Golar LNG Ltd. — Earnings Release 2009

Feb 26, 2010

PRELIMINARY FOURTH QUARTER AND FINANCIAL YEAR 2009 RESULTS

Highlights

· Golar LNG reports consolidated net income of $17.4 million and consolidated

operating income of $19.2 million

· Results positively impacted by a full quarters trading for Golar Winter and

improved results from Golar LNG Energy's spot traded vessels

· Sale of LNG Limited shares results in net gain of $8.4 million

· Floating regas projects taking shape; Golar LNG Energy well positioned for

next contract(s)

· Restructuring of Gladstone LNG Fisherman's Landing project

Financial Review

Golar LNG Limited ("Golar" or the "Company") reports consolidated net income of

$17.4 million and consolidated operating income of $19.2 million for the three

months ended 31 December, 2009 (the "fourth quarter").

Revenues in the fourth quarter were $65.5 million representing an increase of

30% from $50.3 million for the third quarter of 2009 (the "third quarter"). This

is mainly as a result of a full quarter's contribution from the Golar Winter

together with the contribution to revenue from spot traded vessels also showing

a marked improvement despite the drydocking of one vessel. As a result

utilisation for the fourth quarter was at 93% compared to 80% for the third

quarter and fourth quarter average daily time charter equivalents ("TCEs")

increased to $62,471 compared to third quarter TCE of $44,142.

Voyage expenses decreased from $9.6 million in the third quarter of 2009 to $7.2

million for the fourth quarter mainly due to an improved utilisation of spot

traded vessels. The improvement in utilisation rates has resulted in lower fuel

costs paid for by Golar. Vessel operating expenses were lower at $14.9 million

for the fourth quarter compared to $15.7 million for the third quarter.

Net interest expense for the fourth quarter at $11.7 million was down from $12.5

million in the third quarter. This is mainly due to a decrease in LIBOR during

the quarter and a reduction in debt levels as a result of amortisation from

regular repayments.

Other financial items have decreased from a gain of $10.5 million for the third

quarter to a gain of $7.2 million in the fourth quarter. An increase in

long-term interest rates resulted in mark-to-market valuation gains of $5.1

million on interest rate swaps as compared to losses in the third quarter of

$2.3 million. However, the total other financial items gain still decreased

because of a gain of $7.8 million recorded in the third quarter arising from the

termination of an equity swap. Additionally, there were net gains of $2.3

million in the fourth quarter in respect of currency retranslations and currency

forward contract valuations. During the quarter, the Company also terminated its

equity swap in respect of its own shares which resulted in a net gain of $0.6

million.

Equity in net earnings of associates relates mainly to the company's 50%

investment Bluewater Gandria NV, the owner of the vessel Gandria, and the

Company's investment in LNG Limited. As a result principally of the Company's

reduction in its ownership stake in LNG Limited the Company has discontinued

equity accounting for this investment from November 2009.

The gain on sale of investee of $8.4 million represents the sale of 9.6 million

LNG Limited shares as discussed further below.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 Golar reports net income of $23

million, operating income of $31 million and operating revenues of $216 million

as compared to, a net loss of $10 million, operating income of $132 million and

operating revenues of $229 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The

decrease in operating income is mainly accounted for by a $78 million decrease

in gains on sale of assets in 2009. Net income is increased despite the fall in

operating income as a result of a decrease in other financial items charges

which were loss in 2008 of $82 million as compared to a gain in 2009 of $44

million. The improvement largely relates to losses on the mark-to-market

valuations of interest rate swaps, currency derivatives and currency

retranslations in 2008 as compared to gains in respect of the same in 2009.

Financing, corporate and other matters

During the quarter the Company issued 250,000 new share options with a strike

price of $11.80 and also cancelled 1,058,083 options; additionally 200,000

options were exercised that had a strike price of $9.89. After this new issue,

cancellation and exercise the remaining outstanding options amount to

1,546,834. Golar Energy also issued share options to directors and employees

totalling 3,940,000 at a strike price $2.20. All options vest over a period of

two years and eight months.

