Teekay LNG Partners Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual 2015 Results
(firmenpresse) - HAMILTON, BERMUDA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/18/16 -- Highlights
Teekay GP L.L.C., the general partner of Teekay LNG Partners L.P. (Teekay LNG or the Partnership) (NYSE: TGP), today reported the Partnership''s results for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Partnership generated distributable cash flow(1) of $61.5 million, compared to $69.0 million the same period of the prior year. The decrease in distributable cash flow was primarily due to the termination of the charter contract for the Partnership''s 52 percent-owned Magellan Spirit liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier in March 2015 (which termination the Partnership''s joint venture with Marubeni Corporation is currently disputing), the scheduled expiration of the charter contract for the Partnership''s 52 percent-owned Methane Spirit LNG carrier in March 2015, and lower capitalized distributions relating to equity financing of newbuildings as a result of the temporary reduction in cash distributions on the Partnership''s common units. These decreases were partially offset by the lower interest expense resulting from the December 2014 termination of capital leases for, and the subsequent refinancing of, three 70 percent-owned LNG carriers, higher cash flows from the Partnership''s Exmar LPG BVBA joint venture and higher revenues from the Teide Spirit Suezmax tanker.
On January 20, 2016, the Partnership declared a cash distribution of $0.14 per common unit for the quarter ended December 31, 2015. The cash distribution was paid on February 12, 2016 to all common unitholders of record on February 5, 2016.
CEO Commentary
"The Partnership generated strong cash flows in the fourth quarter and fiscal 2015, highlighting the stability of our business," commented Peter Evensen, Chief Executive Officer of Teekay GP LLC. "The cash flows in the fourth quarter were enhanced by higher profit share revenues from the Teide Spirit conventional tanker and the commencement of short-term charters relating to the Magellan Spirit and Methane Spirit LNG carriers during the quarter."
Mr. Evensen added "Teekay LNG continues to operate with high fleet utilization generating stable cash flows, supported by a large and well-diversified portfolio of fee-based contracts with high quality counterparties."
"The decision in December to temporarily reduce Teekay LNG''s distributions was a difficult decision and was caused by the inability to access competitively priced capital in the current negative capital market environment and was not caused by a shortfall in the cash flows of our operations," Mr. Evensen continued. "We believe the reduction is in the best interests of long-term unitholders as the reallocation of a significant portion of our internally generated cash flows to fund our profitable growth projects that will deliver over the next several years will result in higher available distributable cash flow per unit."
"In December 2015, we announced a significant milestone - the Partnership''s first LNG regasification project which includes an attractive 20-year charter for one of the Partnership''s existing MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings, increasing the Partnership''s total forward fee-based revenues to $12.1 billion with a weighted average remaining contract duration of 12 years," Mr. Evensen continued. "Our new joint venture, comprised of strategic and financial sponsors, will develop an LNG regasification terminal under a 20-year contract for the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain for start-up in mid-2018."
Mr. Evensen added "Looking ahead to 2016, we remain focused on executing on the Partnership''s portfolio of profitable growth projects, ensuring they remain on time and on budget and securing long-term financing for these projects. Our first two MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings, which will be financed with a recently secured $360 million long-term lease facility, are scheduled to commence their respective fee-based contracts with Cheniere Energy in March and the third quarter of 2016, lifting LNG cargos from Cheniere''s Sabine Pass LNG export facility. Including these vessels and our other profitable growth projects that deliver in 2016 through 2020, the Partnership is well-positioned to continue growing its cash flows in the future."
Business Outlook for 2016 and 2017
The Partnership plans to host a conference call on Thursday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss the results contained in this news release as well as its business outlook, which includes additional forecasted cash flows for 2016 and 2017. A copy of the Fourth Quarter 2015 Earnings and Business Outlook Presentation, which will be discussed during this conference call, is available at .
