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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLCexhibit322spl2018form10q1s.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLCexhibit321spl2018form10q1s.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLCexhibit312spl2018form10q1s.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLCexhibit311spl2018form10q1s.htm
EX-10.1 - EXHIBIT 10.1 - Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLCexhibit101spl2018form10q1s.htm
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
 
 
 
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018
OR
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the transition period from            to            
Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Delaware
333-192373
27-3235920
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(Commission File Number)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
700 Milam Street, Suite 1900
Houston, Texas
 
77002
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(713) 375-5000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x    No ¨
Note: As of January 1, 2018, the registrant is a voluntary filer not subject to the filing requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. However, the registrant has filed all reports required pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) during the preceding 12 months as if the registrant was subject to such filing requirements.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer x (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company ¨
 
 
 
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes ¨   No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:    Not applicable
 
 
 
 
 



SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
TABLE OF CONTENTS






i



DEFINITIONS


As used in this quarterly report, the terms listed below have the following meanings: 

Common Industry and Other Terms
Bcf
 
billion cubic feet
Bcf/d
 
billion cubic feet per day
Bcf/yr
 
billion cubic feet per year
DOE
 
U.S. Department of Energy
EPC
 
engineering, procurement and construction
FERC
 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FTA countries
 
countries with which the United States has a free trade agreement providing for national treatment for trade in natural gas
GAAP
 
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
Henry Hub
 
the final settlement price (in USD per MMBtu) for the New York Mercantile Exchange’s Henry Hub natural gas futures contract for the month in which a relevant cargo’s delivery window is scheduled to begin
LIBOR
 
London Interbank Offered Rate
LNG
 
liquefied natural gas, a product of natural gas that, through a refrigeration process, has been cooled to a liquid state, which occupies a volume that is approximately 1/600th of its gaseous state
MMBtu
 
million British thermal units, an energy unit
mtpa
 
million tonnes per annum
non-FTA countries
 
countries with which the United States does not have a free trade agreement providing for national treatment for trade in natural gas and with which trade is permitted
SEC
 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SPA
 
LNG sale and purchase agreement
TBtu
 
trillion British thermal units, an energy unit
Train
 
an industrial facility comprised of a series of refrigerant compressor loops used to cool natural gas into LNG
TUA
 
terminal use agreement



Company Abbreviations 
Cheniere
 
Cheniere Energy, Inc.
Cheniere Investments
 
Cheniere Energy Investments, LLC
Cheniere Marketing
 
Cheniere Marketing International LLP
Cheniere Partners
 
Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P.
Cheniere Terminals
 
Cheniere LNG Terminals, LLC
CTPL
 
Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, L.P.
SPLNG
 
Sabine Pass LNG, L.P.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “SPL,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC.


1



PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)





 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

Restricted cash
 
561

 
544

Accounts and other receivables
 
238

 
189

Accounts receivable—affiliate
 
114

 
163

Advances to affiliate
 
91

 
26

Inventory
 
72

 
85

Other current assets
 
38

 
54

Other current assets—affiliate
 
22

 
21

Total current assets
 
1,136

 
1,082

 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
12,933

 
12,920

Debt issuance costs, net
 
16

 
18

Non-current derivative assets
 
9

 
17

Other non-current assets, net
 
159

 
169

Total assets
 
$
14,253

 
$
14,206

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
7

 
$
8

Accrued liabilities
 
451

 
606

Due to affiliates
 
32

 
66

Deferred revenue
 
69

 
84

Derivative liabilities
 
4

 

Total current liabilities
 
563

 
764

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
 
13,483

 
13,477

Non-current derivative liabilities
 
3

 
3

 
 
 
 
 
Member’s equity (deficit)
 
204

 
(38
)
Total liabilities and member’s equity (deficit)
 
$
14,253

 
$
14,206












The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

2


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
LNG revenues
$
1,015

 
$
492

LNG revenues—affiliate
503

 
331

Total revenues
1,518

 
823

 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses
 
 
 
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)
838

 
510

Cost of sales—affiliate
8

 
4

Operating and maintenance expense
78

 
39

Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
103

 
59

General and administrative expense
2

 
2

General and administrative expense—affiliate
12

 
17

Depreciation and amortization expense
86

 
47

Total operating costs and expenses
1,127

 
678

 
 
 
 
Income from operations
391

 
145

 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
 
 
 
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
(151
)
 
(105
)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 
(42
)
Derivative loss, net

 
(2
)
Other income
2

 

Total other expense
(149
)
 
(149
)
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
242

 
$
(4
)



















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC

STATEMENT OF MEMBER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in millions)
(unaudited)

 
Sabine Pass LNG-LP, LLC
 
Total Member’s Equity (Deficit)
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
(38
)
 
$
(38
)
Net income
242

 
242

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
204

 
$
204














The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

4


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
242

 
$
(4
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
86

 
47

Amortization of debt issuance costs, deferred commitment fees, premium and discount
5

 
5

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 
42

Total losses on derivatives, net
50

 
41

Net cash used for settlement of derivative instruments
(5
)
 
(11
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts and other receivables
(49
)
 
(11
)
Accounts receivable—affiliate
48

 
56

Advances to affiliate
(60
)
 
(40
)
Inventory
12

 
18

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(94
)
 
(39
)
Due to affiliates
(17
)
 
2

Deferred revenue
(15
)
 
(10
)
Deferred revenue—affiliate

 
19

Other, net
3

 
3

Other, net—affiliate

 
(2
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
206

 
116

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
(189
)
 
(528
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(189
)
 
(528
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

Proceeds from issuances of debt

 
2,314

Repayments of debt

 
(703
)
Debt issuance and deferred financing costs

 
(26
)
Net cash provided by financing activities

 
1,585

 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
17

 
1,173

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
544

 
358

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
$
561

 
$
1,531


Balances per Balance Sheet:
 
March 31, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$

Restricted cash
561

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
561



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


 
NOTE 1—NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

We were formed by Cheniere Partners to own, develop and operate natural gas liquefaction facilities in Cameron Parish, Louisiana (the “Liquefaction Project”) at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal adjacent to the existing regasification facilities owned and operated by SPLNG. Our Liquefaction Project is being developed and constructed at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, which is located on the Sabine-Neches Waterway less than four miles from the Gulf Coast. We plan to construct up to six Trains, which are in various stages of development, construction and operations. Trains 1 through 4 are operational, Train 5 is under construction and Train 6 is being commercialized and has all necessary regulatory approvals in place.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited Financial Statements of SPL have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. In our opinion, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation, have been included.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and subsequent amendments thereto (“ASC 606”) using the full retrospective method. The adoption of ASC 606 represents a change in accounting principle that will provide financial statement readers with enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The adoption of ASC 606 did not impact our previously reported financial statements in any prior period nor did it result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings.

Results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that will be realized for the year ending December 31, 2018.

We are a disregarded entity for federal and state income tax purposes. Our taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from the net income or loss reported on our Statements of Operations, is able to be included in the federal income tax return of Cheniere Partners, a publicly traded partnership which indirectly owns us. Accordingly, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes is included in the accompanying Financial Statements.

