Company Overview - Global Ship Lease, Inc. is a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships [3] - The company commenced operations in December 2007 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2008 [3] Upcoming Financial Results - The company will hold a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2025 results on August 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1][2] - Financial results for the second quarter 2025 will be issued before the market opens on the same day [1] Fleet and Charter Information - As of March 31, 2025, the company had a fleet of 69 vessels with an average age weighted by TEU capacity of 17.5 years, including 39 wide-beam Post-Panamax ships [4] - The average remaining term of the company's charters was 2.3 years on a TEU-weighted basis, with contracted revenue of $1.87 billion [5] - Including options under charterers' control, the total contracted revenue was $2.37 billion, representing a weighted average remaining term of 3.0 years [5]

Group 1 - The company GSL has shown steady operations and reported positive Q1 figures, reinforcing the investment thesis that it is a strong buy [1] - The analyst has a diverse professional background across multiple industries, which contributes to a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics [1] - The investment strategy focuses on cyclical industries, aiming for significant returns during economic recovery while balancing risk through fixed-income investments [1] Group 2 - The analyst holds a beneficial long position in GSL shares, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [2]

Core Viewpoint - Global Ship Lease, Inc. has received stable credit ratings from leading agencies, reflecting its strong financial performance and strategic positioning in the containership industry [1][2][3]. Group 1: Credit Ratings - Moody's has maintained a Ba2 Corporate Family Rating with a stable outlook for Global Ship Lease [1] - S&P Global Ratings affirmed a long-term issuer credit rating of BB+ with a stable outlook [1] - Kroll Bond Rating Agency kept the corporate rating at BB+ and affirmed the BBB/stable investment grade rating for the company's 5.69% Senior Secured Notes due 2027 [1][2] Group 2: Financial Performance - The credit rating agencies highlighted the company's strong cash flow used for deleveraging and a disciplined low leverage strategy [2] - GSL has demonstrated revenue stability through attractive multi-year time charter agreements [2] - The company has shown resilience during industry disruptions, maintaining strong earnings and cash flow through market cycles [2] Group 3: Strategic Positioning - GSL's management team is experienced, and the company has a conservative chartering policy [2] - The focus on mid-sized and smaller containerships positions GSL in sub-segments less exposed to fleet growth, enhancing value through high-reefer capacity [2] - The average age of the fleet is 17.5 years, with 39 ships classified as wide-beam Post-Panamax as of March 31, 2025 [5] Group 4: Contracted Revenue - As of March 31, 2025, the average remaining term of the company's charters was 2.3 years on a TEU-weighted basis, with contracted revenue of $1.87 billion [6] - Including options under charterers' control, contracted revenue was $2.37 billion, representing a weighted average remaining term of 3.0 years [6]

Company Overview - Global Ship Lease, Inc. (GSL) is a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships [2] - The company commenced operations in December 2007 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2008 [2] Fleet and Operations - As of March 31, 2025, GSL's fleet consisted of 69 vessels with an average age weighted by TEU capacity of 17.5 years, including 39 wide-beam Post-Panamax ships [3] - The average remaining term of the company's charters, on a TEU-weighted basis, was 2.3 years, with contracted revenue amounting to $1.87 billion [4] - Including options under charterers' control, the total contracted revenue was $2.37 billion, representing a weighted average remaining term of 3.0 years [4] Recent Corporate Actions - On June 17, 2025, GSL held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Athens, Greece, where shareholders re-elected three directors to serve until the 2028 Annual Meeting [1] - The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers S.A. as the independent public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, was ratified [1]

