UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

February 2020

Commission File Number: 001-35123

Golar LNG Partners L.P.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)

2nd Floor S.E. Pearman Building 9 Par-la-Ville Road Hamilton HM 11 Bermuda
(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F [ X ]      Form 40-F [   ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant's "home country"), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant's securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant's security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR. 


On February 25, 2020, the Registrant issued a press release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

(c) Exhibit 99.1. Press release dated February 25, 2020


SIGNATURES

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

        Golar LNG Partners L.P.    
    (Registrant)
     
   
Date: February 25, 2020       /s/ Graham Robjohns    
    Graham Robjohns
    Chief Executive Officer
   
EdgarFiling

EXHIBIT 99.1

 

 

PRELIMINARY FOURTH QUARTER AND FINANCIAL YEAR 2019 RESULTS

 

Highlights

 

Exclusive of its interest in FLNG Hilli Episeyo, Golar LNG Partners LP (“Golar Partners” or “the Partnership”) generated operating income of $36.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2019.
After accounting for $10.1 million of interest rate swap gains, the Partnership reported net income attributable to unit holders of $30.4 million for the fourth quarter.
Generated distributable cash flow1 of $34.6 million for the fourth quarter resulting in a distribution coverage ratio1 of 1.21.
Secured a two-year charter for LNG carrier Golar Maria commencing November 2020.
Secured a two-year charter for FSRU Golar Igloo commencing 1Q 2020.

 

Subsequent Events

 

Declared a distribution for the fourth quarter of $0.4042 per unit.
Agreed to extend Golar Grand charter for a further year.

 

 

Financial Results Overview

 

Golar Partners reports net income attributable to unit holders of $30.4 million and operating income (which excludes its share of Hilli Episeyo which is accounted for under the equity method) of $36.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2019 (“the fourth quarter” or “4Q”), as compared to net income attributable to unit holders of $7.9 million and operating income of $35.9 million for the third quarter of 2019 (“the third quarter” or “3Q”) and a net loss attributable to unit holders of $19.0 million and operating income of $31.8 million for 4Q 2018.

 

Consolidated GAAP Financial Information
(in thousands of $)  Q4 2019  Q3 2019  Q4 2018
Total Operating Revenue   76,563    75,818    80,003 
Vessel Operating Expenses   (14,495)   (14,740)   (15,869)
Voyage and Commission Expenses   (2,484)   (1,685)   (3,981)
Administrative Expenses   (3,185)   (3,110)   (4,669)
Operating Income   36,348    35,903    31,843 
Interest Income   4,804    4,990    991 
Interest Expense   (18,555)   (19,764)   (20,971)
Gains/(Losses) on Derivative Instruments   9,610    (9,937)   (26,168)
Net Income/(Loss) attributable to Golar LNG Partners LP Owners   30,395    7,924    (18,969)

 

Non-GAAP Financial Information1
(in thousands of $)  Q4 2019  Q3 2019  Q4 2018
Adjusted Interest Income   758    925    991 
Adjusted Net Debt   1,532,040    1,551,154    1,578,191 

1 Refer to 'Appendix A - Non-GAAP financial measures'.

 

Segment Information2
   Q4 2019  Q3 2019  Q4 2018
(in thousands of $)  FSRU*  LNG Carrier*  FLNG**  Total  FSRU*  LNG Carrier*  FLNG**  Total  FSRU*  LNG Carrier*  FLNG**  Total
Total Operating Revenues   58,975    17,588    26,018    102,581    63,490    12,328    26,018    101,836    62,519    17,484    26,018    106,021 
Amount invoiced under sales-type lease   4,600            4,600    4,600            4,600                 
Adjusted Operating Revenues 1   63,575    17,588    26,018    107,181    68,090    12,328    26,018    106,436    62,519    17,484    26,018    106,021 
Voyage and Commission Expenses   (1,231)   (1,253)       (2,484)   (1,002)   (683)       (1,685)   (3,240)   (741)   221    (3,760)
Vessel Operating Expenses   (9,574)   (4,921)   (5,240)   (19,735)   (9,542)   (5,198)   (5,686)   (20,426)   (9,981)   (5,888)   (4,785)   (20,654)
Administrative Expenses   (1,896)   (1,289)   (363)   (3,548)   (1,870)   (1,240)   (223)   (3,333)   (2,905)   (1,764)   (243)   (4,912)
Total Adjusted EBITDA1   50,874    10,125    20,415    81,414    55,676    5,207    20,109    80,992    46,393    9,091    21,211    76,695 

*

 

*Indirect administrative expenses are allocated to the FSRU and LNG carrier segments based on the number of vessels.

** Relates to the attributable earnings of our investment in Golar Hilli LLC (“Hilli LLC”) had we consolidated its 50% of the Hilli common units.

