Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Annual Report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in the section titled “Risk Factors” included in Item 1A of this Annual Report and our other filings with the SEC. Please also see the section titled “Forward-Looking Statements” in this Annual Report.
Overview
Excelerate is changing the way the world accesses cleaner and more reliable energy by delivering regasified natural gas, which benefits hundreds of millions of people around the world. From our founding, we have focused on providing flexible liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) solutions to markets in diverse environments across the globe, providing a lesser emitting form of energy to markets that often rely on coal as their primary energy source. At Excelerate, we believe that access to energy sources such as LNG is critical to assisting markets in their decarbonization efforts, while at the same time promoting economic growth and improving quality of life.
Our business spans the globe, with regional offices in 10 countries and operations in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Finland, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (“UAE”), and the United States. We are the largest provider of regasified LNG capacity in Argentina, Bangladesh, Finland and the UAE, one of the largest providers of regasified LNG capacity in Brazil and Pakistan, and we operate the largest floating storage and regasification unit (“FSRU”) in Brazil. We intend to continue marketing natural gas and LNG, both of which offer a cleaner energy source from which power can be generated consistently, in the markets where we operate. The high value our customers place on our services has resulted in a reliable source of revenues to us. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we generated revenues of $1,159.0 million, net income of $126.8 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $346.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, we generated revenues of $2,473.0 million, net income of $80.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $296.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021 we generated revenues of $888.6 million, net income of $41.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $263.5 million. For more information regarding our non-GAAP measure Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to net income, the most comparable U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) measure, see “How We Evaluate Our Operations.”
Our business focuses on the integration of the natural gas-to-power LNG value chain, and as part of this value chain, we operate regasification terminals in global economies that utilize our FSRU fleet. Our business is substantially supported by time charter and terminal use contracts, which are effectively long-term, take-or-pay arrangements and provide consistent revenue and cash flow from our high-quality customer base. As of December 31, 2023, we operate a fleet of ten purpose-built FSRUs, have completed more than 2,700 ship-to-ship transfers of LNG with over 50 LNG operators since we began operations and have safely delivered more than 6,600 billion cubic feet of natural gas through 16 LNG regasification terminals. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we generated revenues of $506.8 million, $445.2 million and $468.0 million, respectively, from our FSRU and terminal services businesses, representing approximately 44%, 18% and 53% of our total revenues for each of those periods.
We also procure LNG from major producers and sell natural gas through our flexible LNG terminals. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we generated revenues of $652.2 million, $2,027.8 million and $420.5 million, respectively, from LNG and natural gas sales, representing approximately 56%, 82% and 47% of our total revenues for each of those periods. We believe that the commercial momentum that we have established in recent years and the increasing need for access to LNG around the world, have resulted in a significant portfolio of new growth opportunities for us to pursue. In addition to our FSRU and terminal services businesses and LNG and natural gas sales, we plan to expand our business through investments in organic and inorganic commercial opportunities. We are evaluating and pursuing early-stage projects with opportunities in Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Recent Trends and Outlook
The need for energy security and base load natural gas supply around the world has never been more pressing and the importance of FSRUs has never been greater. The outage on the Finnish Balticconnector pipeline served as an example of this as the flow of natural gas was disrupted between Finland and the rest of Europe via Estonia. This was a clear indication of the importance of FSRUs as a source of energy security. Following the outage, Exemplar was the main source of natural gas into Finland as the country prepared for the winter months.
Natural gas and LNG prices increased during the fourth quarter of 2023 relative to the third quarter. Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) and Japan Korea Marker (JKM) average fourth quarter pricing ($13.58/million British thermal units (“MMBtu”) and $15.75/MMBtu, respectively) increased compared to the third quarter ($10.75/MMBtu and $12.58/MMBtu, respectively), but remain over 50% lower than prices in the fourth quarter of 2022. EU natural gas storage levels began withdrawal season on November 1 at approximately 99.4% full, which exceeded the EU’s mandated target of 90%. A mild start to the winter and sufficient volumes in storage limited price escalation. Geopolitical risk premiums increased in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to the Israel-Hamas war. The spread of the conflict to Israel’s north and attacks by Yemen's Houthis on Red Sea vessels placed an increased risk on LNG shipping, leading
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vessels to transit the longer and costlier route around the Cape of Good Hope. Although LNG markets remain structurally short, dependent on season-to-season fundamentals, balanced global LNG supplies and normal seasonal demand are limiting price risk escalation. Steady LNG spot prices have benefited LNG consumers, allowing emerging buyers in South Asia to continue their spot cargo purchasing programs. If pricing does not significantly increase above recent levels, we expect to see continued opportunities to sell spot LNG cargos into the regions we serve.
In 2024, supply-side flexibility will continue to depend on end-of-season storage levels in Europe. Ending the season with storage levels below 50% of capacity could suggest tight natural gas supply during the summer of 2024 and price volatility. At the end of 2024, a take-or-pay five-year transit contract between Russia’s Gazprom and Ukraine’s Naftogaz will expire. Russia’s natural gas pipeline exports to Europe declined from an average of about 65.9 billion cubic meters in 2022 to 15.2 billion cubic meters in 2023. We believe it is unlikely that the contract will be renewed and Central and Eastern European consumers will have to rely on LNG imports or natural gas supplied from Western Europe, which faces constraints as the continent’s natural gas pipeline infrastructure was built to flow volumes east-to-west and not west-to-east. In addition, U.S. sanctions on Russia have impacted the Arctic LNG 2 export project. The three-train 19.8 million tonnes per annum (“MTPA”) liquefaction capacity project was scheduled to begin operations in 2024, reaching full capacity by 2026, but Novatek, the developer, declared force majeure because it was unable to obtain LNG supplies. In accordance with sanctions, TotalEnergies declared force majeure on its offtake contract in January 2024, while in December 2023, Japan’s Mitsui and Co. pulled its workers from the project. Removing 19.8 MTPA of LNG supply from global markets suggests incremental structural tightness over the next few years.
Longer term structural tightness could also be compounded by delays in U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Mexican LNG export projects. There are approximately 16 liquefaction projects with about 156 MTPA of LNG capacity pending final investment decision (“FID”) that are facing regulatory delays. On January 26, 2024, the Biden Administration announced a temporary pause on pending decisions of new LNG export authorizations to non-Free Trade Agreement (“non-FTA”) countries until after the 2024 presidential elections, effectively delaying approvals until 2025. The pause comes amidst rising costs and labor shortages for LNG projects, which could impact project financing effectively leading to cancellation of certain LNG projects. If the proposed projects have delayed FIDs, thereby pushing in-service dates to the end of this decade, or do not move ahead at all, the structural supply constraints could be prolonged. Excelerate signed an agreement to purchase up to 0.7 MTPA of LNG from Venture Global’s Plaquemines Phase 2 LNG facility, which has taken FID, is under construction and has non-FTA permits in place and therefore is not expected to be affected by the temporary pause. Together with Excelerate’s additional LNG purchase commitments from QatarEnergy, we expect that our portfolio will give us the opportunity to assist both new and existing customers in better managing the typical uncertainties of local demand, while capturing potential arbitrage opportunities ourselves.
Recent Business Updates and 2023 in Review:
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In January 2024, Excelerate signed a 15-year LNG sale and purchase agreement (“SPA”) with QatarEnergy. Under the agreement, Excelerate has agreed to purchase LNG from QatarEnergy on a delivered ex-ship basis, beginning in January 2026. Excelerate will purchase 0.85 MTPA of LNG in 2026 and 2027 and 1.0 MTPA from 2028 to 2040. The LNG deliveries are expected to provide reliable LNG supply for Excelerate’s previously announced SPA with Petrobangla in Bangladesh.
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In November 2023, Excelerate signed a 15-year SPA with Bangladesh Oil, Gas & Mineral Corporation (“Petrobangla”). Under the agreement, Petrobangla has agreed to purchase LNG from Excelerate beginning in 2026. Excelerate will deliver 0.85 MTPA of LNG in 2026 and 2027 and 1.0 MTPA from 2028 to 2040. The take-or-pay LNG volumes are expected to be delivered through Excelerate’s two existing FSRUs, Excellence and Summit LNG, in Bangladesh.
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In October 2023, Excelerate executed a 10-year time charter party (“TCP”) agreement with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (“Petrobras”) for Sequoia. The contract commenced on January 1, 2024 and the vessel will be primarily located at the LNG terminal in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil (the “Bahia Terminal”). This long-term, fixed fee agreement replaces the previous gas sales agreement between Excelerate and Petrobras.
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In September 2023, Excelsior resumed its original charter with the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany (the “German government”). In February 2023, Excelsior commenced its charter hire pursuant to a binding five-year charter contract signed with the German government to provide regasification services at Germany’s planned LNG import terminal that is being developed by Tree Energy Solutions, E.ON SE and ENGIE SA. From April 2023 through August 2023, Excelsior was on temporary suspension from the Germany charter while it was deployed to the Bahia Blanca GasPort terminal in Argentina from May 2023 through August 2023.
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In the second and third quarters of 2023, Excelerate delivered four spot LNG cargos into Bangladesh, equating to approximately 250,000 tons of LNG.
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In April 2023, we completed the purchase of Sequoia for a purchase price of $265.0 million from Anemoesa Marine Inc. (“Anemoesa”). Proceeds from our Term Loan Facility (as defined herein) and cash on hand were used to purchase Sequoia. Prior to the purchase, we had leased Sequoia on a five-year bareboat charter from Anemoesa, which began in June 2020.
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In March 2023, we closed on an amended and restated $600.0 million senior secured credit facility, consisting of a $350.0 million revolving credit facility and a $250.0 million term loan. The term loan was drawn with proceeds used to purchase the Sequoia FSRU in April 2023. The new facilities refinanced our existing EE Revolver (as defined herein). In December 2023, we repaid $55.2 million of the principal outstanding on the term loan.
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In February 2023, we extended our TCP agreement with Dubai Supply Authority for Explorer. Under the terms of the new agreement, the time charter period has been extended by an additional five years, which will now reach completion in the first quarter of 2031.
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In February 2023, we executed a 20-year SPA with Venture Global LNG under which we will purchase 0.7 MTPA of LNG on an free-on-board basis from the Plaquemines Phase 2 LNG facility in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. The start of this commitment is dependent on the LNG facility becoming operational.
