By Sarfaraz
A. Khan
Summary: Golar
LNG, along with its MLP Golar LNG Partners, is one of the leading shippers of
LNG. Golar LNG has struggled due to the tough business environment, which will
likely persist throughout the current year. Its long-term outlook, however, is
really what this company is all about.
Previously, I
talked about Cheniere Energy (NYSEMKT:LNG) which could turn into one of the
earliest and biggest beneficiaries from the changing global LNG demand-supply
landscape. This time, I will talk about another company which could also be one
of the major beneficiaries of this trend.
The
Norway-based Golar LNG (NASDAQ:GLNG), one of the world's leading independent
owners and operators of LNG carrying vessels, has struggled with profitability
and growth, partly due to the tough business environment and dropdown of assets
to its master limited partnership, or MLP, Golar LNG Partners (NASDAQ:GMLP).
Moreover, company is not seeing any meaningful uptake in demand in the near
term. Its long-term outlook, however, looks way more interesting.
The
C-corporation and the MLP own 17 LNG vessels. The partnership owns nine
vessels, all of which are operating under long-term contracts that are
responsible for 87% of the total revenues of the two entities. Golar LNG, on
the other hand, owns the remaining eight vessels, most of which operate on spot
or short-term availability.
Fleet
Expansion
