Exhibit 99.2

CHENIERE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF SUBSIDIARIES INCLUDED
PURSUANT TO RULE 3-16 OF REGULATION S-X

 
 
 
 
 
 


1














Cheniere Energy Investments, LLC
Consolidated Financial Statements
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017














2



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


DEFINITIONS
As used in these Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms listed below have the following meanings: 

Common Industry and Other Terms
Bcf/d
 
billion cubic feet per day
EPC
 
engineering, procurement and construction
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
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


3



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


Abbreviated Legal Entity Structure

The following diagram depicts our abbreviated legal entity structure as of March 31, 2018, including our ownership of certain subsidiaries, and the references to these entities used in these Consolidated Financial Statements:

orgcharta60.jpg

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Cheniere Investments,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Cheniere Energy Investments, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries, including SPLNG, SPL and CTPL


4



Independent Auditors’ Review Report

To the Member of Cheniere Energy Investments, LLC:

Report on the Financial Statements
We have reviewed the consolidated financial statements of Cheniere Energy Investments, LLC and its subsidiaries (the Company), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018, the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statement of member’s equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.

Management’s Responsibility
The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this responsibility includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control sufficient to provide a reasonable basis for the preparation and fair presentation of interim financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to conduct our reviews in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to reviews of interim financial information. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial information. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Conclusion
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial information referred to above for it to be in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Report on Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017
We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, member’s equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited consolidated financial statements in our report dated June 15, 2018. Our report also included an emphasis of matter related to a change in the method of accounting for revenue recognition due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and subsequent amendments thereto. In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017 is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited consolidated financial statements from which it has been derived.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas
June 15, 2018


5



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

Restricted cash
 
574

 
557

Accounts and other receivables
 
240

 
190

Accounts receivable—affiliate
 
114

 
163

Advances to affiliate
 
97

 
36

Inventory
 
83

 
95

Other current assets
 
38

 
56

Other current assets—affiliate
 
2

 
1

Total current assets
 
1,148

 
1,098

 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
15,066

 
15,059

Debt issuance costs, net
 
16

 
18

Non-current derivative assets
 
9

 
17

Other non-current assets, net
 
196

 
206

Total assets
 
$
16,435

 
$
16,398

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
11

 
$
12

Accrued liabilities
 
466

 
614

Due to affiliates
 
30

 
68

Deferred revenue
 
95

 
111

Derivative liabilities
 
4

 

Other current liabilities—affiliate
 

 
1

Total current liabilities
 
606

 
806

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
 
13,483

 
13,477

Non-current deferred revenue
 

 
1

Non-current derivative liabilities
 
3

 
3

Other non-current liabilities
 
10

 
10

Other non-current liabilities—affiliate
 
25

 
25

 
 
 
 
 
Member’s equity
 
2,308

 
2,076

Total liabilities and member’s equity
 
$
16,435

 
$
16,398




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

6



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


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

 
$
492

LNG revenues—affiliate
503

 
331

Regasification revenues
65

 
65

Other revenues
10

 
2

Other revenues—affiliate

 
1

Total revenues
1,593

 
891

 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses
 
 
 
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)
837

 
513

Operating and maintenance expense
95

 
49

Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
26

 
18

General and administrative expense
3

 
2

General and administrative expense—affiliate
15

 
19

Depreciation and amortization expense
105

 
65

Total operating costs and expenses
1,081

 
666

 
 
 
 
Income from operations
512

 
225

 
 
 
 
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
$
363

 
$
76



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

7



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF MEMBER’S EQUITY
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P.
 
Total Member’s Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
2,076

 
$
2,076

Net income
363

 
363

Contributions
37

 
37

Distributions
(168
)
 
(168
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
$
2,308

 
$
2,308



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

8



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
363

 
$
76

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
105

 
65

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
)
Other
1

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts and other receivables
(49
)
 
(11
)
Accounts receivable—affiliate
48

 
59

Advances to affiliate
(56
)
 
(41
)
Inventory
12

 
17

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(89
)
 
(37
)
Due to affiliates
(25
)
 
(42
)
Deferred revenue
(18
)
 
(11
)
Other, net
1

 
2

Other, net—affiliate
(1
)
 
17

Net cash provided by operating activities
342

 
171

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
(194
)
 
(525
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(194
)
 
(525
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

Proceeds from issuances of debt

 
2,314

Repayments of debt

 
(703
)
Debt issuance and deferred financing costs

 
(26
)
Capital contributions
37

 
101

Distributions
(168
)
 
(159
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(131
)
 
1,527

 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
17

 
1,173

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
557

 
371

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
$
574

 
$
1,544




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

Restricted cash
574

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
574



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

9



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


NOTE 1—NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Through SPL, we are developing, constructing and operating natural gas liquefaction facilities (the “Liquefaction Project”) at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, 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. We also own and operate regasification facilities at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal through SPLNG and own a 94-mile pipeline that interconnects the Sabine Pass LNG terminal with a number of large interstate pipelines (the “Creole Trail Pipeline”) through CTPL.

Basis of Presentation

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. 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 our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in Cheniere Partners’ 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 consolidated financial statements in any prior period nor did it result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings.

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 Consolidated Statements of Income, is able to be included in the federal income tax return of Cheniere Partners, a publicly traded partnership which directly owns us. Accordingly, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes is included in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 have evaluated subsequent events through June 15, 2018, the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were available to be issued.

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 Consolidated 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

Cash held by Cheniere Partners’ guarantor subsidiaries, including us
 
13

 
13

Total current restricted cash
 
$
574

 
$
557


Under the terms of the credit and guaranty agreement aggregating $2.8 billion that Cheniere Partners entered into in February 2016 (the “2016 CQP Credit Facilities”), Cheniere Partners’ guarantor subsidiaries are required to establish and maintain certain deposit accounts, which are subject to the control of a collateral agent pursuant to a depositary agreement that was entered into on the closing date of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities. See Note 14—Guarantees for information regarding Cheniere Partners’ guarantor subsidiaries.


10



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



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
SPL trade receivable
 
$
232

 
$
185

Other accounts receivable
 
8

 
5

Total accounts and other receivables
 
$
240

 
$
190


Pursuant to the accounts agreement entered into with the collateral trustee for the benefit of SPL’s debt holders, SPL is 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.

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
 
53

 
52

Total inventory
 
$
83

 
$
95


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
 
$
12,650

 
$
12,663

LNG terminal construction-in-process
 
3,391

 
3,269

Accumulated depreciation
 
(981
)
 
(879
)
Total LNG terminal costs, net
 
15,060

 
15,053

Fixed assets
 
 

 
 

Fixed assets
 
21

 
23

Accumulated depreciation
 
(15
)
 
(17
)
Total fixed assets, net
 
6

 
6

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
15,066

 
$
15,059

 

Depreciation expense was $102 million and $63 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.


11



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



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”). SPL 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 its credit facilities (“Interest Rate Derivatives”), which 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 Consolidated Statements of Income to the extent not utilized for the commissioning process.

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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated Financial Statements in our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 for additional information.

We value our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives using a 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

12



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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

SPL 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 it entered into in June 2015 (the “2015 SPL Credit Facilities”), based on a portion of the expected outstanding borrowings over the term of the 2015 SPL Credit Facilities. In March 2017, SPL 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 SPL 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 Consolidated Statements of Income 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

SPL 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.

13



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)




The following table shows the fair value and location of our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of (1)
Consolidated 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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated Statements of Income during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Consolidated Statement of Income 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.

Consolidated Balance Sheet Presentation

Our derivative instruments are presented on a net basis on our Consolidated 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated 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
)


14



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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
 
25

 
25

Information technology service assets
 
23

 
24

Other
 
8

 
8

Total other non-current assets, net
 
$
196

 
$
206


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

 
$
229

Sabine Pass LNG terminal and related pipeline costs
 
319

 
384

Other accrued liabilities
 
4

 

Total accrued liabilities
 
$
466

 
$
614


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 SPL Senior Notes”), net of unamortized premium of $5 and $6
 
$
2,005

 
$
2,006

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

 
1,000

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

 
1,505

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

 
2,000

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

 
2,000

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

 
1,500

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

 
1,500

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

 
1,349

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

 
800

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

 
13,477

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

 

 
 
 
 
 
Total debt, net
 
$
13,483

 
$
13,477



15



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



SPL Working Capital Facility

Below is a summary of the SPL Working Capital Facility as of March 31, 2018 (in millions):
 
 
SPL 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, SPL was in compliance with all covenants related to its 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 SPL Senior Notes (2)
 
800

 
838

 
800

 
871

 
(1)
Includes 2021 SPL Senior Notes, 2022 SPL Senior Notes, 2023 SPL Senior Notes, 2024 SPL Senior Notes, 2025 SPL Senior Notes, 2026 SPL Senior Notes, 2027 SPL Senior Notes and 2028 SPL 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. 


16



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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

Regasification revenues
 
65

 
65

Other revenues
 
10

 
2

Other revenues—affiliate
 

 
1

Total revenues from customers
 
1,574

 
884

Revenues from derivative instruments (1)
 
19

 
7

Total revenues
 
$
1,593

 
$
891

 
(1)
Relates to the realized value associated with a portion of derivative instruments that settle through physical delivery.

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 transfer 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.

Regasification Revenues

The Sabine Pass LNG terminal has operational regasification capacity of approximately 4.0 Bcf/d. Approximately 2.0 Bcf/d of the regasification capacity at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal has been reserved under two long-term TUAs with unaffiliated third-party customers, under which they are required to pay fixed monthly fees regardless of their use of the LNG terminal. Each of the customers has reserved approximately 1.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity. The customers are each obligated to make monthly capacity payments to SPLNG aggregating approximately $125 million annually for 20 years that commenced in 2009, which is representative of fixed consideration in the contract. A portion of this fee is adjusted annually for inflation which is considered variable consideration. The remaining capacity of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal has been reserved by SPL, for which the associated revenues are eliminated in consolidation.


17



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



Because SPLNG is continuously available to provide regasification service on a daily basis with the same pattern of transfer, we have concluded that SPLNG provides a single performance obligation to its customers on a continuous basis over time. We have determined that an output method of recognition based on elapsed time best reflects the benefits of this service to the customer and accordingly, LNG regasification capacity reservation fees are recognized as regasification revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective TUAs. We have concluded that the inflation element within the contract meets the optional exception for allocating variable consideration and accordingly the inflation adjustment is not included in the transaction price and will be recognized over the year in which the inflation adjustment relates on a straight-line basis.