NOTE 2—RESTRICTED CASH

Restricted cash consists of funds that are contractually restricted as to usage or withdrawal and have been presented separately from cash and cash equivalents on our Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, restricted cash consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Current restricted cash
 
 
 
 
Liquefaction Project
 
$
561

 
$
544


NOTE 3—ACCOUNTS AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, accounts and other receivables consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Trade receivable
 
$
232

 
$
185

Other accounts receivable
 
6

 
4

Total accounts and other receivables
 
$
238

 
$
189


Pursuant to the accounts agreement entered into with the collateral trustee for the benefit of our debt holders, we are required to deposit all cash received into reserve accounts controlled by the collateral trustee.  The usage or withdrawal of such cash is restricted to the payment of liabilities related to the Liquefaction Project and other restricted payments.

6


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


NOTE 4—INVENTORY

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, inventory consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Natural gas
 
$
16

 
$
17

LNG
 
14

 
26

Materials and other
 
42

 
42

Total inventory
 
$
72

 
$
85


NOTE 5—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Property, plant and equipment, net consists of LNG terminal costs and fixed assets, as follows (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
LNG terminal costs
 
 
 
 
LNG terminal
 
$
9,945

 
$
9,963

LNG terminal construction-in-process
 
3,397

 
3,283

Accumulated depreciation
 
(414
)
 
(330
)
Total LNG terminal costs, net
 
12,928

 
12,916

Fixed assets
 
 

 
 

Fixed assets
 
11

 
10

Accumulated depreciation
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Total fixed assets, net
 
5

 
4

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
12,933

 
$
12,920


Depreciation expense was $84 million and $45 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

We realized offsets to LNG terminal costs of $124 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 that were related to the sale of commissioning cargoes because these amounts were earned or loaded prior to the start of commercial operations of the respective Train of the Liquefaction Project, during the testing phase for its construction. We did not realize any offsets to LNG terminal costs in the three months ended March 31, 2018.

NOTE 6—DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

We have entered into commodity derivatives consisting of natural gas supply contracts for the commissioning and operation of the Liquefaction Project (“Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives”) and associated economic hedges (collectively, the “Liquefaction Supply Derivatives”). We had previously entered into interest rate swaps to hedge the exposure to volatility in a portion of the floating-rate interest payments under one of our credit facilities (“Interest Rate Derivatives”), and these Interest Rate Derivatives were settled in March 2017.

We recognize our derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at fair value. None of our derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedging instruments, and changes in fair value are recorded within our Statements of Operations to the extent not utilized for the commissioning process.


7


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

The following table shows the fair value of our derivative instruments that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, which are classified as other current assets, non-current derivative assets, derivative liabilities or non-current derivative liabilities in our Balance Sheets (in millions).
 
Fair Value Measurements as of
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total
Liquefaction Supply Derivatives asset
$

 
$

 
$
10

 
$
10

 
$
2

 
$
10

 
$
43

 
$
55


There have been no changes to our evaluation of and accounting for our derivative positions during the three months ended March 31, 2018. See Note 7—Derivative Instruments of our Notes to Financial Statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for additional information.

We value our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives using market based approach incorporating present value techniques, as needed, using observable commodity price curves, when available and other relevant data.

The fair value of our Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives is predominantly driven by market commodity basis prices and our assessment of the associated conditions precedent, including evaluating whether the respective market is available as pipeline infrastructure is developed. Upon the satisfaction of conditions precedent, including completion and placement into service of relevant pipeline infrastructure to accommodate marketable physical gas flow, we recognize a gain or loss based on the fair value of the respective natural gas supply contracts.

We include a portion of our Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy as the fair value is developed through the use of internal models which may be impacted by inputs that are unobservable in the marketplace. The curves used to generate the fair value of our Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives are based on basis adjustments applied to forward curves for a liquid trading point. In addition, there may be observable liquid market basis information in the near term, but terms of a Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives contract may exceed the period for which such information is available, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In these instances, the fair value of the contract incorporates extrapolation assumptions made in the determination of the market basis price for future delivery periods in which applicable commodity basis prices were either not observable or lacked corroborative market data.

The Level 3 fair value measurements of our Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives could be materially impacted by a significant change in certain natural gas market basis spreads due to the contractual notional amount represented by our Level 3 positions, which is a substantial portion of our overall Physical Liquefaction Supply portfolio. The following table includes quantitative information for the unobservable inputs for our Level 3 Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives as of March 31, 2018:
 
 
Net Fair Value Asset
(in millions)
 
Valuation Approach
 
Significant Unobservable Input
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs Range
Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives
 
$10
 
Market approach incorporating present value techniques
 
Basis Spread
 
$(0.515) - $0.095


8


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

The following table shows the changes in the fair value of our Level 3 Physical Liquefaction Supply Derivatives during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Balance, beginning of period
 
$
43

 
$
79

Realized and mark-to-market losses:
 
 
 
 
Included in cost of sales
 
(13
)
 
(41
)
Purchases and settlements:
 
 
 
 
Purchases
 
3

 
4

Settlements
 
(23
)
 
(1
)
Balance, end of period
 
$
10

 
$
41

Change in unrealized gains relating to instruments still held at end of period
 
$
(13
)
 
$
(41
)

Derivative assets and liabilities arising from our derivative contracts with the same counterparty are reported on a net basis, as all counterparty derivative contracts provide for net settlement. The use of derivative instruments exposes us to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that a counterparty will be unable to meet its commitments in instances when our derivative instruments are in an asset position. Additionally, we evaluate our own ability to meet our commitments in instances where our derivative instruments are in a liability position. Our derivative instruments are subject to contractual provisions which provide for the unconditional right of set-off for all derivative assets and liabilities with a given counterparty in the event of default.
 
Interest Rate Derivatives

We had entered into Interest Rate Derivatives to protect against volatility of future cash flows and hedge a portion of the variable interest payments on the credit facilities we entered into in June 2015 (the “2015 Credit Facilities”), based on a portion of the expected outstanding borrowings over the term of the 2015 Credit Facilities. In March 2017, we settled the Interest Rate Derivatives and recognized a derivative loss of $7 million in conjunction with the termination of approximately $1.6 billion of commitments under the 2015 Credit Facilities.

The following table shows the changes in the fair value and settlements of our Interest Rate Derivatives recorded in derivative loss, net on our Statements of Operations during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Interest Rate Derivatives loss
 
$

 
$
(2
)

Liquefaction Supply Derivatives

We had secured up to approximately 2,179 TBtu and 2,214 TBtu of natural gas feedstock through natural gas supply contracts as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The notional natural gas position of our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives was approximately 1,521 TBtu and 1,520 TBtu as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

9


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


The following table shows the fair value and location of our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives on our Balance Sheets (in millions):

 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of (1)
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Other current assets
 
$
8

 
$
41

Non-current derivative assets
 
9

 
17

Total derivative assets
 
17

 
58

 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities
 
(4
)
 

Non-current derivative liabilities
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Total derivative liabilities
 
(7
)
 
(3
)
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative asset, net
 
$
10

 
$
55

 
(1)
Does not include a collateral call of $1 million for such contracts, which is included in other current assets in our Balance Sheets as of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

The following table shows the changes in the fair value, settlements and location of our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives recorded on our Statements of Operations during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Statement of Operations Location (1)
 
2018
 
2017
Liquefaction Supply Derivatives loss (2)
Cost of sales
 
$
50

 
$
39

 
(1)
Fair value fluctuations associated with commodity derivative activities are classified and presented consistently with the item economically hedged and the nature and intent of the derivative instrument.
(2)
Does not include the realized value associated with derivative instruments that settle through physical delivery.