 

In May 2019, a modification of the FSRU Golar Freeze charter agreement led to a reassessment of the contract under lease accounting rules. This modification resulted in the contract changing from an operating lease to a sales-type lease ("Golar Freeze Finance Lease"). In order to compare the performance of the Golar Freeze with our wider business, management has determined that it will measure the performance of the Golar Freeze Finance Lease based on Adjusted EBITDA (EBITDA as adjusted for the amount invoiced under sales-type lease in the period). This approach allows the Partnership to compare the Golar Freeze charter agreement with its wider business.

 

Despite the scheduled December downtime of FSRU Golar Igloo and aided by an improvement in the performance from LNG carriers Golar Maria and Golar Mazo, 4Q Adjusted Operating Revenues1 including amounts invoiced under the Golar Freeze Finance Lease and the Partnership's effective share of operating revenues from FLNG Hilli Episeyo, increased $0.7 million to $107.2 million. Bunker costs incurred in connection Golar Mazo's removal from layup and positioning for a voyage charter resulted in a $0.8 million increase in 4Q voyage and commission expenses.

 

Pursuant to the Hilli Purchase Agreement, Golar Partners is indemnified for FLNG Hilli Episeyo operating costs over and above an agreed threshold. A bi-annual true-up of Hilli operating costs resulted in a $1.5 million 4Q reimbursement to the Partnership. This contributed to a $0.7 million reduction in operating expenses from $20.4 million in 3Q to $19.7 million in 4Q. Administrative expenses at $3.5 million for the quarter were in line with 3Q.

 

The impact of a further decrease in LIBOR and ongoing debt repayment contributed to a $1.2 million reduction in interest expense, from $19.8 million in 3Q to $18.6 million in 4Q.

 

An increase in interest rate swap rates during the quarter contributed to a $9.6 million 4Q gain on derivative instruments, compared to a 3Q loss of $9.9 million. As of December 31, 2019, the average fixed interest rate of swaps related to bank debt, including the Partnership's effective share in respect of Hilli Episeyo was approximately 2.4%.

 

As a result of the foregoing, 4Q distributable cash flow1 increased $1.0 million to $34.6 million. The distribution coverage ratio1 increased from 1.18 in 3Q to 1.21 in 4Q.

 

Commercial Review

 

A rapid tightening of the shipping market from the end of September meant that steam turbine vessels represented the only available tonnage on more than one occasion during 4Q. This enabled the Golar Maria to be fixed for several months at a higher rate, securing full utilization of the vessel throughout the quarter, and the Golar Mazo to be withdrawn from warm layup for a voyage charter. Collectively, the 4Q Average Daily TCE1 achieved by these two carriers at $32,800 compares favorably to 3Q's $7,300. The quarter commenced with LNG prices at around $5.40/mmbtu, quoted steam turbine spot rates of around $49k per day, and an expectation that new LNG supply and a smoother Chinese demand profile would dampen the customary increase in winter LNG prices. Supported by the start-up of new liquefaction trains, sanctions on a vessel owner, inventory building and contango, rates strengthened with prompt available vessels falling to zero in late October and steam turbine vessel spot rates reaching a 2019 peak of $95k per day. Mild winter temperatures then began to mute the forces of market tightening by making it less likely that spot LNG prices would reach even the small gains implied by the forward curve. Limited remaining storage in Europe and pushback from buyers in Japan and China did, however, continue to absorb tonnage as vessels idled, diverted and slow steamed while waiting to discharge. As vessels began to discharge over the course of December, vessel availability then increased and rates softened. The year ended with spot steam turbine rates at $72k per day and LNG prices where they started on October 1.

 

1 Refer to 'Appendix A - Non-GAAP financial measures'.

2 Refer to 'Appendix B - Segment Information'

During 4Q the Elba Island facility entered commercial service and the first commissioning cargo was shipped from Freeport T2, where commercial operations have since commenced. Based on the ramp-up profile of recently started facilities together with new facilities scheduled to commence, 30mtpa of additional liquefaction capacity is expected in 2020. Equating to vessel demand growth of approximately 17%, this is expected to outpace vessel supply growth of 8%. Although Covid-19 has negatively impacted near-term Chinese LNG demand, prices and vessel spot rates, new demand into the shoulder season is expected from Korea and Japan where coal and nuclear facilities will be taken out of service.

 

The Golar Maria will be available in the spot and short-term market from 2Q through to late 4Q when the vessel will commence a two-year charter. This charter includes options to extend by a further 1+1+1 years. During February, a 1-year extension to the May 2020 expiring Golar Grand charter was also agreed, at a rate similar to the current level. Golar Mazo is currently idle and will be placed into layup shortly.