Components of Our Results of Operations
Revenue
We generate revenue through the provision of regasification services using our fleet of FSRUs and LNG terminal assets, as well as physical sales of LNG and natural gas, that are made primarily in connection with our regasification and terminal projects. We provide regasification services through time charters and operation service contracts primarily related to our long-term charter and terminal use contracts. Most of our time charter revenues are from long-term contracts that function similarly to take-or-pay arrangements in that we are paid if our assets and teams are available and ready to provide services to our customers regardless of whether our customers utilize the services. The portion of our revenue attributable to our charters for the use of our vessels is accounted for as lease revenue, and the revenues attributable to the services provided under those charters are accounted for as non-lease revenue. We generally charge fixed fees for the use of and services provided with our vessels and terminal capacity plus additional amounts for certain variable costs.
Expenses
The principal expenses involved in conducting our business are operating costs, direct cost of gas sales, general and administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization. A large portion of the fixed and variable costs we incur in our business are in the operation of our fleet of FSRUs and terminals that provide regasification and gas supply to our customers. We manage the level of our fixed costs based on several factors, including industry conditions and expected demand for our services and generally pass-through certain variable costs.
We incur significant equipment costs in connection with the operation of our business, including capital equipment recorded as property and equipment, net on our balance sheets and related depreciation and amortization on our income statement. In addition, we incur repair and maintenance and leasing costs related to our property and equipment utilized both in our FSRU and terminal services and gas sales. Property and equipment and other assets include costs incurred for our fleet of FSRUs and terminal assets, including capitalized costs related to drydocking activities. Generally, we are required to drydock each of our vessels every five years, but vessels older than 15 years of age require a shorter duration drydocking or in place bottom survey every two and a half years.
Cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses
Cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses include the following major cost categories: vessel operating costs; personnel costs; repair and maintenance; and leasing costs. These operating costs are incurred for both our FSRU and terminal services revenues and gas sales revenues.
Direct cost of gas sales
Direct cost of gas sales includes the cost of LNG and other fuel and direct costs incurred in selling natural gas and LNG, which are significant variable operating costs. These costs fluctuate in proportion to the amount of our natural gas and LNG sales as well as LNG prices.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Depreciation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of our property and equipment assets, less an estimated salvage value. Certain recurring repairs and maintenance expenditures required by regulators are amortized over the required maintenance period.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) consist primarily of compensation and other employee-related costs for personnel engaged in executive management, sales, finance, legal, tax and human resources. SG&A also consists of expenses associated
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with office facilities, information technology, external professional services, business development, legal costs and other administrative expenses.
Restructuring, transition and transaction expenses
We incurred restructuring, transition and transaction expenses related to consulting, legal, and audit costs incurred as part of and in preparation for our IPO.
Other income, net
Other income, net, primarily contains interest income, gains or losses from the effect of foreign exchange rates and gains and losses on asset sales.
Interest expense and Interest expense – related party
Our interest expense is primarily associated with our finance leases liabilities and loan agreements with external banks and related parties.
Earnings from equity-method investment
Earnings from equity-method investment relate to our 45% ownership interest in the joint venture with Nakilat Excelerate LLC (“Nakilat JV”), which we acquired in 2018.
Provision for income taxes
Excelerate is a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Excelerate’s accounting predecessor, Excelerate Energy Limited Partnership (“EELP”), is treated as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, has generally not been subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level. Instead, EELP’s U.S. income is allocated to its Class A and Class B partners proportionate to their interest. Accordingly, our provision for income taxes includes U.S. taxes incurred at the Excelerate corporate level beginning in April 2022. In addition, EELP has international operations that are subject to foreign income tax and U.S. corporate subsidiaries subject to U.S. federal tax. These taxes are also included in our provision for income taxes.
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests includes earnings allocable to our shares of Class B Common Stock as well as earnings allocable to the third-party equity ownership interests in our subsidiary, Excelerate Energy Bangladesh, LLC.
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore includes the earnings allocable to the equity ownership interests in Excelerate New England Onshore, LLC (“ENE Onshore”). On October 17, 2022, EE Holdings, the indirect sole member of ENE Onshore, and EELP, the sole member of Excelerate New England Lateral, LLC (“ENE Lateral”), entered into a merger agreement, pursuant to which ENE Onshore was merged with and into ENE Lateral (the “ENE Onshore Merger”), effective October 31, 2022. ENE Lateral was the surviving entity and ENE Onshore ceased to exist as a separate entity. Prior to the ENE Onshore Merger, Excelerate consolidated ENE Onshore as a variable interest entity as Excelerate was determined to be the primary beneficiary of ENE Onshore. As a result of the ENE Onshore Merger, Excelerate ceased to have a non-controlling interest related to ENE Onshore.
Factors Affecting the Comparability of Our Results of Operations
As a result of a number of factors, our historical results of operations may not be comparable from period to period or going forward. Set forth below is a brief discussion of the key factors impacting the comparability of our results of operations.
Impact of the Reorganization
Following the completion of the IPO in April 2022, we are a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. EELP is treated as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level. Accordingly, unless otherwise specified, our historical results of operations prior to the IPO do not include provision for U.S. federal income tax for EELP. The reorganization undertaken in connection with the IPO, as described under “Organizational Structure—The Reorganization” in our prospectus (the “Prospectus”), dated April 12, 2022 and filed on April 14, 2022 with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) under the Securities Act (the “Reorganization”), was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, our consolidated financial statements recognized the assets and liabilities received in the Reorganization at their historical carrying amounts, as reflected in the historical consolidated financial statements of EELP. In addition, in connection with the Reorganization and the IPO, we entered into the Tax Receivable Agreement (the “TRA”) with Excelerate Energy Holdings, LLC (“EE Holdings”) and the George Kaiser Family Foundation (the “Foundation”) (or their affiliates) (together, the “TRA Beneficiaries”) pursuant to which we will be required to pay the TRA Beneficiaries 85% of the net cash savings, if any, that we are
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deemed to realize as a result of our utilization of certain tax benefits described under “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Related Person Transactions—Transactions in Connection with our Reorganization and Initial Public Offering—Tax Receivable Agreement” in our Proxy Statement on DEF 14A filed on April 17, 2023.
Also included in the Reorganization is our acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Excelsior, LLC and FSRU Vessel (Excellence), LLC (f/k/a Excellence, LLC) (collectively, the “Foundation Vessels”). The acquisition of Excelsior, LLC was accounted for as an acquisition of property and equipment at the completion of the Reorganization. The Foundation Vessels had historically been accounted for as finance leases in our historical financial statements. In 2018, EELP entered into an agreement with a customer to lease Excellence with the vessel transferring ownership to the customer at the conclusion of the agreement for no additional consideration. Historically, EELP, as a lessor, has accounted for Excellence contract with our customer as a sales-type lease in the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases. Excellence continues to be accounted for as a sales-type lease and thus did not result in an adjustment to property and equipment.
Public Company Costs
We have incurred incremental, non-recurring costs related to our transition to a publicly traded corporation, including the costs of the IPO and the costs associated with the initial implementation of our Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 internal control reviews and testing. We also continue to incur significant and recurring expenses as a publicly traded corporation, including costs associated with compliance under the Exchange Act, annual and quarterly reports to common stockholders, registrar and transfer agent fees, national stock exchange fees, audit fees, incremental director and officer liability insurance costs and director and officer compensation.
Depreciation Expense
During the fourth quarter of 2023, we performed a review of the estimated useful lives of our FSRU vessels. As a relatively new asset class, being first built in 2005, we initially estimated a useful life of 30 years with no salvage value. As the vessels approach almost 20 years of life, there has been improved visibility into the expected term of FSRU productive capabilities, demand, and salvage potential. As a result, we changed the useful lives of our FSRU vessel assets to 40 years and added an estimated salvage value.
How We Evaluate Our Operations
We operate in a single reportable segment. However, we use a variety of qualitative, operational and financial metrics to assess our performance and valuation. Among other measures, management considers each of the following in assessing our business:
Adjusted Gross Margin;
Adjusted EBITDA; and
Capital Expenditures.
Adjusted Gross Margin
We use Adjusted Gross Margin, a non-GAAP financial measure, which we define as revenues less direct cost of sales and operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, to measure our operational financial performance. Management believes Adjusted Gross Margin is useful because it provides insight on profitability and true operating performance excluding the implications of the historical cost basis of our assets. Our computation of Adjusted Gross Margin may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure included as a supplemental disclosure because we believe it is a useful indicator of our operating performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, accretion, non-cash long-term incentive compensation expense and items such as charges and non-recurring expenses that management does not consider as part of assessing ongoing operating performance. In the first quarter of 2023, we revised the definition of Adjusted EBITDA to adjust for the impact of non-cash accretion expense, which results in a metric that is consistent with how management will review performance going forward. Management believes accretion expense does not directly reflect our ongoing operating performance.
We adjust net income for the items listed above to arrive at Adjusted EBITDA because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as determined in accordance with GAAP or as an indicator of our operating performance or liquidity. This measure has limitations as certain excluded items are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our results will be unaffected
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by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computations of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. For the foregoing reasons, Adjusted EBITDA has significant limitations that affect its use as an indicator of our profitability and valuation, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information.
Capital Expenditures
We incur capital expenditures as part of our regular business operations. Capital expenditures are costs incurred to expand our business operations, increase the efficiency of business operations, extend the life of an existing asset, improve an asset’s capabilities, increase the future service of an asset, repair existing assets in order to maintain their service capability, and provide the upkeep required for regulatory compliance. Costs related to prospective projects are capitalized once it is determined to be probable that the related assets will be constructed.
