Finanzbuchhaltung und Naturkapital: Palmöl

​The analysis of NFE’s filing reveals a concerning trend of declining truthfulness and increasing deceptive elements over time. DATA scores across filings have steadily decreased, indicating potential changes in transparency. Deceptive fragments, particularly in critical areas like revenue recognition, operations, and VIEs, have risen significantly, with the 2022 filings showing the highest levels yet. These trends are accompanied by notable changes in operational risk disclosures and project descriptions, reflecting both evolving narratives ad possible attempts to align with regulatory expectations. This section delves into these findings, highlighting the key patterns and their implications for stakeholders.

 

Overall trends across four filings

 

As of 2022 filings had a lower probability of truthfulness. NFE’s filings have shown a consistent decrease in the probability of truthfulness when compared to the previous filing. The DATA score decreased from 19.0% in 2021 3Q 10(q) to 14.6% in 2021 10(k), then to 12.8% in 2022 1Q 10(q), and to 8.4% in 2022 2Q 10(q).

 

Increase in the percentage of deceptive fragments in 2022 filings

 

The 2022 NFE filings have a higher percentage of deceptive fragments compared to 2021 NFE filings. In 2021, the 2021 3Q 10(q) report and 2021 10(k) annual report contain around ~38% of deceptive fragments. Yet, the 2022 1Q and 2Q 10(q) report both contain around ~50% of deceptive fragments.

 

Most deceptive fragments across all four filings

 

2021 3Q 10(q) Report

• Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) and Revenue Recognition: Fragment 8 (-35.9%)

• Related Party Transactions: Fragment 17 (-43.1%)

• Results of Operation: Fragment 23 (-43.2%)

 

2021 10(k) Report

• Facilities and LNG Supply Contracts: Fragment 2 and 3 (-29.9%, -33.4%)

• Current Operations (Terminals, Infrastructure, Ships): Fragment 40 (-23.8%)

• Results of Operations: Fragment 43 (-32.4%)

• VIEs and Revenue Recognition: Fragment 72 (-34.3%)

 

2022 1Q 10(q) Report

• VIEs, Other VIEs, Revenue Recognition: Fragment 5 (-46.7%)

• Leases (Lessee): Fragment 7 (-41.0%)

• Results of Operations: Fragments 19 (-63.4%) and 22 (-45.0%)

 

2022 2Q 10(q) Report

• Other VIEs, Revenue Recognition: Fragment 5 (-44.8%)

• Leases (Lessee): Fragment 7 (-39.0%)

• Financial Instrument, Restricted Cash, Inventory, Prepaid Expenses, Equity Method Investments: Fragment 9 (-51.7%)

• PP&E, Goodwill, Intangible Assets, Non-Current Assets, Accrued Liabilities, Other Liabilities, Debt: Fragment 11 (-70.4%)

• Segments: Fragment 16 (-70.3%)

• Results of Operations: Fragment 23 (-77.9%)

 

Key Observations
 

• The 2022 2Q 10(q) report exhibits the highest deceptive score, with fragment 23 on Results of Operations scoring -77.9%

• Across the 10(q) filings, deceptive scores for Results of Operations have consistently increased:

  • 2021 3Q 10(q): -43.2%

  • 2022 1Q 10(q): -63.4%

  • 2022 2Q 10(q): -77.9%

 

In NFE’s 2021 3Q 10(q) report, the most deceptive fragments included Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) and Revenue Recognition in fragment 8 (-35.9%), Related party transactions in fragment 17 (-43.1%), and Result of Operations in fragment 23 (-43.2%).

 

In NFE’s 2021 10(k) report, the most deceptive fragments include descriptions of NFE’s Facilities and LNG Supply Contracts and Liquefaction Assets in fragments 2 to 3 (-29.9% and -33.4%). Fragment 40 on its current operations (terminals and infrastructure, ships) and development projects has a deceptive score of -23.8%. Fragment 43 on its Result of Operations (-32.4%) and fragment 72 on VIEs and Revenue Recognition (-34.3%) also have high deceptive scores.