In 2012, SPL entered into a partial TUA assignment agreement with Total Gas & Power North America, Inc. (“Total”), whereby SPL would progressively gain access to Total’s capacity and other services provided under its TUA with SPLNG. This agreement provides SPL 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 SPL to more flexibly manage its LNG storage capacity and accommodate the development of Trains 5 and 6.

Upon substantial completion of Train 3, which was in June 2017, SPL gained access to a portion of Total’s capacity and other services provided under Total’s TUA with SPLNG. Upon substantial completion of Train 5, SPL will gain access to substantially all of Total’s capacity. Notwithstanding any arrangements between Total and SPL, payments required to be made by Total to SPLNG will continue to be made by Total to SPLNG in accordance with its TUA and we continue to recognize the payments received from Total as revenue. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, SPL recorded $8 million and zero as operating and maintenance expense under this partial TUA assignment agreement.

Deferred Revenue Reconciliation

The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred revenues, beginning of period
 
$
111

 
$
73

Cash received but not yet recognized
 
95

 
61

Revenue recognized from prior period deferral
 
(111
)
 
(71
)
Deferred revenues, end of period
 
$
95

 
$
63


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.

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
Regasification revenues
 
2.8

 
5.6
Total revenues
 
$
58.0

 
 
 
    
(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.


18



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



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 and TUAs. The amount of revenue from variable fees that is not included in the transaction price will vary based on the future prices of Henry Hub throughout the contract terms, to the extent customers elect to take delivery of their LNG, and adjustments to the consumer price index. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately 56% of our LNG revenues, 100% of our LNG revenues—affiliate and approximately 3% of our Regasification revenues 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, obtaining financing or achieving substantial completion of a Train and any related facilities. These contracts are considered completed contracts for revenue recognition purposes and are included in the transaction price above when the conditions are considered probable of being met.

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.

NOTE 11—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Below is a summary of our related party transactions as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Income 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

 
 
 
 
Other revenues—affiliate
Terminal Marine Services Agreement

 
1

 
Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
26

 
18

 
General and administrative expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
15

 
19


LNG Terminal Capacity Agreements

Terminal Use Agreements

SPL obtained approximately 2.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity and other liquefaction support services under a TUA with SPLNG as a result of an assignment in July 2012 by Cheniere Investments of its rights, title and interest under its TUA with SPLNG. SPL is 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.

In connection with this TUA, SPL is required to pay for a portion of the cost (primarily LNG inventory) to maintain the cryogenic readiness of the regasification facilities at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, which is recorded as operating and maintenance expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Cheniere Investments, SPL and SPLNG entered into the terminal use rights assignment and agreement (the “TURA”) pursuant to which Cheniere Investments had the right to use SPL’s reserved capacity under the TUA and had the obligation to pay

19



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



the TUA Fees required by the TUA to SPLNG. However, the revenue earned by SPLNG from the TUA Fees and the loss incurred by Cheniere Investments under the TURA are eliminated upon consolidation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Cheniere Partners has guaranteed the obligations of SPL under its TUA and the obligations of Cheniere Investments under the TURA.

In an effort to utilize Cheniere Investments’ reserved capacity under the TURA during construction of the Liquefaction Project, Cheniere Marketing, LLC (“Cheniere Marketing US”) has entered into an amended and restated variable capacity rights agreement with Cheniere Investments (the “Amended and Restated VCRA”) pursuant to which Cheniere Marketing US is obligated to pay Cheniere Investments 80% of the expected gross margin of each cargo of LNG that Cheniere Marketing US arranges for delivery to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. Cheniere Investments recorded no revenues—affiliate from Cheniere Marketing US during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 related to the Amended and Restated VCRA.

Cheniere Marketing SPA

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

Cheniere Marketing Master SPA

SPL has an agreement with Cheniere Marketing that allows the parties to sell and purchase LNG with each other by executing and delivering confirmations under this agreement.

Commissioning Confirmation

Under the Cheniere Marketing Master SPA, SPL 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.

Services Agreements
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $97 million and $36 million of advances to affiliates, respectively, under the services agreements described below. The non-reimbursement amounts incurred under these agreements are recorded in general and administrative expense—affiliate.

Information Technology Services Agreement

Cheniere Investments has an information technology services agreement with Cheniere. On a quarterly basis, our subsidiaries 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.

SPLNG O&M Agreement

SPLNG has a long-term operation and maintenance agreement (the “SPLNG O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments pursuant to which SPLNG receives all necessary services required to operate and maintain the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal. SPLNG pays a fixed monthly fee of $130,000 (indexed for inflation) under the SPLNG O&M Agreement and the cost of a bonus equal to 50% of the salary component of labor costs in certain circumstances to be agreed upon between SPLNG and Cheniere Investments at the beginning of each operating year. In addition, SPLNG is required to reimburse Cheniere Investments for its operating expenses, which consist primarily of labor expenses. Cheniere Investments provides the services required under the SPLNG O&M Agreement pursuant to a secondment agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere. All payments received by Cheniere Investments under the SPLNG O&M Agreement are required to be remitted to such subsidiary.

SPLNG MSA

SPLNG has a long-term management services agreement (the “SPLNG MSA”) with Cheniere Terminals, pursuant to which Cheniere Terminals manages the operation of the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal, excluding those matters provided for under the SPLNG O&M Agreement. SPLNG pays a monthly fixed fee of $520,000 (indexed for inflation) under the SPLNG MSA.

20



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



SPL O&M Agreement

SPL has an operation and maintenance agreement (the “SPL O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments pursuant to which SPL receives 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 behalf of SPL, 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, SPL is 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, SPL 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. Cheniere Investments provides the services required under the SPL O&M Agreement pursuant to a secondment agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere. All payments received by Cheniere Investments under the SPL O&M Agreement are required to be remitted to such subsidiary.
SPL MSA

SPL has a management services agreement (the “SPL 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 SPL O&M Agreement. The services include, among other services, exercising the day-to-day management of SPL’s affairs and business, managing SPL’s regulatory matters, managing bank and brokerage accounts and financial books and records of SPL’s business and operations, entering into financial derivatives on SPL’s 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, SPL pays a monthly fee equal to 2.4% of the capital expenditures incurred in the previous month. After substantial completion of each Train, SPL will pay a fixed monthly fee of $541,667 (indexed for inflation) for services with respect to such Train.

CTPL O&M Agreement

CTPL has an amended long-term operation and maintenance agreement (the “CTPL O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments pursuant to which CTPL receives all necessary services required to operate and maintain the Creole Trail Pipeline. CTPL is required to reimburse Cheniere Investments for its operating expenses, which consist primarily of labor expenses. Cheniere Investments provides the services required under the CTPL O&M Agreement pursuant to a secondment agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere. All payments received by Cheniere Investments under the CTPL O&M Agreement are required to be remitted to such subsidiary.
 
Agreement to Fund SPLNG’s Cooperative Endeavor Agreements
 
SPLNG has executed Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (“CEAs”) with various Cameron Parish, Louisiana taxing authorities that allowed them to collect certain annual property tax payments from SPLNG from 2007 through 2016. This ten-year initiative represented an aggregate commitment of $25 million in order to aid in their reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Rita. In exchange for SPLNG’s advance payments of annual ad valorem taxes, Cameron Parish will grant SPLNG a dollar-for-dollar credit against future ad valorem taxes to be levied against the Sabine Pass LNG terminal starting in 2019. Beginning in September 2007, SPLNG entered into various agreements with Cheniere Marketing, pursuant to which Cheniere Marketing would pay SPLNG additional TUA revenues equal to any and all amounts payable by SPLNG to the Cameron Parish taxing authorities under the CEAs. In exchange for such amounts received as TUA revenues from Cheniere Marketing, SPLNG will make payments to Cheniere Marketing equal to, and in the year the Cameron Parish dollar-for-dollar credit is applied against, ad valorem tax levied on our LNG terminal.

On a consolidated basis, these advance tax payments were recorded to other non-current assets, and payments from Cheniere Marketing that SPLNG utilized to make the ad valorem tax payments were recorded as a long-term obligation. As of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $25 million of both other non-current assets resulting from SPLNG’s ad valorem tax payments and other non-current liabilities—affiliate resulting from these payments received from Cheniere Marketing.
 

21



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



Contracts for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas and LNG
 
SPLNG is able to sell and purchase natural gas and LNG under agreements with Cheniere Marketing US. Under these agreements, SPLNG purchases natural gas or LNG from Cheniere Marketing US at a sales price equal to the actual purchase price paid by Cheniere Marketing US to suppliers of the natural gas or LNG, plus any third-party costs incurred by Cheniere Marketing US with respect to the receipt, purchase and delivery of natural gas or LNG to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.

Terminal Marine Services Agreement

In connection with its tug boat lease, Tug Services entered into an agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere to provide its LNG cargo vessels with tug boat and marine services at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.

LNG Terminal Export Agreement

SPLNG and Cheniere Marketing US have an LNG Terminal Export Agreement that provides Cheniere Marketing US the ability to export LNG from the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.  SPLNG did not record any revenues associated with this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

State Tax Sharing Agreements

SPLNG has a state tax sharing agreement with Cheniere.  Under this agreement, Cheniere has agreed to prepare and file all state and local tax returns which SPLNG 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, SPLNG will pay to Cheniere an amount equal to the state and local tax that SPLNG would be required to pay if its 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 SPLNG under this agreement; therefore, Cheniere has not demanded any such payments from SPLNG. The agreement is effective for tax returns due on or after January 1, 2008.

SPL has a state tax sharing agreement with Cheniere. Under this agreement, Cheniere has agreed to prepare and file all state and local tax returns which SPL 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, SPL will pay to Cheniere an amount equal to the state and local tax that SPL would be required to pay if SPL’s 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 SPL under this agreement; therefore, Cheniere has not demanded any such payments from SPL. The agreement is effective for tax returns due on or after August 2012.

CTPL has a state tax sharing agreement with Cheniere. Under this agreement, Cheniere has agreed to prepare and file all state and local tax returns which CTPL 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, CTPL will pay to Cheniere an amount equal to the state and local tax that CTPL would be required to pay if CTPL’s 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 CTPL under this agreement; therefore, Cheniere has not demanded any such payments from CTPL. The agreement is effective for tax returns due on or after May 2013.