The tables below reconcile the financial measures discussed above to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP:
Years ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Years ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Restructuring, transition and transaction expenses — 6,900 13,974
Long-term incentive compensation expense 3,639 956 —
Early extinguishment of lease liability on vessel acquisition — 21,834 —
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Consolidated Results of Operations
Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Years ended December 31, Change
(In thousands)
Revenues
Operating expenses
Other income (expense)
Additional financial data:
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2022
Net income
Net income was $126.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $46.8 million, as compared to $80.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net income was higher primarily due to new charters in Finland and Germany, and higher rates on charters in Brazil, Argentina and the UAE, partially offset by the end of our contract in Israel in the fourth quarter of 2022 ($41.0 million), lower operating lease expense due to the acquisition of Sequoia ($22.4 million), the early extinguishment of the Excellence finance lease liability as part of the vessel acquisition ($21.8 million), higher interest income received on cash balances invested in money market funds ($17.3 million), higher direct margin earned on gas sales in Brazil, Finland and Bangladesh during the year ended December 31, 2023 ($133.8 million), which exceeded direct margin earned on gas sales that occurred in Brazil, Finland and New England during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($121.0 million), less interest expense – related party incurred in the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the acquisition of the Foundation Vessels ($7.9 million), improved utilization resulting in lower idle vessel costs in 2023 ($7.7 million), lower restructuring, transition and transaction expenses after the completion of our IPO in April 2022 ($6.9 million), and one of our vessels coming off of suspension in the second quarter of 2022 ($5.6 million), partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses ($21.4 million), as discussed below, the drydocking of one of our vessels, Excellence, that is accounted for as a sales-type lease ($20.3 million), an increase in interest expense ($18.5 million), primarily due to the new Term Loan Facility, extended
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commissioning time for our power barge assets in Albania ($8.7 million), an increase in depreciation and amortization($8.3 million), primarily as a result of acquiring Sequoia and Excelsior in the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively, an increase in operating personnel costs ($6.7 million), increases in repairs and maintenance ($5.0 million), and an increase in the provision for income taxes ($4.9 million), as discussed below.
Gross Margin and Adjusted Gross Margin
Gross Margin was $298.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $38.4 million, as compared to $259.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. For the year ended December 31, 2023, Adjusted Gross Margin was $412.4 million, an increase of $55.4 million, as compared to $357.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Gross Margin and Adjusted Gross Margin were higher primarily due to new charters in Finland and Germany, and higher rates on charters in Brazil, Argentina and the UAE, partially offset by the end of our contract in Israel in the fourth quarter of 2022 ($41.0 million), lower operating lease expense due to the acquisition of Sequoia ($22.4 million), higher direct margin earned on gas sales in Brazil, Finland and Bangladesh during the year ended December 31, 2023 ($133.8 million), which exceeded direct margin earned on gas sales that occurred in Brazil, Finland and New England during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($121.0 million), improved utilization resulting in lower idle vessel costs in 2023 ($7.7 million), and one of our vessels coming off of suspension in the second quarter of 2022 ($5.6 million), partially offset by the drydocking of one of our vessels, Excellence, that is accounted for as a sales-type lease ($20.3 million), an increase in operating personnel costs ($6.7 million) and increases in repairs and maintenance ($5.0 million). The increase in Gross Margin was also offset by extended commissioning time for our power barge assets in Albania ($8.7 million) and an increase in depreciation and amortization expense ($8.3 million), primarily as a result of acquiring Sequoia and Excelsior in the second quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $346.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $50.4 million, as compared to $296.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Adjusted EBITDA was higher primarily due to new charters in Finland and Germany, and higher rates on charters in Brazil, Argentina and the UAE, partially offset by the end of our contract in Israel in the fourth quarter of 2022 ($41.0 million), lower operating lease expense due to the acquisition of Sequoia ($22.4 million), higher interest income received on cash balances invested in money market funds ($17.3 million), higher direct margin earned on gas sales in Brazil, Finland and Bangladesh during the year ended December 31, 2023 ($133.8 million), which exceeded direct margin earned on gas sales that occurred in Brazil, Finland and New England during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($121.0 million), improved utilization resulting in lower idle vessel costs in 2023 ($7.7 million), and one of our vessels coming off of suspension in the second quarter of 2022 ($5.6 million), partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses ($21.4 million), as discussed below, the drydocking of one of our vessels, Excellence, that is accounted for as a sales-type lease ($20.3 million), an increase in operating personnel costs ($6.7 million) and increases in repairs and maintenance ($5.0 million).
For more information regarding our non-GAAP measures Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA, and a reconciliation to their most comparable GAAP measures, see “—How We Evaluate Our Operations.”
FSRU and terminal services revenues
FSRU and terminal services revenues were $506.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $61.6 million as compared to $445.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. FSRU and terminal services revenues were higher primarily due to the Exemplar charter beginning in Finland in the fourth quarter of 2022, seasonal service by Excelsior in Argentina before redelivery to Germany at the end of the third quarter of 2023, and higher daily rates in Brazil, Argentina and the UAE, partially offset by the end of our contract with Israel in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gas sales revenues
Gas sales revenues were $652.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $1,375.6 million, as compared to $2,027.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction of natural gas sales volumes and prices related to our terminal operations in Brazil and of LNG sales at our terminal in New England during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by an increase in LNG sales in Bangladesh during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses
Cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses was $228.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $19.0 million, as compared to $209.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses was primarily due to drydock costs on Excellence, higher repairs and maintenance on our other vessels, personnel costs and positioning costs associated with seasonal service in Argentina, partially offset by lower operating lease expense due to the acquisition of Sequoia, and improved utilization resulting in lower idle vessel costs in 2023.
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Direct cost of gas sales
Direct cost of gas sales was $518.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $1,388.4 million, as compared to $1,906.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction of natural gas sales volumes related to our terminal operations in Brazil and of LNG sales at our terminal in New England during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by LNG sales in Bangladesh during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses were $114.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $17.0 million, as compared to $97.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Depreciation and amortization increased primarily due to the acquisition of Sequoia in the second quarter of 2023, extended commissioning time for our power barge assets in Albania, and accelerated depreciation recognized for assets removed from service on one of our vessels in the second quarter of 2023, partially offset by a decrease due to the update to our useful life assumptions.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $87.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $21.4 million, as compared to $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to incremental costs incurred in conjunction with our transition to a publicly traded company, expenses related to new contracts in Europe, and additional business development activities.
Restructuring, transition and transaction expenses
We had no restructuring, transition and transaction expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023. Restructuring, transition and transaction expenses relating to the completion of our IPO in April 2022 were $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $52.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $18.6 million, as compared to $33.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Interest expense increased primarily due to the new Term Loan Facility (as defined herein), accelerated amortization of deferred issuance costs related to the Amended Credit Agreement, and increases in London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) rates, partially offset by lower balances remaining on our finance leases and long-term debt.
Interest expense – related party
Interest expense – related party was $14.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $11.1 million, as compared to $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Interest expense decreased primarily due to the acquisition of the Foundation Vessels in the second quarter of 2022.
Early extinguishment of lease liability on vessel acquisition
In the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred a $21.8 million expense as a result of the difference between the consideration given to acquire Excellence and the historical finance lease liability.
Other income, net
Other income, net was $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $15.3 million as compared to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher interest income received on cash balances invested in money market funds and lower foreign currency exchange losses related to our operations in Brazil.
Provision for income taxes
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $33.2 million and $28.3 million, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to the year-over-year change in the geographical distribution of income.
The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 20.8% and 26.1%, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and the varying tax regimes of jurisdictions. Our 2022 effective tax rate was also impacted by the reduction of income before tax due to the loss on early extinguishment of the lease liability on acquisition of Excellence without a corresponding tax benefit, which increased our effective tax rate by 4.2% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Excelerate is a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Excelerate’s accounting predecessor, EELP, is treated as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, has generally not been subject to U.S. federal income tax at
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the entity level. Accordingly, unless otherwise specified, our historical results of operations prior to the IPO do not include any provision for U.S. federal income tax for EELP.
The Company has international operations that are also subject to foreign income tax and U.S. corporate subsidiaries subject to U.S. federal tax. Therefore, our effective income tax rate is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s geographical distribution of income, a rate benefit attributable to the portion of the Company’s earnings not subject to corporate level taxes, and the impact of nondeductible items and foreign exchange impacts as well as varying tax regimes of jurisdictions. In one jurisdiction, the Company’s tax rate is significantly less than the applicable statutory rate as a result of a tax holiday that was granted. This tax holiday will expire in 2033 at the same time that our contract and revenue with our customer ends.
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest was $96.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $41.3 million, as compared to $55.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in net income attributable to non-controlling interest was primarily due to higher net income and the addition of non-controlling interest related to owners of our Class B Common Stock after our IPO.
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore was $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In October 2022, ENE Onshore merged with and into ENE Lateral.
Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021
Net income
Net income was $80.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $38.8 million, as compared to $41.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Net income was higher primarily due to direct margin earned on gas sales in Brazil, Finland and New England during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($121.0 million), which exceeded direct margin earned on gas sales that occurred in Bangladesh, China and Brazil during the year ended December 31, 2021 ($30.0 million), less interest expense – related party incurred in the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the acquisition of the Foundation Vessels ($21.1 million), less depreciation expense ($7.6 million), as discussed below, lower restructuring, transition and transaction expenses after the completion of our IPO in April 2022 ($7.1 million), and higher interest income received on cash balances invested in money market funds ($4.4 million), partially offset by fewer opportunities to sub-charter our available vessels to third parties during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($27.8 million), the early extinguishment of the Excellence finance lease liability as part of the vessel acquisition ($21.8 million), an increase in SG&A expenses ($19.0 million), as discussed below, increases in cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses ($16.5 million), primarily due to the commencement of the Bahia Terminal lease in the fourth quarter of 2021, foreign currency exchange losses ($7.2 million), and an increase in provision for income taxes ($7.2 million), as discussed below.