 

Beyond 2020, 147mtpa of new liquefaction capacity is slated to come on stream between 2021 and 2027. Based on current trading patterns, the LNG order book of 116 vessels will not be sufficient to carry this. At approximately 8% of the global fleet, the 35 carriers ordered in 2019 is slightly below the 10-year average. The implications of IMO 2050, principally the implied cap on the useful life of any LNG carrier ordered today, is also starting to feature in the decision-making process for some owners. This emerging caution is welcomed, and should, if maintained in future, result in more controlled ordering and better utilization of the existing global fleet. Near-term, low LNG prices driven by new LNG supply outstripping demand, not helped by Covid-19, is however a concern for the shipping business. Historically cheap LNG prices are nevertheless a significant boost to downstream activity and the Partnership, which has exposure to this business, is positive about FSRU and downstream project development.

 

During 4Q Kuwait National Petroleum Co. ("KNPC") awarded the Partnership a two-year contract for the FSRU Golar Igloo. Now signed, the contract provides for two years of continued LNG storage and regasification services in Kuwait for KNPC’s regasification seasons beginning in March 2020. This contract may be further extended by KNPC for a further year through to December 2022.

 

Operational Review

 

In line with 3Q, fleet utilization of 88% was achieved in the fourth quarter.

 

Modifications necessary to increase both the regas capacity and operational efficiency of FSRU Golar Igloo were completed in February. The vessel is now in Kuwait where its new regas season commenced six days ahead of schedule on February 24. Golar Igloo has been fitted with a proprietary hydro energy system, that, subject to confirmation by trial, can produce up to 1.2MW of clean energy, equivalent to a 7% system efficiency improvement or savings of around 5 tons of fuel per day when operating at full load. Golar Igloo frequently operates at full load, so this represents an attractive potential fuel saving for the vessel charterer.

 

Completed within budget and without incurring off-hire, Golar's first in-water class renewal (akin to a dry-dock) of a vessel, the FSRU Golar Eskimo, also commenced in 4Q and completed in 1Q 2020. Two vessels, Golar Maria and Golar Mazo, may also dry-dock in 2020. Dry-dock of Golar Maria is currently scheduled for April 2021 but may be brought forward to 4Q 2020 if more practical and economic. Dry-dock of Golar Mazo will be subject to the vessel securing a charter during the year that justifies the cost. Until then Golar Mazo will be placed into cold layup.

 

Financing and Liquidity

 

As of December 31, 2019, Golar Partners had cash and cash equivalents of $47.7 million. Including the Partnership's $422.3 million share of debt in respect of FLNG Hilli Episeyo, Adjusted Net Debt1 as at December 31, 2019 was $1,532.0 million. 4Q 2019 Total Adjusted EBITDA1 amounts to $81.4 million. Based on the above, the 4Q Adjusted Net Debt1 to Annualized Adjusted EBITDA1 ratio was 4.7. As of December 31, 2019, exclusive of a $100 million forward start swap, Golar Partners had interest rate swaps with a notional outstanding value of approximately $1,457.8 million (including swaps with a notional value of $400.0 million in connection with the Partnership’s bonds and $422.3 million in respect of Hilli Episeyo), representing approximately 95% of total debt and capital lease obligations, including assumed debt in respect of Hilli Episeyo, net of restricted cash.

 

1 Refer to 'Appendix A - Non-GAAP financial measures'.

2 Refer to 'Appendix B - Segment Information'

The average fixed interest rate of swaps related to bank debt, including the Partnership's effective share in respect of Hilli Episeyo is approximately 2.4% with an average remaining period to maturity of approximately 4.1 years as of December 31, 2019.

 

Inclusive of Hilli Episeyo related debt, outstanding bank debt as of December 31, 2019 was $1,245.2 million, which had average margins, in addition to LIBOR, of approximately 2.19%. The Partnership also has a May 2020 maturing $150.0 million Norwegian USD bond with a swapped all-in rate of 6.275% and a 2021 maturing $250 million Norwegian USD bond with a swapped all-in rate of 8.194%. The Partnership is preparing for a refinancing of the May 2020 bond in advance of its maturity date.

 

On January 28, 2020, Golar Partners entered into an At The Market ("ATM") sales agreement with a sales agent, relating to the Partnership's 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units ("units") representing limited partner interests, at $25.0 per unit. Although the ATM has not yet been utilized, the Partnership may, through the sales agent, offer and sell these units from time to time up to an aggregate value of $120.0 million.

 

Corporate and Other Matters

 

As of December 31, 2019, there were 70,738,027 common and general partner units outstanding in the Partnership. Of these, 22,662,977, including 1,436,391 general partner units, were owned by Golar, representing a 32% interest in the Partnership.

 

On January 28, 2020, Golar Partners declared a distribution for the fourth quarter of $0.4042 per unit. This distribution was paid on February 14, 2020 to common and general partner unit holders of record on February 7, 2020.

 

A cash distribution of $0.546875 per Series A preferred unit for the period covering 15 November through to 14 February was also declared. This was also paid on February 14, 2020 to all Series A preferred unit holders of record on February 7, 2020.

 

Total outstanding and exercisable options as at December 31, 2019 were 99,000.