Summary of Recent Events
Secured 20-year contracts to develop an LNG regasification project in Bahrain
In December 2015, a joint venture consisting of Teekay LNG, Samsung C&T (Samsung) and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) finalized a 20-year contract with the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain to develop an LNG receiving and regasification terminal in Bahrain for start-up in mid-2018. The project will include a floating storage unit (FSU), an offshore LNG receiving jetty and breakwater, an adjacent regasification platform, subsea gas pipelines from the platform to shore, an onshore gas receiving facility and an onshore nitrogen production facility. The project is expected to have a capacity of 800 million standard cubic feet per day and will be owned and operated through a new joint venture owned by National Oil & Gas Authority (30%), Teekay LNG (30%), Samsung (20%) and GIC (20%). Teekay LNG will provide the project with the FSU, modifying one of its previously unchartered MEGI LNG carrier newbuildings, under a 20-year charter contract to the joint venture. The project, not including the FSU to be time chartered from Teekay LNG and excluding project management and development, financing and other costs, is expected to cost the joint venture approximately $655 million, which is expected to be funded through a combination of equity capital and project finance through a consortium of regional and international banks.
Delivery Update on the First Two MEGI LNG Carrier Newbuildings for Cheniere Energy
During the fourth quarter, Teekay LNG''s first MEGI LNG carrier newbuilding completed sea trials with the second vessel scheduled to commence sea trials late in the first quarter of 2016. These vessels will commence their respective five-year fee-based contracts with Cheniere Energy late in the first quarter and third quarter of 2016 and are expected to earn annual cash flow from vessel operations(i) and distributable cash flow(ii) of approximately $50 million and $30 million, respectively. In early-February 2016, Teekay LNG secured a 10-year, $360 million long-term lease facility, which will be used to finance both vessels.
Temporary charter payment deferral on two 52 percent-owned LNG carriers
Teekay LNG owns two 52 percent-owned LNG carriers, the Marib Spirit and Arwa Spirit, through its joint venture with Marubeni Corporation that are currently on long-term charters expiring in 2029 to the Yemen LNG project (YLNG), a consortium led by Total SA. Due to the political situation in Yemen, YLNG decided to temporarily close down the LNG plant in 2015. As a result of a possible extended plant closing, the Partnership''s joint venture agreed to a temporary deferral of a significant portion of the charter payments for the two LNG carriers during 2016. Upon future resumption of the LNG plant in Yemen, it is expected that YLNG will repay the deferred amounts in full over a period of time to be agreed upon.
Financial Summary
The Partnership reported adjusted net income attributable to the partners(1) of $39.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, compared to $45.6 million for the same period of the prior year. Adjusted net income attributable to the partners excludes a number of specific items that had the net effect of increasing net income attributable to partners by $32.7 million and decreasing net income by $12.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily relating to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments and foreign currency exchange gains, as detailed in Appendix A to this release. Including these items, the Partnership reported net income attributable to the partners, on a GAAP basis, of $72.2 million and $33.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Net voyage revenues(2) increased to $103.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to $99.0 million in the same period of the prior year.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Partnership reported adjusted net income attributable to the partners(1) of $160.0 million compared to $176.7 million for the prior year. Adjusted net income attributable to the partners excludes a number of specific items that had the net effect of increasing net income attributable to partners by $40.8 million and $28.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, primarily relating to unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments and foreign currency exchange gains, as detailed in Appendix A to this release. Including these items, the Partnership reported net income attributable to the partners, on a GAAP basis, of $200.9 million and $205.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Net voyage revenues(2) increased to $396.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $399.6 million in the same period of the prior year.
Adjusted net income attributable to the partners for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 decreased from the same periods in the prior year primarily due to the Magellan Spirit LNG carrier''s disputed charter contract termination during the first quarter of 2015 and the scheduled expiration of the charter contract for the Methane Spirit LNG carrier in mid-March 2015. These decreases were partially offset by the lower interest expense resulting from the December 2014 termination of capital leases for, and the subsequent refinancing of, three 70 percent-owned LNG carriers, the acquisition of Norgas Napa in November 2014, higher liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) spot rates earned in 2015 and replacement of certain older LPG carriers with newbuilding deliveries during 2015 in the Partnership''s Exmar LPG BVBA joint venture and higher revenues from the Teide Spirit Suezmax tanker due to a stronger spot tanker market in 2015.
For accounting purposes, the Partnership is required to recognize the changes in the fair value of its outstanding derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes in net income. This method of accounting does not affect the Partnership''s cash flows or the calculation of distributable cash flow, but results in the recognition of unrealized gains or losses on derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income as detailed in notes 2, 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income included in this release.
Operating Results
The following table highlights certain financial information for Teekay LNG''s two segments: the Liquefied Gas Segment and the Conventional Tanker Segment (please refer to the "Teekay LNG''s Fleet" section of this release below and Appendices C through F for further details).