Balance Sheet Presentation

Our derivative instruments are presented on a net basis on our Balance Sheets as described above. The following table shows the fair value of our derivatives outstanding on a gross and net basis (in millions):
 
 
Gross Amounts Recognized
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheets
Offsetting Derivative Assets (Liabilities)
 
 
 
As of March 31, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquefaction Supply Derivatives
 
$
25

 
$
(8
)
 
$
17

Liquefaction Supply Derivatives
 
(9
)
 
2

 
(7
)
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquefaction Supply Derivatives
 
$
64

 
$
(6
)
 
$
58

Liquefaction Supply Derivatives
 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
 

10


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

NOTE 7—OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, other non-current assets, net consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Advances made under EPC and non-EPC contracts
 
$
18

 
$
26

Advances made to municipalities for water system enhancements
 
93

 
93

Advances and other asset conveyances to third parties to support LNG terminals
 
29

 
30

Tax-related payments and receivables
 

 
1

Information technology service assets
 
19

 
19

Total other non-current assets, net
 
$
159

 
$
169


NOTE 8—ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Interest costs and related debt fees
 
$
143

 
$
230

Liquefaction Project costs
 
308

 
376

Total accrued liabilities
 
$
451

 
$
606


NOTE 9—DEBT
 
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our debt consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2021 (“2021 Senior Notes”), net of unamortized premium of $5 and $6
 
$
2,005

 
$
2,006

6.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (“2022 Senior Notes”)
 
1,000

 
1,000

5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (“2023 Senior Notes”), net of unamortized premium of $5 and $5
 
1,505

 
1,505

5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (“2024 Senior Notes”)
 
2,000

 
2,000

5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 (“2025 Senior Notes”)
 
2,000

 
2,000

5.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (“2026 Senior Notes”)
 
1,500

 
1,500

5.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (“2027 Senior Notes”)
 
1,500

 
1,500

4.200% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (“2028 Senior Notes”), net of unamortized discount of $1 and $1
 
1,349

 
1,349

5.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2037 (“2037 Senior Notes”)
 
800

 
800

Unamortized debt issuance costs
 
(176
)
 
(183
)
Total long-term debt, net
 
13,483

 
13,477

 
 
 
 
 
Current debt
 
 
 
 
$1.2 billion Working Capital Facility (“Working Capital Facility”)
 

 

Total debt, net
 
$
13,483


$
13,477



11


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

Working Capital Facility

Below is a summary of our Working Capital Facility as of March 31, 2018 (in millions):
 
 
Working Capital Facility
Original facility size
 
$
1,200

Less:
 
 
Outstanding balance
 

Letters of credit issued
 
706

Available commitment
 
$
494

 
 
 
Interest rate
 
LIBOR plus 1.75% or base rate plus 0.75%
Maturity date
 
December 31, 2020, with various terms for underlying loans

Restrictive Debt Covenants

As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants related to our debt agreements.

Interest Expense

Total interest expense consisted of the following (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Total interest cost
 
$
198

 
$
186

Capitalized interest
 
(47
)
 
(81
)
Total interest expense, net
 
$
151

 
$
105


Fair Value Disclosures

The following table shows the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our debt (in millions):
 
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Senior notes, net of premium or discount (1)
 
$
12,859

 
$
13,631

 
$
12,860

 
$
13,955

2037 Senior Notes (2)
 
800

 
838

 
800

 
871

 
(1)
Includes 2021 Senior Notes, 2022 Senior Notes, 2023 Senior Notes, 2024 Senior Notes, 2025 Senior Notes, 2026 Senior Notes, 2027 Senior Notes and 2028 Senior Notes. The Level 2 estimated fair value was based on quotes obtained from broker-dealers or market makers of these senior notes and other similar instruments.
(2)
The Level 3 estimated fair value was calculated based on inputs that are observable in the market or that could be derived from, or corroborated with, observable market data, including interest rates based on debt issued by parties with comparable credit ratings to us and inputs that are not observable in the market. 


12


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

NOTE 10—REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue earned from contracts with customers during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
LNG revenues
 
$
996

 
$
485

LNG revenues—affiliate
 
503

 
331

Total revenues from customers
 
1,499

 
816

Revenues from derivative instruments
 
19

 
7

Total revenues
 
$
1,518

 
$
823


LNG Revenues

We have entered into numerous SPAs with third party customers for the sale of LNG on a Free on Board (“FOB”) (delivered to the customer at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal) basis. Our customers generally purchase LNG for a price consisting of a fixed fee per MMBtu of LNG (a portion of which is subject to annual adjustment for inflation) plus a variable fee per MMBtu of LNG equal to approximately 115% of Henry Hub. The fixed fee component is the amount payable to us regardless of a cancellation or suspension of LNG cargo deliveries by the customers. The variable fee component is the amount generally payable to us only upon delivery of LNG plus all future adjustments to the fixed fee for inflation. The SPAs and contracted volumes to be made available under the SPAs are not tied to a specific Train; however, the term of each SPA generally commences upon the date of first commercial delivery of a specified Train.

Revenues from the sale of LNG are recognized at a point in time when the LNG is delivered to the customer, at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, which is the point legal title, physical possession and the risks and rewards of ownership transfers to the customer. Each individual molecule of LNG is viewed as a separate performance obligation. The stated contract price (including both fixed and variable fees) per MMBtu in each LNG sales arrangement is representative of the stand-alone selling price for LNG at the time the sale was negotiated. We have concluded that the variable fees meet the optional exception for allocating variable consideration. As such, the variable consideration for these contracts is allocated to each distinct molecule of LNG and recognized when that distinct molecule of LNG is delivered to the customer. Because of the use of the optional exception, variable consideration related to the sale of LNG is also not included in the transaction price.

Fees received pursuant to SPAs are recognized as LNG revenues only after substantial completion of the respective Train. Prior to substantial completion, sales generated during the commissioning phase are offset against the cost of construction for the respective Train, as the production and removal of LNG from storage is necessary to test the facility and bring the asset to the condition necessary for its intended use.

Deferred Revenue Reconciliation

The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue” (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred revenues, beginning of period
 
$
84

 
$
46

Cash received but not yet recognized
 
69

 
36

Revenue recognized from prior period deferral
 
(84
)
 
(46
)
Deferred revenues, end of period
 
$
69

 
$
36


We record deferred revenue when we receive consideration, or such consideration is unconditionally due from a customer, prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a sales contract. Changes in deferred revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 are primarily attributable to differences between the timing of revenue recognition and the receipt of advance payments related to delivery of LNG under certain SPAs.


13


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations

Because many of our sales contracts have long-term durations, we are contractually entitled to significant future consideration which we have not yet recognized as revenue. The following table discloses the aggregate amount of the transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied as of March 31, 2018:
 
 
Unsatisfied
Transaction Price
(in billions)
 
Weighted Average Recognition Timing (years) (1)
LNG revenues
 
$
55.2

 
10.0
 
    
(1)
The weighted average recognition timing represents an estimate of the number of years during which we shall have recognized half of the unsatisfied transaction price.

We have elected the following optional exemptions which omit certain potential future sources of revenue from the table above:
(1)
We omit from the table above all performance obligations that are part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.
(2)
We omit from the table above all variable consideration that is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation or to a wholly unsatisfied promise to transfer a distinct good or service that forms part of a single performance obligation when that performance obligation qualifies as a series. The table above excludes all variable consideration under our SPAs. The amount of revenue from variable fees that is not included in the transaction price will vary based on the future prices of natural gas at Henry Hub throughout the contract terms, to the extent customers elect to take delivery of their LNG, and adjustments to the consumer price index. Certain of our contracts contain additional variable consideration based on the outcome of contingent events and the movement of various indexes. The receipt of such variable consideration is considered constrained due to the uncertainty of ultimate pricing and receipt and we have not included such variable consideration in the transaction price. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately 56% of our LNG Revenues and 100% of our LNG revenues—affiliate were related to variable consideration received from customers.