22



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



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
 
31%
 
54%
 
33%
 
39%
Customer B
 
25%
 
29%
 
19%
 
32%
Customer C
 
25%
 
—%
 
19%
 
26%
Customer D
 
*
 
—%
 
26%
 
—%
 
* Less than 10%

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 $198 million and $314 million, as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

NOTE 14—GUARANTEES

In February 2016, Cheniere Partners entered into the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities, which included an approximately $2.1 billion SPLNG tranche term loan and a $450.0 million CTPL tranche term loan that were used to satisfy our subsidiaries’ outstanding debt obligations in 2016. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities will mature on February 25, 2020 and are unconditionally guaranteed by each of Cheniere Partners’ subsidiaries other than SPL (collectively the “CQP Guarantors”), including us. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions of our ability to incur additional indebtedness or liens, engage in asset sales, enter into hedging arrangements (other than permitted hedging agreements) and engage in transactions with affiliates. Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors are also required to establish and maintain certain deposit accounts, which are subject to the control of a collateral agent pursuant to a depositary agreement that was entered into on the closing date of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities.

In September 2017, Cheniere Partners issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 CQP Senior Notes”). The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by the CQP Guarantors, with Sabine Pass LP subject to certain conditions that will govern the release of its guarantee. Net proceeds of the offering of approximately $1.5 billion, after deducting the initial purchasers’ commissions and estimated fees and expenses, were used to prepay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities. The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are governed by an indenture, which contains customary terms and events of default and certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors to incur liens and sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale-leaseback transactions and consolidate, merge or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the applicable entity’s properties or assets.

As of March 31, 2018, there was no liability that was recorded related to these guarantees.

Additionally, Cheniere Partners’ debt obligations are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the existing and future tangible and intangible assets and rights of Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors, including us but not including our non-guarantor subsidiary’s assets and rights, and our real property (except for certain excluded properties). As of March 31, 2018, the collateralized net assets of the CQP Guarantors was $2.3 billion.


23



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



NOTE 15—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 Consolidated Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and subsequent amendments thereto
 
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 Consolidated 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 anticipate a material impact from the requirement to recognize all leases on our Consolidated 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 also expect to elect the practical expedient to retain our existing accounting for land easements which were not previously accounted for as leases. We have not yet determined whether we will elect any other practical expedients upon transition.

24



CHENIERE ENERGY INVESTMENTS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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 Consolidated 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 consolidated 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 Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures.


25














Sabine Pass LNG-LP, LLC
Consolidated Financial Statements
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017



26



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


DEFINITIONS

As used in these Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms listed below have the following meanings: 

Common Industry and Other Terms
Bcf/d
 
billion cubic feet per day
EPC
 
engineering, procurement and construction
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
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



27



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


Abbreviated Legal Entity Structure

The following diagram depicts our abbreviated legal entity structure as of March 31, 2018, including our ownership of certain subsidiaries, and the references to these entities used in these Consolidated Financial Statements:

orgcharta60.jpg

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “Sabine Pass LP,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Sabine Pass LNG-LP, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries, including SPL, SPLNG and Tug Services.


28



Independent Auditors’ Review Report
To the Member of Sabine Pass LNG-LP, LLC:

Report on the Financial Statements
We have reviewed the consolidated financial statements of Sabine Pass LNG-LP, LLC, and its subsidiaries (the Company), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018, the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three‑month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statement of member’s equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.
Management’s Responsibility
The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this responsibility includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control sufficient to provide a reasonable basis for the preparation and fair presentation of interim financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to conduct our reviews in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to reviews of interim financial information. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial information. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial information referred to above for it to be in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Report on Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017
We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, member’s equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited consolidated financial statements in our report dated June 15, 2018. Our report also included an emphasis of matter related to a change in the method of accounting for revenue recognition due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and subsequent amendments thereto. In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017 is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited consolidated financial statements from which it has been derived.
/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas
June 15, 2018



29



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
ASSETS
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

Restricted cash
 
573

 
556

Accounts and other receivables
 
239

 
190

Accounts receivable—affiliate
 
114

 
163

Advances to affiliate
 
95

 
32

Inventory
 
82

 
94

Other current assets
 
38

 
55

Other current assets—affiliate
 
2

 
1

Total current assets
 
1,143

 
1,091

 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
14,529

 
14,518

Debt issuance costs, net
 
16

 
18

Non-current derivative assets
 
9

 
17

Other non-current assets, net
 
187

 
197

Total assets
 
$
15,884

 
$
15,841

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER’S EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
10

 
$
11

Accrued liabilities
 
462

 
613

Due to affiliates
 
35

 
72

Deferred revenue
 
95

 
111

Deferred revenue—affiliate
 

 
1

Derivative liabilities
 
4

 

Total current liabilities
 
606

 
808

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
 
13,483

 
13,477

Non-current deferred revenue
 

 
1

Non-current derivative liabilities
 
3

 
3

Other non-current liabilities
 
10

 
10

Other non-current liabilities—affiliate
 
25

 
25

 
 
 
 
 
Member’s equity
 
1,757

 
1,517

Total liabilities and member’s equity
 
$
15,884

 
$
15,841












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

30



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


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

 
$
492

LNG revenues—affiliate
503

 
331

Regasification revenues
65

 
65

Regasification revenues—affiliate

 
31

Other revenues
10

 
1

Other revenues—affiliate

 
1

Total revenues
1,593

 
921

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

 
510

Operating and maintenance expense
90

 
48

Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
45

 
31

General and administrative expense
2

 
1

General and administrative expense—affiliate
14

 
19

Depreciation and amortization expense
100

 
61

Total operating costs and expenses
1,089

 
670

 
 
 
 
Income from operations
504

 
251

 
 
 
 
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
$
355

 
$
102




















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

31



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


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

 
Cheniere Energy Investments, LLC
 
Total Member’s Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
$
1,517

 
$
1,517

Contributions
32

 
32

Distributions
(147
)
 
(147
)
Net income
355

 
355

Balance at March 31, 2018
$
1,757

 
$
1,757














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

32



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
355

 
$
102

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
100

 
61

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
)
Other
1

 
2

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts and other receivables
(49
)
 
(11
)
Accounts receivable—affiliate
48

 
56

Advances to affiliate
(58
)
 
(40
)
Inventory
12

 
17

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(93
)
 
(40
)
Due to affiliates
(22
)
 
7

Deferred revenue
(18
)
 
(11
)
Other, net
1

 
5

Other, net—affiliate
(1
)
 
12

Net cash provided by operating activities
326

 
237

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
(194
)
 
(527
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(194
)
 
(527
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

Proceeds from issuances of debt

 
2,314

Repayments of debt

 
(703
)
Debt issuance and deferred financing costs

 
(26
)
Capital contributions
32

 
17

Distributions
(147
)
 
(139
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(115
)
 
1,463

 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
17

 
1,173

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
556

 
359

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
$
573

 
$
1,532


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

Restricted cash
573

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
573



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

33



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


NOTE 1—NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Through SPL, we are developing, constructing and operating natural gas liquefaction facilities (the “Liquefaction Project”) at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, 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. We also own and operate regasification facilities at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal through SPLNG.

Basis of Presentation

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. 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 our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in Cheniere Partners’ 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 consolidated financial statements in any prior period nor did it result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings.

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 Consolidated Statements of Income, 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 have evaluated subsequent events through June 15, 2018, the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were available to be issued.

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 Consolidated 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

Cash held by Cheniere Partners’ guarantor subsidiaries, including us
 
12

 
12

Total current restricted cash
 
$
573

 
$
556


Under the terms of the credit and guaranty agreement aggregating $2.8 billion that Cheniere Partners entered into in February 2016 (the “2016 CQP Credit Facilities”), Cheniere Partners’ guarantor subsidiaries are required to establish and maintain certain deposit accounts, which are subject to the control of a collateral agent pursuant to a depositary agreement that was entered into on the closing date of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities. See Note 14—Guarantees for information regarding Cheniere Partners’ guarantor subsidiaries.


34



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


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
SPL trade receivable
 
$
232

 
$
185

Other accounts receivable
 
7

 
5

Total accounts and other receivables
 
$
239

 
$
190


Pursuant to the accounts agreement entered into with the collateral trustee for the benefit of SPL’s debt holders, SPL is 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.

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
 
52

 
51

Total inventory
 
$
82

 
$
94


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
 
$
11,943

 
$
11,956

LNG terminal construction-in-process
 
3,410

 
3,289

Accumulated depreciation
 
(829
)
 
(732
)
Total LNG terminal costs, net
 
14,524

 
14,513

Fixed assets
 
 

 
 

Fixed assets
 
14

 
14

Accumulated depreciation
 
(9
)
 
(9
)
Total fixed assets, net
 
5

 
5

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
14,529

 
$
14,518


Depreciation expense was $97 million and $59 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”). SPL 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 its credit facilities (“Interest Rate Derivatives”), which were settled in March 2017.

35



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



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 Consolidated Statements of Income to the extent not utilized for the commissioning process.

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 Consolidated 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 Consolidated Financial Statements in our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 for additional information.

We value our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives using a 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


36



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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

SPL 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 it entered into in June 2015 (the “2015 SPL Credit Facilities”), based on a portion of the expected outstanding borrowings over the term of the 2015 SPL Credit Facilities. In March 2017, SPL 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 SPL 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 Consolidated Statements of Income 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

SPL 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.

The following table shows the fair value and location of our Liquefaction Supply Derivatives on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 
 
Fair Value Measurements as of (1)
Consolidated 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

 

37



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


(1)
Does not include a collateral call of $1 million for such contracts, which is included in other current assets in our Consolidated 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 Consolidated Statements of Income during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions):
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Consolidated Statement of Income 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.

Consolidated Balance Sheet Presentation

Our derivative instruments are presented on a net basis on our Consolidated 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 Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
Net Amounts Presented in the Consolidated 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
)
 
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
 
25

 
25

Information technology service assets
 
21

 
22

Other
 
1

 
1

Total other non-current assets, net
 
$
187

 
$
197


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

 
$
229

Sabine Pass LNG terminal costs
 
319

 
384

Total accrued liabilities
 
$
462

 
$
613



38



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


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 SPL Senior Notes”), net of unamortized premium of $5 and $6
 
$
2,005

 
$
2,006

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

 
1,000

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

 
1,505

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

 
2,000

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

 
2,000

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

 
1,500

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

 
1,500

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

 
1,349

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

 
800

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

 
13,477

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

 

 
 
 
 
 
Total debt, net
 
$
13,483

 
$
13,477


SPL Working Capital Facility

Below is a summary of the SPL Working Capital Facility as of March 31, 2018 (in millions):
 
 
SPL 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, SPL was in compliance with all covenants related to its 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



39



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


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 SPL Senior Notes (2)
 
800

 
838

 
800

 
871

 
(1)
Includes 2021 SPL Senior Notes, 2022 SPL Senior Notes, 2023 SPL Senior Notes, 2024 SPL Senior Notes, 2025 SPL Senior Notes, 2026 SPL Senior Notes, 2027 SPL Senior Notes and 2028 SPL 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. 