Gross Margin and Adjusted Gross Margin
Gross Margin was $259.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $59.3 million, as compared to $200.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Adjusted Gross Margin was $357.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $51.7 million, as compared to $305.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Gross Margin and Adjusted Gross Margin were higher primarily due to direct margin earned on gas sales in Brazil, Finland and New England during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($121.0 million), which exceeded direct margin earned on gas sales that occurred in Bangladesh, China and Brazil during the year ended December 31, 2021 ($30.0 million), partially offset by fewer opportunities to sub-charter our available vessels to third parties during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($27.8 million) and increases in cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses ($16.5 million), primarily due to the commencement of the Bahia Terminal lease in the fourth quarter of 2021. Gross Margin was also higher due to less depreciation expense ($7.6 million), as discussed below.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA was $296.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $32.9 million, as compared to $263.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Adjusted EBITDA was higher primarily due to direct margin earned on gas sales in Brazil, Finland and New England during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($121.0 million), which exceeded direct margin earned on gas sales that occurred in Bangladesh, China and Brazil during the year ended December 31, 2021 ($30.0 million), and higher interest income received on cash balances invested in money market funds ($4.4 million), partially offset by fewer opportunities to sub-charter our available vessels to third parties during the year ended December 31, 2022 ($27.8 million), an increase in SG&A expenses ($19.0 million), as discussed below, increases in cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses ($16.5 million), primarily due to the commencement of the Bahia Terminal lease in the fourth quarter of 2021, and foreign currency exchange losses ($7.2 million).
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For more information regarding our non-GAAP measures Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA, and a reconciliation to their most comparable GAAP measures, see “—How We Evaluate Our Operations.”
FSRU and terminal services revenues
FSRU and terminal services revenues were $445.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $22.8 million, as compared to $468.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. FSRU and terminal services revenues were lower primarily due to fewer opportunities to sub-charter our available vessels to third parties during the first quarter of 2022, partially offset by benefits of the Exemplar lease beginning with Gasgrid Finland in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Gas sales revenues
Gas sales revenues were $2,027.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $1,607.3 million, as compared to $420.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The gas sales that occurred in the year ended December 31, 2022 related to our terminal operations in Brazil, Finland and New England, which exceeded gas sales to customers in Bangladesh, China and Brazil during the year ended December 31, 2021. Operations at the Bahia Terminal in Brazil began in December 2021, while operations at the Inkoo Terminal in Finland began in December 2022.
Cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses
Cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses was $209.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $16.5 million, as compared to $192.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in cost of revenue and vessel operating expenses was primarily due to the additional cost of operations in Brazil as we began operations at the Bahia Terminal during the fourth quarter of 2021 ($19.4 million), which includes an increase in vessel and infrastructure rent expense ($7.2 million), as well as higher reimbursable local crewing costs in Argentina ($4.9 million), and higher maintenance at one of our terminal locations ($3.9 million), partially offset by decreased fuel and positioning costs ($11.7 million), which were higher in 2021 as part of servicing increased sub-charters.
Direct cost of gas sales
Direct cost of gas sales was $1,906.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $1,516.3 million, as compared to $390.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to gas sales that occurred in the year ended December 31, 2022 related to our terminal operations in Brazil, Finland and New England, partially offset by costs related to gas sales in Bangladesh, China and Brazil during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Depreciation and amortization expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses were $97.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $7.6 million, as compared to $104.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to the release of our one conventional LNGCs that was on a finance lease from short term charter operations in December 2021, partially offset by the acquisition of the Excelsior vessel.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $19.0 million, as compared to $47.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to incremental costs incurred in conjunction with our transition to a publicly traded company and additional business development activities.
Restructuring, transition and transaction expenses
Restructuring, transition and transaction expenses were $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $7.1 million, as compared to $14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was due to the completion of our IPO in April 2022.
Interest expense
Interest expense was $33.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $2.0 million, as compared to $31.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Interest expense increased primarily due to increases in LIBOR rates, partially offset by lower balances remaining on our finance leases and long-term debt.
Interest expense – related party
Interest expense – related party was $25.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $23.3 million, as compared to $48.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Interest expense decreased primarily due to the acquisition of the Foundation Vessels.
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Early extinguishment of lease liability on vessel acquisition
In the year ended December 31, 2022, we incurred a $21.8 million expense as a result of the difference between the consideration given to acquire Excellence and the historical finance lease liability.
Other income, net
Other income, net was $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $0.3 million, as compared to $0.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily due to foreign currency exchange losses related to our operations in Brazil and Argentina, partially offset by higher interest income received on cash balances invested in money market funds.
Provision for income taxes
The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $28.3 million and $21.2 million, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to the year-over-year change in the geographical distribution of income and the U.S. income tax incurred at the level of Excelerate Energy, Inc. since April 2022 of $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was 26.1% and 33.9%, respectively. The decrease was primarily driven by the geographical distribution of income and the varying tax regimes of jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate was also impacted by the reduction of income before tax due to the loss on early extinguishment of the lease liability on acquisition of Excellence without a corresponding tax benefit, which increased our effective tax rate by 4.2% for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, our effective tax rate was impacted by 3.3% for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to additional tax recorded since being subject to U.S. income taxes at the corporate level beginning in April 2022.
Excelerate is a corporate entity for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. Excelerate’s accounting predecessor, EELP is treated as a pass-through entity for income tax purposes and has generally not been subject to U.S. federal and most state income taxes. Instead, EELP’s U.S. income is allocated to its Class A and Class B partners proportionate to their interest. As such, the Company’s provision for income tax includes U.S. taxes incurred at the corporate level beginning in April 2022.
The Company has international operations that are also subject to foreign income tax and U.S. corporate subsidiaries subject to U.S. federal tax. Therefore, our effective income tax rate is dependent on many factors, including the Company’s geographical distribution of income, a rate benefit attributable to the portion of the Company’s earnings not subject to corporate level taxes, foreign exchange impacts, and the impact of nondeductible items and foreign exchange impacts as well as varying tax regimes of jurisdictions. In one jurisdiction, the Company’s tax rate is significantly less than the applicable statutory rate as a result of a tax holiday that was granted. This tax holiday will expire in 2033 at the same time that our contract and revenue with our customer ends.
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest was $55.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $52.1 million, as compared to $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in net income attributable to non-controlling interest was primarily due to the addition of non-controlling interest related to owners of our Class B Common Stock after our IPO, partially offset by higher maintenance costs at one of our terminal locations.
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore
Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore was $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, a decrease of $1.6 million, as compared to $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore decreased primarily due to additional capacity sales revenue.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Based on our cash positions, cash flows from operating activities and borrowing capacity on our debt facilities, we believe we will have sufficient liquidity for the next 12 months for ongoing operations, planned capital expenditures, other investments, debt service obligations, payment of tax distributions and our announced and expected quarterly dividends and distributions, as described in Part II, Item 5 – Our Dividend and Distribution Policy. For more information regarding our planned dividend payments, see Note 13 – Equity. As of December 31, 2023, we had $555.9 million in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.
Our proceeds from the IPO in April 2022 were approximately $416.2 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, but before deducting IPO-related expenses of $7.6 million. Approximately $50.0 million of the IPO net proceeds were used to fund, in part, EELP's purchase of the Foundation Vessels. The remaining proceeds are expected to be used to fund our growth strategy, working capital, and other general corporate purposes.
At times, we import and sell natural gas and LNG into the countries in which we operate. Some of the inventory purchases that we make to fulfill these sales could potentially exceed cash on hand. We plan to fund any cash shortfalls with borrowings under the EE
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Revolver (as defined herein). Management believes the EE Revolver will provide sufficient liquidity to execute our contractual purchase obligations. In the event sufficient funds were not available under the EE Revolver, we would seek alternative funding sources.
We have historically funded our business, including meeting our day-to-day operational requirements, repaying our indebtedness and funding capital expenditures, through debt financing, capital contributions and our operating cash flows as discussed below. We expect that our future principal uses of cash will also include additional capital expenditures to fund our growth strategy, pay income taxes and make distributions from EELP to fund income taxes, fund our obligations under the TRA, and pay cash dividends and distributions. Any determination to pay dividends to holders of our common stock and distributions to holders of EELP’s Class B interests will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, projections, liquidity, earnings, legal requirements, covenant compliance, restrictions in our existing and any future debt and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant. In the future we may enter into arrangements to grow our business or acquire or invest in complementary businesses which could decrease our cash and cash equivalents and increase our cash requirements. As a result of these and other factors, we could use our available capital resources sooner than expected and may be required to seek additional equity or debt.
Cash Flow Statement Highlights
Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Years ended December 31,
Net cash provided by (used in): (In thousands)
Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $6.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to:
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a $238.2 million increase in inventory cash flows primarily due to Brazil inventory sales during the year ended December 31, 2023;
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a $204.2 million decrease in cash flows used in settling accounts payable and accrued liabilities, primarily due to fewer LNG cargo purchases in the year ended December 31, 2023 related to Brazil natural gas sales activity;
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a $46.8 million increase in net income;
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a $17.0 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, as discussed above; and
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a $15.5 million decrease in cash flows used in settling operating lease assets and liabilities, primarily due to the acquisition of Sequoia which was accounted for as an operating lease in 2022;
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partially offset by a $252.8 million decrease in cash received related to deferred revenues, primarily related to prepayments of Brazil natural gas sales;
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a $218.9 million decrease in cash flows from collecting accounts receivable, primarily due to natural gas sales in Brazil, partially offset by collections of receivables in the year ended December 31, 2023 related to Finland natural gas sales;
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a $21.8 million early extinguishment of lease liability on vessel acquisition in 2022; and
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a $17.0 million decrease in the amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, primarily due to the acquisition of Sequoia which was accounted for as an operating lease in 2022.
Cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $83.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to:
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a $445.1 million decrease in accounts receivable, primarily related to collections of receivables related to Brazil natural gas sales;
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a $160.5 million increase in deferred revenues, primarily related to collection of prepayments related to Brazil natural gas sales;
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a $38.8 million increase in net income;
•
a $21.8 million early extinguishment of lease liability on vessel acquisition in the year ended December 31, 2022, as described in “— Consolidated Results of Operations—Net income”;
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•
a $14.1 million decrease in inventory related cash outflows, primarily due to purchases related to Bahia Terminal startup in December 2021 exceeding LNG purchases related to Brazil natural gas sales activity and Inkoo Terminal activity in Finland during the year ended December 31, 2022; and
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partially offset by a $600.0 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, primarily due to decreased outstanding LNG cargo purchase payments related to Brazil natural gas sales as of December 31, 2022.
Investing Activities and Capital Expenditures
Cash flows used in investing activities were primarily comprised of capital expenditures made for the purchases of property and equipment, which increased by $189.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the same period in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the purchase of Sequoia and vessel upgrades made ahead of beginning service at the Inkoo Terminal in Finland.