We have entered into contracts to sell LNG that are conditioned upon one or both of the parties achieving certain milestones such as reaching a final investment decision on a certain liquefaction Train or obtaining financing. These contracts are considered completed contracts for revenue recognition purposes and are included in the transaction price above.

We have elected the practical expedient to omit the disclosure of the transaction price allocated to future performance obligations and an explanation of when the entity expects to recognize the amount as revenue as of March 31, 2017.


14


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

NOTE 11—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Below is a summary of our related party transactions as reported on our Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
LNG revenues—affiliate
Cheniere Marketing SPA and Cheniere Marketing Master SPA
$
503

 
$
331

 
Cost of sales—affiliate
Cargo loading fees under TUA
8

 
4

 
Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
TUA
64

 
33

Natural Gas Transportation Agreement
20

 
16

Services Agreements
19

 
10

Total operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
103


59

 
General and administrative expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
12

 
17


LNG Terminal-Related Agreements

Terminal Use Agreements

We have a TUA with SPLNG to provide berthing for LNG vessels and for the unloading, loading, storage and regasification of LNG. We have reserved approximately 2.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity and we are obligated to make monthly capacity payments to SPLNG aggregating approximately $250 million per year (the “TUA Fees”), continuing until at least 20 years after May 2016. We obtained this reserved capacity as a result of an assignment in July 2012 by Cheniere Investments of its rights, title and interest under its TUA. In connection with the assignment, we, Cheniere Investments and SPLNG also entered into a terminal use rights assignment and agreement (the “TURA”) pursuant to which Cheniere Investments has the right to use our reserved capacity under the TUA and has the obligation to pay the TUA Fees required by the TUA to SPLNG. Cheniere Investments’ right to use our capacity at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal and its respective percentage of TUA Fees payable was reduced from 100% to zero as each of Trains 1 through 4 reached commercial operations.

Cheniere Partners has guaranteed our obligations under our TUA and the obligations of Cheniere Investments under the TURA. Cargo loading fees incurred under the TUA are recorded as cost of sales—affiliate, except for the portion related to commissioning activities which is capitalized as LNG terminal construction-in-process.

In connection with our TUA, we are required to pay for a portion of the cost to maintain the cryogenic readiness of the regasification facilities at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, which is based on our share of the commercial LNG storage capacity at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.

Cheniere Marketing SPA

Cheniere Marketing has an SPA with us to purchase, at Cheniere Marketing’s option, any LNG produced by us in excess of that required for other customers at a price of 115% of Henry Hub plus $3.00 per MMBtu of LNG.

15


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


Cheniere Marketing Master SPA

We have an agreement with Cheniere Marketing that allows us to sell and purchase LNG with Cheniere Marketing by executing and delivering confirmations under this agreement.

Commissioning Confirmation

Under the Cheniere Marketing Master SPA, we executed a confirmation with Cheniere Marketing that obligates Cheniere Marketing in certain circumstances to buy LNG cargoes produced during the period while Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals, Inc. has control of, and is commissioning, Train 5 of the Liquefaction Project.

Natural Gas Transportation Agreements

To ensure we are able to transport adequate natural gas feedstock to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, we have a transportation precedent agreement and a negotiated rate agreement to secure firm pipeline transportation capacity with CTPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere Partners, and third-party pipeline companies. These agreements have a primary term of 20 years from commercial operation of Train 2 and thereafter continue in effect from year to year until terminated by either party upon written notice of 1 year or the term of the agreements, whichever is less. In addition, we have the right to elect to extend the term of the agreements for up to two consecutive ten-year terms. Maximum rates, charges and fees shall be applicable for the entitlements and quantities delivered pursuant to the agreements unless CTPL has advised us that it has agreed otherwise.

Services Agreements

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $91 million and $26 million of advances to affiliates, respectively, under the services agreements described below. The non-reimbursement amounts incurred under the services agreements described below are recorded in general and administrative expense—affiliate.

Liquefaction O&M Agreement

We have an operation and maintenance agreement (the “Liquefaction O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere Partners, pursuant to which we receive all of the necessary services required to construct, operate and maintain the Liquefaction Project. Before each Train of the Liquefaction Project is operational, the services to be provided include, among other services, obtaining governmental approvals on our behalf, preparing an operating plan for certain periods, obtaining insurance, preparing staffing plans and preparing status reports. After each Train is operational, the services include all necessary services required to operate and maintain the Train. Prior to the substantial completion of each Train of the Liquefaction Project, in addition to reimbursement of operating expenses, we are required to pay a monthly fee equal to 0.6% of the capital expenditures incurred in the previous month. After substantial completion of each Train, for services performed while the Train is operational, we will pay, in addition to the reimbursement of operating expenses, a fixed monthly fee of $83,333 (indexed for inflation) for services with respect to the Train.

Liquefaction MSA

We have a management services agreement (the “Liquefaction MSA”) with Cheniere Terminals pursuant to which Cheniere Terminals manages the construction and operation of the Liquefaction Project, excluding those matters provided for under the Liquefaction O&M Agreement. The services include, among other services, exercising the day-to-day management of our affairs and business, managing our regulatory matters, managing bank and brokerage accounts and financial books and records of our business and operations, entering into financial derivatives on our behalf and providing contract administration services for all contracts associated with the Liquefaction Project. Prior to the substantial completion of each Train of the Liquefaction Project, we pay a monthly fee equal to 2.4% of the capital expenditures incurred in the previous month. After substantial completion of each Train, we will pay a fixed monthly fee of $541,667 (indexed for inflation) for services with respect to such Train.


16


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

Cheniere Investments Information Technology Services Agreement

Cheniere Investments has an information technology services agreement with Cheniere, pursuant to which Cheniere Investment’s subsidiaries, including us, receive certain information technology services. On a quarterly basis, the various entities receiving the benefit are invoiced by Cheniere according to the cost allocation percentages set forth in the agreement. In addition, Cheniere is entitled to reimbursement for all costs incurred by Cheniere that are necessary to perform the services under the agreement.

LNG Site Sublease Agreement

We have agreements with SPLNG to sublease a portion of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal site for the Liquefaction Project. The aggregate annual sublease payment is $1 million. The initial terms of the subleases expire on December 31, 2034, with options to renew for multiple 10-year extensions with similar terms as the initial terms. The annual sublease payments will be adjusted for inflation every five years based on a consumer price index, as defined in the sublease agreements.

Cooperation Agreement
We have a cooperation agreement with SPLNG that allows us to retain and acquire certain rights to access the property and facilities that are owned by SPLNG for the purpose of constructing, modifying and operating the Liquefaction Project. In consideration for access given to us, we have agreed to transfer to SPLNG title of certain facilities, equipment and modifications, which SPLNG is obligated to operate and maintain. The term of this agreement is consistent with our TUA described above. We did not convey any assets to SPLNG under this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

Contract for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas and LNG

We have an agreement with SPLNG that allows us to sell and purchase natural gas and LNG with SPLNG. Natural gas and LNG purchased under this agreement are recorded as inventory, except for purchases related to commissioning activities which are capitalized as LNG terminal construction-in-process.

