8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsOther Events+1

Cheniere Energy, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (May 24, 2018)

Filed May 24, 2018For Securities:LNG

Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG) announced a significant expansion of its Corpus Christi Liquefaction (CCL) Project through a series of material definitive agreements filed on May 24, 2018. The company secured approximately $1.5 billion in incremental debt commitments, increasing the total principal amount under its term loan facility to approximately $6.1 billion. This expanded financing will support the development, construction, and operation of Train 3 at the CCL Project, along with associated infrastructure. Furthermore, Cheniere has committed to providing up to approximately $1.1 billion in cash equity funding for the Borrower to develop the CCL Project. The company also made a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) for Train 3 and issued a notice to proceed to Bechtel for construction. These actions signal strong confidence in the project's future and its ability to drive growth for Cheniere.

Key Highlights

  • 1Secured $1.5 billion in incremental debt commitments, bringing the total term loan facility to approximately $6.1 billion for the Corpus Christi Liquefaction (CCL) Project.
  • 2Company made a positive Final Investment Decision (FID) for the development, construction, and operation of Train 3 at the CCL Project.
  • 3Issued a notice to proceed to Bechtel for the construction of Train 3 at the CCL Project, commencing construction activities.
  • 4Amended and Restated Equity Contribution Agreement commits Cheniere to provide up to approximately $1.1 billion in cash equity funding for the Borrower to support project costs.
  • 5The financing is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all assets of the Loan Parties and a pledge of equity interests, underscoring the robust collateral backing.
  • 6The term loan facility matures on June 30, 2024, with principal repayments starting after project completion, structured over 19 years.
  • 7An amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement addresses potential impacts of LNG SPA deadlines on loan prepayments and reflects the increased debt and development of Train 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose is to fund a significant portion of the costs associated with the development, construction, and operation of Train 3 at Cheniere's Corpus Christi Liquefaction (CCL) Project, including related pipeline and infrastructure. The expanded debt and equity commitments signal a major step forward for this expansion.

The incremental debt commitments bring the total principal amount outstanding and committed under the Term Loan Facility Agreement to approximately $6.1 billion. This is supplemented by Cheniere's commitment to provide up to approximately $1.1 billion in cash equity funding.

The positive FID for Train 3 indicates that Cheniere is confident in the project's economics and has secured the necessary commercial, regulatory, and financing arrangements to proceed. The immediate issuance of a notice to proceed to Bechtel demonstrates the company's intent to move forward rapidly with construction.

The loans and other secured obligations are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Loan Parties involved in the project. This includes a pledge of all equity interests in these entities, as well as a mortgage over the real property of CCL and CCP.