Cash flows used in investing activities were comprised of capital expenditures made for the purchases of property and equipment, which increased by $83.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the same period in 2021. The increase in cash used for purchases of property and equipment was primarily due to the purchase of the Foundation Vessels, our first installment payment on the Newbuild Agreement (as defined herein), and our power barge project in Albania.
Financing Activities
Cash flows provided by financing activities decreased by $229.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to proceeds of $412.1 million from the IPO sale of Class A Common Stock in 2022, a $13.4 million increase in distributions to shareholders and joint venture partners and $6.6 million of repayments on a note receivable from Kaiser during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by $174.8 million increase in net borrowings on our long-term debt and Term Loan Facility (as defined herein) and $25.0 million in cash payments in 2022 made as part of the early extinguishment of a lease liability related to the IPO transaction.
Cash flows provided by financing activities increased by $465.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, primarily due to $412.1 million of net IPO proceeds, a $78.2 million decrease in net cash outflows to Kaiser-Francis Management Company, L.L.C. (“KFMC”) from EELP on a promissory note that was terminated in November 2021 and a $28.3 million decrease in finance lease payments, partially offset by $25.0 million in cash payments made as part of the early extinguishment of a lease liability related to the IPO transaction, $26.7 million of net payments on our other long-term debt, and a $4.8 million increase in deferred financing costs paid.
Repurchase of Equity Securities
On February 22, 2024, our board of directors approved a share repurchase program to purchase up to $50 million of our Class A Common Stock (the “Program”). The board of directors approved the Program because it believed that it (i) would be a prudent use of the Company’s available cash, (ii) would enhance the long-term value of the Class A Common Stock, (iii) would demonstrate management’s and the board of directors’ confidence in the business and (iv) is advisable and in the best interests of the Company. The Program does not obligate us to acquire any specific number of shares and will expire on February 28, 2026, and the Program may be suspended, extended, modified or discontinued at any time. Under the Program, repurchases can be made using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, block trades, privately negotiated transactions and/or a non-discretionary trading plan, all in compliance with the rules of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements. The timing, manner, price and amount of any Class A Common Stock repurchases under the Program are determined by us in our discretion and depend on a variety of factors, including legal requirements, price, and business, economic, and market conditions. The Program may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
Debt Facilities
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility
On April 18, 2022, EELP entered into a senior secured revolving credit agreement, by and among EELP, as borrower, Excelerate, as parent, the lenders party thereto, the issuing banks party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, pursuant to which the lenders and issuing banks thereunder made available a revolving credit facility (“EE Revolver”), including a letter of credit sub-facility, to EELP. The EE Revolver enabled us to borrow up to $350.0 million over a three-year term originally set to expire in April 2025.
Also, on April 18, 2022, the Company borrowed under the EE Revolver, on the closing day of such facility, and used the proceeds to repay the KFMC Note (as defined herein) in full. The KFMC Note was terminated in connection with such repayment.
On March 17, 2023, EELP entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit agreement (“Amended Credit Agreement”), by and among EELP, as borrower, Excelerate, as parent, the lenders party thereto, the issuing banks party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank,
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N.A., as administrative agent. Under the Amended Credit Agreement, EELP obtained a new $250.0 million term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility” and, together with the EE Revolver as amended by the Amended Credit Agreement, the “EE Facilities”). The EE Facilities mature in March 2027. The Amended Credit Agreement requires EELP to maintain (i) a maximum consolidated total leverage of 3.50x, provided that, if the aggregate value of all unsecured debt is equal to or greater than $250.0 million, the maximum permitted consolidated total leverage increases to 4.25x, (ii) collateral vessel maintenance coverage to be not less than the greater of (a) $750.0 million and (b) 130% of the sum of the total credit exposure under the Amended Credit Agreement and (iii) a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio of 2.50x. Proceeds from the EE Revolver may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes and up to $269.5 million of the EE Revolver may be used for letters of credit.
In April 2023, Excelerate purchased Sequoia for $265.0 million using $250.0 million borrowed through our Term Loan Facility together with cash on hand. Concurrently with the purchase, the Company entered into interest rate swaps for the same notional amount as the Term Loan Facility. The purpose of the swaps is to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in SOFR related to borrowings on the Term Loan Facility. The interest rate swaps have maturity, payment and reset dates that align with those of the Term Loan Facility.
On September 8, 2023, EELP entered into an amendment to the Amended Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment”). The First Amendment provides for, among other things (i) inclusion of commodity and foreign exchange swap termination value in the collateral vessel maintenance coverage test and (ii) an update to the ordering of payment applications in the event of default.
In December 2023, we paid off $55.2 million of the principal outstanding on our Term Loan Facility. We also terminated the same notional value of the interest rate swaps we had previously entered into to hedge the fluctuations in the SOFR rates associated with the variable interest rate on the loan.
Borrowings under the EE Facilities bear interest at a per annum rate equal to the term SOFR reference rate for such period plus an applicable margin, which applicable margin is based on EELP’s consolidated total leverage ratio as defined and calculated under the Amended Credit Agreement and can range from 2.75% to 3.50%. The unused portion of the EE Revolver commitment is subject to an unused commitment fee calculated at a rate per annum ranging from 0.375% to 0.50% based on EELP's consolidated total leverage ratio.
The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants (affirmative and negative, including maximum consolidated total leverage ratio, minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio, and collateral vessel maintenance coverage covenants), and events of default, the occurrence of which would permit the lenders to accelerate the maturity date of amounts borrowed under the EE Facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had issued $49.4 million in letters of credit under the EE Revolver. As a result of the EE Revolver’s financial ratio covenants and after taking into account the outstanding letters of credit issued under the facility, all of the $300.6 million of undrawn capacity was available for additional borrowings as of December 31, 2023.
Experience Vessel Financing
In December 2016, we entered into a sale leaseback agreement with a third party to provide $247.5 million of financing for Experience. Due to our requirement to repurchase the vessel at the end of the term, the transaction was accounted for as a failed sale leaseback (a financing transaction). Under failed sale leaseback accounting, we are deemed the owner of the vessel and will continue to recognize the vessel on our consolidated balance sheets, with the proceeds received recorded as a financial obligation. Through December 2021, we made quarterly principal payments of $5.0 million and paid interest at the three-month LIBOR plus 4.2%. The original loan matured in 2026 when the remaining balance of $49.5 million was payable. In December 2021, the agreement was amended to extend the term to December 2033, reduce the interest margin to 3.25% and reduce the quarterly principal payments to $3.1 million. After the final quarterly payment in December 2033, there will be no remaining balance due. We incurred debt issuance costs of $1.2 million related to the amendment, which will be amortized over the life of the loan. Debt issuance costs of $6.0 million related to the original loan are presented as a direct deduction from the debt and have been amortized over the life of the original loan. The agreement contains certain security rights related to Experience in the event of default.
In the second quarter of 2023, we executed an amendment to convert the reference rate in the Experience Vessel Financing from the LIBOR to the SOFR yield curve with interest payments at the three-month SOFR plus 3.4% through the loan’s maturity in December 2033.
Our vessel financing loan has certain financial covenants as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants, which we must maintain to remain compliant with the loan. We must maintain a minimum equity of $500.0 million, a maximum debt to equity ratio of 3.5 to 1 and a minimum cash and cash equivalents balance including loan availability of $20.0 million. Our agreement also requires that a three-month debt service reserves be funded and that the value of the vessel equal or exceed 110% of the remaining amount outstanding, in addition to other affirmative and negative covenants customary for vessel financings. The financing also requires the vessel to carry typical vessel marine insurances.
2017 Bank Loans
On June 23, 2017, we entered into two loan agreements with external banks (the “2017 Bank Loans”) to finance the Moheshkhali LNG (“MLNG”) terminal in Bangladesh. The first arrangement allowed us to borrow up to $32.8 million. The loan accrues interest at
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the six-month SOFR plus 2.85%. Payments are due semi-annually with an original scheduled maturity date of April 15, 2030. We partially prepaid the loan during 2019. As a result of this prepayment, the loan matures on October 15, 2029. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we executed an amendment to convert the reference rate from the LIBOR to the SOFR yield curve effective on the first interest payment date occurring after June 30, 2023. Prior to the amendment, the Company made interest payments at the six-month LIBOR plus 2.42%. The debt issuance costs of $1.3 million are presented as a direct reduction from the debt liability and are amortized over the life of the loan.
The second arrangement allowed us to draw funds up to $92.8 million. The loan accrues interest at the three-month SOFR plus 4.76%. Payments are due quarterly with an original scheduled maturity date of April 15, 2030. We partially prepaid the loan during 2019. As a result of this prepayment, the loan matures on October 15, 2029. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we executed an amendment to convert the reference rate from the LIBOR to the SOFR yield curve effective on the first interest payment date occurring after June 30, 2023. Prior to the amendment, the Company made interest payments at the three-month LIBOR plus 4.50%. Debt issuance costs of $4.8 million are presented as a direct deduction from the debt liability and are amortized over the life of the loan. The agreement contains certain security rights related to MLNG terminal assets and project contracts in the event of default.
The 2017 Bank Loans require compliance with certain financial covenants, as well as customary affirmative and negative covenants associated with limited recourse project financing facilities. The loan agreements also require that a six-month debt service reserve amount be funded and that an off-hire reserve amount be funded monthly to cover operating expenses and debt service while the vessel is away during drydock major maintenance. The loan agreements also require that the MLNG terminal and project company be insured on a stand-alone basis with property insurance, liability insurance, business interruption insurance and other customary insurance policies. The respective project company must have a quarterly debt service coverage ratio of at least 1.10 to 1. In 2021, 2022 and 2023, waivers were obtained for immaterial non-financial covenants and are still in effect.
Exquisite Vessel Financing
In June 2018, we entered into a sale leaseback agreement with the Nakilat JV to provide $220.0 million of financing via a fifteen-year lease agreement for Exquisite at 7.73%. The lease agreement has a symmetrical put and call option at the end of the original term or, optionally, two five-year extensions with symmetrical put and call options after each extension. The agreement did not meet the terms for recognition of a sale leaseback transaction and instead was treated as financing due to the terms of the transaction. The agreement contains certain security rights related to Exquisite in the event of default.