 

Outlook

 

The 4Q award of the two-year Kuwait FSRU contract for Golar Igloo and the two-year contract for Golar Maria, together with the more recent agreement to extend the Golar Grand charter by one year, collectively removes significant re-contracting risk for the Partnership.

 

First quarter results will be negatively impacted by the customary two month Golar Igloo winter downtime and will not benefit from a contribution to earnings by Golar Mazo. The focus of the Partnership during the quarter will be on the evaluation of its structure and strategy in order to maximize long-term shareholder value whilst also ensuring that it is appropriately debt financed. This evaluation includes potential structured transactions to grow the Partnership, bond and bank debt refinancing and the ongoing pursuit of opportunities to redeploy the FSRU Golar Spirit and carrier Golar Mazo. As previously indicated, future distribution levels will be determined by the relative success of the above as well as the level and terms of new financing and growth capital requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Refer to 'Appendix A - Non-GAAP financial measures'.

2 Refer to 'Appendix B - Segment Information'

 

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning future events and Golar Partners’ operations, performance and financial condition. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “plan,” “intend” or words or phrases of similar meanings. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond Golar Partners’ control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to:

 

the ability of Golar LNG Partners LP (“Golar Partners,” “we,” “us” and “our”) to enter into long-term time charters, including our ability to re-charter floating storage and regasification units (“FSRUs”) and liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) carriers following the termination or expiration of their time charters;
our ability to maximize the use of our vessels, including the re-deployment or disposition of vessels no longer under long-term time charter;
our ability to maintain cash distributions on our units and the amount of any such distributions;
the repayment of debt and settling of interest rate swaps;
our and Golar LNG Limited (“Golar”) ability to make additional borrowings and to access debt and equity markets;
The length and severity of the recent Covid-19 virus outbreak, including its impacts across our business on demand, operations in China and the Far East and knock-on impacts to our global operations;
market trends in the FSRU, LNG carrier and floating liquefied natural gas vessel (“FLNG”) industries, including fluctuations in charter hire rates, vessel values, factors affecting supply and demand, and opportunities for the profitable operations of FSRUs, LNG carriers and FLNGs;
the ability of Golar and us to retrofit vessels as FSRUs or FLNGs and the timing of the delivery and acceptance of any such retrofitted vessels by their respective charterers;
challenges by authorities to the tax benefits we previously obtained
our ability to integrate and realize the expected benefits from acquisitions and potential acquisitions:
the future share of earnings relating to the FLNG, Hilli Episeyo ("Hilli"), which is accounted for under the equity method;
our anticipated growth strategies;
the effect of a worldwide economic slowdown;
turmoil in the global financial markets;
fluctuations in currencies and interest rates;
changes in commodity prices;
the liquidity and creditworthiness of our charterers;
changes in our operating expenses, including dry-docking and insurance costs and bunker prices;
our future financial condition or results of operations and future revenues and expenses;
planned capital expenditures and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures;
the exercise of purchase options by our charterers;
our ability to maintain long-term relationships with major LNG traders;
our ability to leverage the relationships and reputation of Golar and Golar Power Limited (“Golar Power”) in the LNG industry;
our ability to purchase vessels from Golar and Golar Power in the future;
timely purchases and deliveries of newbuilding vessels;
future purchase prices of newbuildings and secondhand vessels;
our ability to compete successfully for future chartering and newbuilding opportunities;
acceptance of a vessel by its charterer;
termination dates and extensions of charters;
the expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations, maritime self-regulatory organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by its charterers applicable to our business;
economic substance laws and regulations adopted or considered by various jurisdictions of formation of us and certain of our subsidiaries;
availability of skilled labor, vessel crews and management;
our general and administrative expenses and our fees and expenses payable under the fleet management agreements and the management and administrative services agreement;
the anticipated taxation of our partnership and distributions to our unitholders;
estimated future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures;
our and Golar's ability to retain key employees;
customers’ increasing emphasis on environmental and safety concerns;
potential liability from any pending or future litigation;
potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events, piracy or acts by terrorists;
future sales of our securities in the public market;
our business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations; and
other factors listed from time to time in the reports and other documents that we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

Factors may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Golar Partners does not intend to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Golar Partners’ expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

 

 

 

February 25, 2020

Golar LNG Partners L.P.