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

Regasification revenues
 
65

 
65

Regasification revenues—affiliate
 

 
31

Other revenues
 
10

 
1

Other revenues—affiliate
 

 
1

Total revenues from customers
 
1,574

 
914

Revenues from derivative instruments (1)
 
19

 
7

Total revenues
 
$
1,593

 
$
921

 
(1)
Relates to the realized value associated with a portion of derivative instruments that settle through physical delivery.

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 transfer 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

40



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


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.

Regasification Revenues

The Sabine Pass LNG terminal has operational regasification capacity of approximately 4.0 Bcf/d. Approximately 2.0 Bcf/d of the regasification capacity at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal has been reserved under two long-term TUAs with unaffiliated third-party customers, under which they are required to pay fixed monthly fees regardless of their use of the LNG terminal. Each of the customers has reserved approximately 1.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity. The customers are each obligated to make monthly capacity payments to SPLNG aggregating approximately $125 million annually for 20 years that commenced in 2009, which is representative of fixed consideration in the contract. A portion of this fee is adjusted annually for inflation which is considered variable consideration. The remaining capacity of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal has been reserved by SPL, for which the associated revenues are eliminated in consolidation.

Because SPLNG is continuously available to provide regasification service on a daily basis with the same pattern of transfer, we have concluded that SPLNG provides a single performance obligation to its customers on a continuous basis over time. We have determined that an output method of recognition based on elapsed time best reflects the benefits of this service to the customer and accordingly, LNG regasification capacity reservation fees are recognized as regasification revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective TUAs. We have concluded that the inflation element within the contract meets the optional exception for allocating variable consideration and accordingly the inflation adjustment is not included in the transaction price and will be recognized over the year in which the inflation adjustment relates on a straight-line basis.

In 2012, SPL entered into a partial TUA assignment agreement with Total Gas & Power North America, Inc. (“Total”), whereby SPL would progressively gain access to Total’s capacity and other services provided under its TUA with SPLNG. This agreement provides SPL 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 SPL to more flexibly manage its LNG storage capacity and accommodate the development of Trains 5 and 6.

Upon substantial completion of Train 3, which was in June 2017, SPL gained access to a portion of Total’s capacity and other services provided under Total’s TUA with SPLNG. Upon substantial completion of Train 5, SPL will gain access to substantially all of Total’s capacity. Notwithstanding any arrangements between Total and SPL, payments required to be made by Total to SPLNG will continue to be made by Total to SPLNG in accordance with its TUA and we continue to recognize the payments received from Total as revenue. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, SPL recorded $8 million and zero as operating and maintenance expense under this partial TUA assignment agreement.

Regasification Revenues—Affiliate

SPLNG has a terminal use rights assignment and agreement (the “TURA”) with SPL and Cheniere Investments pursuant to which Cheniere Investments had the right to use SPL’s reserved capacity under the TUA and had the obligation to pay a portion of the fees required by the TUA to SPLNG, of approximately $250 million per year (the “TUA Fees”). Cheniere Investments’ right to use capacity at SPLNG’s LNG terminal and its respective percentage of TUA fees payable was reduced from 100% to zero as each of Trains 1 through 4 of SPL’s Liquefaction Project reached commercial operations. Train 4 reached commercial operations in October 2017 at which time Cheniere Investments’ right to capacity and obligation to pay future fees were substantially eliminated. SPL’s portion of the TUA Fees and SPLNG’s related revenues are eliminated in consolidation.


41



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


The following table shows the percentage of all TUA Fees receivable from Cheniere Investments and SPL in accordance with the TURA:
Period
 
Percentage of TUA Fees Receivable from
Cheniere Investments
 
Percentage of TUA Fees Receivable from SPL
Prior to May 2016 (substantial completion of Train 1)
 
100%
 
0%
May 2016 - September 2016 (substantial completion of Train 2)
 
75%
 
25%
September 2016 - March 2017 (substantial completion of Train 3)
 
50%
 
50%
March 2017 - October 2017 (substantial completion of Train 4)
 
25%
 
75%
Thereafter
 
0%
 
100%

Cheniere Investments’ obligation to pay its percentage share of the approximately $250 million annual payments to SPLNG regardless of its use of the LNG terminal is representative of fixed consideration in the contract. A portion of this fee is adjusted annually for inflation which is considered variable consideration. Because SPLNG provides recurring firm liquefaction support service throughout the course of the agreement, and because the customer immediately receives the benefit of such performance, we have concluded that we have a single performance obligation for which the related revenues shall be recognized over time. We have determined that an output method of recognition based on the quantity of firm liquefaction support services used best reflects the benefits of this service to the customer. Because we expect that SPLNG’s customer shall use its full amount of firm liquefaction support services on a periodic basis, this methodology results in the recognition of such fixed fees on a substantially straight-line basis. We have concluded that the inflation element within the contract meets the optional exemption to opt out of allocating variable consideration to the transaction price and we have elected to recognize such fees during the period to which they relate.

Deferred Revenue Reconciliation

The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred revenues, beginning of period
 
$
112

 
$
73

Cash received but not yet recognized
 
95

 
61

Revenue recognized from prior period deferral
 
(112
)
 
(71
)
Deferred revenues, end of period
 
$
95

 
$
63


The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities to affiliate, which we classify as “Deferred revenue—affiliate” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred revenues—affiliate, beginning of period
 
$
1

 
$
11

Cash received but not yet recognized
 

 
5

Revenue recognized from prior period deferral
 
(1
)
 
(10
)
Deferred revenues—affiliate, end of period
 
$

 
$
6


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.


42



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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
Regasification revenues
 
2.8

 
5.6
Total revenues
 
$
58.0

 
 
 
    
(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 and TUAs. The amount of revenue from variable fees that is not included in the transaction price will vary based on the future prices of Henry Hub throughout the contract terms, to the extent customers elect to take delivery of their LNG, and adjustments to the consumer price index. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately 56% of our LNG revenues, 100% of our LNG revenues—affiliate and approximately 3% of our Regasification revenues 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, obtaining financing or achieving substantial completion of a Train and any related facilities. These contracts are considered completed contracts for revenue recognition purposes and are included in the transaction price above when the conditions are considered probable of being met.

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.


43



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


NOTE 11—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
Below is a summary of our related party transactions as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Income 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

 
Regasification revenues—affiliate
TUA fees from Cheniere Investments
 

 
31

 
 
 
 
 
Other revenues—affiliate
Terminal Marine Services Agreement

 
1

 
Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
Natural Gas Transportation Agreement
20

 
16

Services Agreements
25

 
15

Total operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
45

 
31

 
General and administrative expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
14

 
19


LNG Terminal Capacity Agreements

Terminal Use Agreements

SPL obtained approximately 2.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity and other liquefaction support services under a TUA with SPLNG, as a result of an assignment in July 2012 by Cheniere Investments of its rights, title and interest under its TUA with SPLNG. SPL is obligated to pay the TUA Fees until at least May 2036.

In connection with this TUA, SPL is required to pay for a portion of the cost (primarily LNG inventory) to maintain the cryogenic readiness of the regasification facilities at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, which is recorded as operating and maintenance expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Pursuant to the TURA, Cheniere Investments had the right to use SPL’s reserved capacity under SPL’s TUA with SPLNG and had the obligation to pay the TUA Fees required by the TUA to SPLNG. See Note 10—Revenues from Contracts with Customers for information regarding these agreements.

Cheniere Marketing SPA

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

Cheniere Marketing Master SPA

SPL has an agreement with Cheniere Marketing that allows the parties to sell and purchase LNG with each other by executing and delivering confirmations under this agreement.

Commissioning Confirmation

Under the Cheniere Marketing Master SPA, SPL 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.

44



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



Natural Gas Transportation Agreements

To ensure SPL is able to transport adequate natural gas feedstock to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal, SPL has a transportation precedent agreement and a negotiated rate agreement to secure firm pipeline transportation capacity with CTPL and third-party pipeline companies. These agreements have a primary term through 2036 and thereafter continue in effect from year to year until terminated by either party upon written notice of one year or the term of the agreements, whichever is less. In addition, SPL has 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 SPL that it has agreed otherwise.

Services Agreements

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $95 million and $32 million of advances to affiliates, respectively, under the services agreements described below. The non-reimbursement amounts incurred under these agreements are recorded in general and administrative expense—affiliate.

SPLNG O&M Agreement

SPLNG has a long-term operation and maintenance agreement (the “SPLNG O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments pursuant to which SPLNG receives all necessary services required to operate and maintain the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal. SPLNG pays a fixed monthly fee of $130,000 (indexed for inflation) under the SPLNG O&M Agreement and the cost of a bonus equal to 50% of the salary component of labor costs in certain circumstances to be agreed upon between the parties at the beginning of each operating year. In addition, SPLNG is required to reimburse Cheniere Investments for its operating expenses, which consist primarily of labor expenses.
 
SPLNG MSA

SPLNG has a long-term management services agreement (the “SPLNG MSA”) with Cheniere Terminals, pursuant to which Cheniere Terminals manages the operation of the Sabine Pass LNG receiving terminal, excluding those matters provided for under the SPLNG O&M Agreement. SPLNG pays a monthly fixed fee of $520,000 (indexed for inflation) under the SPLNG MSA.

SPL O&M Agreement

SPL has an operation and maintenance agreement (the “SPL O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments pursuant to which SPL receives 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 behalf of SPL, 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, SPL is 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, SPL 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.
SPL MSA

SPL has a management services agreement (the “SPL 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 SPL O&M Agreement. The services include, among other services, exercising the day-to-day management of SPL’s affairs and business, managing SPL’s regulatory matters, managing bank and brokerage accounts and financial books and records of SPL’s business and operations, entering into financial derivatives on SPL’s 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, SPL pays a monthly fee equal to 2.4% of the capital expenditures incurred in the previous month. After substantial completion of each Train, SPL will pay a fixed monthly fee of $541,667 (indexed for inflation) for services with respect to such Train.


45



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


Cheniere Investments Information Technology Services Agreement

Cheniere Investments has an information technology services agreement with Cheniere, pursuant to which Cheniere Investments’ subsidiaries, including SPL and SPLNG, 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.