Core Viewpoint - Global Ship Lease reported strong quarterly earnings, exceeding expectations and showing growth compared to the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company achieved earnings of $2.65 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.27 per share, and up from $2.53 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 16.74% [1]. - Revenues for the quarter reached $190.98 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 14.73% and up from $179.56 million year-over-year [2]. Market Performance - Global Ship Lease shares have increased approximately 15% since the beginning of the year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 1.3% [3]. Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook will be crucial for assessing future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates at $2.29 for the next quarter and $9.36 for the current fiscal year [4][7]. - The estimate revisions trend for Global Ship Lease is currently unfavorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating expected underperformance in the near future [6]. Industry Context - The Transportation - Shipping industry, to which Global Ship Lease belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an increase in earnings and cash flow compared to Q1 2024, which was already a strong quarter [14] - Gross debt increased to just under $778 million due to financing of recently acquired vessels, while cash position stood at $428 million, with $90 million restricted [14][15] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio has improved to under 1, down from 8.4 times at the end of 2018, indicating significant deleveraging [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 19 charters worth approximately $352 million in contracted revenues during Q1 2025, bringing total contracted revenues to nearly $1.9 billion with an average remaining contract cover of 2.3 years [11][12] - The charter market remains strong, with the company’s breakeven rate at approximately $9,300 per vessel per day, significantly lower than current market charter rates [33][36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The container ship charter market has remained exceptionally tight, with essentially zero idle capacity globally [6] - The overall order book for ships over 10,000 TEU is 54.3%, contrasting with only 11.5% for ships under 10,000 TEU, indicating a limited replacement capacity for the company’s focus segment [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize optionality and financial resilience while maintaining a disciplined approach to fleet renewal and capital allocation [12][36] - The strategy includes opportunistically monetizing older ships to build cash reserves for future investments [8][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the macroeconomic uncertainty and its impact on the container shipping industry, noting that the situation remains fluid with potential uneven effects from tariffs and trade barriers [6][7] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities as they arise, with a strong balance sheet and increased return of capital to shareholders through a raised dividend [9][36] Other Important Information - The company has successfully reduced its cost of debt to a blended rate of 3.99%, despite rising interest rates in the broader market [16] - The company’s fleet includes 10 Chinese-built ships, with only four larger than 4,000 TEU, minimizing exposure to potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese-built vessels [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Interest in extending existing charters at better rates - Management indicated that while some charters fixed during the super cyclical high of COVID may see a reduction in rates, there is still appetite for attractive new charters [43][44] Question: Acquisition front and asset prices - Management stated they are always looking at deals but maintain strict criteria for acquisitions, focusing on financial sense rather than growth for its own sake [47][48] Question: Charter market dynamics and recent activity - Management noted a temporary slowdown in the charter market in April, but recent interest has picked up following a surge in spot freight rates [55][56] Question: Cash position and future plans - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust cash position for flexibility and resilience, while continuing to deleverage and manage risks [60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an increase in earnings and cash flow compared to Q1 2024, which was already a strong quarter [12] - Gross debt increased to just under $778 million due to financing of recently acquired vessels, while cash position stood at $428 million, with $90 million restricted [12][13] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio has improved to under 1, down from 8.4 times at the end of 2018, indicating significant deleveraging [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company added 19 charters worth approximately $352 million in contracted revenues during Q1 2025, bringing total contracted revenues to nearly $1.9 billion with an average remaining contract cover of 2.3 years [9][10] - The company has maintained a disciplined approach to fleet renewal and capital allocation, focusing on maximizing optionality while covering CapEx obligations [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The container ship charter market remains exceptionally tight, with essentially zero idle capacity globally, despite normalization of headline freight rates [5] - The company noted that tariffs and trade barriers have complicated the macroeconomic picture, but demand for mid-sized and smaller container ships remains strong [5][6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize optionality to take advantage of the cyclical nature of the industry while ensuring long-term strength in any market conditions [7][8] - The strategy includes opportunistically monetizing older ships to build cash reserves for investment and fleet renewal [6][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the extraordinary volatility and uncertainty in the macro and geopolitical environment, focusing on financial resilience and maximizing optionality [33] - The company is well-positioned to pursue opportunities as they arise, particularly in renewing its fleet as older vessels age out [35] Other Important Information - The company has increased its annualized dividend to $2.1 per share, a 40% increase from the previous year [7] - The average cost of debt has been reduced to 3.99%, providing a strong financial position amid rising operating expenses [14][33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Interest from charter customers to extend existing charters at better rates - Management indicated that it depends on which charters are rolling off, with some fixed during high periods likely to be lower if re-fixed now, but overall appetite for attractive rates remains strong [40][41] Question: Acquisition front and asset prices - Management stated they are always looking at deals but maintain strict criteria for acquisitions, only pursuing financially sensible opportunities [43][44] Question: Charter market characterization over the past week - Management noted a similar change in sentiment in the charter market, with a brief slowdown in April followed by renewed interest and appetite in recent weeks [52][53] Question: Cash position and future plans - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining a robust cash position for flexibility and resilience, while continuing to deleverage and manage risks [56][57]