 

In NFE’s 2022 1Q 10(q) report, the most deceptive fragments include VIEs, Other VIEs, Revenue Recognition in fragment 5 (-46.7%), Leases, as lessee in fragment 7 (-41.0%), Results of Operations in fragment 19 and 22 (-63.4% and –45.0%).

 

In NFE’s 2022 2Q 10(q) report, the most deceptive fragments include Other VIEs, Revenue Recognition in fragment 5 (-44.8%), Leases, as lessee (-39.0%), Financial instruments, Restricted cash, Inventory, Prepaid expenses and other current assets, Equity method investments in fragment 9 (-51.7%), PP&E, Goodwill and intangible assets, Other non-current assets, Accrued liabilities, Other current liabilities, Debt in fragment 11 (-70.4%), Segments in fragment 16 (-70.3%), and Results of Operations in fragment 23 (-77.9%).

 

Among all four filings, the most recent 2022 2Q 10(q) report had the highest deceptive score, with fragment 23 on Results of Operations obtaining -77.9%.

 

Among the 10(q) filings, the Result of Operations fragment with the highest deceptive score within the filing has increased from -43.2% in the 2021 3Q 10(q) report to -63.4% in the 2022 1Q 10(q) report, then to -77.9% in the 2022 2Q 10(q) report.

 

Description of NFE’s operation risks

 

While fragment 30 on the 2022 1Q 10(q) and fragment 35 2022 2Q (10q) report contained the same subject matters “Operation of our infrastructure, facilities and vessels involve significant risk” and “We depend on third-party contractors, operators and suppliers”, the score has changed from likely deceptive (74.7%) to likely truthful (-74.9%). As we compared the vocabulary in the text, there were changes in vocabulary in the description for the first subject, but not for the second subject, highlighted in yellow.

 

The following text is on page 57 of 2022 1Q 10(q) and page 63 of 2022 2Q 10(q).

 

“accidents that could result in personal injury or loss of life” switched to “accidents, fires, explosions or other events or catastrophes”.

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“pollution or environmental contamination affecting operation” switched to “pollution, release of or exposure to toxic substances, or environmental contamination affecting operation”

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“Furthermore, we are subject to risks related to marine LNG operations with respect to our FSRUs and LNG carriers, which operations are complex and technically challenging and subject to mechanical risks and problems.” switched to “In particular, we are subject to risks related to the operation of power plants, liquefaction facilities, marine and hazardous risks and problems.

 

NFE’s Development Projects

 

The probability of deceptiveness had decreased in NFE’s description of its development projects from 2022 1Q 10(q) to 2022 2Q 10(q). While fragment 17 in 2022 1Q 10(q) and fragment 20 in 2022 2Q 10(q) contained “Our Development Projects”, the DATA score  changed from -30.2% to -19.2%.

 

In the 2022 2Q 10(q) report, NFE made changes to its description of its development projects, highlighted in yellow. The following text is on page 37-38 of the 2022 1Q 10(q) report and page 40-41 of the 2022 2Q 10(q) report.

 

The following sentence was inserted at the end of the description for the La Paz Facility

 

“We are exploring a potential sale of the La Paz Power Plant; we do not plan to recognize a loss on the sale.”

 

The following description was edited under “Barcarena Facility”

 

“The Barcarena Facility is expected to supply gas to a new 605MW combined cycle thermal power plant to be located in Pará, Brazil (the “Barcarena Power Plant”), which is supported by multiple 25-year power purchase agreement to supply electricity to the national electricity grid. The Barcarena Facility is expected to supply gas to third-party industrial and power customers as well as a new 605MW combined cycle thermal power plant to be located in Pará, Brazil which we own (the “Barcarena Power Plant”), which is supported by multiple 25-year power purchase agreement to supply electricity to the national electricity grid.”

 

The description of the “Suape Facility” was taken out in the 2022 2Q 10(q) report.

 

The following edits were made to “Sri Lanka Facility”, with the second sentence taken out of the 2022 2Q 10(q) report.

 

“We plan to develop an offshore LNG receiving…an additional 700MW is scheduled to be built.”

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“We may develop an offshore LNG receiving…an additional 700MW is scheduled to be built.”

 

An additional description was added to “Other Projects”.

