HOUSTON, July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheniere Energy, Inc. ("Cheniere") (NYSE MKT: LNG) reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $118.5 million, or $0.52 per share (basic and diluted), for the three months ended June 30, 2015, compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $201.9 million, or $0.90 per share (basic and diluted), for the comparable 2014 period. For the six months ended June 30, 2015, Cheniere reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $386.2 million, or $1.71 per share (basic and diluted), compared to a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $299.7 million, or $1.34 per share (basic and diluted), during the corresponding period of 2014.

Significant items for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were a gain of $21.9 million and a loss of $209.2 million, respectively, compared to losses of $189.8 million and $236.6 million for the comparable 2014 periods, respectively. Significant items for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 related to derivative gains (losses) associated with the cancellation of, and fees related to, interest rate derivatives and changes in long-term LIBOR during the period, losses on early extinguishment of debt related to the write-off of debt issuance costs by Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC ("SPL") primarily in connection with the refinancing of a portion of its credit facilities in March 2015, and development expenses primarily for the natural gas liquefaction and export facility being developed by us near Corpus Christi, Texas (the "CCL Project").

Included in general and administrative expense were non-cash compensation expenses of $43.0 million and $58.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, compared to $24.6 million and $59.2 million for the comparable 2014 periods, respectively.

Results are reported on a consolidated basis and include our ownership interest in Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. ("Cheniere Partners"), which is based on our 100% ownership of the general partner of Cheniere Partners and 80.1% ownership interest in Cheniere Energy Partners LP Holdings, LLC which owns a 55.9% limited partner interest in Cheniere Partners.

Recent Significant Events


    --  In May 2015, we made a positive final investment decision ("FID") and
        issued a notice to proceed ("NTP") with construction to Bechtel Oil, Gas
        and Chemicals, Inc. ("Bechtel") for the first two natural gas
        liquefaction trains ("Trains") and the related new facilities ("Stage
        1") of the CCL Project.
    --  In connection with the commencement of construction of Stage 1 of the
        CCL Project, Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC entered into an $8.4
        billion credit facility to be used for costs associated with the
        development, construction, operation and maintenance of Stage 1 of the
        CCL Project and a 23-mile, 48" natural gas supply pipeline that will
        interconnect the CCL Project with several interstate and intrastate
        natural gas pipelines (the "Corpus Christi Pipeline").
    --  Cheniere CCH Holdco II, LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary, issued $1.0
        billion aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2025,
        which will be used to pay a portion of the capital costs associated with
        Stage 1 of the CCL Project and the Corpus Christi Pipeline.
    --  In June 2015, SPL made a positive FID and issued an NTP with
        construction to Bechtel for Train 5 of the Sabine Pass Liquefaction
        Project (defined below).
    --  In connection with the commencement of construction of Train 5 of the
        Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project, SPL entered into four credit
        facilities totaling $4.6 billion, which replaced its existing credit
        facilities, to fund a portion of the costs of developing, constructing,
        and placing into operation Trains 1 through 5 of the Sabine Pass
        Liquefaction Project.
    --  In June 2015, we announced the development of an additional two Trains
        at the CCL Project, bringing the total number of Trains under
        development at the CCL Project to up to five, each with expected nominal
        production capacity of approximately 4.5 million metric tonnes per annum
        ("mtpa") of LNG. We have initiated the regulatory process by filing the
        National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") pre-filing request with the
        U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"), and requesting
        authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") to export LNG
        to both free trade agreement ("FTA") and non-FTA countries.
    --  In June 2015, we announced an agreement in principle to partner with
        Parallax Enterprises, LLC for the development of two mid-scale natural
        gas liquefaction projects in Louisiana, each with expected nominal
        production capacity of approximately 5.2 mtpa of LNG.

Liquefaction Projects Update

Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project

Through Cheniere Partners, we are developing up to six Trains, each with an expected nominal production capacity of approximately 4.5 mtpa of LNG, at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal adjacent to the existing regasification facilities (the "Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project").