Agreement to Fund SPLNG’s Cooperative Endeavor Agreements
 
SPLNG has executed Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (“CEAs”) with various Cameron Parish, Louisiana taxing authorities that allowed them to collect certain annual property tax payments from SPLNG from 2007 through 2016. This ten-year initiative represented an aggregate commitment of $25 million in order to aid in their reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Rita. In exchange for SPLNG’s advance payments of annual ad valorem taxes, Cameron Parish will grant SPLNG a dollar-for-dollar credit against future ad valorem taxes to be levied against the Sabine Pass LNG terminal starting in 2019. Beginning in September 2007, SPLNG entered into various agreements with Cheniere Marketing, pursuant to which Cheniere Marketing would pay SPLNG additional TUA revenues equal to any and all amounts payable by SPLNG to the Cameron Parish taxing authorities under the CEAs. In exchange for such amounts received as TUA revenues from Cheniere Marketing, SPLNG will make payments to Cheniere Marketing equal to, and in the year the Cameron Parish dollar-for-dollar credit is applied against, ad valorem tax levied on our LNG terminal.

On a consolidated basis, these advance tax payments were recorded to other non-current assets, and payments from Cheniere Marketing that SPLNG utilized to make the ad valorem tax payments were recorded as a long-term obligation. As of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $25 million of both other non-current assets resulting from SPLNG’s ad valorem tax payments and other non-current liabilities—affiliate resulting from these payments received from Cheniere Marketing.
 
Contracts for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas and LNG
 
SPLNG is able to sell and purchase natural gas and LNG under agreements with Cheniere Marketing, LLC (“Cheniere Marketing US”). Under these agreements, SPLNG purchases natural gas or LNG from Cheniere Marketing US at a sales price equal to the actual purchase price paid by Cheniere Marketing US to suppliers of the natural gas or LNG, plus any third-party costs incurred by Cheniere Marketing US with respect to the receipt, purchase and delivery of natural gas or LNG to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.

Terminal Marine Services Agreement

In connection with its tug boat lease, Tug Services entered into an agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere to provide its LNG cargo vessels with tug boat and marine services at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.

LNG Terminal Export Agreement

SPLNG and Cheniere Marketing US have an LNG Terminal Export Agreement that provides Cheniere Marketing US the ability to export LNG from the Sabine Pass LNG terminal.  SPLNG did not record any revenues associated with this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

State Tax Sharing Agreements

SPLNG has a state tax sharing agreement with Cheniere.  Under this agreement, Cheniere has agreed to prepare and file all state and local tax returns which SPLNG 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, SPLNG will pay to Cheniere an amount equal to the state and local tax that SPLNG would be required to pay if its 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 SPLNG under this agreement; therefore, Cheniere has not demanded any such payments from SPLNG. The agreement is effective for tax returns due on or after January 1, 2008.


46



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


SPL has a state tax sharing agreement with Cheniere. Under this agreement, Cheniere has agreed to prepare and file all state and local tax returns which SPL 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, SPL will pay to Cheniere an amount equal to the state and local tax that SPL would be required to pay if SPL’s 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 SPL under this agreement; therefore, Cheniere has not demanded any such payments from SPL. 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
 
31%
 
54%
 
33%
 
39%
Customer B
 
25%
 
29%
 
19%
 
32%
Customer C
 
25%
 
—%
 
19%
 
26%
Customer D
 
*
 
—%
 
26%
 
—%
 
* Less than 10%

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 $197 million and $315 million, as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

NOTE 14—GUARANTEES

In February 2016, Cheniere Partners entered into the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities, which included an approximately $2.1 billion SPLNG tranche term loan that was used to satisfy SPLNG’s outstanding debt obligations in 2016. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities will mature on February 25, 2020 and are unconditionally guaranteed by each of Cheniere Partners’ subsidiaries other than SPL (collectively the “CQP Guarantors”), including us. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions of our ability to incur additional indebtedness or liens, engage in asset sales, enter into hedging arrangements (other than permitted hedging agreements) and engage in transactions with affiliates. Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors are also required to establish and maintain certain deposit accounts, which are subject to the control of a collateral agent pursuant to a depositary agreement that was entered into on the closing date of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities.

In September 2017, Cheniere Partners issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 CQP Senior Notes”). The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by the CQP Guarantors, with us subject to certain conditions that will govern the release of its guarantee. Net proceeds of the offering of approximately $1.5 billion, after deducting the initial purchasers’ commissions and estimated fees and expenses, were used to prepay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities. The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are governed by an indenture, which contains customary terms and events of default and certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors to incur liens and sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale-leaseback transactions and consolidate, merge or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the applicable entity’s properties or assets.


47



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


As of March 31, 2018, there was no liability that was recorded related to these guarantees.

Additionally, Cheniere Partners’ debt obligations are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the existing and future tangible and intangible assets and rights of Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors, including us but not including our non-guarantor subsidiary’s assets and rights, and our real property (except for certain excluded properties). As of March 31, 2018, the collateralized net assets of the CQP Guarantors was $2.3 billion.

NOTE 15—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 Consolidated Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and subsequent amendments thereto
 
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 Consolidated 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 anticipate a material impact from the requirement to recognize all leases on our Consolidated 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.

48



SABINE PASS LNG-LP, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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 Consolidated 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 consolidated 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 Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures.


49
















Sabine Pass LNG, L.P.
Consolidated Financial Statements
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017





50



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY


DEFINITIONS
As used in these Consolidated Financial Statements, the terms listed below have the following meanings: 

Common Industry and Other Terms
Bcf/d
 
billion cubic feet per day
GAAP
 
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
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
SEC
 
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Train
 
an industrial facility comprised of a series of refrigerant compressor loops used to cool natural gas into LNG
TUA
 
terminal use agreement



51



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY


Abbreviated Legal Entity Structure

The following diagram depicts our abbreviated legal entity structure as of March 31, 2018 and the references to these entities used in these Consolidated Financial Statements:

orgcharta58.jpg

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “SPLNG,” “the Partnership,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Sabine Pass LNG, L.P. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Tug Services.


52



Independent Auditors’ Review Report
To the Managers of Sabine Pass LNG-LP, LLC and
Partners of Sabine Pass LNG, L.P.:

Report on the Financial Statements
We have reviewed the consolidated financial statements of Sabine Pass LNG, L.P., and its subsidiary (the Partnership), which comprise the consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018, the related consolidated statements of income and cash flows for the three‑month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statement of partners’ equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.
Management’s Responsibility
The Partnership’s management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this responsibility includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control sufficient to provide a reasonable basis for the preparation and fair presentation of interim financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to conduct our reviews in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to reviews of interim financial information. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial information. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Conclusion
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial information referred to above for it to be in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Report on Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017
We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income, partners’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited consolidated financial statements in our report dated June 15, 2018. Our report also included an emphasis of matter related to a change in the method of accounting for revenue recognition due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and subsequent amendments thereto. In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet of the Partnership as of December 31, 2017 is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited consolidated financial statements from which it has been derived.
/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas
June 15, 2018


53



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)



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

 
$

Restricted cash
11,881

 
11,389

Accounts and other receivables
1,134

 
924

Accounts receivable—affiliate
2,977

 
3,069

Advances to affiliate
4,007

 
6,676

Inventory
9,419

 
8,974

Other current assets
2,106

 
2,295

Other current assets—affiliate
481

 

Total current assets
32,005

 
33,327

 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
1,601,034

 
1,603,054

Other non-current assets, net
27,423

 
27,630

Total assets
$
1,660,462

 
$
1,664,011

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
2,724

 
$
3,639

Accrued liabilities
10,180

 
6,996

Due to affiliates
8,625

 
8,377

Deferred revenue
25,420

 
26,817

Deferred revenue—affiliate
21,303

 
21,974

Total current liabilities
68,252

 
67,803

 
 
 
 
Non-current deferred revenue
500

 
1,500

Non-current deferred revenue—affiliate
24,533

 
24,533

Other non-current liabilities
9,568

 
9,918

Other non-current liabilities—affiliate
65

 
66

 
 
 
 
Partners’ equity
1,557,544

 
1,560,191

Total liabilities and partners’ equity
$
1,660,462

 
$
1,664,011

 










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

54



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
Regasification revenues
$
65,239

 
$
65,050

Regasification revenues—affiliate
63,909

 
63,723

Other revenues
9,400

 
1,451

Other revenues—affiliate
7,920

 
5,961

Total revenues
146,468

 
136,185

 
 
 
 
Operating costs and expenses
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance expense
11,690

 
9,186

Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
5,167

 
4,222

Development expense
237

 

Development expense—affiliate
2

 

General and administrative expense
139

 
125

General and administrative expense—affiliate
2,269

 
2,219

Depreciation and amortization expense
13,789

 
13,615

Total operating costs and expenses
33,293

 
29,367

 
 
 
 
Income from operations
113,175

 
106,818

 
 
 
 
Other income (expense)
 
 
 
Interest expense
(902
)
 

Other income
6

 
2

Total other income (expense)
(896
)
 
2

 
 
 
 
Net income
$
112,279

 
$
106,820


 






















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

55



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
General Partner Sabine Pass
LNG-GP, LLC
 
Limited Partner Sabine Pass
LNG-LP, LLC
 
Total
Partners’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$

 
$
1,560,191

 
$
1,560,191

Net income
 

 
112,279

 
112,279

Contributions
 

 
32,119

 
32,119

Distributions
 

 
(147,045
)
 
(147,045
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$

 
$
1,557,544

 
$
1,557,544

 

































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

56



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
112,279

 
$
106,820

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
13,789

 
13,615

Non-cash interest expense
902

 

Other

 
1

Other—affiliate

 
2,183

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable—affiliate
92

 
(1,053
)
Advances to affiliate
2,670

 
516

Inventory
(445
)
 
(1,045
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
879

 
(539
)
Due to affiliates
(5,324
)
 
6,712

Deferred revenue
(2,397
)
 
(893
)
Deferred revenue—affiliate
(671
)
 
(5,220
)
Other, net
(1,315
)
 
1,283

Other—affiliate
(482
)
 
(78
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
119,977

 
122,302

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 

 
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
(4,559
)
 
(102
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(4,559
)
 
(102
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 

 
 

Capital contributions
32,119

 
16,782

Distributions to limited partner
(147,045
)
 
(138,647
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(114,926
)
 
(121,865
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
492

 
335

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
11,389

 
739

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
$
11,881

 
$
1,074


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

Restricted cash
11,881

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
$
11,881






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

57



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


NOTE 1—NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

We own, develop and operate regasification facilities located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, less than four miles from the Gulf Coast on the Sabine-Neches Waterway (our “LNG terminal”). Regasification revenues include LNG regasification capacity payments that are received from our long-term TUA customers and regasification revenues—affiliate include liquefaction support services. We recognize tug services fees that are received by Tug Services, which were historically included in regasification revenues but are now included within other revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Income. We also recognize cargo loading fees from SPL for the loading of LNG vessels at our LNG terminal, which are included within other revenues—affiliate on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Basis of Presentation

Our Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. 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 our Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in Cheniere Partners’ 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. Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior period information to the current presentation.  The reclassifications did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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 consolidated financial statements in any prior period nor did it result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings.