State Tax Sharing Agreement
We have a state tax sharing agreement with Cheniere. Under this agreement, Cheniere has agreed to prepare and file all state and local tax returns which we and Cheniere are required to file on a combined basis and to timely pay the combined state and local tax liability. If Cheniere, in its sole discretion, demands payment, we will pay to Cheniere an amount equal to the state and local tax that we would be required to pay if our state and local tax liability were calculated on a separate company basis. There have been no state and local taxes paid by Cheniere for which Cheniere could have demanded payment from us under this agreement; therefore, Cheniere has not demanded any such payments from us. The agreement is effective for tax returns due on or after August 2012.

NOTE 12—CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
  
The following table shows customers with revenues of 10% or greater of total third-party revenues and customers with accounts receivable balances of 10% or greater of total accounts receivable from third parties:
 
Percentage of Total Third-Party Revenues
 
Percentage of Accounts Receivable from Third Parties
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Customer A
 
34%
 
61%
 
34%
 
39%
Customer B
 
27%
 
33%
 
19%
 
32%
Customer C
 
27%
 
—%
 
19%
 
27%
Customer D
 
11%
 
—%
 
26%
 
—%


17


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

NOTE 13—SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The following table provides supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of amounts capitalized
 
$
230

 
$
154


The balance in property, plant and equipment, net funded with accounts payable and accrued liabilities (including affiliate) was $189 million and $306 million, as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

NOTE 14—RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

The following table provides a brief description of a recent accounting standard that had not been adopted by us as of March 31, 2018:
Standard
 
Description
 
Expected Date of Adoption
 
Effect on our Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842)
 
This standard requires a lessee to recognize leases on its balance sheet by recording a lease liability representing the obligation to make future lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. A lessee is permitted to make an election not to recognize lease assets and liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. The standard also modifies the definition of a lease and requires expanded disclosures. This guidance may be early adopted, and must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach with certain available practical expedients.
 
January 1, 2019

 
We continue to evaluate the effect of this standard on our Financial Statements. This evaluation process includes reviewing all forms of leases, performing a completeness assessment over the lease population, analyzing the practical expedients and assessing opportunities to make certain changes to our lease accounting information technology system in order to determine the best implementation strategy. Preliminarily, we expect that the requirement to recognize all leases on our Balance Sheets will be a significant change from current practice but will not have a material impact upon our Balance Sheets. Because this assessment is preliminary and the accounting for leases is subject to significant judgment, this conclusion could change as we finalize our assessment. We have not yet determined the impact of the adoption of this standard upon our results of operations or cash flows. We expect to elect the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance which, among other things, allows the carryforward of prior conclusions related to lease identification and classification. We have not yet determined whether we will elect any other practical expedients upon transition.


18


SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)

Additionally, the following table provides a brief description of recent accounting standards that were adopted by us during the reporting period:
Standard
 
Description
 
Date of Adoption
 
Effect on our Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and subsequent amendments thereto

 
This standard provides a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model which replaces and supersedes most existing revenue recognition guidance and requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard requires that the costs to obtain and fulfill contracts with customers should be recognized as assets and amortized to match the pattern of transfer of goods or services to the customer if expected to be recoverable. The standard also requires enhanced disclosures. This guidance may be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented subject to allowable practical expedients (“full retrospective approach”) or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption (“modified retrospective approach”).
 
January 1, 2018
 
We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018, using the full retrospective method. The adoption of this guidance represents a change in accounting principle that will provide financial statement readers with enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our previously reported financial statements in any prior period nor did it result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. See Note 10—Revenues from Contracts with Customers for additional disclosures.

ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory
 
This standard requires the immediate recognition of the tax consequences of intercompany asset transfers other than inventory. This guidance may be early adopted, but only at the beginning of an annual period, and must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach.
 
January 1, 2018

 
The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on our Financial Statements or related disclosures.


19


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements.” All statements, other than statements of historical or present facts or conditions, included herein or incorporated herein by reference are “forward-looking statements.” Included among “forward-looking statements” are, among other things:
statements that we expect to commence or complete construction of our natural gas liquefaction project, or any expansions or portions thereof, by certain dates, or at all; 
statements regarding future levels of domestic and international natural gas production, supply or consumption or future levels of LNG imports into or exports from North America and other countries worldwide or purchases of natural gas, regardless of the source of such information, or the transportation or other infrastructure or demand for and prices related to natural gas, LNG or other hydrocarbon products;
statements regarding any financing transactions or arrangements, or our ability to enter into such transactions;
statements relating to the construction of our Trains, including statements concerning the engagement of any EPC contractor or other contractor and the anticipated terms and provisions of any agreement with any such EPC or other contractor, and anticipated costs related thereto;
statements regarding any SPA or other agreement to be entered into or performed substantially in the future, including any revenues anticipated to be received and the anticipated timing thereof, and statements regarding the amounts of total natural gas liquefaction or storage capacities that are, or may become, subject to contracts;
statements regarding our planned development and construction of additional Trains, including the financing of such Trains;
statements that our Trains, when completed, will have certain characteristics, including amounts of liquefaction capacities;
statements regarding our business strategy, our strengths, our business and operation plans or any other plans, forecasts, projections, or objectives, including anticipated revenues, capital expenditures, maintenance and operating costs and cash flows, any or all of which are subject to change;
statements regarding legislative, governmental, regulatory, administrative or other public body actions, approvals, requirements, permits, applications, filings, investigations, proceedings or decisions; and
any other statements that relate to non-historical or future information.
All of these types of statements, other than statements of historical or present facts or conditions, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report are largely based on our expectations, which reflect estimates and assumptions made by our management. These estimates and assumptions reflect our best judgment based on currently known market conditions and other factors. Although we believe that such estimates are reasonable, they are inherently uncertain and involve a number of risks and uncertainties beyond our control. In addition, assumptions may prove to be inaccurate. We caution that the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report are not guarantees of future performance and that such statements may not be realized or the forward-looking statements or events may not occur. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated or implied in forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors described in this quarterly report and in the other reports and other information that we file with the SEC, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these risk factors. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made, and other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement or provide reasons why actual results may differ, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


20


Introduction
 
The following discussion and analysis presents management’s view of our business, financial condition and overall performance and should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. This information is intended to provide investors with an understanding of our past performance, current financial condition and outlook for the future. Our discussion and analysis includes the following subjects: 
Overview of Business 
Overview of Significant Events
Liquidity and Capital Resources 
Results of Operations 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates
Recent Accounting Standards
 
Overview of Business
 
We were formed by Cheniere Partners to own, develop and operate natural gas liquefaction facilities in Cameron Parish, Louisiana (the “Liquefaction Project”) at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal adjacent to the existing regasification facilities owned and operated by SPLNG. Our vision is to provide clean, secure and affordable energy to the world, while responsibly delivering a reliable, competitive and integrated source of LNG, in a safe and rewarding work environment. The liquefaction of natural gas into LNG allows it to be shipped economically from areas of the world where natural gas is abundant and inexpensive to produce to other areas where natural gas demand and infrastructure exist to economically justify the use of LNG. We plan to construct up to six Trains, which are in various stages of development, construction and operations. Trains 1 through 4 are operational, Train 5 is under construction and Train 6 is being commercialized and has all necessary regulatory approvals in place. Each Train is expected to have a nominal production capacity, which is prior to adjusting for planned maintenance, production reliability and potential overdesign, of approximately 4.5 mtpa of LNG and an adjusted nominal production capacity of approximately 4.3 to 4.6 mtpa of LNG.