KFMC Note
On November 9, 2018, EELP entered into a promissory note with KFMC, an affiliate of Kaiser as lender, which allowed EELP to draw funds up to $100.0 million (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “KFMC Note”). The KFMC Note was amended on November 17, 2020 to (i) extend the final payment date from December 31, 2020 to December 31, 2022, (ii) increase the per annum interest rate from LIBOR plus 1.5% to LIBOR plus 1.55% and (iii) make certain revisions to prepayment conditions. The KFMC Note was further amended and restated in its entirety on September 29, 2021 to (i) make certain changes to the final payment date, including removing KFMC’s ability to demand payment, and extending the final payment date to December 31, 2023 and (ii) allow EELP to draw funds at EELP’s discretion without prior approval by KFMC. The KFMC Note was further amended on October 1, 2021 to increase the maximum aggregate principal amount from $100.0 million to $250.0 million. In April 2022, the Company borrowed under the EE Revolver and used the proceeds to repay the KFMC Note in full. The KFMC Note was terminated in connection with such repayment, as discussed in Note 10 – Long-term debt, net.
KFMC-ENE Onshore Note
In September 2021, in connection with certain entities under common control of Kaiser being contributed to EELP, ENE Lateral assigned to KFMC all of its right, title and interest to receive payment under a note with ENE Onshore (the “KFMC-ENE Onshore Note”), which assignment was made in partial satisfaction of the amounts owed by ENE Lateral under a promissory note it entered into with KFMC in December 2015 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “ENE Lateral Facility”). As a result of such assignment, ENE Onshore was obligated to pay to KFMC all amounts under the KFMC-ENE Onshore Note. In November 2021, ENE Onshore received an equity contribution sufficient to allow it to remit payment to KFMC of the then-outstanding KFMC-ENE Onshore Note balance, and KFMC and ENE Onshore subsequently entered into an amended and restated note allowing a maximum commitment of $25.0 million. The KFMC-ENE Onshore Note was settled in full and canceled in connection with the ENE Onshore Merger.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under its debt facilities.
Foundation Vessels Purchase
In exchange for (i) 7,854,167 shares of Class A Common Stock with a fair market value of $188.5 million, (ii) a cash payment of $50.0 million and (iii) $21.5 million of estimated future payments under the TRA, EELP purchased from Maya Maritime LLC, a
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wholly-owned subsidiary of the Foundation, all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in the Foundation Vessels. In 2018, EELP entered into an agreement with a customer to lease Excellence with the vessel transferring ownership to the customer at the conclusion of the agreement for no additional consideration. Historically, EELP, as a lessor, has accounted for Excellence contract with our customer as a sales-type lease in the consolidated balance sheet in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 842, Leases. Excellence will continue to be accounted for as a sales-type lease and thus did not result in an adjustment to property and equipment. The difference between the consideration given to acquire Excellence and the historical finance lease liability resulted in a $21.8 million early extinguishment of lease liability loss on our consolidated statements of income.
Other Contractual Obligations
Operating Leases
We lease a terminal and offices in various locations under noncancelable operating leases. As of December 31, 2022, we had future minimum lease payments of $88.6 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had future minimum lease payments totaling $7.3 million and are committed to $2.1 million in year one, $2.9 million for years two and three, $1.8 million for years four and five and $0.4 million thereafter.
Finance Leases
Certain enforceable vessel charters and pipeline capacity agreements are classified as finance leases, and the right-of-use assets are included in property and equipment. As of December 31, 2022, we had future minimum lease payments totaling $307.3 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had future minimum lease payments totaling $274.1 million and are committed to $33.2 million in payments in year one, $66.5 million for years two and three, $60.8 million for years four and five, and $113.5 million thereafter.
Newbuild Agreement Commitments
In October 2022, we signed a binding shipbuilding contract (“the Newbuild Agreement”) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for a new FSRU to be delivered in 2026. As part of the Newbuild Agreement, we currently expect to pay approximately $330.0 million, subject to adjustment. Related payments are due in five installments with the final installment due concurrently with the delivery of the vessel, which is expected in 2026. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we made the first installment payment of approximately $30.0 million. Our future payment commitments related to the Newbuild Agreement are expected to be approximately $50.0 million in 2024 and $250.0 million in 2025-2026.
Tax Receivable Agreement
In connection with the IPO, we entered into the TRA with the TRA Beneficiaries. The TRA will provide for payment by us to the TRA Beneficiaries of 85% of the amount of the net cash tax savings, if any, that we are deemed to realize as a result of our utilization of certain tax benefits resulting from (i) certain increases in the tax basis of assets of EELP and its subsidiaries resulting from exchanges of EELP partnership interests in the future, (ii) certain tax attributes of EELP and subsidiaries of EELP (including the existing tax basis of assets owned by EELP or its subsidiaries and the tax basis of certain assets purchased from the Foundation) that exist as of the time of the IPO or may exist at the time when Class B interests of EELP are exchanged for shares of Class A Common Stock, and (iii) certain other tax benefits related to us entering into the TRA, including tax benefits attributable to payments that we make under the TRA. See “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Proposed Transactions with Excelerate Energy, Inc—Tax Receivable Agreement” in the Prospectus for more information about the TRA.
The payments that we will be required to make under the TRA, including those made if we elect to terminate the agreement early, have the potential to be substantial. Based on certain assumptions, including no material changes in the relevant tax law and that we earn sufficient taxable income to realize the full tax benefits that are the subject of the TRA, we expect that future payments to the TRA Beneficiaries (not including Excelerate) will equal $73.1 million in the aggregate, although the actual future payments to the TRA Beneficiaries will vary based on the factors discussed in “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions—Proposed Transactions with Excelerate Energy, Inc—Tax Receivable Agreement” in the Prospectus and estimating the amount and timing of payments that may be made under the TRA is by its nature imprecise, as the calculation of amounts payable depends on a variety of factors and future events.
In December 2023, we made our first payment under the TRA of $3.4 million. The TRA payment forecasted to be made in 2024 as of December 31, 2023, is $6.1 million. In addition, payments we make under the TRA will be increased by any interest accrued from the due date (without extensions) of the corresponding tax return. If EE Holdings were to have exchanged all of its EELP interests as of the balance sheet date, we would recognize a liability for payments under the TRA of approximately $166.6 million, assuming (i) that EE Holdings exchanged all of its EELP interests using EE’s December 31, 2023 closing market price of $15.46 per share of Class A Common Stock, (ii) no material changes in relevant tax law, (iii) a constant combined effective income tax rate of 21.0% and (iv) that we have sufficient taxable income in each year to realize on a current basis the increased depreciation, amortization and other tax benefits that are the subject of the TRA. We expect to receive distributions from EELP in order to make any required payments under the TRA.
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However, we may need to incur debt to finance payments under the TRA to the extent such distributions or our cash resources are insufficient to meet our obligations under the TRA as a result of timing discrepancies or otherwise.
Venture Global SPA
In February 2023, we executed a 20-year SPA with Venture Global LNG (the “Venture Global SPA”). Under the Venture Global SPA, we will purchase 0.7 MTPA of LNG on a free-on-board basis from the Plaquemines LNG facility in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. Our purchase commitment will be based on the final settlement price of monthly Henry Hub natural gas futures contracts plus a contractual spread. Using Henry Hub natural gas futures pricing as of December 31, 2023, our average annual commitment is estimated to be approximately $249.0 million. The start of this commitment, however, is dependent on the LNG facility becoming operational, which is not expected in the next twelve months.
QatarEnergy SPA
In January 2024, we executed a 15-year SPA with QatarEnergy (the “QatarEnergy SPA”). Under the QatarEnergy SPA, we have agreed to purchase 0.85 to 1.0 MTPA of LNG from QatarEnergy beginning in 2026. QatarEnergy will deliver 0.85 MTPA of LNG in 2026 and 2027 and 1.0 MTPA from 2028 to 2040. These LNG volumes are intended to be used to supply sales under the Petrobangla SPA (as defined herein).
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The accounting policies and estimates discussed below are considered by management to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements as their application requires the most significant judgments from management in estimating matters for financial reporting that are inherently uncertain. For additional information about our accounting policies and estimates, see the Note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Leases
We account for leases under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 842, Leases. In the application of ASC 842 for leases in which we are the lessee, certain estimates and management judgments are required such as determining the useful life of a leased asset, the discount rate used in calculating the present value of lease payments, and when leases have extension or termination options that are likely to be exercised. When we are the lessor, estimates are required in allocating the contract consideration between the lease component and non-lease components on a relative standalone selling price basis.
Lessee Accounting
As of the lease commencement date, we recognize a liability for our lease obligation, initially measured at the present value of lease payments not yet paid, and an asset for our right to use the underlying asset, initially measured equal to the lease liability and adjusted for lease payments made at or before lease commencement, lease incentives, and any initial direct costs. The discount rate used to determine the present value of the lease payments is the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term for an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.
The initial recognition of the lease obligation and right-of-use asset excludes short-term leases. Short-term leases are leases with an original term of one year or less, excluding those leases with an option to extend the lease for greater than one year or an option to purchase the underlying asset that the lessee is deemed reasonably certain to exercise. We have elected, as an accounting policy, not to apply the recognition requirements to short-term leases. Instead, we may recognize the lease payments in the statements of income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
We have certain lease agreements that provide for the option to extend or terminate early, which was evaluated on each lease to arrive at the lease term. If we were reasonably certain to exercise a renewal or termination option, this period was factored into the lease term. As of December 31, 2023, we did not have any lease agreements with residual value guarantees or material restrictions or covenants.
Lessor Accounting
We determined that our time charter and terminal use contracts contain a lease and a performance obligation for the provision of time charter and other regasification services. Leases are classified based upon defined criteria either as sales-type, direct financing, or operating leases by the lessor.