Hamilton, Bermuda

Questions should be directed to:

c/o Golar Management Ltd - +44 207 063 7900

Graham Robjohns - Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Buchanan - Head of Investor Relations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Golar LNG Partners LP

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     2019      2019      2019      2018      2018  
     Oct-Dec      Jul-Sep      Jan-Dec      Oct-Dec      Jan-Dec  
(in thousands of $)    Unaudited      Unaudited      Unaudited      Unaudited      Audited  
                
Time charter revenues   76,563    75,818    299,652    80,003    346,650 
Total operating revenues   76,563    75,818    299,652    80,003    346,650 
Vessel operating expenses   (14,495)   (14,740)   (60,958)   (15,869)   (65,247)
Voyage and commission expenses   (2,484)   (1,685)   (7,648)   (3,981)   (11,222)
Administrative expenses   (3,185)   (3,110)   (13,412)   (4,669)   (14,809)
Depreciation and amortization   (20,051)   (20,380)   (83,239)   (23,641)   (98,812)
Total operating expenses   (40,215)   (39,915)   (165,257)   (48,160)   (190,090)
                          
Operating income   36,348    35,903    134,395    31,843    156,560 
                          
Other non-operating income   600        4,795    213    449 
                          
Financial income / (expenses)                         
Interest income   4,804    4,990    13,278    991    8,950 
Interest expense   (18,555)   (19,764)   (79,791)   (20,971)   (80,650)
Gains/(losses) on derivative instruments   9,610    (9,937)   (38,796)   (26,168)   8,106 
Other financial items, net   (82)   541    675    523    (592)
Net financial expenses   (4,223)   (24,170)   (104,634)   (45,625)   (64,186)
                          
Income/(loss) before tax, earnings of affiliate and non-controlling interests   32,725    11,733    34,556    (13,569)   92,823 
Tax   (2,930)   (4,817)   (17,962)   (4,527)   (17,465)
Equity in net earnings of affiliate   1,767    1,181    4,540    1,261    1,190 
                          
Net income/(loss)   31,562    8,097    21,134    (16,835)   76,548 
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests   (1,167)   (173)   (3,329)   (2,134)   (3,358)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Golar LNG Partners LP Owners   30,395    7,924    17,805    (18,969)   73,190 
                          
Weighted average units outstanding (in thousands of units):                         
General partner units   1,436    1,436    1,436    1,436    1,435 
Preference units   5,520    5,520    5,520    5,520    5,520 
Common units (1)   69,302    69,379    69,397    69,829    69,944 

 

(1) During the year ended December 31, 2019, 153,728 common units were repurchased under the common unit repurchase program.

 

 

 

 

Golar LNG Partners LP  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     At December 31,      At December 31,  
     2019      2018  

(in thousands of $)

    Unaudited      Audited  
               
ASSETS          
Current          
Cash and cash equivalents   47,661    96,648 
Restricted cash and short-term deposits   46,333    31,330 
Other current assets   29,197    34,520 
Current portion of net investment in leased vessel   2,308     
Amount due from related parties   5,098     
Inventories   2,702    2,031 
Total Current Assets   133,299    164,529 
Non-current          
Restricted cash   135,928    141,114 
Investment in affiliate   193,270    206,180 
Vessels and equipment, net   1,369,665    1,535,757 
Vessel under capital lease, net   108,433    114,711 
Net investment in leased vessel   111,829     
Intangible assets, net   50,409    60,369 
Other non-current assets   2,779    18,157 
Total Assets   2,105,612    2,240,817 
           
           
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current          
Current portion of long-term debt   225,254    75,451 
Current portion of obligation under capital lease   1,990    1,564 
Amount due to related parties       1,237 
Other current liabilities   81,910    57,855 
Total Current Liabilities   309,154    136,107 
Non-current          
Long-term debt   991,679    1,196,899 
Obligation under capital lease   120,789    118,119 
Other non-current liabilities   31,296    30,175 
Total Liabilities   1,452,918    1,481,300 
           
Equity          
Partners' capital   569,463    679,615 
Non-controlling interests   83,231    79,902 
           
Total Liabilities and Equity   2,105,612    2,240,817 

 

 

Golar LNG Partners LP

 

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASHFLOWS

(in thousands of $)
 
 
 
  2019
Oct-Dec
   
 
  2019
Jul-Sep
   
 
  2019
Jan-Dec
   
 
  2018
Oct-Dec
   
 
  2018
Jan-Dec
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES                         
Net income/(loss)   31,562    8,097    21,134    (16,835)   76,548 
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:                         
Depreciation and amortization   20,051    20,380    83,239    23,641    98,812 
Equity in net income of affiliate   (1,767)   (1,181)   (4,540)   (1,262)   (1,190)
Movement in deferred tax liability   534    521    3,620    402    1,728 
Amortization of deferred charges and debt guarantee   668    667    2,683    1,180    7,154 
Drydocking expenditure   (604)   (367)   (10,463)   (13,495)   (25,522)
Foreign exchange losses/(gain)   590    (249)   941    (324)   (995)
Unit options expense   30    59    207    60    234 
Dividends received from affiliates   310    1,181    2,328    1,191    1,191 
Interest element included in obligation under capital lease, net   (4)   14    3    (21)   (55)
Gain on recognition of net investment in leased vessel           (4,195)        
Sales-type lease payments received in excess of sales-type lease interest income   553    2,036    2,030         
Change in market value of derivatives   (10,090)   10,861    43,746    27,499    (5,921)
Change in assets and liabilities:                         
Trade accounts receivable   (1,396)   3,647    10,682    17,001    (9,730)
Inventories   419    466    (670)   1,010    1,475 
Other current assets and other non-current assets   (7,254)   546    (6,421)   917    3,906 
Amount due to/(from) related parties   1,257    (3,756)   3,622    2,464    (319)
Trade accounts payable   (769)   79    (2,836)   (483)   (3,610)
Accrued expenses   (1,365)   1,373    3,414    (2,461)   (6,566)
Other current liabilities   7,778    909    4,183    3,200    26 
Net cash provided by operating activities   40,503    45,283    152,707    43,684    137,166 
                          
