8-KMaterial AgreementsFinancial EventsExhibits & Filings

Cheniere Energy, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Nov 13, 2019)

Filed November 13, 2019For Securities:LNG

Summary

Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG), through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC (CCH), successfully closed the sale of $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of 3.700% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 on November 13, 2019. These notes were issued at a slight discount to par, yielding 3.709%, and were sold on a private placement basis under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 144A/Regulation S. The financing is secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of CCH and its guarantors' assets, and is guaranteed by CCH's existing and certain future domestic subsidiaries. This issuance provides CCH with significant funding, likely for its ongoing development and operational activities. The senior secured nature of the notes, coupled with guarantees and collateral, positions them favorably in the capital structure. Investors should note the covenants detailed in the indenture, which include restrictions on incurring additional debt, paying dividends, and asset sales, balanced by customary limitations and exceptions. The company has also entered into a registration rights agreement, obligating it to use commercially reasonable efforts to register these notes for exchange or resale within 360 days, with potential penalties for non-compliance.

Key Highlights

  • 1Closed sale of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.700% Senior Secured Notes due 2029.
  • 2Notes issued by Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC (CCH), a subsidiary.
  • 3Sale occurred on November 13, 2019, at 99.925% of par, yielding 3.709%.
  • 4Financing was completed via private placement under Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 144A/Regulation S.
  • 5Notes are senior secured obligations, guaranteed by CCH's subsidiaries, and secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all assets.
  • 6Indenture includes covenants restricting debt, dividends, and asset sales, with customary exceptions.
  • 7Registration rights agreement mandates efforts to register notes for exchange or resale within 360 days, with potential interest penalties for delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

This 8-K filing announces the closing of Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC's (CCH) private placement of $1.5 billion of 3.700% Senior Secured Notes due 2029. It details the terms of the notes, the purchase agreement, the indenture, and the related registration rights agreement.

These notes represent a significant debt issuance at the subsidiary level (CCH). They are senior secured obligations, meaning they rank high in the capital structure and are backed by specific collateral. This issuance will increase CCH's leverage and financing costs, but also provides capital for its operations and development projects.

The notes mature in November 2029 and bear a fixed interest rate of 3.700% per annum, payable semi-annually. They are guaranteed by CCH's subsidiaries and secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all of CCH and its guarantors' assets. This security provides a strong claim for noteholders in the event of default.

Cheniere (through CCH) has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement for an exchange offer or shelf registration of these notes within 360 days of the issue date. Failure to meet these registration obligations could result in CCH being required to pay additional interest on the notes.