Cmb.Tech (NYSE:CMBT) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlexander Saverys - CEOChristophe Savi - SVP and Head of the NH3 divisionEnya Derkinderen - Brand ManagerFrode Mørkedal - Managing Director and Equity ResearchJoris Daman - Head of Investor Relations and ESGLudovic Saverys - CFOPetter Haugen - Head of Shipping ResearchConference Call ParticipantsClément Moulin - Sell-side AnalystNone - AnalystNone - AnalystAlexander SaverysGood afternoon, and welcome to the CMB.TECH ...

Cmb.Tech (NYSE:CMBT) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAlexander Saverys - CEOChristophe Savi - SVP and Head of the NH3 divisionEnya Derkinderen - Brand ManagerFrode Mørkedal - Managing Director and Equity ResearchJoris Daman - Head of Investor Relations and ESGLudovic Saverys - CFOPetter Haugen - Head of Shipping ResearchConference Call ParticipantsClément Moulin - Sell-side AnalystNone - AnalystNone - AnalystAlexander SaverysGood afternoon, and welcome to the CMB.TECH ...

Cmb.Tech (NYSE:CMBT) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 08:00 AM ET Speaker0Good afternoon, and welcome to the CMB.TECH Earnings Conference Call for the fourth quarter of 2025. My name is Alexander Saverys, and I'm joined here by my colleagues, Joris, Enya, and Ludovic. We will touch upon our classic topics. We'll start with our financial highlights. We will then give you a market update, and finish with a conclusion and a Q&A. For the financial highlights, I'd like to hand it over to Ludovic.Speaker7T ...

Financial Highlights - CMB.TECH reported a net gain of USD 90.1 million or USD 0.31 per share for Q4 2025, compared to a net gain of USD 93.1 million or USD 0.48 per share in Q4 2024 [2][6] - EBITDA for Q4 2025 was USD 322.1 million, significantly higher than USD 180.4 million in Q4 2024 [2][6] - Revenue for Q4 2025 reached USD 589.1 million, up from USD 226.0 million in Q4 2024 [5] Fleet Highlights - The company’s contract backlog increased by USD 304 million to USD 3.05 billion, with new charters for Capesize vessels and a CSOV [6][22] - CMB.TECH sold eight VLCCs at high prices, generating a total capital gain of approximately USD 261.1 million in Q1 2026 [4][24] - The company delivered six newbuilding vessels, including VLCCs and chemical tankers, during Q4 2025 and early 2026 [6][25] Corporate Highlights - CMB.TECH declared an interim dividend of USD 0.16 per share, expected to be paid on or about 27 April 2026 [13] - The company fully repaid a bridge loan facility related to the acquisition of a stake in Golden Ocean, resulting in a one-off charge of USD 13.6 million [12][20] - Management changes included the resignation of Mr. Benoit Timmermans from the Management Board, effective May 1, 2026 [21] Market Outlook - The tanker market remains strong, with VLCC spot earnings averaging USD 102,414 per day in Q4 2025, more than double the 10-year Q4 average [36] - Dry bulk freight rates have also held up well, with Capesize spot earnings averaging about USD 27,120 per day in Q4 2025, 34% higher than the 10-year Q4 average [26][40] - The company is investing in the Chinese ammonia supply chain, partnering with CEEC Hydrogen Energy to support maritime decarbonization [18][19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit of approximately $17 million for the quarter, with an EBITDA of $238 million and liquidity exceeding $555 million [2][3] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) are currently at $1.6 billion, with a contract backlog remaining stable at around $3 billion [3][4] - The company declared an interim dividend of $0.05 per share, payable in early January [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the dry bulk segment, the company achieved a TCE of $29,500 for Newcastlemaxes in Q3, increasing to approximately $34,000 in Q4, while Capesize rates rose from $20,500 to $26,200 [12][13] - The Kamsarmax and Panamax segments saw rates improve from $13,500 in Q3 to $17,000 in Q4 [13] - The tanker division reported Q3 rates of $30,500 for VLCCs, with Q4 rates reaching $68,000 [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company remains positive on tankers, dry bulk, and offshore markets, while expressing caution regarding containers and chemicals due to supply-demand imbalances [8][9] - Dry bulk demand is expected to grow, with a ton mile demand increase of 0.8% for capesizes this year, projected to ramp up to nearly 3% next year [10] - The offshore wind market is experiencing growth, although some projects have been postponed [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing spot exposure in dry bulk and large tankers, positioning itself to benefit from favorable market conditions [4][8] - A new multi-purpose accommodation service vessel has been ordered to enhance capabilities in both oil and gas and offshore wind markets [22][24] - The company aims to maintain a flexible dividend policy, balancing shareholder rewards with strengthening its balance sheet for future opportunities [32][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operational leverage and free cash flow generation capacity, anticipating significant liquidity generation in the coming quarters [5][6] - The company is cautious about the container and chemical markets, expecting challenges due to high order books and supply-demand dynamics [9][20] - Management remains committed to decarbonization efforts, focusing on ammonia as a fuel choice despite delays in IMO regulations [29][50] Other Important Information - The company has successfully reduced bridge financing by $300 million and is actively working to optimize its financing portfolio [5][60] - The average age of the fleet is at historical highs, which may lead to increased scrapping in the future [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of delayed carbon pricing by IMO on dual-fuel technology demand - Management indicated that the delay does not alter their strategy, which is based on finding partners for dual-fuel technology and is supported by EU legislation [28][29] Question: Investment philosophy regarding new buildings in dry bulk and tankers - The company has invested significantly in recent years and will continue to look for opportunities, but current new building prices are considered high [30][31] Question: Dividend