The Trains are in various stages of development:


    --  Construction on Trains 1 and 2 began in August 2012, and as of June 30,
        2015, the overall project completion percentage for Trains 1 and 2 was
        approximately 92.2%, which is ahead of the contractual schedule. Based
        on our current construction schedule, we anticipate that Train 1 will
        produce LNG as early as late 2015.
    --  Construction on Trains 3 and 4 began in May 2013, and as of June 30,
        2015, the overall project completion percentage for Trains 3 and 4 was
        approximately 69.2%, which is ahead of the contractual schedule. We
        expect Trains 3 and 4 to become operational in late 2016 and 2017,
        respectively.
    --  The permitting process for Trains 5 and 6 has been completed. In April
        2015, Cheniere Partners received FERC authorization to site, construct,
        and operate Trains 5 and 6. In June 2015, Cheniere Partners received
        authorization from the DOE to export LNG to non-FTA countries.
    --  Construction on Train 5 began on June 30, 2015, and Train 6 is under
        development. We expect Train 5 to commence operations as early as 2018.
        We expect to commence construction on Train 6 upon entering into
        acceptable commercial arrangements and obtaining adequate financing.

CCL Project

We are developing up to five Trains, each with an expected nominal production capacity of approximately 4.5 mtpa of LNG, as part of the CCL Project.

The Trains are in various stages of development:


    --  Construction on Trains 1 and 2 began in May 2015. Train 3 is under
        development. We have entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement ("SPA")
        for approximately 0.8 mtpa of LNG volumes that commence with Train 3 and
        will contemplate making an FID to commence construction upon entering
        into additional SPAs. To date, we have obtained sufficient financing
        commitments and all necessary regulatory permits required to support the
        development of three Trains.
    --  Trains 4 and 5 are under development. We have initiated the regulatory
        process by filing the NEPA pre-filing request with the FERC, and
        requesting authorization from the DOE to export LNG to both FTA and
        non-FTA countries.

Timelines for Liquefaction Projects



                           Target Date
                           -----------

                          SPL               CCL
                          ---               ---

    Milestone            Trains           Trains                  Trains           Trains
                         1 - 4             5 & 6                  1 - 3            4 & 5
    ---                  -----             -----                  -----            -----

    DOE export
     authorization      Received         Received                Received                 2017

    Definitive
     commercial
     agreements        Completed       T5: Completed         T1-T2: Completed

                        16.0 mtpa        T6: 2015                T3: 2015

    -BG Gulf Coast
     LNG, LLC           5.5 mtpa

    -Gas Natural
     Fenosa             3.5 mtpa

    - KOGAS             3.5 mtpa

    -GAIL (India)
     Ltd.               3.5 mtpa

    -Total Gas &
     Power N.A.                          2.0 mtpa

    - Centrica plc                       1.75 mtpa

    -PT Pertamina
     (Persero)                                                  1.52 mtpa

    - Endesa, S.A.                                              2.25 mtpa

    - Iberdrola, S.A.                                           0.76 mtpa

    -Gas Natural
     Fenosa LNG SL                                              1.50 mtpa

    -Woodside Energy
     Trading
     Singapore                                                  0.85 mtpa

    -Électricité de
     France, S.A.                                               0.77 mtpa

    -EDP Energias de
     Portugal S.A.                                              0.77 mtpa

    EPC contracts      Completed       T5: Completed            Completed
                                         T6: 2015

    Financing          Completed       T5: Completed            Completed
                                         T6: 2015

    FERC
     authorization     Completed         Completed              Completed                 2017

    Issue Notice to
     Proceed           Completed       T5: Completed              T1-T2:                  2017
                                         T6: 2015               Completed
                                                                 T3: 2015

    Commence
     operations       2015 - 2017                  2018/2019             2018/2019        2021

