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Golar LNG (GLNG) Up 12.3% Since Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

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A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Golar LNG Limited (GLNG - Free Report) . Shares have added about 12.3% in that time frame.

Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is GLNG due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.

First-Quarter Earnings

Golar LNG posted narrower-than-expected loss of 21 cents per share in the first quarter of 2018. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same stood at a loss of 22 cents. The bottom line also climbed substantially from the year-ago quarter.

Total operating revenues came in at $66.2 million in the quarter under review, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $60.5 million. Moreover, the top line surged more than 100% year over year. Results were boosted by improvements in hire rates and round-trip economics. Of the total revenues, Time and voyage charter revenues accounted for the bulk (68.9%), grossing $45.63 million (up more than 100% year over year). While Time charter revenues - collaborative arrangement were $14.48 million (up 97.4%), Vessel and other management fees were $6.07 million (up 20.3%).

Total operating expenses rose 10.3% in the quarter under discussion to $73.36 million. Vessel operating expenses soared 42.3% to $18.42 million. This downside was driven by additional crew, maintenance and logistics expenses from the recently reactivated Golar Viking.

Liquidity

At the end of the first quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $172.38 million compared with $214.86 million at December 2017 end. As of Mar 31, 2018, the company’s long-term debt totaled $1.09 billion compared with $1.02 billion as of Dec 31, 2017.

Outlook

Seasonal softening of the shipping market will affect top-line growth in the second quarter. However, recovery of the same is projected from the third quarter onward. The company also hopes for new production and rising ton miles besides large price differential between European and Asian LNG prices as well as US gas prices.
 

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?

In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates. There have been four revisions lower for the current quarter. In the past month, the consensus estimate has shifted downward by 389.3% due to these changes.

Golar LNG Limited Price and Consensus

VGM Scores

At this time, GLNG has an average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a lot on the momentum front with an F. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of F on the value side, putting it in the fifth quintile for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

The company's stock is suitable solely for growth based on our styles scores.

Outlook

Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, GLNG has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.


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