PACIFIC BASIN(HK:02343)2024-08-08 08:37Financial Performance - For the first half of 2024, the company reported a basic profit of $43.9 million, net profit of $57.6 million, and EBITDA of $157.9 million, achieving a return on equity of 6% and basic earnings per share of 8.7 HK cents[3]. - The company's revenue for the period was $1,281.5 million, compared to $1,148.1 million in the same period of 2023, reflecting a year-on-year increase[3]. - The company recorded a basic profit of $43.9 million for the first half of 2024, down 42% from $76.2 million in the same period of 2023[31]. - The contribution from core business for the small handymax dry bulk carriers decreased by 34% to $41.1 million, while the contribution from the ultra handymax dry bulk carriers increased by 7% to $35.7 million[32]. - The total cargo volume for the first half of 2024 was 44.7 million tons, representing a 30% increase from 40.9 million tons in the first half of 2023[33]. - The total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $56,939,000, compared to $84,594,000 in 2023[70]. - Pre-tax profit for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was $57,634 thousand, down 32.5% from $85,339 thousand in the same period of 2023[80]. Fleet and Operations - The company operated a fleet of 286 vessels, including 114 owned small and ultra-large bulk carriers, and continued to modernize its fleet by selling older vessels and acquiring new ones[4]. - The average age of the company's owned fleet is 13 years, with a total deadweight tonnage of 5.2 million tons[4]. - The average daily net income for the company's small and ultra-large bulk carriers was $11,810 and $13,690, generating a total revenue of $76.8 million from these operations[3]. - The average daily income for small and ultra-small bulk carriers was $11,810 and $13,690 respectively, exceeding the BHSI and BSI indices by $840 and $410[6]. - The fleet consists of 286 vessels, with a total deadweight capacity of 5,100,000 tons, including 131 small handy and ultra-handy/ultra-large handy bulk carriers[12]. - The company operates approximately 154 short-term chartered vessels, with operational days increasing by 29% year-on-year[44]. Market Outlook - The company remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for the dry bulk shipping industry, supported by increasing demand for minor bulk, iron ore, and grain[4]. - Global dry bulk cargo loading volume increased year-on-year, supported by rising demand for minor bulk, iron ore, and grains[7]. - Strong demand and moderate supply growth are expected to balance the dry bulk market, with projected net fleet growth of 3.1% in 2023 and 4.4% in 2024[27]. - The overall dry bulk ton-mile demand is projected to grow, reflecting a positive long-term market outlook due to supply constraints[23]. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance - The company is committed to further expanding its ultra-large bulk carrier fleet and optimizing its operations to comply with stricter environmental regulations[4]. - The company aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and is implementing a diverse decarbonization strategy to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce carbon footprint[11]. - The company is actively modernizing existing vessels with the latest environmental technologies, including low-friction silicone resin hull coatings and advanced weather routing[11]. - The company is implementing measures to enhance fuel efficiency and comply with new carbon reduction regulations, ensuring the operational continuity of its existing fleet[14]. Financial Position and Liquidity - The company maintained a healthy financial position with committed available liquidity of $537.4 million and a net debt ratio of only 2%[3]. - The company has a committed liquidity of $537.4 million and aims for a net debt-to-net asset ratio of only 2%[5]. - Cash and deposits as of June 30, 2024, were $260.7 million, showing a 0% change from December 31, 2023[62]. - The total borrowings decreased to $292.9 million as of June 30, 2024, reflecting a 3% increase compared to $300.4 million on December 31, 2023[62]. - The average interest rate for borrowings was 5.7%, with total financial expenses amounting to $10.6 million, a decrease of 5% compared to the previous year[65]. Shareholder Returns - The board declared an interim dividend of 4.1 HK cents per share, representing approximately 50% of the net profit for the period[3]. - A mid-term dividend of HK$0.041 per share was declared, representing approximately 50% of the net profit excluding gains from vessel sales[5]. - The company repurchased a total of 42,716,000 shares at a cost of approximately $14,600,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2024[85]. - The interim dividend declared for the six months ended June 30, 2024, is HKD 0.041 per share, payable on September 4, 2024[90]. Challenges and Risks - The company faces threats from rising interest rates and reduced housing construction in China, which may negatively impact global economic activity and demand for dry bulk commodities[30]. - The ongoing disruptions in the Suez and Panama Canals are expected to further reduce fleet efficiency and increase ton-mile demand in the second half of 2024[18]. - The company continues to adapt to challenges in the Panama Canal and Red Sea, which are expected to maintain shipping restrictions at least until the second half of 2024, supporting freight rates[10].