 

“In particular, we are currently in discussions with Petróleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”) to form a long-term strategic partnership to develop the Lakach deepwater natural gas field for Pemex to supply natural gas to Mexico's onshore domestic market and for NFE to produce LNG for export to global markets. If the parties form a partnership, NFE expects to invest in the continued development of the Lakach field over a two-year period by completing seven offshore wells and to deploy a 1.4 MTPA Fast LNG unit to liquefy the majority of the produced natural gas. Remaining natural gas and associated condensate volumes are expected to be utilized by Pemex in Mexico's onshore domestic market.”

 

Fast LNG Technology Risks

 

While fragment 41 on 2021 3Q 10(q) and fragment 44 on 2022 2Q 10(q) report contain the same subject “Our Fast LNG technology is a novel technology that is not yet proven and we may not be able to implement it as planned or at all”, the score has changed from likely deceptive (-16.3%) to likely truthful (57.4%).

 

The following text is on page 70 on 2021 3Q 10(q) and fragment 74 on 2022 2Q 10(q).

 

“Our Fast LNG strategy is innovative and thus not yet proven. We may not be able to realize the time and cost savings we expect to achieve with our Fast LNG strategy.

We have developed our Fast LNG strategy to procure and deliver LNG to our customers more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional LNG procurement and delivery strategies used by other market participants. We are in the process of designing and constructing our first Fast LNG solution. The Fast LNG technology may take more time and money to construct than we currently estimate. We may not be able to successfully construct our Fast LNG solution, and even if we succeed in constructing the technology, we may ultimately not be able to realize the time and cost savings we currently expect to achieve from this strategy. Any such failure could negatively affect both the timing and costs of some future projects, impair our ability to reduce our future LNG costs and negatively affect our financial results.”

 

“Our Fast LNG technology is a novel technology that is not yet proven and we may not be able to implement it as planned or at all. We have developed our Fast LNG strategy to procure and deliver LNG to our customers more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional LNG procurement and delivery strategies used by other market participants. Our ability to create and maintain a competitive position in the natural gas liquefaction industry may be adversely affected by our inability to effectively implement our Fast LNG technology. We are in the process of designing and constructing our first Fast LNG solution, and are therefore subject to construction risks, risks associated with third-party contracting and service providers, permitting and regulatory risks. See “—We are subject to various construction risks” and “—We depend on third-party contractors, operators and suppliers.” Because our Fast LNG technology is a new technology that has not been previously implemented, tested or proven, we are also exposed to unknown and unforeseen risks associated with the development of new technologies, including failure to meet design and engineering specifications, incompatibility of systems, inability to contract or employ third parties with sufficient experience in technologies used or inability by contractors to perform their work, delays and schedule changes, high costs and expenses that may be subject to increase or difficult to anticipate, regulatory and legal challenges, instability or clarity of application of laws, rules and regulations to the technology, and added difficulties in obtaining or securing required permits or authorizations, among others. See “—Failure to obtain and maintain permits, approvals and authorizations from governmental and regulatory agencies and third parties on favorable terms could impede operations and construction.” The success and profitability of our Fast LNG technology is also dependent on the volatility of the price of natural gas and LNG compared to the related levels of capital spending required to implement the technology. Natural gas and LNG prices have at various times been and may become volatile due to one or more of factors. Volatility or weakness in natural gas or LNG prices could render our LNG procured through Fast LNG too expensive for our customers, and we may not be able to obtain our anticipated return on our investment or make our technology profitable. In addition, we may seek to construct and develop floating offshore liquefaction units as part of our Fast LNG in jurisdictions with increased political, economic, social and legal instability, lack of regulatory clarity of application of laws, rules and regulations to our technology, and could potentially expose us to additional jurisdictional risks related to currency exchange, tariffs and other taxes, changes in laws, civil unrest, and similar risks. See “—Risks Related to the Jurisdictions in which we Operate—We are subject to the economic, political, social and other conditions in the jurisdictions in which we operate.” Furthermore, as part of our business strategy for Fast LNG, we may enter into tolling agreements with third parties, including in developing countries, and these counterparties may have greater credit risk than typical. Therefore, we may be exposed to greater customer credit risk than other companies in the industry. Our credit procedures and policies may be inadequate to sufficiently eliminate risks of nonpayment and nonperformance. We may not be able to successfully develop, construct and implement our Fast LNG solution, and even if we succeed in developing and constructing the technology, we may ultimately not be able to realize the cost savings and revenues we currently expect to achieve from it, which could result in a material adverse effect upon our operations and business.”