INVESTING ACTIVITIES                         
Additions to vessels and equipment   (158)   (1,323)   (10,232)   (4,418)   (10,735)
Dividends received from affiliates   3,687    4,733    14,216    755    755 
Acquisition of Hilli Common Units           (10,296)   (9,652)   (9,652)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities   3,529    3,410    (6,312)   (13,315)   (19,632)
                          
FINANCING ACTIVITIES                         
Proceeds from debt (including related parties)   15,000        40,000    50,000    51,419 
Repayments of debt (including related parties)   (36,303)   (21,322)   (100,156)   (21,319)   (155,902)
Repayments of obligation under capital lease   (400)   (387)   (1,569)   (319)   (1,286)
Advances from related party for Methane Princess lease security deposit   153    149    601    152    633 
Proceeds from issuances of equity, net of issue costs                   13,854 
Common units repurchased and canceled       (1,565)   (1,565)   (4,503)   (13,980)
Cash distributions paid   (31,578)   (31,674)   (126,599)   (31,834)   (165,250)
Financing costs paid                   (1,699)
Net cash used in financing activities   (53,128)   (54,799)   (189,288)   (7,823)   (272,211)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   8,360    (3,511)   3,723    (2,273)   (6,118)
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (736)   (9,617)   (39,170)   20,273    (160,795)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period   230,658    240,275    269,092    248,819    429,887 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   229,922    230,658    229,922    269,092    269,092 

 

 

APPENDIX A - NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND DEFINITIONS

 

Distributable Cash Flow (“DCF”) and Distribution coverage ratio ("DCR")

 

DCF represents Total Adjusted EBITDA adjusted for the cash components of interest, amounts invoiced under sales-type lease, derivatives, tax and earnings from affiliates. We also include an adjustment for maintenance and replacement expenditures (including dry-docking). This represents the capital expenditures required to maintain the long-term operating capacity of the Partnerships' capital assets. DCR represents the ratio of distributable cash flow to total cash distributions paid. DCF and the DCR are quantitative standards used by investors in publicly-traded partnerships to assist in evaluating a partnership's ability to make quarterly cash distributions to common unitholders, general partners and incentive distribution rights ("IDRs"). DCF and the DCR are non-GAAP financial measures and should not be considered as an alternative to, or superior to, net income or any other indicator of our performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The table below reconciles Total Adjusted EBITDA to DCF, DCF to net income before non-controlling interests, which is the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, followed by the computation of DCR.

(in thousands of $, except Distribution coverage ratio)    Three months ended December 31, 2019      Three months ended September 30, 2019  
Total Adjusted EBITDA   81,414    80,992 
Adjusted interest income   758    925 
Interest expense (excluding amortization of deferred charges)   (17,400)   (18,586)
Other cash financial items   (458)   705 
Current income tax charge   (1,796)   (4,296)
Estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures (including dry-docking reserve)   (13,907)   (14,160)
Non-controlling interest’s share of DCF before maintenance and replacement capital expenditure   (1,764)   549 
Unrealized partnership's share of equity accounted affiliate's DCF net of estimated capital expenditures1   (9,256)   (9,494)
Distributions relating to preferred units   (2,985)   (3,019)
Distributable cash flow   34,606    33,616 
Depreciation and amortization   (20,051)   (20,380)
Unrealized gains/(loss) from interest rate derivatives   10,090    (10,860)
Lease payment in excess of sales-type lease income   (553)   (535)
Unrealized foreign exchange losses   (590)   249 
Amortization of deferred charges and debt guarantee   (668)   (667)
Movement in deferred tax liability   (534)   (521)
Distributions relating to preferred units   2,985    3,019 
Estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures (including dry-docking reserve)   13,907    14,160 
Realized partnership's share of equity accounted affiliate's DCF net of estimated capital expenditures1   (9,394)   (9,435)
Non-controlling interest’s share of DCF before maintenance and replacement capital expenditure   1,764    (549)
Net income   31,562    8,097 
Distributions declared:          
Common unitholders   28,012    28,012 
General partner   581    581 
Sub-total   28,593    28,593 
Distribution coverage ratio   1.21    1.18 

 

1 The estimated capital expenditure relating to the Partnership's share of equity accounted affiliate was $1.6 million for each of the three months ended December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Metrics Arising From How Management Monitor the Business

 

In addition to disclosing financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP), this earnings release and the associated investor presentation contains references to the non-GAAP financial measures which are included in the table below. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with useful supplemental information about the financial performance of our business, enable comparison of financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in operating our business and measuring our performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, and the financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP measures are not uniformly defined by all companies, and may not be comparable with similar titles measures and disclosures used by other companies. The reconciliations from these results should be carefully evaluated.