Financial Performance - Revenue increased to $191 million in 1Q 2025, up from $179.6 million in 1Q 2024[16, 27] - Net income increased to $121 million in 1Q 2025, up from $89.5 million in 1Q 2024[16, 27] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $132.3 million in 1Q 2025, up from $125.4 million in 1Q 2024[16, 27] - Normalized net income increased to $94.3 million in 1Q 2025, up from $89.1 million in 1Q 2024[16, 27] Contract Coverage and Revenue - $352 million in contracted revenues were added in 1Q 2025[16, 20, 66] - Contract cover is 93% for 2025 and 75% for 2026[16] - Contracted revenues as of March 31, 2025, were $1.87 billion with an average remaining contract cover of 2.3 years[20] Capital Allocation and Debt Management - The annualized dividend increased to $2.10 per share[16, 21, 22, 66] - $85 million re-fi pushes weighted average debt maturity to 5.1 years & cost to 3.99%[27, 66] - Average break-even cash flows reduced to $9,314 per vessel per day[66] Fleet and Market Dynamics - Sub-10,000 TEU vessels are the focus, serving non-mainlane trades which constitute approximately 74% of global containerized trade volume[43] - Red Sea disruption has absorbed approximately 10% of effective global capacity[45] - The orderbook to fleet ratio for the company's focus segments (2,000 – 9,999 TEU) is 11.5%[63]

Core Insights - Global Ship Lease, Inc. reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2025, with a significant increase in net income and earnings per share, reflecting resilience amid geopolitical challenges in the transportation industry [3][4][25]. Financial Performance - Operating revenue for Q1 2025 was $191.0 million, up 6.3% from $179.6 million in Q1 2024 [4][8]. - Net income available to common shareholders was $121.0 million, translating to earnings per share (EPS) of $3.40, a 35.2% increase from the previous year [4][25]. - Normalized net income for Q1 2025 was $94.3 million, with a normalized EPS of $2.65, reflecting a 5.8% increase year-over-year [4][26]. - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $132.3 million, up 5.5% from $125.4 million in Q1 2024 [4][17]. Operational Highlights - The company added $352 million in contracted revenues during Q1 2025, bringing total contracted revenues to $1.87 billion over a weighted average remaining duration of 2.3 years [4][35]. - Fleet utilization for Q1 2025 was 93.7%, down from 98.8% in the prior year, attributed to increased off-hire days for scheduled drydockings [8][10]. - Vessel operating expenses increased by 4.4% to $50.0 million, primarily due to the addition of new vessels and inflationary pressures [12]. Strategic Developments - The company has locked in forward contract cover for 93% of 2025 days and 75% of 2026 days, amounting to nearly $1.9 billion [3][4]. - A quarterly dividend of $0.525 per Class A common share was declared, increasing the annualized dividend to $2.10 per share [4][3]. - The company completed the sale of three vessels for a total gain of $28.5 million during the quarter [4][16]. Debt and Financing - As of March 31, 2025, total debt was $777.7 million, with a weighted average cost of debt at 3.99% and a maturity runway of 5.1 years [18][20]. - Interest expense for Q1 2025 was $9.9 million, down from $10.5 million in the prior year, reflecting a decrease in the blended cost of debt [20]. Market Context - The company continues to navigate a dynamic geopolitical landscape affecting supply chains, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and optionality in operations [3][4]. - Demand for mid-sized and smaller container ships remains strong as liner operators seek to adapt to changing cargo flows [3].

Company Overview - Global Ship Lease, Inc. is a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships [2] - The company commenced operations in December 2007 and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange in August 2008 [2] Fleet and Operations - As of December 31, 2024, the company had a fleet of 71 vessels with an average age weighted by TEU capacity of 17.6 years [3] - The company agreed to purchase newly acquired vessels, with three delivered in December 2024 and one in January 2025 [3] - The company sold an older vessel, Tasman, with expected delivery in late March 2025, and two more vessels, Akiteta and Keta, in February 2025 [3] Charter Agreements - The average remaining term of the company's charters, on a TEU-weighted basis, was 2.3 years as of December 31, 2024 [4] - Contracted revenue on a TEU-weighted basis was $1.88 billion, while total contracted revenue, including options under charterers' control, was $2.37 billion, representing a weighted average remaining term of 2.9 years [4] Dividend Declaration - The company's Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.525 per Class A common share for the first quarter of 2025, to be paid on June 3, 2025 [1]