Core Viewpoint - Geopolitical conflicts and trade frictions are reshaping the global LNG trade chain, leading to increased energy security demands from major importing countries, which are diversifying their gas supply sources through investments in upstream and midstream assets, potentially extending the global LNG construction boom [1]. Group 1: Geopolitical Impact on LNG Trade - The recent geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have heightened energy security considerations among buyers, prompting sellers to accelerate modernization efforts [1]. - The LNG supply from the Persian Gulf accounts for nearly 20% of the global total, and future buyer considerations for energy security in new project contracts are expected to increase [1][8]. - Japan, South Korea, and Europe are likely to increase imports of US LNG to reduce trade deficits and decrease reliance on Russian LNG [1][2]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Global LNG supply and demand may become more relaxed starting in 2026, with over 180 million tons per year of new LNG capacity expected to come online [2][22]. - More than 40% of the current LNG capacity under construction is in the Middle East, and the rising energy security demands may lead buyers to include non-Middle Eastern LNG in their resource pools [2][19]. - Countries like Argentina and Mozambique are expected to see increased investment in LNG to meet the energy security needs of buyers, including China [2][19]. Group 3: LNG Pricing Trends - Recent geopolitical tensions have caused significant fluctuations in LNG spot prices, with prices reaching $14.3/MMBtu before falling to $13.1/MMBtu as supply risks decreased [3][4]. - The average daily charter rates for LNG vessels have seen substantial increases, particularly in the Middle East, with rates rising by 139% in some cases [7]. Group 4: Future LNG Projects and Investments - Major LNG projects are underway, with significant expansions planned in Qatar and the UAE, aiming to enhance their LNG export capabilities [9][10]. - The North Field expansion in Qatar is projected to increase LNG export capacity by 84.4%, while the UAE's Ruwais LNG project aims to boost capacity from 580,000 tons per year to 1.56 million tons per year by 2028 [9][10]. - The US is expected to see a surge in LNG investment, with proposed projects potentially adding 186 million tons of capacity [28][30]. Group 5: Diversification of LNG Sources - China is likely to seek further diversification of its LNG sources to reduce dependence on single-export countries, with potential increases in imports from Canada, Africa, and Russia [24][28]. - India is also expected to enhance its LNG supply from regions like the US and Africa to mitigate reliance on Qatari LNG [24][28]. Group 6: Market Activity and Mergers - Recent mergers and acquisitions in the LNG sector indicate strong investor confidence in the industry's future, driven by energy security concerns [32][33]. - Notable transactions include Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation's $8 billion acquisition of Aethon Energy and ADNOC's $18.7 billion acquisition of Australia's Santos, reflecting a strategic push to secure upstream gas resources [33][34].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total operating revenues of $63 million for Q1 2025, with FLNG tariffs reaching $73 million during the quarter [36] - Total EBITDA for Q1 was $41 million, driven largely by lower Brent and TTF prices, with a twelve-month EBITDA of $218 million [37] - The net income for the quarter was $13 million, consistent with the previous quarter, including $32 million of non-cash items [38] - The company declared a dividend of $0.25 per share, equating to approximately $105 million annually [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hilli FLNG maintained a 100% operational uptime and has delivered 132 cargoes since 2018, producing over 9.2 million tonnes of LNG [5][6] - The Gimi FLNG is in the final stage of commissioning, with a contractual EBITDA of $151 million based on 90% capacity utilization [7] - The Mark II FLNG conversion is progressing well, with a projected delivery by the end of 2027 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a market cap of approximately $4 billion and total net debt of under $100 million, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of around 2.8x [5] - The LNG market is expected to grow significantly, with the U.S. being the largest producer, holding a 23% market share [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Golar LNG aims to transform into a market-leading infrastructure company with a focus on FLNG services, supported by a backlog of over $17 billion in EBITDA [11][72] - The company is targeting opportunities with competitive wellhead gas to secure attractive base tariffs with commodity upside participation [30] - The strategic focus includes risk mitigation in Argentina through regulatory frameworks and long-term contracts [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth potential, citing a strong backlog and favorable market conditions for LNG [60][67] - The board is open to exploring strategic alternatives if the share price does not reflect the company's value over time [90][94] Other Important Information - The company has fully exited LNG shipping with the sale of Golar Arctic and its equity stake in Avenir LNG [4] - The company is in discussions for potential new FLNG units and is ramping up shipyard activity to safeguard construction timelines [30][79] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you touch on the overall commercial strategy for offtake on the Argentina projects? - The strategy involves a mix of Brent, JKM, and TTF linked volumes, with some left for spot sales, targeting high-paying countries near Argentina [76] Question: Is there any additional upside on the Argentina contracts for excess production? - The contracts are for full capacity, with no additional upside for excess production, similar to the Gimi contract [78] Question: When do you start thinking about ordering long lead items for another new build? - For conversions, the timeline is approximately three years, while new builds take about four years [79] Question: What is the JV's breakeven price for the commodity exposure? - The breakeven is assumed to start at $7.5, with upside from $8, and Golar is liable for 10% of the required investments for infrastructure [81][82] Question: Is the company considering strategic alternatives if the share price remains low? - The board is focused on creating value for shareholders and will consider options if the