Overview of Significant Events

Our significant accomplishments since January 1, 2018 and through the filing date of this Form 10-Q include the following:
Operational
As of April 30, approximately 90 cargoes have been produced, loaded and exported from the Liquefaction Project in 2018. To date, approximately 350 cumulative LNG cargoes have been exported from the Liquefaction Project, with deliveries to 26 countries and regions worldwide.
Financial
In March 2018, the date of first commercial delivery was reached under the 20-year SPA with GAIL (India) Limited relating to Train 4 of the Liquefaction Project.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The following table provides a summary of our liquidity position at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in millions):
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

Restricted cash designated for the Liquefaction Project
561

 
544

Available commitments under the $1.2 billion Working Capital Facility (“Working Capital Facility”)
494

 
470



21


For additional information regarding our debt agreements, see Note 9—Debt of our Notes to Financial Statements in this quarterly report and Note 10—Debt of our Notes to Financial Statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Liquefaction Facilities

We are developing, constructing and operating the Liquefaction Project at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal adjacent to the existing regasification facilities. We have received authorization from the FERC to site, construct and operate Trains 1 through 6. We have achieved substantial completion of Trains 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Liquefaction Project and commenced operating activities in May 2016, September 2016, March 2017 and October 2017, respectively. The following table summarizes the status of Train 5 of the Liquefaction Project as of March 31, 2018:
 
 
Train 5
Overall project completion percentage
 
89.3%
Completion percentage of:
 
 
Engineering
 
100%
Procurement
 
100%
Subcontract work
 
70.2%
Construction
 
78.0%
Date of expected substantial completion
 
1H 2019

The following orders have been issued by the DOE authorizing the export of domestically produced LNG by vessel from the Sabine Pass LNG terminal:
Trains 1 through 4—FTA countries for a 30-year term, which commenced on May 15, 2016, and non-FTA countries for a 20-year term, which commenced on June 3, 2016, in an amount up to a combined total of the equivalent of 16 mtpa (approximately 803 Bcf/yr of natural gas).
Trains 1 through 4—FTA countries for a 25-year term and non-FTA countries for a 20-year term in an amount up to a combined total of the equivalent of approximately 203 Bcf/yr of natural gas (approximately 4 mtpa).
Trains 5 and 6—FTA countries and non-FTA countries for a 20-year term, in an amount up to a combined total of 503.3 Bcf/yr of natural gas (approximately 10 mtpa).

In each case, the terms of these authorizations begin on the earlier of the date of first export thereunder or the date specified in the particular order, which ranges from five to 10 years from the date the order was issued. In addition, we received an order providing for a three-year makeup period with respect to each of the non-FTA orders for LNG volumes we were authorized but unable to export during any portion of the initial 20-year export period of such order.

In January 2018, the DOE issued orders authorizing us to export domestically produced LNG by vessel from the Sabine Pass LNG terminal to FTA countries and non-FTA countries over a two-year period commencing January 2018, in an aggregate amount up to the equivalent of 600 Bcf of natural gas (however, exports under this order, when combined with exports under the orders above, may not exceed 1,509 Bcf/yr).

Customers

We have entered into six fixed price SPAs with terms of at least 20 years (plus extension rights) with third parties to make available an aggregate amount of LNG that is between approximately 80% to 95% of the expected aggregate adjusted nominal production capacity of Trains 1 through 5. Under these SPAs, the customers will purchase LNG from us for a price consisting of a fixed fee per MMBtu of LNG (a portion of which is subject to annual adjustment for inflation) plus a variable fee per MMBtu of LNG equal to approximately 115% of Henry Hub. In certain circumstances, the customers may elect to cancel or suspend deliveries of LNG cargoes, in which case the customers would still be required to pay the fixed fee with respect to the contracted volumes that are not delivered as a result of such cancellation or suspension. We refer to the fee component that is applicable regardless of a cancellation or suspension of LNG cargo deliveries under the SPAs as the fixed fee component of the price under our SPAs. We refer to the fee component that is applicable only in connection with LNG cargo deliveries as the variable fee component of the price under our SPAs. The variable fees under our SPAs were sized at the time of entry into each SPA with the intent to cover the costs of gas purchases and transportation related to, and operating and maintenance costs to produce, the LNG to be sold under each such SPA. The SPAs and contracted volumes to be made available under the SPAs are not tied to a specific

22


Train; however, the term of each SPA generally commences upon the date of first commercial delivery of a specified Train. Under our SPA with BG Gulf Coast LNG, LLC (“BG”), BG has contracted for volumes related to Trains 3 and 4 for which the obligation to make LNG available to BG is expected to commence approximately one year after the date of first commercial delivery for the respective Train.

In aggregate, the annual fixed fee portion to be paid by the third-party SPA customers is approximately $1.6 billion for Trains 1 through 3, increasing to $2.3 billion upon the date of first commercial delivery of Train 4 and to $2.9 billion upon the date of first commercial delivery of Train 5, with the applicable fixed fees starting from the date of first commercial delivery from the applicable Train, as specified in each SPA.

In addition, Cheniere Marketing has entered into an SPA with us to purchase, at Cheniere Marketing’s option, any LNG produced by us in excess of that required for other customers.

Natural Gas Transportation, Storage and Supply

To ensure we are able to transport adequate natural gas feedstock to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, we have entered into transportation precedent and other agreements to secure firm pipeline transportation capacity with CTPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere Partners, and third-party pipeline companies. We have entered into firm storage services agreements with third parties to assist in managing volatility in natural gas needs for the Liquefaction Project. We have also entered into enabling agreements and long-term natural gas supply contracts with third parties in order to secure natural gas feedstock for the Liquefaction Project. As of March 31, 2018, we have secured up to approximately 2,179 TBtu of natural gas feedstock through long-term and short-term natural gas supply contracts.

Construction
    
We have entered into lump sum turnkey contracts with Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals, Inc. (“Bechtel”) for the engineering, procurement and construction of Trains 1 through 5 of the Liquefaction Project, under which Bechtel charges a lump sum for all work performed and generally bears project cost risk unless certain specified events occur, in which case Bechtel may cause us to enter into a change order, or we agree with Bechtel to a change order.

The total contract price of the EPC contract for Train 5 of the Liquefaction Project is approximately $3.1 billion reflecting amounts incurred under change orders through March 31, 2018. Total expected capital costs for Trains 1 through 5 are estimated to be between $12.5 billion and $13.5 billion before financing costs and between $17.5 billion and $18.5 billion after financing costs, including, in each case, estimated owner’s costs and contingencies.

Final Investment Decision on Train 6

We will contemplate making a final investment decision to commence construction of Train 6 of the Liquefaction Project based upon, among other things, entering into an EPC contract, entering into acceptable commercial arrangements and obtaining adequate financing to construct Train 6.

Terminal Use Agreements

We have entered into a TUA with SPLNG to provide berthing for LNG vessels and for the unloading, loading, storage and regasification of LNG. We have reserved approximately 2.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity and we are obligated to make monthly capacity payments to SPLNG aggregating approximately $250 million per year (the “TUA Fees”), continuing until at least 20 years after May 2016. We obtained this reserved capacity as a result of an assignment in July 2012 by Cheniere Investments of its rights, title and interest under its TUA. In connection with the assignment, we, Cheniere Investments and SPLNG also entered into a terminal use rights assignment and agreement (the “TURA”) pursuant to which Cheniere Investments has the right to use our reserved capacity under the TUA and has the obligation to pay the TUA Fees required by the TUA to SPLNG. Cheniere Investments’ right to use our capacity at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal and its respective percentage of TUA Fees payable was reduced from 100% to zero as each of Trains 1 through 4 reached commercial operations.


