Cheniere Energy, Inc. Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2010

Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) reported a significant shift from a net loss in the prior year's comparable period to a substantial net income for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010. This turnaround was largely driven by a substantial gain from the sale of its investment in Freeport LNG Development, L.P., coupled with increased revenues from its LNG receiving terminal operations, particularly the Sabine Pass LNG terminal which commenced commercial operations in late 2009. The company also saw a positive swing in its LNG and natural gas marketing segment, moving from a loss to a gain. Despite improved profitability, Cheniere Energy continues to navigate a complex financial landscape characterized by significant long-term debt obligations. The company successfully executed several strategic initiatives during the period to improve liquidity and restructure its finances, including the prepayment of a portion of its 2007 Term Loan and the utilization of restricted cash to reduce the principal and accrued interest on its 2008 Convertible Loans. Management believes current liquidity and operating cash flows are sufficient to meet obligations until the earliest principal payment dates in 2011 and 2012, but emphasizes the need for further financial restructuring, such as refinancing debt or issuing equity, to manage future debt maturities.

Key Highlights

• 1Reported a net income of $85.7 million ($0.86 diluted EPS) for the three months ended June 30, 2010, a significant improvement from a net loss of $13.1 million ($0.25 diluted EPS) in the prior year's period.
• 2Recognized a substantial gain of $128.3 million from the sale of its 30% interest in Freeport LNG Development, L.P. in May 2010.
• 3LNG receiving terminal revenues increased significantly due to the commencement of services under the Chevron TUA and continued revenue from the Total TUA, following the Sabine Pass LNG terminal's commercial operations.
• 4The LNG and natural gas marketing segment turned profitable, reporting a gain of $1.0 million for the quarter, compared to a loss of $1.2 million in the prior year, driven by improved trading activities and new agreements with LNGCo.
• 5The company made significant strides in debt management, prepaying $102.0 million on the 2007 Term Loan and using restricted cash to reduce $2.7 million of principal on the 2008 Convertible Loans.
• 6Cheniere initiated a project to add liquefaction services at the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal, aiming to transform it into a bi-directional facility for LNG exports, with potential commencement as early as 2015.
• 7Despite improved profitability, the company faces significant long-term debt with principal payments becoming due starting in 2011 and 2012, highlighting the ongoing need for financial restructuring.

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