share price does not reflect the company's value over time [90][94] Question: Can you clarify any remaining CapEx associated with Gimi? - No material payments are expected in the second quarter, with revenues from Gimi to start contributing to the P&L upon commencement of operations [95]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported adjusted EBITDA of $100 million, an increase of $9 million or approximately 10% compared to the previous quarter [19] - Adjusted net income for the first quarter was $56 million, a sequential increase of $10 million or up 20% compared to Q4 2024 [19] - Total debt, including finance leases, was $677 million, with cash and cash equivalents of $619 million as of March 31 [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The strong financial results were primarily driven by the core regasification infrastructure business, supported by a high-quality take-or-pay customer contract portfolio, which represents over 90% of the estimated full-year adjusted EBITDA [10][19] - Operational reliability remained above 99.9%, exceeding all primary safety targets [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its LNG terminal presence in key natural gas markets globally, with ongoing discussions regarding the deployment of the new FSRU under construction [6][13] - The acquisition of the integrated LNG infrastructure and power platform in Jamaica is expected to enhance long-term contract revenue and margins while diversifying geographic exposure [15][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing and expanding its fleet asset strategy, with the construction of Hull 3407 on track for delivery in mid-2026 [13] - The acquisition in Jamaica is a significant step in the execution of the downstream growth strategy, expected to be immediately accretive to EPS and enhance operating cash flow [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position and the opportunities ahead, emphasizing the resilience of the business model amid macroeconomic uncertainties [18][75] - The company is seeing increased interest in LNG imports from countries looking to balance trade deficits, indicating a favorable environment for growth [70][71] Other Important Information - The company completed an equity offering of 8 million shares at $26.5 per share, raising $212 million, and closed an $800 million offering of senior unsecured notes [22] - The adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 has been increased to a range of $345 million to $365 million, excluding any incremental EBITDA from the Jamaica acquisition [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the remaining steps to close the Jamaica transaction? - Management indicated that they are well into the closing process, with routine deliverables and consents expected to be completed without major impediments [29] Question: What are the growth opportunities for the Jamaica assets? - Management highlighted lower hanging opportunities for growth and incremental gas and LNG sales post-acquisition, leveraging Jamaica's geographical location as a hub [30][32] Question: Update on Hull 3407 and market dynamics? - Management noted serious discussions regarding Hull 3407, emphasizing its best-in-class features and the interest from various counterparties [34][35] Question: How does U.S. international diplomacy impact growth opportunities? - Management stated that the company is largely tariff-proof and sees increasing demand for LNG imports from countries needing to rebalance trade deficits [68][70] Question: Updates on LNG vessel conversion plans? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions and engineering advancements for LNG vessel conversions, with plans to acquire an asset this year [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full-year 2024, Excelerate Energy delivered record adjusted EBITDA of $348 million, exceeding the high end of guidance [10] - Net income for 2024 was $153 million, reflecting a 21% increase year-over-year [10][29] - Total debt, including finance leases, was $696 million, with cash and cash equivalents of $538 million, resulting in net debt of $158 million [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The earnings growth was attributed to successful recontracting of FSRUs at elevated market rates and optimization of the core regasification business [11] - The company recorded a reliability of 99.9% across its fleet for the full year, marking the highest reliability in its history [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The supply/demand balance for FSRUs is expected to remain tight due to ongoing geoeconomic uncertainties, particularly in Europe [19][62] - The company delivered 272 cargoes of LNG in 2024, averaging about 2.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Excelerate Energy aims to expand its fleet and invest in core regasification while pursuing strategic initiatives for value creation [18][24] - The company is focused on broadening its market presence through investments in LNG import terminals and complementary downstream infrastructure [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strength of the core business and the ability to capture LNG supply optimization opportunities for 2025 [35] - The anticipated tightness in the supply/demand balance for FSRUs is expected to drive demand for LNG imports, particularly in Europe [62] Other Important Information - The company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, consistent with previous dividends [33] - A $50 million share repurchase program was fully utilized, with plans to consider new authorizations in the future [32][80] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance - Management indicated that the guidance does not include other growth opportunities outside of the FSRU fleet [44] Question: Details on the LNG carrier acquisition - Management is assessing multiple vessels for acquisition, focusing on near-term needs for cargo optimization [47] Question: Financial outlook for 2025 maintenance CapEx - All maintenance CapEx for 2025 is expected to be capitalized, with specific amounts guided [52] Question: Updates on Vietnam and Alaska projects - Management remains optimistic about opportunities in both regions, with ongoing discussions [73][70] Question: Stock repurchase plans - Management is pleased with the previous repurchase program and is considering future options for returning value to shareholders [80] Question: LNG optimization during Q4 - Two LNG optimization deals contributed positively to the fourth-quarter results, with expectations for continued optimization in 2025 [84]