New Fortress Energy(NFE) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]