 

Under the risk factors related to NFE’s business, there are multiple changes from the above subject matter between 2021 3Q 10(q) and 2022 2Q 10(q). DATA assessed the subject matter through fragments 57 to 59 on the 2021 3Q 10(q) report, and fragments 47 to 49 on the 2022 2Q 10(q) report. Although these fragments consistently score as truthful across the filings, NFE made adjustments to subject matters including Greenhouse Gases/Climate Change, Fossil Fuels, and Hydraulic Fracturing.

 

The following text is on page 89-90 of 2021 3Q 10(q) and page 78-79 of 2022 2Q 10(q).

 

“Our business is now and will in the future be subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations both in the United States and in other jurisdictions where we operate.”

 

“Our business is now and will in the future be subject to extensive national, federal, state, municipal and local laws, rules and regulations, in the United States and in the jurisdictions where we operate, relating to the environment, social, health and safety and hazardous substances.”

 

The following text has also been added to the 2022 2Q report.

 

“Any failure in environmental, social, health and safety performance from our operations may result in an event that causes personal harm or injury to our employees, other persons, and/or the environment, as well as the imposition of injunctive relief and/or penalties or fines for non-compliance with relevant regulatory requirements or litigation. Such a failure, or a similar failure elsewhere in the energy industry (including, in particular, LNG liquefaction, storage, transportation or regasification operations), could generate public concern, which may lead to new laws and/or regulations that would impose more stringent requirements on our operations, have a corresponding impact on our ability to obtain permits and approvals, and otherwise jeopardize our reputation or the reputation of our industry as well as our relationships with relevant regulatory agencies and local communities. As the owner and operator of our facilities and owner or charterer of our vessels, we may be liable, without regard to fault or the lawfulness of the original conduct, for the release of certain types or quantities of hazardous substances into the environment at or from our facilities and for any resulting damage to natural resources, which could result in substantial liabilities, fines and penalties, capital expenditures related to cleanup efforts and pollution control equipment, and restrictions or curtailment of our operations. Any such liabilities, fines and penalties that exceed the limits of our insurance coverage. See “—Our insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our property or result from our operations.” Individually or collectively, these developments could adversely impact our ability to expand our business, including into new markets. “

 

Sustainability Statement

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We also found the following subject matter that may be of interest.

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Greenhouse Gas/Climate Change

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"Climate-related litigation and permitting risks are also increasing, as a number of cities, local governments and private organizations have sought to either bring suit against oil and natural gas companies in state or federal court, alleging various public nuisance claims, or seek to challenge permits required for infrastructure development. Fossil fuel producers are also facing general risks of shifting capital availability due to stockholder concern over climate change and potentially stranded assets in the event of future, comprehensive climate and GHG-related regulation. While several of these cases have been dismissed, there is no guarantee how future lawsuits might be resolved.”

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Fossil Fuels

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"Our business activities depend upon a sufficient and reliable supply of natural gas feedstock, and are therefore subject to concerns in certain sectors of the public about the exploration, production and transportation of natural gas and other fossil fuels and the consumption of fossil fuels more generally. For example, PHMSA has promulgated detailed regulations governing LNG facilities under its jurisdiction to address siting, design, construction, equipment, operations, maintenance, personnel qualifications and training, fire protection and security. While the Miami Facility is subject to these regulations, none of our LNG facilities currently under development are subject to PHMSA’s jurisdiction, but regulators and governmental agencies in the jurisdictions in which we operate can impose similar siting, design, construction and operational requirements that can affect our projects, facilities, infrastructure and operations. Legislative and regulatory action, and possible litigation, in response to such public concerns may also adversely affect our operations. We may be subject to future laws, regulations, or actions to address such public concern with fossil fuel generation, distribution and combustion, greenhouse gases and the effects of global climate change. Our customers may also move away from using fossil fuels such as LNG for their power generation needs for reputational or perceived risk-related reasons. These matters represent uncertainties in the operation and management of our business, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.”