For those leases classified as sales-type, the underlying asset is derecognized and the net investment in the lease is recorded. We have determined that these contracts contain a lease component for the use of the vessel and non-lease components relating to operation of the vessels. We have allocated the contract consideration between the lease component and non-lease components on a relative standalone selling price basis. We utilize a combination of approaches to estimate the standalone selling prices when the directly observable selling price is not available by utilizing information available such as market conditions and prices, entity-specific factors,
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and internal estimates when market data is not available. Given that there are no observable standalone selling prices for either of these two components, judgment is required in determining the standalone selling price of each component.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. New assets, modifications to existing assets which improve the asset’s operational efficiency, capacity or useful life, and our finance leases are assigned a useful life. Useful lives of property and equipment are determined using various assumptions, including our expected use of our assets and the supply of and demand for LNG and natural gas in the markets we serve, normal wear and tear of assets, and the expected extent and frequency of maintenance. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, less an estimated salvage value.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company performed a review of the estimated useful lives of our FSRU vessels. As a relatively new asset class, being first built in 2005, we initially estimated a useful life of 30 years with no salvage value. As the vessels approach almost 20 years of life, there has been improved visibility into the expected term of FSRU productive capabilities, demand, and salvage potential. As a result, the Company changed the useful lives of our FSRU vessel assets to 40 years and added an estimated salvage value.
Asset retirement obligations (“ARO”)
We recognize liabilities for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets when there is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of such assets and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The fair value of a liability for an ARO is recognized in the period which it is incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. In order to estimate the fair value, we use judgments and assumptions for factors including the existence of legal obligations for an ARO; technical assessments of the assets; discount rates; inflation rates; and estimated amounts and timing of settlements. The offsetting asset retirement cost is recorded as an increase to the carrying value of the associated property and equipment on the consolidated balance sheets and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. In periods subsequent to the initial measurement of an ARO, we recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows.
Income taxes
We are a corporation for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes. EELP, is treated as a pass-through entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as such, is generally not subject to U.S. federal income tax at the entity level. As part of our income tax accounting process, we are required to make certain assumptions and estimations.
We record valuation allowances to reflect the estimated amount of certain deferred tax assets that are more likely to not be realized. In making such a determination, we evaluate a variety of factors, including our operating history, accumulated deficit, and the existence of taxable or deductible temporary differences and reversal periods.
The effect of tax positions is recognized only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Conclusions reached regarding tax positions are continually reviewed based on ongoing analyses of tax laws, regulations, and interpretations thereof. To the extent that our assessment of the conclusions reached regarding tax positions changes as a result of the evaluation of new information, such change in estimate will be recorded in the period in which such determination is made. We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax provision only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the tax position.
Tax receivable agreement
In connection with the IPO, we entered into the TRA with the TRA Beneficiaries. The TRA will provide for payment by us to the TRA Beneficiaries of 85% of the amount of the net cash tax savings, if any, that we are deemed to realize as a result of our utilization of certain tax benefits. The amount and timing of future payments to the TRA Beneficiaries will vary as the calculation depends on a variety of factors and future events. Potential future actions taking by the Company, such as mergers or other forms of business combinations that would constitute a change in control, may influence the timing and amount of payments we make under the TRA in a manner that does not correspond to our use of the corresponding tax benefits.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies to the notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report for information regarding recently issued accounting pronouncements.
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
In our normal course of business, we are exposed to certain market risks, including changes in interest rates, natural gas and LNG commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. In order to manage these risks, we may utilize derivative instruments. Gains or losses on those derivative instruments would typically be offset by corresponding gains or losses on the hedged item.
Interest Rate Risk
We have entered into long-term interest rate swap agreements in order to hedge a portion of our exposure to changes in interest rates associated with our external bank loans. We are exposed to changes in interest rates on our other debt facilities as well as the portion of our external bank loans that remain unhedged. We may enter into additional derivative instruments to manage our exposure to interest rates.
As of December 31, 2023, the fair value of our interest rate swaps was $1.4 million. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of our interest rate swaps was $2.3 million. Based on our hedged notional amount as of December 31, 2023, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the three-month and six-month SOFR forward curves would change the estimated fair value of our existing interest rate swaps by $7.0 million.
Commodity Price Risk
In the course of our operations, we are exposed to commodity price risk, primarily through our purchases of or commitments to purchase LNG. To reduce our exposure, we may enter into derivative instruments to offset some or all of the associated price risk. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we utilized an immaterial amount of financial derivatives to hedge some of our commodity price risk. We did not hold any commodity derivative instruments as of December 31, 2022.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. We have one foreign subsidiary that utilizes the euro as its functional currency. Gains or losses due to transactions in foreign currencies are included in Other income (expense), net in our consolidated statements of income. Due to a portion of our expenses being incurred in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, our expenses may, from time to time, increase relative to our revenues as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly between the U.S. dollar and the euro, Argentine peso, Brazilian real and the Bangladesh taka. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we utilized an immaterial amount of financial derivatives to hedge some of our currency exposure. We had no foreign currency hedges in 2021. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded $(4.1) million, $(7.2) million and $0.1 million, respectively, in foreign currency gains/(losses) in our consolidated statements of income.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The financial information required by Item 8 is located beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company's disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
The Company’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, management used the framework and criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring
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Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework,” published in 2013. Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report, has also audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. Their report appears on page F-2 of this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted, modified or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K).
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
None.
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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days subsequent to December 31, 2023.
Our board adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) relating to the conduct of our business by all of our employees, executive officers (including our principal executive officers, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer (or persons performing similar functions)), and directors. This Code satisfies the requirement that we have a “code of conduct” under the NYSE and SEC rules and is available on our website at www.excelerateenergy.com. To the extent required under the listing rules and SEC rules, we intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of this Code, or waivers of such provisions, applicable to any of our executive officers or directors, on our website identified above.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days subsequent to December 31, 2023.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days subsequent to December 31, 2023.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days subsequent to December 31, 2023.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Our independent registered public accounting firm is PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Houston, Texas.
The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the 2024 Proxy Statement, which will be filed with the SEC not later than 120 days subsequent to December 31, 2023.
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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(1) Financial Statements
The consolidated financial statements and related notes of Excelerate Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries, together with the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report.
(2) Financial Statements Schedules
All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is presented in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
(3) Index to Exhibits
The exhibits required to be filed or furnished pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K are set forth below.
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ExhibitNumber Description
63
21.1* Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
97* Dodd-Frank Clawback Policy
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema with Embedded Linkbases Document
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
* Filed herewith.
† Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
‡ Certain portions of this exhibit have been redacted pursuant to Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to furnish an unredacted copy of this exhibit to the SEC upon request.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Date: February 29, 2024 By: /s/ Dana Armstrong
Dana Armstrong
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report had been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 29, 2024.
Signature Title (Position with Excelerate Energy, Inc.)
/s/ Steven Kobos President & Chief Executive Officer
Steven Kobos (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Dana Armstrong Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Dana Armstrong (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Michael Bent Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Michael Bent (Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Don P. Millican Chairman of the Board and Director
Don P. Millican
/s/ Carolyn J. Burke Director
Carolyn J. Burke
/s/ Deborah L. Byers Director
Deborah L. Byers
/s/ Paul T. Hanrahan Director
Paul T. Hanrahan
/s/ Henry G. Kleemeier Director
Henry G. Kleemeier
/s/ Robert A. Waldo Director
Robert A. Waldo
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 238) F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 F-4
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
Note 1 – General business information F-9
Note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies F-9
Note 3 – Fair value of financial instruments F-17
Note 4 – Accounts receivable, net F-18
Note 5 – Derivative financial instruments F-19
Note 6 – Inventories F-20
Note 7 – Other current assets F-20
Note 8 – Property and equipment, net F-20
Note 9 – Accrued liabilities F-21
Note 10 – Long-term debt, net F-21
Note 11 – Long-term debt – related party F-24
Note 12 – TRA liability F-25
Note 13 – Equity F-25
Note 14 – Earnings per share F-27
Note 15 – Leases F-27
Note 16 – Revenue F-29
Note 17 – Long-term incentive compensation F-32
Note 18 – Income taxes F-34
Note 19 – Related party transactions F-36
Note 20 – Defined contribution plan F-39
Note 21 – Concentration risk F-39
Note 22 – Commitments and contingencies F-40
Note 23 – Asset retirement obligations F-40
Note 25 – Accumulated other comprehensive income F-41
Note 26 – Subsequent events F-41
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To theBoard of Directors and Shareholders of Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Excelerate Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of changes in equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
F-2
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Revenue Recognition
As described in Notes 2 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements, revenues relate to revenue from leases (time charter contracts resulting in operating or sales-type leases) and revenue from contracts with customers (time charter, regasification, and other services) (collectively “FSRU and terminal services”) and gas sales. The time charter contracts contain a lease component for the use of the vessel and/or terminal and may contain non-lease components relating to the operation of the assets (i.e., time charter, regasifications and other services). For time charter contracts classified as operating leases, revenues from the lease component of the contracts are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter. The lease component of time charter contracts that are accounted for as sales-type leases is recognized over the lease term using the effective interest rate method. Additionally, as part of its operations, the Company sells natural gas and liquified natural gas (LNG), generally through its use of its floating storage and regasification unit fleet and terminals. Gas sales revenues are recognized at the point in time each unit of natural gas or LNG cargo is transferred to the control of the customer. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recognized total revenue of $1,159 million, comprised of revenue from leases of $343 million, from time charter, regasification and other services of $164 million, and gas sales of $652 million.
The principal consideration for our determination that performing procedures relating to revenue recognition is a critical audit matter is a high degree of auditor effort in performing procedures related to the Company’s revenue recognition.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the revenue recognition process. These procedures also included, among others (i) testing management’s assessment of contract classification for FSRU and terminal services and gas sales revenues; (ii) testing the completeness, accuracy, and occurrence of revenues by (a) obtaining and inspecting source documents, such as contracts, invoices and subsequent cash receipts for a sample of FSRU and terminal services non-lease transactions, (b) obtaining and inspecting the underlying contract terms to recalculate FSRU and terminal services operating lease revenues, (c) obtaining and inspecting the underlying contract terms and payments for a sample of FSRU and terminal services sales-type lease revenues, and (d) obtaining and inspecting supporting contracts, invoices, and volume reports for a sample of gas sales revenue; and (iii) confirming a sample of outstanding FSRU and terminal services and gas sales customer invoice balances as of December 31, 2023 and, for confirmations not returned, obtaining and inspecting source documents, such as invoices and remittance advices, and subsequent cash receipts.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
February 29, 2024
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2021.