23


Cheniere Partners has guaranteed our obligations under our TUA and the obligations of Cheniere Investments under the TURA. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded operating and maintenance expense—affiliate of $64 million for the TUA Fees and cost of sales—affiliate of $8 million for cargo loading services incurred under the TUA. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recorded operating and maintenance expense—affiliate of $33 million for the TUA Fees and cost of sales—affiliate of $4 million for cargo loading services incurred under the TUA.

Additionally, we have entered into a partial TUA assignment agreement with Total Gas & Power North America, Inc. (“Total”), another TUA customer, whereby upon substantial completion of Train 3, we gained access to a portion of Total’s capacity and other services provided under Total’s TUA with SPLNG.  This agreement provides us with additional berthing and storage capacity at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal that may be used to provide increased flexibility in managing LNG cargo loading and unloading activity, permit us to more flexibly manage our LNG storage capacity and accommodate the development of Trains 5 and 6. Notwithstanding any arrangements between Total and us, payments required to be made by Total to SPLNG will continue to be made by Total to SPLNG in accordance with its TUA. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded $8 million and zero, respectively, as operating and maintenance expense under this partial TUA assignment agreement.

Capital Resources

We currently expect that our capital resources requirements with respect to Trains 1 through 5 of the Liquefaction Project will be financed through project debt and borrowings and cash flows under the SPAs. We believe that with the net proceeds of borrowings, available commitments under the Working Capital Facility and cash flows from operations, we will have adequate financial resources available to complete Train 5 of the Liquefaction Project and to meet our currently anticipated capital, operating and debt service requirements. We began generating cash flows from operations from the Liquefaction Project in May 2016, when Train 1 achieved substantial completion and initiated operating activities. Trains 2, 3 and 4 subsequently achieved substantial completion in September 2016, March 2017 and October 2017, respectively. We realized offsets to LNG terminal costs of $124 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017 that were related to the sale of commissioning cargoes because these amounts were earned or loaded prior to the start of commercial operations, during the testing phase for the construction of those Trains of the Liquefaction Project. We did not realize any offsets to LNG terminal costs in the three months ended March 31, 2018.
    
The following table provides a summary of our capital resources from borrowings and available commitments for the Liquefaction Project, excluding equity contributions from Cheniere Partners and cash flows from operations (as described in Sources and Uses of Cash), at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in millions):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Senior notes (1)
 
$
13,650

 
$
13,650

Working Capital Facility outstanding balance
 

 

Letters of credit issued under Working Capital Facility
 
706

 
730

Available commitments under Working Capital Facility
 
494

 
470

Total capital resources from borrowings and available commitments
 
$
14,850

 
$
14,850

 
(1)
Includes 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2021, 6.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2022, 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2023, 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2024, 5.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2025, 5.875% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Senior Notes”), 5.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Senior Notes”), 4.200% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Senior Notes”) and 5.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2037 (the “2037 Senior Notes”) (collectively, the “Senior Notes”).

For additional information regarding our debt agreements related to the Liquefaction Project, see Note 9—Debt of our Notes to Financial Statements in this quarterly report and Note 10—Debt of our Notes to Financial Statements in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Senior Notes

The Senior Notes are secured on a pari passu first-priority basis by a security interest in all of our membership interests and substantially all of our assets.


24


At any time prior to three months before the respective dates of maturity for each series of the Senior Notes (except for the 2026 Senior Notes, 2027 Senior Notes, 2028 Senior Notes and 2037 Senior Notes, in which case the time period is six months before the respective dates of maturity), we may redeem all or part of such series of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the “make-whole” price (except for the 2037 Senior Notes, in which case the redemption price is equal to the “optional redemption” price) set forth in the respective indentures governing the Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. We may also, at any time within three months of the respective maturity dates for each series of the Senior Notes (except for the 2026 Senior Notes, 2027 Senior Notes, 2028 Senior Notes and 2037 Senior Notes, in which case the time period is within six months of the respective dates of maturity), redeem all or part of such series of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such series of the Senior Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

Both the indenture governing the 2037 Senior Notes (the “2037 Senior Notes Indenture”) and the common indenture governing the remainder of the Senior Notes (the “Indenture”) include restrictive covenants. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future, including by issuing additional notes, and such indebtedness could be at higher interest rates and have different maturity dates and more restrictive covenants than our current outstanding indebtedness, including the Senior Notes and the Working Capital Facility. Under the 2037 Senior Notes Indenture and the Indenture, we may not make any distributions until, among other requirements, deposits are made into debt service reserve accounts as required and a debt service coverage ratio test of 1.25:1.00 is satisfied. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the Senior Notes. Semi-annual principal payments for the 2037 Senior Notes are due on March 15 and September 15 of each year beginning September 15, 2025.

Working Capital Facility

In September 2015, we entered into the Working Capital Facility, which is intended to be used for loans (“Working Capital Loans”), the issuance of letters of credit, as well as for swing line loans (“Swing Line Loans”), primarily for certain working capital requirements related to developing and placing into operation the Liquefaction Project. We may, from time to time, request increases in the commitments under the Working Capital Facility of up to $760 million and, upon the completion of the debt financing of Train 6 of the Liquefaction Project, request an incremental increase in commitments of up to an additional $390 million. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $494 million and $470 million of available commitments and $706 million and $730 million aggregate amount of issued letters of credit under the Working Capital Facility, respectively. As of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had zero loans outstanding under the Working Capital Facility.
 
The Working Capital Facility matures on December 31, 2020, and the outstanding balance may be repaid, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty upon three business days’ notice. Loans deemed made in connection with a draw upon a letter of credit have a term of up to one year. Swing Line Loans terminate upon the earliest of (1) the maturity date or earlier termination of the Working Capital Facility, (2) the date 15 days after such Swing Line Loan is made and (3) the first borrowing date for a Working Capital Loan or Swing Line Loan occurring at least three business days following the date the Swing Line Loan is made. We are required to reduce the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Working Capital Loans to zero for a period of five consecutive business days at least once each year.

The Working Capital Facility contains conditions precedent for extensions of credit, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants. As of March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the Working Capital Facility. Our obligations under the Working Capital Facility are secured by substantially all of our assets as well as all of our membership interests on a pari passu basis with the Senior Notes.


25


Sources and Uses of Cash

The following table summarizes the sources and uses of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions). The table presents capital expenditures on a cash basis; therefore, these amounts differ from the amounts of capital expenditures, including accruals, which are referred to elsewhere in this report. Additional discussion of these items follows the table.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Operating cash flows
 
$
206

 
$
116

Investing cash flows
 
(189
)
 
(528
)
Financing cash flows
 

 
1,585

 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
17


1,173

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
 
544

 
358

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
 
$
561

 
$
1,531


Operating Cash Flows

Our operating cash inflows during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $206 million and $116 million, respectively. The $90 million increase in operating cash inflows in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily related to increased cash receipts from the sale of LNG cargoes, partially offset by increased operating costs and expenses as a result of the of additional Trains that were operating at the Liquefaction Project in 2018. There were four Trains operating during the three months ended March 31, 2018, whereas two Trains were operating during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Investing Cash Flows

Investing cash outflows during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 were $189 million and $528 million, respectively, and were primarily used to fund the construction costs for the Liquefaction Project. These costs are capitalized as construction-in-process until achievement of substantial completion.