In November 2009, the Company terminated an equity swap in 300,000 of its own

shares, originally priced at Nok41, and concurrently bought 300,000 at the

market price of Nok73 (approximately $13). The total transaction realised a gain

of approximately $1.7 million of which approximately $0.6 million is recorded in

the fourth quarter. After this transaction Golar holds a total of 450,000 of its

own shares.

In November 2009, Golar LNG Energy Limited ("Golar Energy") sold a block of 9.6

million LNG Limited shares which reduces its shareholding to approximately 6.3%

of LNG Limited's issued share capital. The Gladstone LNG Fisherman's Landing

project is discussed more fully below. The sale realised funds of approximately

$11 million and resulted in an accounting profit of $8.4 million.

In connection with the stock dividend of Golar Energy shares in respect of the

third quarter of 2009 Golar distributed a total of 6.8 million Golar Energy

shares. After this distribution Golar's total holding is 161.6 million shares or

approximately 71%.

As at December 31, 2009 there was $10 million outstanding under the World

Shipholding $80 million revolving credit facility.

Golar has continued to work with potential lenders in respect of the financing

of the Golar Freeze. The financing relates to the transfer of the vessel from

Golar Energy to Golar once it goes on charter to the Dubai Supply Authority. The

Board remains confident that, based on indicative offers received, an acceptable

resolution of the refinancing will be forthcoming.

After Golar Freeze commences its charter in the second quarter, the 5 ships on

long term charter will generate approximately $72 to $75 million in yearly free

cash flow after debt service. This number is after approximately $50 million in

debt amortisation. This cash flow will further increase in 2013 when Golar

Mazo's debt will have been fully repaid.

The Board expects, based on these fundamentals, that a cash dividend will

commence in respect of the second quarter of 2010. In the meantime however, the

Board has decided to propose a second Golar Energy stock dividend in respect of

the fourth quarter of 2009. One Golar Energy share will be distributed for every

7 shares held in Golar. Dates for this dividend will be announced separately.

Operational Review

Shipping

Spot market activity increased favourably in the fourth quarter which also saw

all Golar spot vessels improve their trading performance.  Available tonnage in

the Atlantic Basin was fairly tight although limited opportunities existed for

those vessels that were not cold and load-ready for spot activity.  Vessel

charter rates were also up but still have some room for improvement.  Low gas

prices supported last quarter's increased activity and, with available (albeit

tightening) ship supply, LNG suppliers have managed to secure transport at low

rates and secure positive netbacks. The market in the second half of 2009 was

further supported by a relatively steep seasonal contango in the gas market.

This contango is seasonal and has disappeared in the first quarter of 2010.

Recent indications and lack of spot market activity indicate that winter demand

has fallen away quite rapidly, vessel availability has increased and further

competition is becoming evident from existing project-based ships now providing

backhaul services at rate levels that further undermine the market. However,

increased demand as the world moves out of recession allied to an increasing

flexible supply of LNG in 2010, should in the Company's opinion, mean that

market fundamentals will support a much needed improvement in charter rates and

utilisation going forward, albeit that at least the first part of 2010 will be

very challenging.

The current fleet stands at approximately 340 ships, a 21% increase from the

280 ships at the end of 2008 driven by an equally significant increase, albeit

somewhat delayed, in LNG production. However, no new orders have been placed

since May 2008 until a recently reported single vessel order. This means 37 new

vessels will be delivered between now and end 2012 compared to 38 Vessels in

2009 and some 53 new deliveries in 2008. By the end of 2010 only 11 ships

currently remain to be delivered representing only 3% of the total fleet.

Contrary to other shipping markets such a low order book gives reasons for

conditional optimism.

Regasification

The outlook for new floating storage and regasification projects remains

encouraging. Many LNG import terminal developers are taking the necessary and

material steps to support the next wave of floating regasification contracts

after the hiatus in 2009 following the global financial crisis.