 

Non-GAAP measure Closest equivalent US GAAP measure Adjustments to reconcile to primary financial statements prepared under US GAAP Rationale for adjustments
Performance Measures
Total Adjusted EBITDA Net (loss)/income  +/- Net financial expense
+ Other non-operating expenses
+/- Income taxes
+/- Equity in net (losses) income of affiliates
 +/- Golar Partners’ share of Hilli LLC EBITDA (FLNG Adjusted EBITDA)
+ Depreciation and amortization
+ Amount invoiced under sales-type lease
- Increases the comparability of total business performance from period to period and against the performance of other companies by excluding the results of our equity investments, including our share of FLNG EBITDA, removing the impact of the change in lease accounting, and removing the impact of depreciation, financing and taxation policies.

- Consistent with management’s own evaluation of business performance
Annualized Adjusted EBITDA Net (loss)/income The Total Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter (defined above) multiplied by four.  - Same as Total Adjusted EBITDA.

- Enables investors, management and other users of our financial information to assess our year over year performance and operating trends on a more comparable basis as it includes a full year of FLNG EBITDA.
Adjusted Operating Revenues Total Operating revenues +  Amount invoiced under sales-type lease - Enables comparability of Golar Freeze charter with the rest of our business as the income from the sales-type lease is recognized as interest income and therefore does not appear in Total Operating Revenues.
Average daily TCE Total Operating revenues - Voyage and commission expenses

The above total is then divided by calendar days less scheduled off-hire days.
- Measure of the average daily net revenue performance of a vessel.

- Standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in the vessel’s net revenue performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e. spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessel may be employed between the periods.

- Assists management in making decisions regarding the deployment and utilization of its fleet and in evaluating financial performance.

 

Liquidity Measures
Adjusted Net Debt Net debt based on GAAP measures:

 Total debt (current and non-current), net of deferred finance charges

- Cash and cash equivalents

- Restricted cash and short-term deposits (current and non-current)
 Net debt based on GAAP
+/- Golar Partners’ share of Hilli LLC’s contractual debt

Hilli LLC's contractual debt represents the actual debt obligations as opposed to the variable interest entity debt which is consolidated under US GAAP, refer to Note 2 -Significant Accounting Policies to our audited consolidated financial statements included in our 2018 Annual Report for more information.
By including our share of Hilli’s contractual debt, the Partnership believes that Adjusted Net Debt assists its management and investors by increasing the comparability of its combined indebtedness and cash position against other companies in its industry. This increased comparability is achieved by providing a comparative measure of debt levels irrespective of the levels of cash that a company maintains.
Adjusted Net Debt to Annualized Adjusted EBITDA Net debt based on GAAP measures Adjusted net debt over Annualized Adjusted EBITDA Enables our investors to understand better our liquidity position and our ability to service our debt obligations
Adjusted interest income Interest income - Interest income on sales-type leases Excludes the interest income on sales-type leases, which is included in Adjusted EBITDA. The Partnership believes it increases the comparability of its combined indebtedness and cash position against other companies in its industry.

 

 

Reconciliations - Performance Measures

 

Total Adjusted EBITDA

(in thousands of $)    Three months ended December 31, 2019      Three months ended September 30, 2019      Three months ended December 31, 2018  
Net income/(loss)   31,562    8,097    (16,835)
Depreciation and amortization   20,051    20,380    23,641 
Other non-operating income   (600)       (213)
Interest income   (4,804)   (4,990)   (991)
Interest expense   18,555    19,764    20,971 
(Gains)/losses on derivative instruments   (9,610)   9,937    26,168 
Other financial items, net   82    (541)   (523)
Income taxes   2,930    4,817    4,527 
Equity in net income of affiliate   (1,767)   (1,181)   (1,261)
FLNG's Adjusted EBITDA (see appendix B)   20,415    20,109    21,211 
Amount invoiced under sales-type lease   4,600    4,600     
Total Adjusted EBITDA   81,414    80,992    76,695 

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Revenues

   Q4 2019  Q3 2019  Q4 2018
(in thousands of $)  FSRU  LNG Carrier  FLNG*  Total  FSRU  LNG Carrier  FLNG*  Total  FSRU  LNG Carrier  FLNG*  Total
Total Operating Revenues   58,975    17,588    26,018    102,581    63,490    12,328    26,018    101,836    62,519    17,484    26,018    106,021 
Amount invoiced under sales-type lease   4,600            4,600    4,600            4,600                 
Adjusted Operating Revenues   63,575    17,588    26,018    107,181    68,090    12,328    26,018    106,436    62,519    17,484    26,018    106,021 

 

* Relates to the attributable earnings of our investment in Hilli LLC had we consolidated its 50% of the Hilli common units.

