Core Viewpoint - Woodside Energy (NYSE: WDS) is viewed as a long-term investment opportunity despite current challenges in the energy sector, including weak energy prices and tariff uncertainties [1]. Company Summary - Woodside Energy has faced share price pressure due to unfavorable market conditions affecting energy companies [1]. - The company is recognized for its potential in the energy space, indicating a belief in its long-term viability and growth prospects [1]. Industry Summary - The energy sector is currently experiencing weak prices, which has negatively impacted investor sentiment and stock performance across the industry [1].

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 expects an additional US$ 100 million in earnings 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 a partial reduction in 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 supply gas 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 currently positioned as a pure play FLNG provider [10]. - The partnership with leading Argentinian gas producers through SESA is expected to establish Argentina as a significant LNG exporter, leveraging the vast resources of the Vaca Muerta formation [7].

Core Points - Golar LNG Limited announced the successful offload of its first full LNG cargo from FLNG Gimi to the LNG carrier British Sponsor, marking the entry of Mauritania and Senegal into the international gas market [1] - This event triggers the final pre-Commercial Operations Date milestone bonus payment to Golar, as per the commercial reset agreement made in August 2024 [1] - The commissioning is on track for a Q2 2025 Commercial Operations Date, which will initiate a 20-year Lease and Operate Agreement, unlocking approximately $3 billion of Adjusted EBITDA backlog for Golar [1] Financial Implications - The commencement of the Commercial Operations Date will lead to the recognition of contractual payments that include both capital and operating elements in Golar's balance sheet and income statement [1]

Group 1 - Golar LNG Limited has entered into finance lease agreements with a consortium of leading Chinese leasing companies for refinancing the existing FLNG Gimi debt facility, amounting to approximately $1.2 billion [1] - The sale leaseback facility will have a tenor of 12 years and a 17-year amortization profile, with quarterly repayment installments throughout the lease period [2] - Upon closing and repayment of the existing debt facility, Gimi MS Corporation is expected to generate net proceeds of approximately $530 million, with Golar benefiting from 70% of these proceeds, equivalent to approximately $371 million [2]

Core Insights - Golar LNG Limited has maintained a strong operational track record with FLNG Hilli, exceeding its contracted production volume for 2024, resulting in $0.5 million of overproduction revenue recognized [1] - The acquisition of remaining minority interests in FLNG Hilli for $60 million in cash and an increase in contractual debt has resulted in Golar holding a 100% economic interest in FLNG Hilli [2] - The acquisition is expected to increase Golar's annual Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $7 million, with additional revenue linked to Brent oil and TTF gas prices [3] Financial Performance - For Q4 2024, Golar reported a net income of $3 million, with an Adjusted EBITDA of $59 million, while the full year 2024 net income was $50 million and Adjusted EBITDA was $241 million [6] - Total Golar Cash as of December 31, 2024, was $699 million, consisting of $566 million in cash and cash equivalents and $133 million in restricted cash [22] - Golar's share of contractual debt increased to $1.515 billion as of December 31, 2024, reflecting a 24% increase from the previous year [17] Operational Developments - FLNG Gimi has commenced commissioning, with the first LNG export cargo expected in Q1 2025, and the Commercial Operations Date anticipated in Q2 2025 [5][7] - The MKII FLNG conversion project is on schedule, with $0.6 billion spent to date, and is expected to be delivered in Q4 2027 [8] - Golar has entered into definitive agreements for the deployment of FLNG in Argentina, with a consortium of leading gas producers involved [10] Future Outlook - Golar expects to release significant capital from refinancing FLNG Hilli following the completion of conditions precedent in the SESA 20-year charter [4] - The project in Argentina is projected to generate an annual Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $300 million, plus commodity-linked revenue [11] - Golar is in advanced discussions for additional FLNG units and has options for further conversions at CIMC shipyard [13]