Pre-qualification ("PQ")/Request for Proposal ("RFP") activity is on the rise;

regas developers are engaging technical consultants to scope new projects; and

interestingly inquiry among oil and gas majors has increased. Recent and notable

public market activity includes:

·         Indonesia (West Java):  Golar Energy has recently received a PQ from

the Indonesian national oil and gas company, Pertamina and national gas

transmission company, PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) Tbk ("PGN") for a ~3

MTA/year offshore LNG receiving terminal, targeted for a 4Q2011 start-up in West

Java.  Golar Energy will submit a PQ. Contract award is targeted for 3Q2010.

·         Indonesia (Sumatra): Golar Energy has responded with interest in PGNs

solicitation of interest for a ~1-2 MTA/year floating storage and regasification

terminal, targeted for a 1H2012 start-up in North Sumatra.  The PQ is expected

to be launched within 1Q2010 with contract award targeted for 4Q2010.

·         Jamaica: Golar Energy has recently submitted a proposal of interest in

response to the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica's  RFP for a ~2 MTA/year

offshore LNG receiving terminal,  targeted for a 2012 start-up.

·         Israel:   Golar Energy has submitted the qualification documents for

the Government of Israel ("GOI") LNG Import Terminal PQ process for a ~3

MTA/year offshore LNG receiving terminal offshore, targeted for a 2H2013

start-up.  Site selection is still underway. The GOI is finalizing the

qualification process for eligible participants.

* Uruguay:  The governments of Uruguay and Argentina have agreed to build an

LNG regasification terminal to be located in Uruguay to supply natural gas

to both countries. Foster Wheeler Iberia has been retained to develop the

tender basis.  Golar Energy is closely monitoring activities with strong

interest.

The Board remains committed to and confident in delivering the next FSRU

contracts and is taking pro-active steps to position and ensure coverage of the

full market. Company calculations show that floating terminals can be

significantly cheaper and are more flexible than land based alternatives. In

addition floating terminals benefit from a significantly faster time to start

up.

Golar Freeze has been at Keppel Shipyard since September 2009 undergoing its

FSRU conversion prior to its delivery to Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP) under a

10 year charter. Work is well advanced and the vessel is scheduled to leave the

shipyard early in the second quarter of 2010. The Golar Winter has performed

well since acceptance on charter in the third quarter 2009.

Liquefaction

As reported last quarter the Gladstone LNG Fisherman's Landing Project continues

to move forward positively.

However, during the 4th quarter it became clear that the upstream gas producing

wells would not obtain full environmental approval needed for financial close

until well past March 2010. However, for the project to maintain the start up

target date of end 2012 it would be necessary to take a firm investment decision

(FID) by March 2010. This would result in the need for equity financing over at

least a 12 month period. It became apparent that under the above circumstances

and given the reported capital costs, that the project would not progress under

the original HOA's and, as a result, all parties were not prepared to move

forward with them.

With the objective of achieving project FID by March 2010 and to provide

increased certainty of the project's first LNG shipment in late 2012, Arrow and

LNG Ltd agreed in February 2010  that Arrow will acquire the LNG Ltd subsidiary

Gladstone LNG that holds the rights to develop the Fisherman's Landing site, all

approvals and the pre-development work. LNG Ltd as the 100% owner of Gladstone

LNG had undertaken all the prefunding requirements for the work in Gladstone

LNG, Golar Energy has not had any money at risk and Golar Energy will not

receive any consideration from the acquisition by Arrow.

As a result of the aforementioned restructuring Golar Energy has entered into a

HOA on the Shipping and Marketing with Arrow for the sale of LNG from the

project.  Golar Energy will provide marketing services to Arrow and Golar Energy

will receive a royalty for these services based on the LNG sales price and

quantity. In addition Golar will time charter two LNG carriers to Arrow to

transport the LNG to the end customer. There are significant conditions

precedent to the HOA agreement which relate to the successful conclusion of a

LNG sales and purchase agreement ("SPA"). If these are not met there is no

guarantee that Golar will have any role in the project. Golar Energy currently

has a HOA with Toyota Tsusho Corporation as buyer of the LNG from the first

train.

This restructuring is clearly a departure from the position originally planned.