 

Reconciliations - Liquidity measures

 

Adjusted Net Debt

 
(in thousands of $, except Adjusted Net Debt to Annualized Adjusted EBITDA)
 
 
  At December 31,
2019
   
 
  At September 30,
2019
   
 
  At December 31,
2018
 
Current portion of long-term debt and short-term debt   225,254    225,156    75,451 
Current portion of obligation under capital lease   1,990    1,768    1,564 
Long-term debt   991,679    1,011,926    1,196,899 
Obligation under capital lease - non-current   120,789    112,462    118,119 
Total Debt   1,339,712    1,351,312    1,392,033 
Less:               
Cash and cash equivalents   47,661    51,961    96,648 
Restricted cash and short term deposits - current   46,333    48,743    31,330 
Restricted cash - non-current   135,928    129,954    141,114 
Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash   229,922    230,658    269,092 
                
Net Debt as calculated by GAAP   1,109,790    1,120,654    1,122,941 
Share of Hilli's contractual debt   422,250    430,500    455,250 
Adjusted Net Debt   1,532,040    1,551,154    1,578,191 
                
Adjusted Net Debt to Annualized Adjusted EBITDA   4.7    4.8    5.1 

 

Adjusted Interest Income

(in thousands of $)    Three months ended December 31, 2019      Three months ended September 30, 2019      Three months ended December 31, 2018  
Interest income   4,804    4,990    991 
Less: Interest income on sales-type lease   (4,046)   (4,065)    
Adjusted Interest Income   758    925    991 

 

 

Non-US GAAP Measures Used in Forecasting

 

Revenue Backlog

 

Revenue Backlog is defined as the contracted daily charter rate for each vessel multiplied by the number of scheduled hire days for the remaining contract term, which includes our pro-rata share of FLNG Hilli Episeyo contractual billings which will be recorded as "Equity in net earnings of affiliates". This is consistent with management’s view of the business and our presentation in our segment note. Revenue backlog is not intended to represent EBITDA or future cashflows that will be generated from these contracts. This measure should be seen as a supplement and not a substitute for our US GAAP measures of performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX B - SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The below is an extract of how our Operating Segments will be presented in our “Segment Information” note in our Consolidated Financial Statements. These profit measures are referenced to throughout the Earnings Release:

 

   Q4 2019
(in thousands of $)  FSRU  LNG Carrier  FLNG*  Total Segment Reporting  Elimination**  Consolidated Reporting
Total operating revenues   58,975    17,588    26,018    102,581    (26,018)   76,563 
Voyage and commission expenses   (1,231)   (1,253)       (2,484)       (2,484)
Vessel operating expenses   (9,574)   (4,921)   (5,240)   (19,735)   5,240    (14,495)
Administrative expenses   (1,896)   (1,289)   (363)   (3,548)   363    (3,185)
Amount invoiced under sales-type lease   4,600            4,600    (4,600)    
Adjusted EBITDA   50,874    10,125    20,415    81,414    (25,015)   56,399 

 

   Q3 2019
(in thousands of $)  FSRU  LNG Carrier  FLNG*  Total Segment Reporting  Elimination**  Consolidated Reporting
Total operating revenues   63,490    12,328    26,018    101,836    (26,018)   75,818 
Voyage and commission expenses   (1,002)   (683)       (1,685)       (1,685)
Vessel operating expenses   (9,542)   (5,198)   (5,686)   (20,426)   5,686    (14,740)
Administrative expenses   (1,870)   (1,240)   (223)   (3,333)   223    (3,110)
Amount invoiced under sales-type lease   4,600            4,600    (4,600)    
Adjusted EBITDA   55,676    5,207    20,109    80,992    (24,709)   56,283 

 

   Q4 2018
(in thousands of $)  FSRU  LNG Carrier  FLNG*  Total Segment Reporting  Elimination**  Consolidated Reporting
Total operating revenues   62,519    17,484    26,018    106,021    (26,018)   80,003 
Voyage and commission expenses   (3,240)   (741)   221    (3,760)   (221)   (3,981)
Vessel operating expenses   (9,981)   (5,888)   (4,785)   (20,654)   4,785    (15,869)
Administrative expenses   (2,905)   (1,764)   (243)   (4,912)   243    (4,669)
Amount invoiced under sales-type lease                        
Adjusted EBITDA   46,393    9,091    21,211    76,695    (21,211)   55,484 

 

* Relates to the attributable earnings of our investment in Hilli LLC had we consolidated its 50% of the Hilli common units.

** Eliminations reverses the earnings attributable to our investment in Hilli LLC and the amount invoiced under sales-type lease to reflect the amounts reported in the consolidated income statement. The earnings attributable to our investment in Hilli LLC is included in the equity in net income of affiliate on the consolidated income statement.