F-3
Index to Financial Statements
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
ASSETS (In thousands)
Current assets
Current portion of restricted cash 2,655 2,614
Current portion of net investments in sales-type leases 16,463 13,344
Operating lease right-of-use assets 6,287 78,611
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accrued liabilities and other liabilities 88,052 66,888
Current portion of long-term debt – related party 8,336 7,661
Current portion of operating lease liabilities 1,744 33,612
Current portion of finance lease liabilities 22,080 20,804
Commitments and contingencies (Note 22)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 505 515
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Index to Financial Statements
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Years ended December 31,
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Revenues
Operating expenses
Restructuring, transition and transaction expenses — 6,900 13,974
Other income (expense)
Early extinguishment of lease liability on vessel acquisition — (21,834 ) —
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interest 96,432 55,119 3,035
Less pre-IPO net income attributable to EELP — 12,950 41,118
Net income attributable to shareholders $ 30,412 $ 13,323 $ —
Net income per common share – basic $ 1.16 $ 0.51
Net income per common share – diluted $ 1.11 $ 0.51
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Index to Financial Statements
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Years ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Cumulative translation adjustment (121 ) — —
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges (491 ) 5,453 3,325
Share of other comprehensive income of equity method investee 589 4,997 2,458
Pre-IPO other comprehensive income attributable to EELP — (5,458 ) (5,783 )
Less pre-IPO net income attributable to EELP — 12,950 41,118
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders $ 30,402 $ 17,558 $ —
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Index to Financial Statements
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Non-
Issued Related Accumulated controlling
Class A Class B Additional party other Non- interest –
Related party note receivable — — — — — — — (6,759 ) — — — — (6,759 )
Other comprehensive income — — — — — — — — 5,783 — — — 5,783
Related party note receivable — — — — — — — 6,759 — — — — 6,759
Pre-IPO capital contribution — — — — — — 1,574 — — — — — 1,574
Tax receivable agreement — — — — — — (14,938 ) — — — — — (14,938 )
Long-term incentive compensation — — — — — — 232 — — — 724 — 956
Class A dividends – $0.05 per share — — — — — (1,314 ) — — — — — — (1,314 )
EELP distributions to Class B interests — — — — — — — — — — (4,101 ) — (4,101 )
Other comprehensive loss — — — — — — — — (10 ) — (13 ) — (23 )
Long-term incentive compensation — — — — — — 882 — — — 2,757 — 3,639
Class A dividends – $0.10 per share — — — — — (2,667 ) — — — — — — (2,667 )
EELP distributions to Class B interests — — — — — — — — — — (8,203 ) — (8,203 )
Distributions — — — — — — — — — — (7,975 ) — (7,975 )
Restricted stock units vested 32,937 — — — — — — — — (472 ) — — (472 )
Shares withheld for taxes (3,077 ) — — — — — (52 ) — — — — — (52 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Index to Financial Statements
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Years ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities (In thousands)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities
Share of net earnings in equity method investee (883 ) (2,698 ) (3,263 )
Distributions from equity method investee 4,725 4,950 —
Long-term incentive compensation expense 3,639 956 —
Early extinguishment of lease liability on vessel acquisition — 21,834 —
Non-cash restructuring expense — 1,574 —
(Gain)/loss on non-cash items 1,001 (2,224 ) —
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Tax receivable agreement liability (5,890 ) — —
Cash flows from investing activities
Sales of property and equipment 4,101 — —
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net — 412,148 —
Proceeds from long-term debt – related party — 654,000 118,309
Proceeds from revolving credit facility — 140,000 —
Repayments of revolving credit facility — (140,000 ) —
Proceeds from Term Loan Facility 250,000 — —
Repayments of Term Loan Facility (64,570 ) — —
Related party note receivables — — (200,500 )
Collections of related party note receivables — 6,600 122,338
Settlement of finance lease liability – related party — (25,000 ) —
Principal payments under finance lease liabilities (20,619 ) (20,499 ) (36,262 )
Cash paid for withholding taxes (52 ) — —
Minority owner contribution – Albania Power Project 3,462 1,932 —
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-8
Index to Financial Statements
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.
General business information
Excelerate Energy, Inc. (“Excelerate” and together with its subsidiaries, “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) offers flexible liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) solutions, providing integrated services along the LNG value chain. We offer a full range of flexible regasification services, from floating storage and regasification units (“FSRUs”) to infrastructure development, to LNG and natural gas supply. Excelerate was incorporated on September 10, 2021 as a Delaware corporation and formed as a holding company to own, as its sole material asset, a controlling equity interest in Excelerate Energy Limited Partnership (“EELP”), a Delaware limited partnership formed in December 2003 by George B. Kaiser (together with his affiliates other than the Company, “Kaiser”). On April 18, 2022, Excelerate closed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 18,400,000 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), at an offering price of $24.00 per share, pursuant to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-262065), and its prospectus (the “Prospectus”), dated April 12, 2022 and filed on April 14, 2022 with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The IPO generated gross proceeds of $441.6 million before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of $25.4 million and IPO-related expenses of $7.6 million.
The proceeds of the IPO were used in part (a) to purchase an approximately 24.2% ownership interest in EELP at a per-interest price equal to the IPO price of $24.00 per share, and (b) to fund a $50.0 million cash payment as part of EELP’s purchase of all of the issued and outstanding membership interests in Excelsior, LLC and FSRU Vessel (Excellence), LLC (f/k/a Excellence, LLC), (collectively, the “Foundation Vessels”) ((a) and (b) collectively with the IPO, the “IPO Transaction”). See further discussion of the Foundation Vessels in Note 8 – Property and equipment, net. Following the IPO, Kaiser owned directly or indirectly the remaining approximately 75.8% of the ownership interests in EELP. As of December 31, 2023, Kaiser owned directly or indirectly approximately 75.7% of the ownership interests in EELP. The remaining 24.3% of the ownership interests were held by the Company as of December 31, 2023. The IPO Transaction, whereby Excelerate began to consolidate EELP in its consolidated financial statements, was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control. As a result, the consolidated financial statements of Excelerate recognized the assets and liabilities received from EELP in the reorganization at their historical carrying amounts and retroactively reflected them in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the earliest period presented.
In September 2021, as part of an anticipated reorganization in connection with the IPO, certain entities under common control of Kaiser were contributed to EELP (the “Northeast Gateway Contribution”). These entities include Excelerate New England GP, LLC, Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge, LP and Excelerate New England Lateral, LLC (“ENE Lateral” and, together with Excelerate New England GP, LLC and Northeast Gateway Energy Bridge, LP, the “Northeast Companies”). Since the Northeast Gateway Contribution is considered a transaction with entities under common control, EELP accounted for the Northeast Companies’ assets and liabilities received at their parent carrying values and retroactively reflected them in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of the earliest period presented.
In October 2022, Excelerate Energy Holdings, LLC (“EE Holdings”), the indirect sole member of Excelerate New England Onshore, LLC (“ENE Onshore”), and EELP, the sole member of ENE Lateral, entered into a merger agreement, pursuant to which ENE Onshore was merged with and into ENE Lateral (the “ENE Onshore Merger”). ENE Lateral was the surviving entity and ENE Onshore ceased to exist as a separate entity. EE Holdings retained responsibility for all liabilities and obligations of ENE Onshore arising prior to the ENE Onshore Merger. Prior to the ENE Onshore Merger, Excelerate consolidated ENE Onshore as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) as Excelerate was determined to be the primary beneficiary of ENE Onshore. As a result of the ENE Onshore Merger, Excelerate no longer has a non-controlling interest related to ENE Onshore. See Note 19 – Related party transactions for more details on this merger.
Basis of Presentation
These consolidated financial statements and related notes include the assets, liabilities and results of operations of Excelerate and its consolidated subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). All transactions among Excelerate and its consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. In management’s opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement are reflected. Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
2.
Summary of significant accounting policies
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
F-9
Index to Financial Statements
Excelerate Energy, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include useful lives of property and equipment, asset retirement obligations, and the allocation of the transaction price to performance obligations and lease components. Management evaluates its estimates and related assumptions regularly. Changes in facts and circumstances or additional information may result in revised estimates, and actual results may differ from these estimates.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company performed a review of the estimated useful lives of our FSRU vessels. As a relatively new asset class, being first built in 2005, we initially estimated a useful life of 30 years with no salvage value. As the vessels approach almost 20 years of life, there has been improved visibility into the expected term of FSRU productive capabilities, demand, and salvage potential. As a result, the Company changed the useful lives of our FSRU vessel assets to 40 years and added an estimated salvage value. This change in accounting estimate resulted in a decrease in depreciation expense of $6.0 million, an increase in net income of $5.7 million, and an increase to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.04 and $0.04, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, entities controlled by the Company through its direct or indirect ownership of a majority interest and any other entities in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. The Company eliminates all significant intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation. The Company consolidates VIEs where the Company holds direct or implicit variable interests and is the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The primary beneficiary determination is both qualitative and quantitative and requires the Company to make judgments and assumptions about the entity’s total equity investment at risk, its forecasted financial performance, and the volatility inherent in those forecasted results. Events are considered for all existing entities to determine if they may result in an entity becoming a VIE or the Company becoming the primary beneficiary of an existing VIE. The ownership interest of other investors in consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs is recorded as non-controlling interests.
The Company had determined that ENE Onshore was a VIE based on the results of the analysis described above. As of December 31, 2020, one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, ENE Lateral, was the provider of a promissory note to ENE Onshore in the amount of $102.0 million and used capacity rights in a pipeline secured by ENE Onshore from a third party. As the Company and its related parties had the power to direct the activities related to the capacity rights and the obligation to absorb losses which could be significant to ENE Onshore, the Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary. As such, we consolidated the assets and liabilities of ENE Onshore and showed its net loss as non-controlling interest – ENE Onshore on our consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2021 and through October 2022. In September 2021, the promissory note from ENE Onshore was repaid, and an agreement was entered into that significantly limited the ability of ENE Lateral to receive benefits from the use of the pipeline capacity. However, ENE Lateral still controlled the capacity rights, and therefore, ENE Lateral continued to be the primary beneficiary as of December 31, 2021. In October 2022, ENE Onshore was merged with and into ENE Lateral. For more details, see Note 1 – General business information.