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 Consolidated Statements of Income, 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 have evaluated subsequent events through June 15, 2018, the date the Consolidated Financial Statements were available to be issued.

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 Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $11.9 million and $11.4 million of current restricted cash, respectively, for short-term operating expenses and capital expenditures.

In February 2016, Cheniere Partners entered into a $2.8 billion credit facility (the “2016 CQP Credit Facilities”). We, as a guarantor subsidiary of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities, are subject to limitations on the use of cash under the terms of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities and the related depositary agreement governing the extension of credit. Specifically, we may only withdraw funds from collateral accounts held at a designated depositary bank on a monthly basis and for specific purposes. In addition, distributions and capital expenditures may only be made quarterly and are subject to certain restrictions. See Note 9—Guarantees for more information regarding these guarantees.


58



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


NOTE 3—INVENTORY

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, inventory consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
LNG
 
$
585

 
$
539

Materials and other
 
8,834

 
8,435

Total inventory
 
$
9,419

 
$
8,974


NOTE 4—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment, net consists of LNG terminal costs and fixed assets, as follows (in thousands): 
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
LNG terminal costs
 
 
 
 
LNG terminal
 
$
1,998,434

 
$
1,993,215

LNG terminal construction-in-process
 
17,406

 
11,148

LNG site and related costs
 
119

 
120

Accumulated depreciation
 
(414,994
)
 
(401,512
)
Total LNG terminal costs, net
 
1,600,965

 
1,602,971

Fixed assets
 
 

 
 

Fixed assets
 
2,229

 
2,255

Accumulated depreciation
 
(2,160
)
 
(2,172
)
Total fixed assets, net
 
69

 
83

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
1,601,034

 
$
1,603,054


Depreciation expense was $13.5 million and $13.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

NOTE 5—OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

We, through Tug Services, entered into an agreement in 2009 which required the contingent payment of a portion of our future tug service revenues to third party counterparties over the life of the agreement in exchange for an initial cash payment of $6.0 million. We classified the cash received in 2009 as other non-current liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and impute interest expense on the non-current liability using the effective interest method. We had other non-current liabilities of $9.4 million and $9.8 million as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, resulting from this agreement. The effective interest rate is computed based on estimated payments of tug service revenues to third party counterparties over the life of the agreement, which concludes in January 2028. Changes in estimated payments to be paid to the counterparties to the agreement are reflected prospectively in interest expense on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The interest rate on the liability may vary during the term of the agreement depending primarily on the aggregate total revenue earned by Tug Services. Payments made to counterparties pursuant to the agreement reduce the other non-current liability balance.

NOTE 6—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 thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Regasification revenues
 
$
65,239

 
$
65,050

Regasification revenues—affiliate
 
63,909

 
63,723

Other revenues
 
9,400

 
1,451

Other revenues—affiliate
 
7,920

 
5,961

Total revenues
 
$
146,468

 
$
136,185



59



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


Regasification Revenues

The Sabine Pass LNG terminal has operational regasification capacity of approximately 4.0 Bcf/d. Approximately 2.0 Bcf/d of the regasification capacity at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal has been reserved under two long-term TUAs with unaffiliated third-party customers, under which they are required to pay fixed monthly fees regardless of their use of the LNG terminal. Each of the customers has reserved approximately 1.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity. The customers are each obligated to make monthly capacity payments to us aggregating approximately $125 million annually for 20 years that commenced in 2009, which is representative of fixed consideration in the contract. A portion of this fee is adjusted annually for inflation which is considered variable consideration. The remaining capacity of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal has been reserved by SPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere Partners. See “Regasification revenues—affiliate” below for information on revenue from SPL.

Because we are continuously available to provide regasification service on a daily basis with the same pattern of transfer, we have concluded that we provide a single performance obligation to our customers on a continuous basis over time. We have determined that an output method of recognition based on elapsed time best reflects the benefits of this service to the customer and accordingly, LNG regasification capacity reservation fees are recognized as regasification revenues on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective TUAs. We have concluded that the inflation element within the contract meets the optional exception for allocating variable consideration and accordingly the inflation adjustment is not included in the transaction price and will be recognized over the year in which the inflation adjustment relates on a straight-line basis.

In 2012, SPL entered into a partial TUA assignment agreement with Total Gas & Power North America, Inc. (“Total”), whereby SPL would progressively gain access to Total’s capacity and other services provided under its TUA with us. This agreement provides SPL 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 SPL to more flexibly manage its LNG storage capacity and accommodate the development of additional Trains.

Upon substantial completion of Train 3, SPL gained access to a portion of Total’s capacity and other services provided under Total’s TUA with us. Upon substantial completion of Train 5, SPL will gain access to substantially all of Total’s capacity. Notwithstanding any arrangements between Total and SPL, payments required to be made by Total to us will continue to be made by Total to us in accordance with its TUA and we continue to recognize the payments received from Total as third-party revenue.

Regasification Revenues—Affiliate

SPL obtained 2.0 Bcf/d of regasification capacity and other liquefaction support services as a result of an assignment in July 2012 by Cheniere Investments of its rights, title and interest under its TUA with us. SPL is obligated to make monthly capacity payments to us aggregating approximately $250 million per year (the “TUA Fees”), continuing until May 2036. In addition, SPL is required to pay us $120,000 in cargo loading fees for each LNG vessel that they load at our LNG terminal.

We have a terminal use rights assignment and agreement (the “TURA”) with SPL and Cheniere Investments pursuant to which Cheniere Investments had the right to use SPL’s reserved capacity under the TUA and had the obligation to pay a portion of the TUA Fees required by the TUA to us. Cheniere Investments’ right to use capacity at our LNG terminal and its respective percentage of TUA fees payable was reduced from 100% to zero as each of Trains 1 through 4 of SPL’s liquefaction project reached commercial operations. Train 4 reached commercial operations in October 2017 at which time Cheniere Investments’ right to capacity and obligation to pay future fees were substantially eliminated.

The following table shows the percentage of all TUA Fees receivable from Cheniere Investments and SPL in accordance with the TURA:
Period
 
Percentage of TUA Fees Receivable from
Cheniere Investments
 
Percentage of TUA Fees Receivable from SPL
Prior to May 2016 (substantial completion of Train 1)
 
100%
 
0%
May 2016 - September 2016 (substantial completion of Train 2)
 
75%
 
25%
September 2016 - March 2017 (substantial completion of Train 3)
 
50%
 
50%
March 2017 - October 2017 (substantial completion of Train 4)
 
25%
 
75%
Thereafter
 
0%
 
100%


60



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


Cheniere Partners has guaranteed SPL’s obligations under the TUA and the obligations of Cheniere Investments under the TURA.

SPL’s obligation to pay their percentage share of the approximately $250 million annual payments to us regardless of their use of the LNG terminal is representative of fixed consideration in the contract. A portion of this fee is adjusted annually for inflation which is considered variable consideration. Cargo loading fees are also considered variable consideration because their receipt depends upon SPL’s use of liquefaction support services. Because we provide recurring firm liquefaction support service throughout the course of the agreement, and because SPL immediately receives the benefit of such performance, we have concluded that we have a single performance obligation for which the related revenues shall be recognized over time. We have determined that an output method of recognition based on the quantity of firm liquefaction support services used best reflects the benefits of this service to the customer. Because we expect that SPL shall use the full amount of firm liquefaction support services on a periodic basis, this methodology results in the recognition of such fixed fees on a substantially straight-line basis. We have concluded that both the inflation element within the contract and cargo loading fees meet the optional exemption to opt out of allocating variable consideration to the transaction price and we have elected to recognize such fees during the period to which they relate.

Cheniere Investments’ obligation to pay their percentage share of the approximately $250 million annual payments to us regardless of their use of the LNG terminal is representative of fixed consideration in the contract. A portion of this fee is adjusted annually for inflation which is considered variable consideration. SPLNG provides access to an integrated regasification service to Cheniere Investments. Because SPLNG reduces Cheniere Investments’ access to the terminal as each Train reaches substantial completion, we have concluded that each of the periods in the table above must be accounted for as separate performance obligations. We have allocated the transaction price to each performance obligation using estimated stand-alone selling prices corresponding with the customer’s access to capacity in that period. We have determined that an output method of recognition based on elapsed time best reflects the benefits of this service to the customer. We have concluded that the variable consideration within the contract meets the optional exemption to opt out of allocating variable consideration to the transaction price and we have elected to recognize such fees during the period to which they relate.

Other Revenues

Tug Services has entered into arrangements to provide tug related services to each vessel that docks at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. These customers have historically paid tug services fees of $125,000 for each vessel that docks at our LNG terminal, which is included in other revenues. This fee increased to $150,000 in February 2018 for future tug related services. Because we are continuously available to provide tug services on a daily basis with the same pattern of transfer, we have concluded that we provide a single performance obligation to our customers on a continuous basis over time. We have determined that an output method of recognition based on elapsed time best reflects the benefits of this service to the customer. Tug services fees are considered variable consideration because their receipt depends entirely upon the customer’s need to dock at the facility. We have concluded that the tug service fees meet the optional exemption to opt out of allocating variable consideration to the transaction price and we have elected to recognize such fees during the period to which they relate.

Deferred Revenue Reconciliation

The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities, which we classify as “Deferred revenue” and “Non-current deferred revenue” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred revenues, beginning of period
 
$
28,317

 
$
32,209

Cash received but not yet recognized
 
25,420

 
25,384

Revenue recognized from prior period deferral
 
(27,817
)
 
(26,276
)
Deferred revenues, end of period
 
$
25,920

 
$
31,317



61



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


The following table reflects the changes in our contract liabilities to affiliate, which we classify as “Deferred revenue—affiliate” and “Non-current deferred revenue—affiliate” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Deferred revenues—affiliate, beginning of period
 
$
46,507

 
$
46,417

Cash received but not yet recognized
 
21,303

 
15,948

Revenue recognized from prior period deferral
 
(21,974
)
 
(21,168
)
Deferred revenues—affiliate, end of period
 
$
45,836

 
$
41,197


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. We recognize deferred revenue related to our TUAs because our customers are required to pay a month in advance of the associated service period. We have recorded non-current deferred revenue—affiliate representing a prepayment of SPL’s future obligations under the TUA.