However, assuming Golar Energy is successful in securing this revised role, the

restructuring is positive in that it removes any risk associated with upstream

approvals or capital cost increases and would lock in the employment for two LNG

carriers and provide a minimum royalty with upside related to oil price. Whilst

the absolute cash returns would be lower than previously anticipated there is

also a significantly reduced equity requirement, including no equity support

that Golar Energy was required to provide LNG Limited under the pre-existing

arrangements.

Golar Energy and PTTEP announced in January 2010 the joint termination of the

Heads of Agreement and Joint Study Agreement governing their joint development

of a floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) project based on the gas fields in

North West Australia owned by PTTEP. The two Companies also announced their

termination of a Memorandum of Understanding covering their global cooperation

to identify and develop FLNG projects.

Golar Energy will continue to actively pursue FLNG projects which fit with its

financial objectives and best captures its technical capabilities. Golar

Energy's FLNG strategy will be expanded to include the development of low

capital cost, rapid deployment floating facilities utilising the conversion of

high quality existing LNG carriers, floating technologies for the liquefaction

of pipeline quality gas or associated gas (requiring minimal processing) and

seek other innovative LNG solutions. This strategy complements Golar Energy's

industry leadership position in floating LNG regasification facilities

development. In an era of intense competition in the LNG industry and the high

cost and long lead time of land based LNG facilities, Golar Energy believes

highly cost efficient approaches based on floating LNG liquefaction, storage and

offtake, shipping and regasification facilities of the types now being developed

by the company will be key to substantial additional growth opportunities.

Market

Last year's recession along with the start-up of new production and import

capacity triggered a sizeable shift in the overall distribution of LNG trade.

In addition cold weather across the Northern Hemisphere spurred stronger gas

demand in December with consumption reaching new record highs in parts of

Europe.  However enough spare capacity existed throughout the supply chain to

prevent large price spikes.

The U.S. stepped-up its LNG consumption last year despite the domestic shale gas

boom, on the back of falling demand elsewhere and the abundance of supply at low

prices.  Last year witnessed a nearly worldwide crash in industrial gas demand,

which in the US pushed gas prices so low that the fuel began backing out coal in

many parts of the electricity sector, thus preventing a complete collapse in

prices

Far Eastern consumption dropped but recovered somewhat at the end of last year.

There were higher import volumes for Japan, Korea and Taiwan compared to the

same period a year earlier as demand recovered from the recession-led dip.

Prices remained lower than a year previous however.

The nature of LNG's role in the gas market is set to change since as much as 60

million tons per year of global LNG is expected to be flexible supply in 2010.

This means that nearly 3% of global natural gas consumption can be redirected to

whatever market offers the best netback to sellers.

The amount of new LNG capacity coming on line over the course of 2010 will be

circa 23.1 million tons/yr compared to 46.5 million tons/yr last year.  The

2010 number may well shift if Qatar's last train is completed by September, as

now scheduled, or the Peruvian LNG project slips into early 2011, as many

expect. Nonetheless uncommitted LNG is set to double in 2010 to 60 million tons.

In addition, 2009 saw two final investment decisions with Chevron's 15 million

tonne Gorgon project and Exxon's 6.6 million PNG LNG project. Both projects are

expected to be operational by 2014.

One notable development from last year was that December saw the first re-export

from a U.S. LNG storage facility, the cargo being loaded at Freeport and sold

into Korea

Outlook

The LNG sector has suffered as a result of the global recession and the

successful development of shale gas in the US. This, in combination with new LNG

supply coming on stream has resulted in downward pressure on LNG prices.

Several LNG trains around the world are running at reduced capacity and with the

new capacity it could take some time before we see a balance in the demand and

supply situation. However, this oversupply and increased flexible supply might

also create some arbitrage opportunities which would benefit an over supplied

spot shipping market as well as making more regasification projects realistic.

There are clear similarities between the more flexible structure of the LNG

market which is now emerging and the opening of the crude oil market in the

1970's. There is increased activity by traders and spot cargoes are still at a

limited level.

The break even cost for Mid East LNG production is supported by the value of

associated crude and condensate production and makes it highly likely that LNG

will be a competitive and growing commodity, also in an environment influenced

by increased US shale gas production. The strong gas demand coming out of China

further supports this case.

