Industry Overview - The U.S. Energy Department reported a natural gas storage injection of 71 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ended Sept. 5, exceeding market expectations of 69 Bcf and significantly above the five-year average of 56 Bcf [3] - Total natural gas stocks reached 3,343 Bcf, which is 38 Bcf (1.1%) below the 2024 level but 188 Bcf (6%) higher than the five-year average [4] - Natural gas futures experienced a weekly decline of 3.5%, closing at $2.941/MMBtu, influenced by a bearish storage build and softer demand [5][9] Long-term Outlook - Analysts project stronger withdrawals this winter, with inventories expected to normalize closer to historical averages by 2026, supported by rising LNG exports and resilient industrial demand [7] - The natural gas market is anticipated to stabilize near the $3/MMBtu mark, underpinned by steady U.S. production and continued LNG expansion [6] Company Focus - **Expand Energy (EXE)**: The largest natural gas producer in the U.S. post-merger, positioned to benefit from increasing demand driven by LNG exports and electrification trends. The 2025 earnings per share estimate indicates a 325.5% year-over-year surge [10][11] - **Coterra Energy (CTRA)**: An independent upstream operator with significant holdings in the Marcellus Shale, expected earnings per share growth rate for three to five years is 30.1%, outperforming the industry average [12][13] - **Excelerate Energy (EE)**: Specializes in LNG infrastructure, representing 20% of the global Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) fleet. The 2025 earnings per share estimate indicates a 5.5% year-over-year growth [14][15]

So, number one, there's still a lot of gas from Russia going into Europe. 15% of Europe's gas supply still comes from Russia. Billion a year, I think, is the number, I think.Yeah. And and they've set a date to end that in the next 18 months. So, there's a big increased demand right there just for the United States to finish displacing the Russian gas.I also think you're going to see demand for AI and increased demand for electricity in Europe. Europe has not been a growth market for energy the last 20 years ...

heady goals 750 billion in energy. You guys want to sell it. You want to triple energy sales to Europe in the next three years.We talked a little bit with your colleague and friend Secretary Bergam about it yesterday. But realistically, how do we do that in the United States. How do the Cheners, the Venture Globals, the Exxons, the Shells, the Seas, how do they accomplish those goals.So, number one, there's still a lot of gas from Russia going into Europe. 15% of Europe's gas supply still comes from Russia. ...