Cheniere Energy, Inc. is a Houston-based energy company primarily engaged in LNG-related businesses and owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal and Creole Trail Pipeline in Louisiana. Cheniere is pursuing related business opportunities both upstream and downstream of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. Through its subsidiary, Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P., Cheniere is developing a liquefaction project at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal adjacent to the existing regasification facilities for up to six Trains, each of which is expected to have a nominal production capacity of approximately 4.5 mtpa of LNG. Construction has begun on Trains 1 through 5 of the Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project. Cheniere is also developing liquefaction facilities near Corpus Christi, Texas. The CCL Project is being designed for up to five Trains, with expected aggregate nominal production capacity of approximately 22.5 mtpa of LNG, four LNG storage tanks with capacity of approximately 13.5 Bcfe and two LNG carrier docks. Construction has begun on the first two Trains of the CCL Project. Cheniere has agreed in principle to partner with Parallax Enterprises, LLC for the development of up to 11 mtpa of LNG production capacity through Parallax's two mid-scale natural gas liquefaction projects, Live Oak LNG and Louisiana LNG.

For additional information, please refer to the Cheniere website at www.cheniere.com and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, 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 fact, 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, including the development, construction and operation of liquefaction facilities, (ii) statements regarding expectations regarding regulatory authorizations and approvals, (iii) statements expressing beliefs and expectations regarding the development of Cheniere's LNG terminal and pipeline businesses, including liquefaction facilities, (iv) statements regarding the business operations and prospects of third parties, (v) statements regarding potential financing arrangements and (vi) statements regarding future discussions and entry into contracts. 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.

                                                          Consolidated Statements of Operations

                                                         (in thousands, except per share data)(1)

                                                                       (unaudited)


                                    Three Months Ended                                      Six Months Ended

                                      June 30,                                           June 30,
                                      --------                                           --------

                             2015                        2014                       2015                     2014
                             ----                        ----                       ----                     ----

     Revenues

      LNG terminal
      revenues                         $67,905                                      $66,841                           $135,486       $133,260

      Marketing and
      trading revenues
      (losses)                (706)                          324                                   (44)                   981

     Other                      826                           480                                    952                    954
                              ---

     Total revenues          68,025                        67,645                                136,394                135,195


      Operating costs
      and expenses

      General and
      administrative
      expense               107,856                        67,720                                165,873                141,528

      Operating and
      maintenance
      expense                18,877                        29,409                                 56,030                 43,096

      Depreciation
      expense                20,154                        17,298                                 37,923                 32,773

      Development
      expense                16,609                        15,263                                 32,705                 27,375

     Other                      109                            90                                    441                    170
                              ---

      Total operating
      costs and
      expenses              163,605                       129,780                                292,972                244,942
                          -------


      Loss from
      operations           (95,580)                     (62,135)                             (156,578)              (109,747)


      Other income
      (expense)

      Interest expense,
      net                  (85,486)                     (43,789)                             (145,098)               (84,059)

      Loss on early
      extinguishment of
      debt                  (7,281)                    (114,335)                               (96,273)             (114,335)

      Derivative gain
      (loss), net            45,755                      (60,178)                              (80,181)              (94,859)

      Other income
      (expense)                 283                         (189)                                   655                    121
                              ---

      Total other
      expense              (46,729)                    (218,491)                              (320,897)              (293,132)
                         --------


      Loss before income
      taxes and non-
      controlling
      interest            (142,309)                    (280,626)                              (477,475)              (402,879)

      Income tax benefit
      (provision)               507                          (84)                                 (171)                 (176)
                              ---

     Net loss             (141,802)                    (280,710)                              (477,646)              (403,055)

      Less: net loss
      attributable to
      non-controlling
      interest             (23,307)                     (78,782)                              (91,442)             (103,317)
                         --------

      Net loss
      attributable to
      common
      stockholders                  $(118,495)                                  $(201,928)                        $(386,204)    $(299,738)
                              ===


     Net loss per share
      attributable to
      common
      stockholders-
      basic and diluted                $(0.52)                                     $(0.90)                           $(1.71)       $(1.34)
                              ===


     Weighted average
      number of common
      shares
      outstanding-
      basic and diluted     226,481                       223,602                                226,405                223,406



             (1)    Please refer
                     to the
                     Cheniere
                     Energy,
                     Inc.
                     Quarterly
                     Report on
                     Form 10-Q
                     for the
                     quarter
                     ended June
                     30, 2015,
                     filed with
                     the
                     Securities
                     and
                     Exchange
                     Commission.