Financing Cash Flows

There were no financing cash flows during the three months ended March 31, 2018. Financing cash inflows during the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $1.6 billion, primarily as a result of:
issuances of senior notes for an aggregate principal amount of $2.15 billion;
$55 million of borrowings and $369 million of repayments made under the credit facilities we entered into in June 2015;
$110 million of borrowings and $334 million of repayments made under the Working Capital Facility; and
$26 million of debt issuance costs related to up-front fees paid upon the closing of these transactions.

Results of Operations

Our net income was $242 million in the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to a net loss of $4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. This $246 million increase in net income in 2017 was primarily a result of increased income from operations due to additional Trains operating between the periods and decreased loss on early extinguishment of debt, which were partially offset by increased interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.


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Revenues
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions, except volumes)
2018
 
2017
 
Change
LNG revenues
$
1,015

 
$
492

 
$
523

LNG revenues—affiliate
503

 
331

 
172

Total revenues
$
1,518

 
$
823

 
$
695

 
 
 
 
 
 
LNG volumes recognized as revenues (in TBtu)
241

 
128

 
113


We begin recognizing LNG revenues from the Liquefaction Project following the substantial completion and the commencement of operating activities of the respective Trains. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, Trains 1 through 4 were operational, whereas during the three months ended March 31, 2017, only Trains 1 and 2 were operational. Trains 3 and 4 achieved substantial completion in March 2017 and October 2017, respectively. The increase in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the comparable period in 2017 was primarily attributable to the increased volume of LNG sold following the achievement of substantial completion of these Trains. We expect our LNG revenues to increase in the future upon Train 5 becoming operational.

Prior to substantial completion of a Train, amounts received from the sale of commissioning cargoes from that Train are offset against LNG terminal construction-in-process because these amounts are earned or loaded during the testing phase for the construction of that Train. We realized offset to LNG terminal costs of $124 million corresponding to 18 TBtu of LNG in the three months ended March 31, 2017 that was related to the sale of commissioning cargoes. There were no commissioning cargoes sold that were realized as offsets to LNG terminal costs in the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Operating costs and expenses
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Cost of sales
$
838

 
$
510

 
$
328

Cost of sales—affiliate
8

 
4

 
4

Operating and maintenance expense
78

 
39

 
39

Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
103

 
59

 
44

General and administrative expense
2

 
2

 

General and administrative expense—affiliate
12

 
17

 
(5
)
Depreciation and amortization expense
86

 
47

 
39

Total operating costs and expenses
$
1,127

 
$
678

 
$
449


Our total operating costs and expenses increased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily as a result of additional Trains that were operating between the periods. There were four Trains operating during the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to two Trains operating during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Cost of sales increased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily as a result of the increase in operating Trains during 2018. Cost of sales includes costs incurred directly for the production and delivery of LNG from the Liquefaction Project, to the extent those costs are not utilized for the commissioning process. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily related to the increase in the volume of natural gas feedstock, partially offset by lower prices of natural gas feedstock between the periods. Cost of sales also includes gains and losses from derivatives associated with economic hedges to secure natural gas feedstock for the Liquefaction Project, variable transportation and storage costs and other costs to convert natural gas into LNG.

Operating and maintenance expense (including affiliates) increased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the three months ended March 31, 2017, as a result of the increase in operating Trains during 2018. Operating and maintenance expense includes costs associated with operating and maintaining the Liquefaction Project. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily related to TUA reservation charges paid to SPLNG and to Total from payments under the partial TUA assignment agreement, natural gas transportation and storage capacity demand charges paid to CTPL and third parties, third-party service and maintenance contract costs and payroll and benefit costs

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of operations personnel. Operating and maintenance expense (including affiliates) also includes insurance and regulatory costs and other operating costs.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 from the three months ended March 31, 2017 as a result of an increased number of operational Trains, as the assets related to the Trains of the Liquefaction Project began depreciating upon reaching substantial completion.

We expect our operating costs and expenses to generally increase in the future upon Train 5 achieving substantial completion, although certain costs will not proportionally increase with the number of operational Trains as cost efficiencies will be realized.

Other expense (income)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
Change
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
$
151

 
$
105

 
$
46

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 
42

 
(42
)
Derivative loss, net

 
2

 
(2
)
Other income
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Total other expense
$
149

 
$
149

 
$


Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, increased during the three months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 primarily as a result of a decrease in the portion of total interest costs that could be capitalized as additional Trains of the Liquefaction Project completed construction between the periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we incurred $198 million of total interest cost, of which we capitalized $47 million, which was directly related to the construction of the Liquefaction Project. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we incurred $186 million of total interest cost, of which we capitalized $81 million, which was directly related to the construction of the Liquefaction Project.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017. Loss on early extinguishment of debt recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was attributable to the $42 million write-off of debt issuance costs in March 2017 upon termination of the remaining available balance of $1.6 billion under the previous credit facilities in connection with the issuance of the 2028 Senior Notes and the 2037 Senior Notes.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of March 31, 2018, we had no transactions that met the definition of off-balance sheet arrangements that may have a current or future material effect on our financial position or operating results. 
 
Summary of Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Financial Statements and the accompanying notes. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting estimates from those disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Recent Accounting Standards 

For descriptions of recently issued accounting standards, see Note 14—Recent Accounting Standards of our Notes to Financial Statements.


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ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 

Marketing and Trading Commodity Price Risk

We have entered into commodity derivatives consisting of natural gas supply contracts to secure natural gas feedstock for the Liquefaction Project (“Liquefaction Supply Derivatives”). In order to test the sensitivity of the fair value of the Liquefaction Supply Derivatives to changes in underlying commodity prices, management modeled a 10% change in the commodity price for natural gas for each delivery location as follows (in millions):
 
March 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Fair Value
 
Change in Fair Value
 
Fair Value
 
Change in Fair Value
Liquefaction Supply Derivatives
$
10

 
$

 
$
55

 
$
5


See Note 6—Derivative Instruments for additional details about our derivative instruments.

ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

During the most recent fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

29


PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION 

ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
We may in the future be involved as a party to various legal proceedings, which are incidental to the ordinary course of business. We regularly analyze current information and, as necessary, provide accruals for probable liabilities on the eventual disposition of these matters. Other than as discussed below, there have been no material changes to the legal proceedings disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

In February 2018, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) issued a Corrective Action Order (the “CAO”) to us in connection with a minor LNG leak from one tank and minor vapor release from a second tank at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.  These two tanks have been taken out of operational service while we conduct analysis, repair and remediation. On April 20, 2018, we and PHMSA executed a Consent Agreement and Order (the “Consent Order”) that replaces and supersedes the CAO.  We continue to work with PHMSA and other appropriate regulatory authorities to address the matters identified in the Consent Order. We do not expect that the Consent Order and related analysis, repair and remediation will have a material adverse impact on our financial results or operations.

ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
 
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.


30


ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
 
Description
10.1*
 
31.1*
 
31.2*
 
32.1**
 
32.2**
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
 
 
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith.


31



SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
SABINE PASS LIQUEFACTION, LLC
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 3, 2018
By:
/s/ Michael J. Wortley
 
 
 
Michael J. Wortley
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(on behalf of the registrant and
as principal financial officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
May 3, 2018
By:
/s/ Leonard Travis
 
 
 
Leonard Travis
 
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
 
(on behalf of the registrant and
as principal accounting officer)



32