By end of 2010 there is a significant decline in the rate of growth of the fleet

and with no new buildings ordered during 2009.  The Company believes that we

will begin to see a tightening of the shipping market over  the next twelve to

eighteen months. Based on the long term demand for LNG the capacity of the LNG

fleet will have to be increased also taking into account that a number of the

old vessels will be scrapped or converted into regasification or floating

liquefaction vessels.

The floating regasification market is looking more and more promising with

increased interest in floating regasification from all over the world.  With the

uncertainties in the global market of the past eighteen months slowly being

overcome project developers in this market seem to be much more focused and

serious and the Company believes that there will be a few new FSRU contracts

awarded during 2010. New players are trying to enter the market, however the

Company believes that Golar Energy is in a good position to secure contracts

based on its previous experience in this market.

The company has gained valuable floating liquefaction (FLNG) experience through

the work done with PTTEP and other studies. The Company is extremely cognizant

of the significant challenges to undertake a large scale FLNG project as

conceived by some market participants, both from a technical, commercial and

financing point of view. The Company believes that there are alternative niche

markets to be developed  in this sector and during the last 6 months has

developed a FLNG concept for a 1 million ton per annum unit which could liquefy

pre-treated/pipe gas/coalseam gas at a very competitive capital cost per ton.

The company will selectively continue to pursue the FLNG market. The Company

also believes that further worldwide opportunities exist in solutions which

integrate power production and regas projects.

Golar will use the current weak freight market to seek much needed consolidation

opportunities. The Board is further considering strategic opportunities to

maximize the value of the Company's long term charter tonnage to the benefit of

Golar LNGs shareholders.

Operating results for the first quarter of 2010 are likely to be significantly

negatively impacted by the seasonal decline in utilisation of the Company's

vessels operating in the spot market. However, Golar now has four of its five

long-term contracted vessels operational with the final vessel due for delivery

to its charterer in the second quarter of 2010. The Company is further supported

by relatively low financial gearing, a healthy cash position and competitive

cash break even rates. There are strong reasons for expecting a good improvement

in shipping rates medium to long term; however shareholders should be aware that

the next few quarters will be challenging to keep utilisation and rates of the

spot ships at financially rewarding levels.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are

based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further

assumptions, including examination of historical operating trends made by the

management of Golar LNG. Although Golar LNG believes that these assumptions were

reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant

uncertainties and contingencies, which are difficult or impossible to predict

and are beyond its control, Golar LNG cannot give assurance that it will achieve

or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions.

Included among the factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual

results to differ materially from the forward looking statements contained in

this press release are the following: inability of the Company to obtain

financing for the new building vessels at all or on favourable terms; changes in

demand; a material decline or prolonged weakness in rates for LNG carriers;

political events affecting production in areas in which natural gas is produced

and demand for natural gas in areas to which our vessels deliver; changes in

demand for natural gas generally or in particular regions; changes in the

financial stability of our major customers; adoption of new rules and

regulations applicable to LNG carriers and FSRU's; actions taken by regulatory

authorities that may prohibit the access of LNG carriers or FSRU's to various

ports; our inability to achieve successful utilisation of our expanded fleet and

inability to expand beyond the carriage of LNG; increases in costs including:

crew wages, insurance, provisions, repairs and maintenance; changes in general

domestic and international political conditions; the current turmoil in the

global financial markets and deterioration thereof; changes in applicable

maintenance or regulatory standards that could affect our anticipated

dry-docking or maintenance and repair costs; our ability to timely complete our

FSRU conversions; failure of shipyards to comply with delivery schedules on a

timely basis and other factors listed from time to time in registration

statements and reports that we have filed with or furnished to the Securities

and Exchange Commission, including our Registration Statement on Form 20-F and

subsequent announcements and reports. Nothing contained in this press release

shall constitute an offer of any securities for sale.

February 25, 2010

The Board of Directors

Golar LNG Limited

Hamilton, Bermuda

Questions should be directed to:

Golar Management Ltd - +44 207 063 7900:

Graham Robjohns

Brian Tienzo

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl

(Norwegian Securities Trading Act)

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