                                                        Cheniere Energy, Inc.

                                                     Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                                (in thousands, except share data)(1)


                                                         June 30,                    December 31,

                                                               2015                               2014
                                                               ----                               ----

                         ASSETS                         (unaudited)

    Current assets

    Cash and cash equivalents                                           $1,470,207                        $1,747,583

    Restricted cash                                         684,073                              481,737

    Accounts and interest receivable                          6,746                                4,419

    LNG inventory                                            13,954                                4,294

    Other current assets                                     88,382                               20,844
                                                             ------                               ------

    Total current assets                                  2,263,362                            2,258,877


    Non-current restricted cash                             739,145                              550,811

    Property, plant and equipment,
     net                                                 13,799,113                            9,246,753

    Debt issuance costs, net                                637,301                              242,323

    Non-current derivative assets                            21,363                               11,744

    Goodwill                                                 76,819                               76,819

    Other non-current assets                                222,399                              186,356
                                                            -------                              -------

    Total assets                                                       $17,759,502                       $12,573,683
                                                                       ===========                       ===========


                LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

    Current liabilities

    Accounts payable                                                       $23,799                           $13,426

    Accrued liabilities                                     565,832                              169,129

    Deferred revenue                                         26,671                               26,655

    Derivative liabilities                                   23,937                               23,247

    Other current liabilities                                   600                                   18
                                                                ---                                  ---

    Total current liabilities                               640,839                              232,475


    Long-term debt, net                                  14,854,794                            9,806,084

    Non-current deferred revenue                             11,500                               13,500

    Other non-current liabilities                            37,013                               20,107


    Commitments and contingencies


    Stockholders' equity

    Preferred stock, $0.0001 par
     value, 5.0 million shares
     authorized, none issued                                      -                                   -

    Common stock, $0.003 par value

    Authorized: 480.0 million shares at June 30, 2015 and
     December 31, 2014

    Issued and outstanding: 236.6
     million shares and 236.7 million
     shares at June 30, 2015 and
     December 31, 2014, respectively                            711                                  712

    Treasury stock: 10.7 million
     shares and 10.6 million shares
     at June 30, 2015 and December
     31, 2014, respectively, at cost                      (298,926)                           (292,752)

    Additional paid-in-capital                            3,014,483                            2,776,702

    Accumulated deficit                                 (3,035,043)                          (2,648,839)
                                                         ----------                           ----------

    Total stockholders' deficit                           (318,775)                           (164,177)

    Non-controlling interest                              2,534,131                            2,665,694
                                                          ---------                            ---------

    Total equity                                          2,215,356                            2,501,517
                                                          ---------                            ---------

    Total liabilities and equity                                       $17,759,502                       $12,573,683
                                                                       ===========                       ===========



             (1)    Please refer
                     to the
                     Cheniere
                     Energy,
                     Inc.
                     Quarterly
                     Report on
                     Form 10-Q
                     for the
                     quarter
                     ended June
                     30, 2015,
                     filed with
                     the
                     Securities
                     and
                     Exchange
                     Commission.

As of June 30, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,470.2 million available to Cheniere. In addition, we had current and non-current restricted cash and cash equivalents of $1,423.2 million (which included current and non-current restricted cash and cash equivalents available to Cheniere Partners, SPL, Sabine Pass LNG, L.P., and Cheniere Corpus Christi Holdings, LLC.) designated for the following purposes: $996.5 million for the Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project, $19.0 million for Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, L.P., $91.1 million for interest payments related to the Sabine Pass LNG, L.P. senior secured notes, $92.0 million for the CCL Project, and $224.6 million for other restricted purposes.

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SOURCE Cheniere Energy, Inc.