 

Hydraulic Fracturing

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"Certain of our suppliers of natural gas and LNG employ hydraulic fracturing techniques to stimulate natural gas production from unconventional geological formations (including shale formations), which currently entails the injection of pressurized fracturing fluids (consisting of water, sand and certain chemicals) into a well bore. Moreover, hydraulically fractured natural gas wells account for a significant percentage of the natural gas production in the U.S.; the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported in 2016 that hydraulically fractured wells provided two-thirds of U.S. marketed gas production in 2015. Hydraulic fracturing activities can be regulated at the national, federal or local levels, with governmental agencies asserting authority over certain hydraulic fracturing activities and equipment used in the production, transmission and distribution of oil and natural gas, including such oil and natural gas produced via hydraulic fracturing. Such authorities may seek to further regulate or even ban such activities. For example, the Delaware River Basin Commission (“DRBC”), a regional body created via interstate compact responsible for, among other things, water quality protection, water supply allocation, regulatory review, water conservation initiatives, and watershed planning in the Delaware River Basin, has implemented a de facto ban on hydraulic fracturing activities in that basin since 2010 pending the approval of new regulations governing natural gas production activity in the basin. More recently, the DRBC has stated that it will consider new regulations that would ban natural gas production activity, including hydraulic fracturing, in the basin. If additional levels of regulation or permitting requirements were imposed on hydraulic fracturing operations, natural gas prices in North America could rise, which in turn could materially adversely affect the relative pricing advantage that has existed in recent years in favor of domestic natural gas prices (based on Henry Hub pricing). The requirements for permits or authorizations to conduct these activities vary depending on the location where such drilling and completion activities will be conducted. Several jurisdictions have adopted or considered adopting regulations to impose more stringent permitting, public disclosure or well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations, or to ban hydraulic fracturing altogether. As with most permitting and authorization processes, there is a degree of uncertainty as to whether a permit will be granted, the time it will take for a permit or approval to be issued and any conditions which may be imposed in connection with the granting of the permit. See “—Failure to obtain and maintain permits, approvals and authorizations from governmental and regulatory agencies and third parties on favorable terms could impede operations and construction.” Certain regulatory authorities have delayed or suspended the issuance of permits or authorizations while the potential environmental impacts associated with issuing such permits can be studied and appropriate mitigation measures evaluated. In addition, some local jurisdictions have adopted or considered adopting land use restrictions, such as city or municipal ordinances, that may restrict the performance of or prohibit the well drilling in general and/or hydraulic fracturing in particular. Increased regulation or difficulty in permitting of hydraulic fracturing, and any corresponding increase in domestic natural gas prices, could materially adversely affect demand for LNG and our ability to develop commercially viable LNG facilities.”

 

A variation on the “Sustainability” statement

 

On pages 15 and 16 in the 2021 10k report, the text on “Sustainability” was split into fragments 9 and 10. However, fragment 9 had a likely deceptive score of -5.1% and fragment 10 had a likely truthful score of 91.0% within the same subject matter.

 

Sustainability

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"Since our foundation in 2014, sustainability has been at the core of our mission and vision. We believe that a sustainable future built on positive energy is the way forward. In an effort to advance both our business model and the interests of our stakeholders— including our people, shareholders and investors, partners, the communities we serve, and the wider public—we have established four key sustainability goals: (i) protect and preserve the environment, (ii) empower people worldwide, (iii) invest in communities, and (iv) become a leading provider of carbon-free energy. Certain of our current sustainability initiatives and investments under each of these goals are highlighted below."

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Protect and Preserve the Environment

 

"We are committed to our goal to protect and preserve the environment by providing cleaner energy solutions around the world. With our projects, we strive to reduce carbon emissions and increase energy efficiency. By helping our customers convert from traditional fuels such as oil or coal to liquefied natural gas (LNG) as their energy source, we seek to reduce air-polluting emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxide (SOx), or fine particulate matter, among others. Moreover, we believe that the use of LNG as a complement to renewable power options is helping transition to a sustainably-sourced energy future."

