Cheniere Energy Reports First Quarter 2007 Results
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Cheniere Energy, Inc. (AMEX:LNG) reported a net loss of $34.6 million, or $0.63 per share (basic and diluted), for the first quarter of 2007 compared with a net loss of $15.8 million, or $0.29 per share (basic and diluted), during the corresponding period in 2006. The primary reasons for the $18.8 million increase in the net loss between periods relate to the following: an $8.1 million increase in general and administrative expenses primarily related to increased personnel costs from the expansion of the company's business; a $15.3 million increase in interest expense related to the $2.032 billion senior notes issued by Cheniere Energy's wholly-owned subsidiary, Sabine Pass LNG, L.P., in November 2006; a $7.4 million income tax benefit recorded in the prior period associated with interest rate hedges. These increases to the net loss were partially offset by an increase in interest income of $12.0 million attributable to the proceeds of the $2.032 billion senior notes offering.
As of March 31, 2007, Cheniere Energy reported unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $583.6 million compared to $463.0 million at December 31, 2006. The primary source of the increase was the receipt of $164.5 million in net proceeds from the sale of Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. ("Cheniere Partners") (AMEX:CQP) common units to the public. These units were held by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cheniere Energy and were sold in conjunction with Cheniere Partners' initial public offering ("IPO") which closed on March 26, 2007.
Cheniere Energy also reported that on March 31, 2007, the company held restricted cash, cash equivalents and treasury securities totaling $1.2 billion, comprised of $738.8 million for the completion of the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal construction to 4 billion cubic feet per day of capacity, $353.7 million for interest payments relating to the Sabine Pass LNG, L.P. senior notes and $98.4 million as a reserve for distributions to the common unit holders of Cheniere Partners and related distributions to its general partner.
Subsequent to the reported period, the underwriters of the IPO exercised their over-allotment option to purchase additional common units on April 16, 2007, which resulted in net proceeds to Cheniere Energy of $39.4 million.
Cheniere Energy, Inc. is developing a network of three LNG receiving terminals and related natural gas pipelines along the Gulf Coast of the United States. Cheniere is pursuing related LNG business opportunities both upstream and downstream of the terminals. Cheniere is also the founder and holds a 30% limited partner interest in a fourth LNG receiving terminal. Additional information about Cheniere Energy, Inc. may be found on its web site at www.cheniere.com.
For additional information, please refer to the Cheniere Energy, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This press release contains certain statements that may include
"forward-looking statements" within the meanings of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts,
included herein are "forward-looking statements." Included among
"forward-looking statements" are, among other things, (i) statements
regarding Cheniere's business strategy, plans and objectives and (ii)
statements expressing beliefs and expectations regarding the
development of Cheniere's LNG receiving terminal business. Although
Cheniere believes that the expectations reflected in these
forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve
assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove
to be incorrect. Cheniere's actual results could differ materially
from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result
of a variety of factors, including those discussed in Cheniere's
periodic reports that are filed with and available from the Securities
and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this
press release. Other than as required under the securities laws,
Cheniere does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking
statements.
(Financial Table Follows)
Cheniere Energy, Inc.
Selected Financial Information
(in thousands, except per share data) (1)
Three Months Ended
March 31,
-----------------------------
2007 2006
-------------- --------------
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Oil and gas sales $832 $422
Marketing and trading loss (2,088) --
Operating Costs and Expenses
LNG Receiving Terminal and Pipeline
Development Expenses 5,754 8,313
Oil and Gas Exploration and
Production Costs 426 889
Depreciation, Depletion and
Amortization 1,075 606
General and Administrative Expenses 21,261 13,181
-------------- --------------
Total Operating Costs and Expenses 28,516 22,989
-------------- --------------
Loss from Operations (29,772) (22,567)
Interest Expense (26,426) (11,138)
Interest Income 21,582 9,544
Other 60 937
Income Tax Benefit -- 7,413
-------------- --------------
Net Loss $(34,556) $(15,811)
============== ==============
Net Loss Per Common Share - Basic and
Diluted $(0.63) $(0.29)
============== ==============
Weighted Average Common Shares
Outstanding - Basic and Diluted 54,891 54,217
============== ==============
March 31, December 31,
2007 2006
-------------- --------------
(Unaudited)
Cash and Cash Equivalents $583,620 $462,963
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents 218,145 176,827
Other Current Assets 29,578 10,183
Non-Current Restricted Cash, Cash
Equivalents and Treasury Securities 986,762 1,071,722
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 957,177 748,818
Debt Issuance Costs, Net 39,877 41,545
Goodwill 76,844 76,844
Other Assets 20,358 15,586
-------------- --------------
Total Assets $2,912,361 $2,604,488
============== ==============
Current Liabilities $133,582 $61,939
Long-Term Debt 2,357,000 2,357,000
Deferred Revenue 41,000 41,000
Other Liabilities 1,518 1,302
Minority Interest 262,887 --
Stockholders' Equity 116,374 143,247
-------------- --------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholders'
Equity $2,912,361 $2,604,488
============== ==============
(1) Please refer to Cheniere Energy, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the period ended March 31, 2007, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Source: Cheniere Energy, Inc.
Released May 8, 2007