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)
Regasification revenues
 
$
2.8

 
5.6

Regasification revenues—affiliate
 
4.5

 
9.0

Total revenues
 
$
7.3

 
 
 
    
(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 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 TUAs. The amount of revenue from variable fees that is not included in the transaction price will vary based on the number of LNG vessels loaded and adjustments to the consumer price index. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, approximately 3% of our Regasification revenues and approximately 2% of our Regasification revenues—affiliate were related to variable consideration received from customers.

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.


62



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


NOTE 7—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Below is a summary of our related party transactions as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Regasification revenues—affiliate
TUA fees from Cheniere Investments
$

 
$
31,176

TUA fees from SPL
63,909

 
32,547

Total regasification revenues—affiliate
63,909

 
63,723

 
Other revenues—affiliate
Cargo loading fees under TUA
7,920

 
5,236

Other agreements

 
725

Total other revenues—affiliate
7,920

 
5,961

 
Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
5,447

 
4,380

LNG Site Sublease Agreement
(244
)
 
(236
)
Other agreements
(36
)
 
78

Total operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
5,167

 
4,222

 
Development expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
2

 

 
General and administrative expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
2,269

 
2,219


Terminal Use Agreements

Pursuant to the TURA, Cheniere Investments had the right to use SPL’s reserved capacity under SPL’s TUA with us and had the obligation to pay the TUA Fees required by the TUA to us. See Note 6—Revenues from Contracts with Customers for information regarding these agreements.

Services Agreements

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $4.0 million and $6.7 million, respectively, of advances to affiliates under the services agreements described below. The non-reimbursable amounts incurred under these agreements are recorded in general and administrative expense—affiliate.

Operation and Maintenance Agreement

We have a long-term operation and maintenance agreement (the “O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments pursuant to which we receive all necessary services required to operate and maintain our LNG receiving terminal. We pay a fixed monthly fee of $130,000 (indexed for inflation) under the O&M Agreement, and the cost of a bonus equal to 50% of the salary component of labor costs in certain circumstances to be agreed upon between the parties at the beginning of each operating year. In addition, we are required to reimburse Cheniere Investments for its operating expenses, which consist primarily of labor expenses.

Management Services Agreement
 
We have a long-term management services agreement (the “MSA”) with Cheniere Terminals, pursuant to which Cheniere Terminals manages the operation of our LNG receiving terminal, excluding those matters provided for under the O&M Agreement. We pay a monthly fixed fee of $520,000 (indexed for inflation) under the MSA.


63



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


Cheniere Investments Information Technology Services Agreement

Cheniere Investments has an information technology services agreement with Cheniere, pursuant to which Cheniere Investments’ 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.

Agreement to Fund Our Cooperative Endeavor Agreements

We have executed Cooperative Endeavor Agreements (“CEAs”) with various Cameron Parish, Louisiana taxing authorities that allowed them to collect certain annual property tax payments from 2007 through 2016. This ten-year initiative represented an aggregate commitment of $24.5 million in order to aid in their reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Rita. In exchange for our advance payments of annual ad valorem taxes, Cameron Parish will grant us a dollar-for-dollar credit against future ad valorem taxes to be levied against our LNG terminal starting in 2019. Beginning in September 2007, we entered into various agreements with Cheniere Marketing, pursuant to which Cheniere Marketing would pay us additional TUA revenues equal to any and all amounts payable by us to the Cameron Parish taxing authorities under the CEAs. In exchange for such amounts received as TUA revenues from Cheniere Marketing, we will make payments to Cheniere Marketing equal to, and in the year the Cameron Parish dollar-for-dollar credit is applied against, ad valorem tax levied on our LNG terminal.

These advance tax payments were recorded to other non-current assets, and payments from Cheniere Marketing that we utilized to make the ad valorem tax payments were recorded as non-current deferred revenue—affiliate. As of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $24.5 million of both other non-current assets resulting from ad valorem tax payments and non-current deferred revenue—affiliate resulting from these payments received from Cheniere Marketing.

Contracts for Sale and Purchase of Natural Gas and LNG

We are able to sell and purchase natural gas and LNG under agreements with Cheniere Marketing, LLC (“Cheniere Marketing US”). Under these agreements, we purchase natural gas or LNG from Cheniere Marketing US at a sales price equal to the actual purchase price paid by Cheniere Marketing US to suppliers of the natural gas or LNG, plus any third-party costs incurred by Cheniere Marketing US with respect to the receipt, purchase and delivery of the natural gas or LNG to our LNG terminal. We are also able to sell and purchase natural gas and LNG under an agreement with SPL.

Terminal Marine Services Agreement

In connection with our tug boat lease, Tug Services has an agreement with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere to provide its LNG cargo vessels with tug boat and marine services at our LNG terminal. The agreement also provides that Tug Services shall contingently pay the wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere a portion of its future revenues. We did not have any distributions pursuant to this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

LNG Site Sublease Agreement

We have agreements with SPL to sublease a portion of the LNG terminal site for its liquefaction project. The aggregate annual sublease payment is $0.9 million. The initial term of the sublease expires on December 31, 2034, with options to renew for multiple 10-year extensions with similar terms as the initial term. The annual sublease payment will be adjusted for inflation every five years based on a consumer price index, as defined in the sublease agreement.

LNG Terminal Export Agreement

We have an LNG Terminal Export Agreement with Cheniere Marketing US that provides Cheniere Marketing US with the ability to export LNG from our LNG terminal.  We did not record any revenues associated with this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

64



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)



Cooperation Agreement
We have an agreement (the “Cooperation Agreement”) with SPL to allow SPL to retain and acquire certain rights to access the property and facilities that we own for the purpose of constructing, modifying and operating SPL’s facilities under construction. In consideration for the access we have given, SPL has agreed to transfer title to us of certain facilities, equipment and modifications, which we are obligated to operate and maintain. The term of this agreement is consistent with our TUA described above. SPL did not convey any assets to us under this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017.

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 January 1, 2008.

NOTE 8—SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The following table provides supplemental disclosure of cash flow information (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Non-cash contributions from limited partner for certain operating activities
 
$

 
$
2,183

The balance in property, plant and equipment, net funded with accounts payable and accrued liabilities (including affiliate) was $9.1 million and $9.7 million as of March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

NOTE 9—GUARANTEES

The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities includes an approximately $2.1 billion SPLNG tranche term loan that was used to satisfy our outstanding debt obligations in 2016. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities will mature on February 25, 2020 and are unconditionally guaranteed by each of Cheniere Partners’ subsidiaries other than SPL (collectively the “CQP Guarantors”), including us. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions of our ability to incur additional indebtedness or liens, engage in asset sales, enter into hedging arrangements (other than permitted hedging agreements) and engage in transactions with affiliates. Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors are also required to establish and maintain certain deposit accounts, which are subject to the control of a collateral agent pursuant to a depositary agreement that was entered into on the closing date of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities.

In September 2017, Cheniere Partners issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 CQP Senior Notes”). The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by the CQP Guarantors, with Sabine Pass LP subject to certain conditions that will govern the release of its guarantee. Net proceeds of the offering of approximately $1.5 billion, after deducting the initial purchasers’ commissions and estimated fees and expenses, were used to prepay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities. The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are governed by an indenture, which contains customary terms and events of default and certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors to incur liens and sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale-leaseback transactions and consolidate, merge or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the applicable entity’s properties or assets.

As of March 31, 2018, there was no liability that was recorded related to these guarantees.

Additionally, Cheniere Partners’ debt obligations are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of its assets and the assets of the CQP Guarantors, including us, except for certain excluded properties.


65



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


NOTE 10—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 Consolidated Financial Statements or Other Significant Matters
ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and subsequent amendments thereto
 
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 Consolidated 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 anticipate a material impact from the requirement to recognize all leases on our Consolidated 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.

66



SABINE PASS LNG, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED 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 Consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements in any prior period nor did it result in a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. See Note 6—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 Consolidated Financial Statements or related disclosures.


67

















Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, L.P.

Financial Statements

As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017







68



Independent Auditors’ Review Report

To the Managing Member of Cheniere Pipeline GP Interests, LLC:

Report on the Financial Statements
We have reviewed the financial statements Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, L.P. (the Partnership) which comprise the balance sheet as of March 31, 2018, the related statements of income and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related statement of partners’ equity for the three-month period ended March 31, 2018.

Management’s Responsibility
The Partnership’s management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles; this responsibility includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control sufficient to provide a reasonable basis for the preparation and fair presentation of interim financial information in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to conduct our reviews in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to reviews of interim financial information. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial information. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Conclusion
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information referred to above for it to be in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Report on Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017
We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, and the related statements of operations, partners’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited financial statements in our report dated June 15, 2018. Our report also included an emphasis of matter related to a change in the method of accounting for revenue recognition due to the adoption of ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), and subsequent amendments thereto. In our opinion, the balance sheet of the Partnership as of December 31, 2017 is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial statements from which it has been derived.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Houston, Texas
June 15, 2018




69



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.
BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)



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

 
$

Restricted cash
 
48

 
48

Accounts receivable—affiliate
 
6,805

 
6,805

Advances to affiliate
 
2,010

 
3,937

Inventory
 
1,476

 
1,536

Other current assets
 
482

 
1,014

Total current assets
 
10,821

 
13,340

 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
555,851

 
560,534

Other non-current assets, net
 
9,713

 
9,583

Total assets
 
$
576,385

 
$
583,457

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
732

 
$
757

Accrued liabilities
 
4,013

 
219

Accrued liabilities—affiliate
 
683

 
3,991

Other current liabilities—affiliate
 
194

 
601

Total current liabilities
 
5,622

 
5,568

 
 
 
 
 
Partners’ equity
 
570,763

 
577,889

Total liabilities and partners’ equity
 
$
576,385

 
$
583,457












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

70



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues—affiliate
$
20,420

 
$
20,416

 
 
 
 
Expenses
 
 
 

Operating and maintenance expense
5,194

 
305

Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
1,783

 
5,657

General and administrative expense
560

 
385

General and administrative expense—affiliate
202

 
242

Depreciation and amortization expense
4,838

 
4,848

Total expenses
12,577

 
11,437

 
 
 
 
Income from operations
7,843

 
8,979

 
 
 
 
Other expense

 
(1
)
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
7,843

 
$
8,978






























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

71



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.
STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)


 
 
General Partner Interest
 
Limited Partner Interest
 
Total Partners’
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$

 
$
577,889

 
$
577,889

Net income
 

 
7,843

 
7,843

Contributions
 

 
5,451

 
5,451

Distributions
 

 
(20,420
)
 
(20,420
)
Balance at March 31, 2018
 
$

 
$
570,763

 
$
570,763





































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

72



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)


 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
7,843

 
$
8,978

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
4,838

 
4,848

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
3,938

 
2,159

Accrued liabilities—affiliate
 
(3,304
)
 
(523
)
Advances to affiliate
 
1,927

 
(1,087
)
Other
 
361

 
(2,615
)
Other—affiliate
 
(407
)
 
2,588

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
15,196

 
14,348

 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities
 
 

 
 

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
(227
)
 
(2
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(227
)
 
(2
)
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 

 
 

Capital contributions
 
5,451

 
6,069

Distributions to limited partner
 
(20,420
)
 
(20,416
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
(14,969
)
 
(14,347
)
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 

 
(1
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—beginning of period
 
48

 
96

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—end of period
 
$
48

 
$
95


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

Restricted cash
 
48

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
 
$
48






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

73



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P. 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


NOTE 1—ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline, L.P. (“CTPL”), a Delaware limited partnership, is a Houston based partnership formed with one general partner, Cheniere Pipeline GP Interests, LLC, and one limited partner, Cheniere Energy Investments, LLC (“Cheniere Investments”), both of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (“Cheniere Partners”). Cheniere Partners is a publicly-traded Delaware limited partnership (NYSE American: CQP) formed by Cheniere Energy, Inc. (“Cheniere”). Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to CTPL.