Industry Overview - The U.S. Energy Department reported a lower-than-expected increase in natural gas supplies, with stockpiles rising by 110 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ended May 9, compared to analysts' expectations of 111 Bcf [2] - Total natural gas stocks reached 2,255 Bcf, which is 375 Bcf (14.3%) below the 2024 level but 57 Bcf (2.6%) higher than the five-year average [3] - Natural gas futures fell about 12% during the week, ending at $3.343/MMBtu, the lowest in two weeks, due to mild weather leading to subdued demand [4] Company Focus - **Expand Energy (EXE)**: The largest natural gas producer in the U.S. after the Chesapeake-Southwestern merger, with significant assets in the Haynesville and Marcellus basins. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 earnings per share indicates a 458.2% year-over-year surge, with an 18.7% increase in estimates over the past 60 days [7][8] - **Coterra Energy (CTRA)**: An independent upstream operator with a focus on natural gas, owning approximately 183,000 net acres in the Marcellus Shale. The expected earnings per share growth rate for Coterra is 20.3% over three to five years, compared to the industry's 17.8% [9][10] - **Excelerate Energy (EE)**: Specializes in LNG infrastructure and services, representing 20% of the global Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRUs) fleet. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2025 earnings per share indicates a 10.2% year-over-year growth [11][12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $1,989 million for Q1 2025, reflecting a 3% increase compared to Q1 2024, with adjusted EBITDA excluding the marketing business up 5% [17][22] - The adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 was raised from a midpoint of $7,650 million to $7,700 million, indicating a projected 9% growth over 2024 [22][24] - The company received an S&P credit rating upgrade to BBB+ during the quarter, along with a positive outlook from Moody's [13][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Transmission and Gulf business improved by $23 million or 3%, setting an all-time record due to higher revenues from expansion projects [18][19] - The Northeast gathering and processing business improved by $10 million or 2%, primarily due to higher revenues from gathering and processing rates [20] - The West segment saw an increase of $26 million or 8%, driven by strong margins and pipeline volumes [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a 12% increase in Gulf gathering volumes and a 42% increase in NGL production [19] - The demand for natural gas pipeline capacity and volumetric demand is expected to grow, with the company well-positioned to benefit from this trend [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capitalizing on the growing demand for natural gas, particularly in the power generation market, industrial reshoring, and LNG exports [25][26] - The company is pursuing high-return projects, including the Socrates project, which is expected to generate earnings consistent with a five times EBITDA build multiple [8][13] - The leadership transition is aimed at maintaining the company's strategic focus on natural gas while leveraging new opportunities in emerging markets [26][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about continued growth, citing a strong base business performance and a robust project pipeline [7][24] - The company anticipates accelerating growth rates throughout the remainder of 2025, with expectations for strong contributions from new projects [18][22] - Management highlighted the resilience of the business model against commodity price swings, particularly in the context of natural gas demand [24] Other Important Information - The company successfully placed two projects into service during the quarter, contributing to earnings growth [10][12] - The quarterly dividend was increased by 5.3% to $0.50 per share, reflecting a commitment to a well-covered dividend program [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help us understand the size and returns for the new power projects? - Management expects the new projects to have attractive returns similar to the Socrates project, with full commercialization anticipated throughout the year [32][34] Question: What is the strategic rationale for the Cogentrix investment? - The investment is seen as a way to position the company in the changing Northeast power market, focusing on gas supply rather than entering the merchant power generation space [36][38] Question: What competitive advantages does Williams have in the market? - The company emphasizes collaboration across its organization and strong relationships with suppliers, which have been key to its success in delivering solutions [43][45] Question: How does the company view the gas market unfolding? - Management sees a strong call for gas, particularly in dry gas basins, and expects to see a rotation of rigs into gas areas as oil prices soften [50][52] Question: What is the outlook for capital spending and project backlog? - The company anticipates elevated CapEx due to a strong project backlog, with a focus on maintaining high return profiles [55][60] Question: Can you provide an update on the Transco Power Express project? - The project is a 950 million cubic feet per day expansion, primarily sourcing from Station 165, and is scalable without dependence on the Mountain Valley Pipeline expansion [92][94]

Core Viewpoint - Golar LNG Limited has announced the Final Investment Decision for a 20-year re-deployment charter of the FLNG Hilli and signed agreements for a 20-year charter for the MKII FLNG, both to be operated offshore Argentina, which is expected to significantly enhance the company's earnings backlog and commodity exposure [1][2][4]. Group 1: Charter Agreements - The two FLNG agreements are projected to contribute US$ 13.7 billion in earnings backlog over 20 years, before adjustments based on US-CPI and commodity-linked tariff upside [2]. - For every US$ 1/mmbtu increase above US$ 8/mmbtu, Golar will gain approximately US$ 100 million when both FLNGs are operational [2]. - SESA has the option to reduce the term of the agreement to 12 years for FLNG Hilli and 15 years for MKII FLNG, subject to a 3-year notice and payment of a fee [2]. Group 2: Commodity Linked Tariff - Golar will receive 25% of realized FOB prices above a threshold of US$ 8/mmbtu, with no cap on the upside for gas prices [3]. - A mechanism allows for partial reduction of charter hire if FOB prices fall below US$ 7.5/mmbtu, down to a floor of US$ 6/mmbtu, with a maximum accumulated discount capped at US$ 210 million [3]. - Any outstanding discounted charter hire amounts will be repaid through additional upside sharing if FOB prices exceed US$ 7.5/mmbtu [3]. Group 3: Project Support and Infrastructure - The project has received full support from the National and Provincial Governments in Argentina, including a 30-year LNG export authorization and qualification for the Incentive Regime for Large Investments [5]. - The FLNGs will be located offshore in the Gulf of San Matias, monetizing gas from the Vaca Muerta formation, which is the world's second-largest shale gas resource [6]. - SESA plans to construct a dedicated pipeline from Vaca Muerta to the Gulf of San Matias to ensure gas supply to the FLNGs, enhancing operational efficiencies [6]. Group 4: Company and Market Position - Golar LNG Limited is a leading maritime LNG infrastructure company, recognized for pioneering floating LNG projects and is the only proven provider of FLNG as a service [10]. - The partnership with leading Argentinian gas producers positions Golar to benefit from the vast resources of the Vaca Muerta formation, contributing to Argentina's LNG export capabilities [7].