Liquefied Gas Segment
Cash flow from vessel operations from the Partnership''s Liquefied Gas segment, excluding equity accounted vessels, was $59.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to $62.7 million in the same quarter of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the depreciation of the Euro against the U.S. Dollar compared to the same quarter of the prior year, and 20 off-hire days relating to a scheduled drydocking for the Polar Spirit in the fourth quarter of 2015. These decreases were partially offset by the acquisition of the Norgas Napa in November 2014.
Cash flow from vessel operations from the Partnership''s equity accounted vessels in the Liquefied Gas segment was $46.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $50.9 million in the same quarter of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to the disputed termination of the charter contract for the Magellan Spirit in March 2015 and the scheduled expiration of the charter contract for the Methane Spirit in mid-March 2015 which were replaced with short-term charter contracts at significantly lower rates. Both the Magellan Spirit and Methane Spirit are owned through the Partnership''s 52 percent interest in the joint venture with Marubeni Corporation. The decrease was partially offset by increased cash flows from the Partnership''s 50 percent interest in Exmar LPG BVBA, as a result of higher LPG spot rates and the addition to the joint venture of four LPG carrier newbuildings that delivered during 2014 and early 2015, net of the sale of five older LPG carriers during 2014 and late 2015.
Conventional Tanker Segment
Cash flow from vessel operations from the Partnership''s Conventional Tanker segment increased to $14.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, compared to $11.3 million in the same quarter of the prior year. The increase was primarily related to $3.8 million profit share recognized in the fourth quarter of 2015 for the Teide Spirit as a result of stronger spot tanker market in 2015 compared to 2014.
Teekay LNG''s Fleet
The following table summarizes the Partnership''s fleet as of February 17, 2016:
Liquidity
As of December 31, 2015, the Partnership had total liquidity of $232.5 million (comprised of $102.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $130.0 million in undrawn credit facilities).
Conference Call
The Partnership plans to host a conference call on Thursday, February 18, at 11:00 a.m. (ET) to discuss the results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2015 as well as its business outlook. All unitholders and interested parties are invited to listen to the live conference call by choosing from the following options:
A supporting Fourth Quarter and Fiscal year 2015 Earnings and Business Outlook Presentation will also be available at in advance of the conference call start time.
The conference call will be recorded and made available until Thursday, March 3, 2016. This recording can be accessed following the live call by dialing (888) 203-1112 or (647) 436-0148, if outside North America, and entering access code 446034.
About Teekay LNG Partners L.P.
Teekay LNG Partners is one of the world''s largest independent owners and operators of LNG carriers, providing LNG, LPG and crude oil marine transportation services primarily under long-term, fixed-rate charter contracts through its interests in 50 LNG carriers (including one LNG regasification unit and 21 newbuildings), 29 LPG/Multigas carriers (including two in-chartered LPG carriers and six newbuildings) and eight conventional tankers. The Partnership''s interests in these vessels range from 20 to 100 percent. Teekay LNG Partners L.P. is a publicly-traded master limited partnership (MLP) formed by Teekay Corporation (NYSE: TK) as part of its strategy to expand its operations in the LNG and LPG shipping sectors.
Teekay LNG Partners'' common units trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TGP".
Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) includes realized losses relating to the amounts the Partnership paid to settle the Partnership''s non-designated cross-currency swaps that were entered into as economic hedges in relation to the Partnership''s Norwegian Kroner (NOK) denominated unsecured bonds. The Partnership issued NOK 700 million, NOK 900 million, and NOK 1,000 million of unsecured bonds between May 2012 and May 2015. Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) also includes unrealized losses relating to the change in fair value of such derivative instruments, partially offset by unrealized gains on the revaluation of the NOK bonds as detailed in the table below:
Set forth below is a reconciliation of the Partnership''s unaudited adjusted net income attributable to the partners, a non-GAAP financial measure, to net income attributable to the partners as determined in accordance with GAAP. The Partnership believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, certain investors use this information to evaluate the Partnership''s financial performance. The items below are also typically excluded by securities analysts in their published estimates of the Partnership''s financial results. Adjusted net income attributable to the partners is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Distributable cash flow represents net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash items, estimated maintenance capital expenditures, unrealized gains and losses from derivatives, distributions relating to equity financing of newbuilding installments, equity income, adjustments for direct financing leases to a cash basis, and foreign exchange related items. Maintenance capital expenditures represent those capital expenditures required to maintain over the long-term the operating capacity of, or the revenue generated by, the Partnership''s capital assets. Distributable cash flow is a quantitative standard used in the publicly-traded partnership investment community to assist in evaluating a partnership''s ability to make quarterly cash distributions. Distributable cash flow is not required by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other indicator of the Partnership''s performance required by GAAP. The table below reconciles distributable cash flow to net income.