We were formed to own and operate a 94-mile pipeline (the “Creole Trail Pipeline”) interconnecting the Sabine Pass liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) terminal with a number of large interstate pipelines. The Sabine Pass LNG terminal is located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, on the Sabine-Neches Waterway less than four miles from the Gulf Coast. Cheniere Partners is developing, constructing and operating natural gas liquefaction facilities (the “Liquefaction Project”) at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal through a wholly owned subsidiary, Sabine Pass Liquefaction, LLC (“SPL”). Cheniere Partners plans to construct up to six industrial trains comprised of refrigerant compressor loops used to cool natural gas into LNG (“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. Cheniere Partners also owns and operates regasification facilities at the Sabine Pass LNG terminal through its wholly owned subsidiary, Sabine Pass LNG, L.P. (“SPLNG”).

SPL has entered into transportation precedent and other agreements to secure firm pipeline capacity with us, which supplement enabling agreements and long-term natural gas supply contracts SPL has executed with third parties to secure natural gas feedstock for the Liquefaction Project.

NOTE 2—BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
Our Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 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 our Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in Cheniere Partners’ annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. As a rate-regulated gas pipeline business, we apply GAAP for entities with regulated operations. 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.

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 Income, 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.

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 have evaluated subsequent events through June 15, 2018, the date the Financial Statements were available to be issued.


74



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


NOTE 3—PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Property, plant and equipment, net consists of natural gas pipeline costs and fixed assets, as follows (in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Natural gas pipeline costs
 
 
 
 
Natural gas pipeline
 
$
706,982

 
$
706,980

Natural gas pipeline construction-in-progress
 
109

 
86

Accumulated depreciation
 
(151,750
)
 
(147,206
)
Total natural gas pipeline costs, net
 
555,341

 
559,860

Fixed assets
 
 
 
 
Fixed assets
 
7,290

 
7,290

Accumulated depreciation
 
(6,780
)
 
(6,616
)
Total fixed assets, net
 
510

 
674

Property, plant and equipment, net
 
$
555,851

 
$
560,534

 

Depreciation expense was $4.7 million and $4.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

NOTE 4—ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, accrued liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Pipeline costs
 
$
35

 
$
179

Taxes other than income
 
3,675

 

Other
 
303

 
40

Total accrued liabilities
 
$
4,013

 
$
219


NOTE 5—REVENUES FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

SPL has a transportation precedent agreement and a negotiated rate agreement with us to secure firm pipeline transportation capacity for the transportation of adequate natural gas feedstock to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. These agreements have a primary term through September 2036, with the right for SPL to extend the term of the agreements for up to two consecutive ten-year terms. Thereafter, the agreements continue in effect from year to year until terminated by either party upon written notice of one year or the term of the agreements, whichever is less. SPL has continuous access to its firm transportation capacity during the contract term but has no ability to defer unused capacity to future periods. SPL pays fixed fees of approximately $82 million per year to reserve the right to transport natural gas up to maximum contractually specified levels, regardless of the quantities that SPL actually transports.

Because we are continuously available to provide transportation service on a daily basis with the same pattern of transfer, we have concluded that we provide a single performance obligation to SPL on a continuous basis over time. Because our rights to consideration corresponds directly with the value of the incremental service performed, we have elected to recognize revenue when we have the right to invoice SPL for services performed to date, which results in a substantially straight-line recognition pattern over the term of the contract.


75



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations

Because our sales contract with SPL has a long-term duration, 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)
Revenues—affiliate
 
$
1.5

 
9.2

 
    
(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 omit from the table above all variable consideration expected to be recognized through our use of the right to invoice election.

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.

NOTE 6—RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Below is a summary of our related party transactions as reported on our Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues—affiliate
Transportation Agreements
$
20,420

 
$
20,415

Other agreements

 
1

Total revenues—affiliate
20,420

 
20,416

 
 
 
 
Operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
2,190

 
2,678

Operational Balancing Agreements
(407
)
 
2,979

Total operating and maintenance expense—affiliate
1,783

 
5,657

 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense—affiliate
Services Agreements
202

 
242


We had $2.0 million and $3.9 million of advances to affiliates and $0.7 million and $4.0 million of accrued liabilities—affiliate as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, under the services agreements described below.

Services Agreements
Operation and Maintenance Agreement

We have a long-term operation and maintenance agreement (the “O&M Agreement”) with Cheniere Investments pursuant to which we receive all necessary services required to operate and maintain the Creole Trail Pipeline. We are required to reimburse the counterparty for its operating expenses, which consist primarily of labor expenses. Cheniere Investments meets its obligations under the O&M Agreement with resources provided by a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere pursuant to a secondment agreement. All payments received by Cheniere Investments under the O&M Agreement are required to be remitted to such subsidiary.
 

76



CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.  
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 Investments’ 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.

Operational Balancing Agreements
We have Operational Balancing Agreements (“OBAs”) with SPLNG and SPL that provide for the resolution of any operational imbalances (1) during the term of the agreement on an in-kind basis and (2) upon termination of the agreement by cash-out at a rate equivalent to the average of the midpoint prices for Henry Hub, Louisiana pricing published in “Gas Daily’s-Daily Price Survey” for each day of the month following termination. The SPLNG OBA became effective following the achievement of commercial operability of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in September 2008, and the SPL OBA became effective in April 2015. As of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively, of other current liabilities—affiliate under the operational balancing agreements.
 
Transportation Agreements
SPL has a transportation precedent agreement and a negotiated rate agreement with us to secure firm pipeline transportation capacity for the transportation of adequate natural gas feedstock to the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. See Note 5—Revenues from Contracts with Customers for information regarding these agreements. As of both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $6.8 million of accounts receivable—affiliate under the transportation agreements.

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 May 2013.

NOTE 7—SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The balance in property, plant and equipment, net funded with accounts payable and accrued liabilities (including affiliate) was $0.2 million as of both March 31, 2018 and 2017.

NOTE 8—GUARANTEES
 
Cheniere Partners has a credit and guaranty agreement aggregating $2.8 billion (the “2016 CQP Credit Facilities”), which includes a $450.0 million CTPL tranche term loan that was used to satisfy our obligations under an existing term loan in 2016. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities will mature on February 25, 2020 and are unconditionally guaranteed by each of Cheniere Partners’ subsidiaries other than SPL (collectively the “CQP Guarantors”), including us. The 2016 CQP Credit Facilities contain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including restrictions of our ability to incur additional indebtedness or liens, engage in asset sales, enter into hedging arrangements (other than permitted hedging agreements) and engage in transactions with affiliates. Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors are also required to establish and maintain certain deposit accounts, which are subject to the control of a collateral agent pursuant to a depositary agreement that was entered into on the closing date of the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities.

In September 2017, Cheniere Partners issued an aggregate principal amount of $1.5 billion of 5.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 CQP Senior Notes”). The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by the CQP Guarantors, with Sabine Pass LNG-LP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere Partners, subject to certain conditions that will govern the release of its guarantee. Net proceeds of the offering of approximately $1.5 billion, after deducting the initial purchasers’

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CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.  
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—CONTINUED
(unaudited)


commissions and estimated fees and expenses, were used to prepay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under the 2016 CQP Credit Facilities. The 2025 CQP Senior Notes are governed by an indenture, which contains customary terms and events of default and certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors to incur liens and sell assets, enter into transactions with affiliates, enter into sale-leaseback transactions and consolidate, merge or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the applicable entity’s properties or assets.

As of March 31, 2018, there was no liability that was recorded related to these guarantees.

Additionally, Cheniere Partners’ debt obligations are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the existing and future tangible and intangible assets and rights of Cheniere Partners and the CQP Guarantors, including us, and the real property of Sabine Pass LNG, L.P. (except for certain excluded properties).

NOTE 9—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), and subsequent amendments thereto
 
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 anticipate a material impact from the requirement to recognize all leases on 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 also expect to elect the practical expedient to retain our existing accounting for land easements which were not previously accounted for as leases. We have not yet determined whether we will elect any other practical expedients upon transition.

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CHENIERE CREOLE TRAIL PIPELINE, L.P.  
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 5—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.

NOTE 10—REGULATORY EVENTS

Recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) Developments

On March 15, 2018, the FERC issued a policy statement regarding the recovery of income tax costs in rates of natural gas pipelines. The FERC found that an impermissible double recovery results from granting a Master Limited Partnership (“MLP”) pipeline both an income tax allowance and a return on equity pursuant to the discounted cash flow methodology. The FERC will no longer permit a MLP pipeline to recover an income tax allowance in its cost of service. The FERC further stated it will address the application of this policy to non-MLP partnership forms as those issues arise in subsequent proceedings. The FERC also issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing a process that will allow it to determine which natural gas pipelines may be collecting unjust and unreasonable rates in light of the recent reduction in the corporate income tax rate in Tax Reform and this policy statement. Furthermore, the FERC issued a Notice of Inquiry seeking comments on the additional impacts of Tax Reform on jurisdictional rates, particularly whether, and if so how, the FERC should address changes relating to accumulated deferred income tax amounts after the corporate income tax rate reduction and bonus depreciation rules, as well as whether other features of Tax Reform require FERC action. We are currently evaluating the impact of these developments and continue to monitor developments that may impact our regulatory liabilities resulting from Tax Reform.


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