalents. Despite the ongoing net losses, the company reported progress in operationalizing its Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal and Creole Trail Pipeline, with improved revenue streams contributing to a narrowing of losses.

Key Highlights

  • 1Significant reduction in net loss to $13.1 million for Q2 2009 from $136.5 million in Q2 2008, driven by new revenue streams and debt management.
  • 2Commencement of Total's capacity reservation fee payments, contributing to increased LNG receiving terminal revenues.
  • 3Recognized a substantial gain of $45.4 million from the early extinguishment of a portion of its Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes.
  • 4Total assets decreased by approximately $134 million sequentially, primarily due to a reduction in restricted cash and cash equivalents.
  • 5Continued capital expenditures on LNG receiving terminals and pipelines, with a notable decrease in spending compared to the prior year as major construction phases concluded.
  • 6Demonstrated positive cash flow from operations for the first six months of 2009, albeit still a net outflow of $27.6 million, showing improvement from $107.2 million in the prior year.
  • 7Managed to reduce its long-term debt through an exchange offering of Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes for cash and common stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

The company reported a substantial decrease in its net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2009, compared to the same period in 2008. This improvement was primarily due to increased LNG receiving terminal revenues, stemming from the commencement of Total's capacity reservation fee payments, a significant gain on the early extinguishment of debt, the absence of prior-year restructuring charges, and lower general and administrative expenses.

Cheniere Energy actively managed its debt by exchanging $120.4 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Senior Unsecured Notes for $30.0 million in cash and 4.0 million shares of common stock. This transaction reduced the principal amount due in 2012 and resulted in a significant gain of $45.4 million recognized in the current quarter's earnings.

The Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal has achieved commercial operability, leading to the commencement of capacity reservation fee payments under long-term Terminal Use Agreements (TUAs). Total began its payments in April 2009, and Chevron's payments started in July 2009. Cheniere Marketing, a subsidiary, also has a TUA in place. These TUAs are expected to provide a steady revenue stream.

As of June 30, 2009, Cheniere had $88.9 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents. Total assets decreased sequentially to $2.79 billion from $2.92 billion, partly due to a reduction in restricted cash and cash equivalents. While operating cash flow still showed a net outflow, it was significantly reduced compared to the prior year, indicating improved cash management.