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10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2009

Cheniere Energy, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Sep 30, 2009

Filed November 6, 2009For Securities:LNG

Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. reported its third-quarter 2009 financial results, marked by the substantial completion and full operability of its Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal. This milestone is a significant achievement, as the terminal's entire regasification capacity is now secured under long-term Terminal Use Agreements (TUAs) with Total Gas & Power North America and Chevron U.S.A., along with a TUA for its subsidiary, Cheniere Marketing. These agreements ensure a substantial stream of future revenue, bolstering the company's financial outlook. Operationally, the company experienced a significant reduction in net loss compared to the prior year's period, driven by the commencement of TUA payments and a gain from debt extinguishment. While the company continues to manage substantial long-term debt, the progress in terminal operations and the secured revenue streams provide a positive trajectory. Investors should note the ongoing development of other projects, such as the Corpus Christi and Creole Trail LNG terminals, and the natural gas pipeline business, which are contingent on securing further commercial and financing arrangements.

Key Highlights

  • 1Substantial completion and full operability of the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal achieved in Q3 2009, within budget.
  • 2Entire 4.0 Bcf/d regasification capacity at Sabine Pass LNG is fully reserved under long-term TUAs with Total, Chevron, and Cheniere Marketing.
  • 3Commencement of TUA payments from Total (April 1, 2009) and Chevron (July 1, 2009) significantly boosted revenues.
  • 4Net loss decreased by 41% to $42.5 million for Q3 2009 compared to $71.6 million in Q3 2008.
  • 5Achieved a $45.4 million gain on early extinguishment of debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2009, through an exchange of convertible notes for cash and common stock.
  • 6The company believes it has sufficient cash to fund operations until at least August 2011, the earliest date principal payments may be required on existing indebtedness.
  • 7Phase 1 of the Creole Trail Pipeline is operational, with future phases dependent on commercial and financing agreements.

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