 

Empower People Worldwide

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"We are committed to our goal to provide access to affordable, cleaner energy. To that end, we help our customers customize and implement a complete, seamless LNG energy solution designed to lower their energy costs, reduce their environmental footprint, and improve their energy efficiency, either by converting their existing power generation to LNG or by building brand-new gas-fired facilities. In addition, we seek to provide reliable and efficient supply of LNG to our customers, wherever located, through our established, integrated LNG logistics chain."

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Invest in Communities

 

"We are passionate about improving lives and supporting people, especially in the communities where we operate. For example, through our New Fortress Energy Foundation, we seek to strengthen our communities by (i) investing in education to support the next generation of leaders; (ii) providing industry training programs to help create and sustain a well-equipped workforce; and (iii) giving financially to community causes that enhance quality of life, including reducing poverty, hunger, and inequities. As of 2021, we have provided more than 160 higher education scholarships, financial aid to more than 3,800 students, backpacks and supplies to 6,350 students, and supported

academic opportunities of more than 16,700 students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We have donated more than 2,000 trees through the Jamaican government’s national tree planting program. For the holiday season in 2021, we delivered more than 800 care packages to families in Jamaica over Easter and Christmas, meals to 700 families and over 400 toys in disadvantaged areas in Puerto Rico, 400 gift baskets in Nicaragua, and more than 300 gifts to children in Brazil."

 

Toward a Carbon-Free Future

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"As we work to reduce emissions for our customers around the world, our long-term goal is for us to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and be one of the world’s leading providers of carbon-free energy. We believe that natural gas remains the most cost-effective and environmentally-friendly complement for intermittent renewable energy, aiding the growth of these technologies. Over time, we believe that low-cost hydrogen will play an increasingly significant role as a carbon-free fuel to support renewables and displace fossil fuels across power, transportation and industrial markets. To that end, we formed a division, which we call Zero, to evaluate promising technologies and pursue initiatives that will position us to capitalize on this emerging industry. As part of this effort, we intend to develop commercial industrial areas, which we refer to as “Zero Parks,” where we will seek to develop economically compelling hydrogen energy solutions. In addition, in October 2020, we announced our intention to partner with Long Ridge Energy Terminal and GE Gas Power to transition a power plant to be capable of burning 100% green hydrogen over the next decade, and we made our first hydrogen-related investment in H2Pro, an Israel-based company developing a novel, efficient, and low-cost green hydrogen production technology."

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Summary

 

In reading the company’s regulated financial statements and its online marketing materials, it “feels like” it is two different companies. In its regulated filings, many of which are increasingly deceptive according to the collaborative research conducted between Responsible Alpha and DATA, the company is hesitant to describe its clients or its risks, and it is unclear how the company will improve it cash flow position despite current favorable market trends.

 

But on the other hand, when reading the company’s marketing materials and its website, the company is clearly in charge, it has groundbreaking technical called Zero, and it is doing very well. Yet this same technology is barely mentioned within its regulatory filings.

The analysis of New Fortress Energy’s (NFE) regulatory filings, conducted collaboratively by Responsible Alpha and Deception and Truth Analysis (DATA), reveals significant discrepancies between the company’s public-facing sustainability claims and the truthfulness of its financial disclosures. While NFE’s marketing materials project a confident and innovative organization committed to sustainability and technological advancement, its regulated filings tell a different story. These documents demonstrate increasing deception, with the percentage of deceptive fragments rising from ~38% in 2021 reports to ~50% in 2022 reports.

 

Key areas of concern include inconsistent descriptions of risks, evolving narratives around development projects, and omissions regarding critical operational and financial challenges. For example, while the company highlights groundbreaking technologies like its “Zero” division and efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in its promotional materials, these topics are scarcely mentioned in its regulatory filings. Similarly, significant risks associated with its operations, including those related to novel technologies and environmental impacts, are addressed with varying levels of transparency.

 

The findings highlight a troubling misalignment between NFE’s sustainability narrative and its regulated disclosures, raising questions about the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The results of this analysis emphasize the importance of rigorous scrutiny in corporate ESG reporting, particularly as stakeholders increasingly rely on these disclosures to make informed decisions. This study underscores the critical need for robust regulatory oversight to combat greenwashing and foster greater integrity in corporate reporting.