Net voyage revenues represents voyage revenues less voyage expenses, which comprise all expenses relating to certain voyages, including bunker fuel expenses, port fees, cargo loading and unloading expenses, canal tolls, agency fees and commissions. Net voyage revenues is a non-GAAP measure used by certain investors to measure the financial performance of shipping companies. Net voyage revenues is not required by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to voyage revenues or any other indicator of the Partnership''s performance required by GAAP.
Cash flow from vessel operations from consolidated vessels represents income from vessel operations before (a) depreciation and amortization expense, (b) amortization of in-process contracts included in voyage revenues, and includes (c) adjustments for direct financing leases to a cash basis, realized gains or losses on the Toledo Spirit derivative contract, and the revenue for two Suezmax tankers recognized a cash basis. The Partnership''s direct financing leases for the periods indicated relate to the Partnership''s 69 percent interest in two LNG carriers, the Tangguh Sago and Tangguh Hiri, and the two LNG carriers acquired from Awilco LNG ASA. The Partnership''s cash flow from vessel operations from consolidated vessels does not include the Partnership''s cash flow from vessel operations from its equity accounted joint ventures. Cash flow from vessel operations is included because certain investors use cash flow from vessel operations to measure a company''s financial performance, and to highlight this measure for the Partnership''s consolidated vessels. Cash flow from vessel operations from consolidated vessels is not required by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or any other indicator of the Partnership''s performance required by GAAP.
Cash flow from vessel operations from equity accounted vessels represents the Partnership''s proportionate share of income from vessel operations from equity accounted vessels before (a) depreciation and amortization expense, (b) amortization of in-process revenue contracts, (c) loss on sale of vessel and includes (d) adjustments for direct financing leases to a cash basis. Cash flow from vessel operations from equity accounted vessels is included because certain investors use cash flow from vessel operations to measure a company''s financial performance, and to highlight this measure for the Partnership''s equity accounted joint ventures. Cash flow from vessel operations from equity accounted vessels is not required by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to equity income or any other indicator of the Partnership''s performance required by GAAP.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) which reflect management''s current views with respect to certain future events and performance, including statements regarding: the Partnership''s expected fixed future revenues and weighted average remaining contract length; the Partnership''s use of internally generated cash flows to contribute to the funding of growth projects; the impact of cash distribution reductions on the Partnership''s financial position; the potential for future cash distribution changes; the timing of newbuilding vessel deliveries and project start-up and the commencement of related contracts; the outcome of the Partnership''s dispute over the Magellan Spirit charter contract termination; the profitability of future growth projects and their impact on the Partnership''s future available distributable cash flow per unit; the stability and growth of the Partnership''s future cash flows; the total capacity, cost and financing for the Bahrain project; and the charter payment deferral on the Partnership''s two 52 percent owned LNG carriers on charter to the Yemen LNG project.
The following factors are among those that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, and that should be considered in evaluating any such statement: potential shipyard and project construction delays, newbuilding specification changes or cost overruns; costs relating to projects; changes in production of LNG or LPG, either generally or in particular regions; changes in trading patterns or timing of start-up of new LNG liquefaction and regasification projects significantly affecting overall vessel tonnage requirements; changes in applicable industry laws and regulations and the timing of implementation of new laws and regulations; the potential for early termination of long-term contracts of existing vessels in the Teekay LNG fleet; the inability of charterers to make future charter payments; the inability of the Partnership to renew or replace long-term contracts on existing vessels; factors affecting the outcome of the Partnership''s dispute over the Magellan Spirit; the Partnership''s and the Partnership''s joint ventures'' ability to raise financing for its existing newbuildings and projects or to purchase additional vessels or to pursue other projects; factors affecting the resumption of the LNG plant in Yemen; the inability of the Partnership to collect the deferred charter payments from the Yemen LNG project; and other factors discussed in Teekay LNG Partners'' filings from time to time with the SEC, including its Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 and Form 6-K for the quarters ended March 31, 2015, June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015. The Partnership expressly disclaims any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Partnership''s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
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Datum: 18.02.2016 - 05:43 Uhr
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