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New Fortress Energy(NFE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-14 21:32
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core earnings for Q1 2025 were consistent with expectations, showing a stable trend from previous quarters [5] - EBITDA forecast for the year is now estimated to be between $1.25 billion and $1.5 billion, which is an increase from previous estimates [5][6] - The company reported a net loss of $200 million for GAAP, translating to a loss of $0.73 per share, with no material one-time items affecting adjusted EPS [53] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Jamaica sale generated net proceeds of approximately $778 million, with a gain of $430 million, contributing positively to the financial outlook [7][50] - The company has taken back surplus FSRUs and relet them at higher rates, resulting in an estimated profit of $143 million [9][10] - Total segment operating margin for Q1 was $106 million, down from $240 million in Q4 2024 [52] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brazil is expected to contract 10 to 15 gigawatts of capacity, with upcoming capacity auctions anticipated to take place in early 2025 [36][38] - The energy system in Puerto Rico is described as underinvested and in need of new generation, with significant opportunities for the company to provide temporary power and convert existing diesel plants to natural gas [40][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to simplify its balance sheet and lower debt costs by moving towards asset-level financing [16][17] - Focus on generating repeatable, long-duration cash flows from core assets, particularly in Brazil and Puerto Rico [23][24] - The strategy includes leveraging existing infrastructure and securing long-term contracts to enhance financial stability and growth prospects [22][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the resolution of the FEMA claim, which amounts to $659 million, and expects a positive outcome in the near term [8] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in Brazil and Puerto Rico, with strong regulatory support and rising demand for integrated LNG to power models [38][40] - Management emphasized the importance of controlling logistics and supply chains to maximize efficiency and profitability [22][23] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position, ending Q1 with $448 million in cash and $275 million available under its revolving credit facility [55] - The company is in advanced discussions for additional FSRU contracts, which could contribute significantly to future earnings [51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the restricted cash on the balance sheet? - The restricted cash is primarily related to capital expenditures in Brazil, specifically for the Selva and Porto Sim power plants [59] Question: Is the company considering open market repurchases of debt? - The company is evaluating opportunities to refinance its capital structure and may consider repurchasing debt at a discount if advantageous [60][64] Question: What is the strategy for bidding in the Puerto Rico power opportunity? - The bidding process requires a unitary cost of power, and the company is leveraging its existing infrastructure to provide competitive bids [69] Question: What is the status of the Nicaragua project? - The company is finalizing the restructuring of its PPA with the government and is close to completing the power plant and terminal [80][82]
New Fortress Energy(NFE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-05-14 21:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core earnings for Q1 2025 were consistent with expectations, with historical core earnings showing stability [4][3] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was reported at $82 million, with a forecast for EBITDA plus gains for the year between $1.25 billion and $1.5 billion, higher than previous estimates [4][51] - The company reported a net loss of $200 million for GAAP, translating to a loss of $0.73 per share, with no material one-time items affecting adjusted EPS [52] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Jamaica sale generated $1.055 billion in gross proceeds, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $778 million after debt repayment and fees, contributing to a gain of $430 million [6][49] - The company has focused on asset sales, debt reduction, and deleveraging, with the Jamaica sale being a significant step in this direction [11][12] - The FSRU contracts signed recently are expected to contribute approximately $200 million in future earnings, with potential for additional cash flow from ongoing discussions with counterparties [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is positioned to register over 2 gigawatts of projects in the upcoming Brazil capacity auction, with strong market confidence reflected in third-party project requests [36] - In Puerto Rico, the energy system is described as underinvested and in need of new generation, with opportunities for temporary power and gas supply contracts [38][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to simplify its balance sheet by transitioning from a corporate debt structure to asset-level financing, focusing on long-duration cash flows [15][16] - Growth opportunities are identified in Brazil and Puerto Rico, with significant investments made in Brazil to establish a resilient business [23][24] - The company is committed to addressing liquidity issues and refinancing its debt structure to lower costs and extend terms [64][65] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the resolution of the FEMA claim, with a high degree of reengagement with the Army Corps [7] - The company remains confident in the structural needs for power in Brazil, despite delays in the capacity auction [35][91] - In Puerto Rico, management highlighted the urgent need for new power generation and the potential for significant cost savings through conversion to natural gas [40][42] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with $448 million in cash and $275 million available under its revolving credit facility, totaling over $1.1 billion in pro forma liquidity [53] - The construction progress of key power plants in Brazil is reported at 95% for the Selva plant and over 54% for the Porto San plant, despite challenges from weather conditions [27][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the restricted cash on the balance sheet? - The majority of restricted cash is related to CapEx in Brazil, specifically for the Selva and Porto San power plants, with some cash expected to be freed up post-Jamaica transaction [58] Question: Is the company considering open market repurchases of debt? - The company is evaluating opportunities to refinance its capital structure and may consider retiring debt at a discount if available [60][63] Question: What is the strategy for bidding in Puerto Rico's power opportunity? - The bidding process requires a unitary cost of power, and the company is leveraging its existing infrastructure to participate effectively [68][69] Question: What is the status of the Nicaragua project? - The company is in the final stages of restructuring the PPA with the government, aiming for a structure similar to long-term gas contracts in Brazil and Puerto Rico [78][80]