policy and expectations - The company maintains a fully discretionary dividend policy, with no fixed minimum or maximum dividends expected [32][33] Question: Interest expenses and one-off impacts - Elevated interest expenses were attributed to bridge financing and arrangement fees from recent acquisitions [58][59] Question: Expectations for fixed contracts and their growth - The company aims to increase fixed contract coverage but does not have a specific target due to market variability [97]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit of approximately $17 million for the quarter, with EBITDA at $238 million and liquidity exceeding $555 million [2][3] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) are currently at $1.6 billion, with a contract backlog remaining stable at around $3 billion [3][4] - The company declared an interim dividend of $0.05 per share, payable in early January [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the dry bulk segment, the company achieved a TCE of $29,500 for Newcastlemax vessels in Q3, increasing to nearly $34,000 in Q4 [12] - Capesize vessels reported a TCE of $20,500 in Q3, rising to $26,200 in Q4 [12] - Kamsarmax and Panamax vessels exceeded expectations with rates increasing from $13,500 in Q3 to $17,000 in Q4 [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The tanker market remains positive, with VLCC rates achieving $30,500 in Q3 and approximately $68,000 in Q4 [17] - The chemical tanker market is experiencing a decline, with limited spot exposure and a cautious outlook due to an oversupply of vessels [21] - The offshore market is seeing growth, particularly in offshore wind and oil and gas sectors, with increased demand for support vessels [11][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing spot exposure in dry bulk and large tankers, positioning itself to benefit from favorable market conditions [4][8] - There is a cautious approach towards the container and chemical markets due to supply-demand imbalances [9][10] - The company is actively rejuvenating its fleet and has ordered a new multi-purpose accommodation service vessel to enhance its offshore capabilities [4][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the dry bulk and tanker markets, citing strong supply-demand fundamentals [10][11] - There is caution regarding the container and chemical markets, with expectations of flat or declining demand in the near term [9][10] - The company is committed to maintaining flexibility in its dividend policy, balancing shareholder rewards with strengthening its balance sheet [32][86] Other Important Information - The company has successfully reduced bridge financing by $300 million and anticipates generating significant free cash flow in the coming quarters [5][6] - The average age of the fleet is at historical highs, which may lead to increased scrapping in the future [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of delayed carbon pricing by IMO on dual-fuel technology demand - Management indicated that the delay does not alter their strategy, which is based on finding partners for dual-fuel technology and is supported by EU legislation [28][29] Question: Investment philosophy regarding new builds in dry bulk and tankers - The company has invested significantly in recent years and will continue to look for opportunities, but new builds are currently seen as pricey [30][31] Question: Dividend policy and expectations - The company maintains a fully discretionary dividend policy, with no minimum or maximum levels set, allowing flexibility based on cash flow and market conditions [32][33] Question: Interest expenses and one-off impacts - Elevated interest expenses were attributed to bridge financing and acquisition-related costs, with plans to optimize financing in the future [58][59] Question: Expectations for fixed contracts and future growth - The company aims to increase fixed contract coverage but does not have a specific target, as it depends on market conditions [97] Question: Impact of tariffs on the company - The company reported minimal impact from tariffs, with most effects felt in the broader market rather than directly affecting its operations [96][98]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit of approximately $17 million for the quarter, with EBITDA at $238 million and liquidity exceeding $555 million [2][3]. - Capital expenditures (CapEx) are currently at $1.6 billion, with a contract backlog remaining stable at around $3 billion [3][4]. - An interim dividend of $0.05 per share was declared, payable in early January [3]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the dry bulk segment, the company achieved a TCE of $29,500 for Newcastlemaxes in Q3, increasing to nearly $34,000 in Q4. Capesize rates rose from $20,500 in Q3 to $26,200 in Q4, while Kamsarmax and Panamax rates improved from $13,500 to $17,000 [12][13]. - The tanker division saw Q3 rates of $30,500 for VLCCs, with Q4 rates reaching $68,000, and Suezmax rates increased from $48,000 to close to $60,000 [18][19]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company remains positive on tankers, dry bulk, and offshore markets, while expressing caution regarding containers and chemicals due to supply-demand imbalances [7][9]. - Demand for capesize ton miles is expected to grow by nearly 3% next year, with only 9% of the fleet on order, indicating strong fundamentals in the dry bulk market [10][14]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on increasing spot exposure in dry bulk and large tankers, positioning itself to benefit from favorable market conditions [4][10]. - A new multipurpose accommodation service vessel (MPASV) has been ordered to enhance capabilities in both oil and gas and offshore wind markets [23][26]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operational leverage and free cash flow generation capacity, projecting an additional $600 million in liquidity over the next year at current rates [5][6]. - The company is cautious about the container and chemical markets, anticipating challenges due to high order books and supply-demand dynamics [9][22]. Other Important Information - The company has successfully integrated the Golden Ocean merger, with a focus on optimizing its fleet and financial structure [2][3]. - Management emphasized a fully discretionary dividend policy, indicating flexibility in cash allocation for shareholder rewards and debt reduction [33][52]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of delayed carbon pricing by IMO on dual-fuel technology demand - Management noted that while the delay is not ideal, it does not alter their strategy, which is based on finding partners for dual-fuel technology [28][29]. Question: Investment philosophy regarding new builds in dry bulk and tankers - The company has invested significantly in recent years and will continue to look for opportunities, but current new builds are considered pricey [30][31]. Question: Dividend policy and future expectations - The dividend policy remains discretionary, with no fixed payout ratio, allowing for flexibility in cash management [33][52]. Question: Interest expenses and one-off impacts - Elevated interest expenses were attributed to bridge financing and arrangement fees from recent acquisitions [42][43]. Question: Expectations for fixed contracts and growth - The company aims to increase fixed contract coverage but does not have a specific target due to market variability [57]. Question: Tariffs impact on the company - The impact of tariffs has been minimal, with the company benefiting from limited exposure to affected markets [58][59].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported revenues of $178 million and an EBITDA-equivalent cash flow of $113 million, with a total EBITDA of $473 million over the past 12 months, indicating strong operational stability [3][6] - The net income for the quarter was $8.6 million, translating to $0.07 per share, with total operating expenses reduced to $69 million from $86 million in the previous quarter [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The container vessel segment contributed $82 million to adjusted EBITDA, while the car carrier fleet added $23 million, and the tanker segment generated $44 million [14] - Dry bulk contributed $6 million, down from $19 million, due to the divestiture of 13 dry bulk carriers as part of the fleet renewal strategy [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The charter backlog stands at approximately $4 billion, with two-thirds contracted to investment-grade counterparties, providing strong cash flow visibility [6][17] - The overall utilization across the shipping fleet in Q3 was about 98.7%, with adjusted utilization at 99.9% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on fleet renewal, having sold five older dry bulk vessels and redelivered eight Cape-sized bulkers, which has improved operational and fuel efficiency [4][8] - Investments in cleaner technology are ongoing, with 11 vessels now capable of operating on LNG fuel, including five newbuildings under construction [4][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about securing new employment for the Hercules drilling rig, despite its current idle status [5][19] - The company emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency and emissions reduction to attract and retain high-quality charterers, with ongoing investments in modernizing the fleet [11][12] Other Important Information - The company has returned approximately $2.9 billion to shareholders over 87 consecutive quarters, with a dividend yield of over 10% based on the recent share price [6][17] - The company has about $80 million remaining on a $100 million share buyback program, having repurchased $10 million worth of shares at an average price of $7.98 per share [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Hercules leasing in the new year and impact of Gulf of Mexico lease sale - Management is exploring all opportunities for the Hercules rig, focusing on areas where it has unique capabilities, such as the North Sea and Canadian markets [19][20] Question: Consideration of well intervention opportunities for Hercules - The company is open to any opportunity for the Hercules, including well intervention or exploration drilling, and has made upgrades to the rig for development drilling [22] Question: Outlook for securing long-term work for tankers - It is too early to secure long-term work for vessels rolling off charters, but there is significant value linked to profit-sharing features in existing contracts [23] Question: Update on the $100 million buyback - Approximately $80 million remains on the buyback program, with $10 million repurchased so far this year [26] Question: Impact of Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea - Management is cautious and believes a slow return to normal activity in the Red Sea is likely, with potential reductions in operating expenses if vessels return to the region [28][29] Question: Purchase obligations in charter contracts - The company has transformed its business model to focus on time charters, reducing the prevalence of purchase obligations in contracts [30] Question: Outlook for new transactions outside the container segment - The company is open to opportunities across various maritime segments, focusing on strong counterparties and favorable deal structures [31][32]

Core Viewpoint - CMB.Tech's diversification strategy faces scrutiny from investors following its merger with Golden Ocean, as historical data suggests that diversified companies may struggle to attract investor interest compared to pure-play shipping firms [1][4]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Financial Outlook - CMB.Tech's CFO, Ludovic Saverys, believes that investor interest will grow post-merger, emphasizing the company's potential to create long-term value for shareholders [4]. - The company has established an office in Oslo to enhance engagement with investors and analysts, aiming to clarify its capital allocation strategy [4]. - CMB.Tech's dividend policy is flexible, allowing for discretion in deciding whether to pay dividends, invest in new ships, or repay debt, which Saverys argues is essential for strategic financial management [5]. Group 2: Market Position and Future Plans - CMB.Tech plans to allocate approximately 85% of its fleet's operational days to the spot market by 2026, with Saverys optimistic about market growth in the coming years [5]. - The company is positioned to benefit from rising newbuilding prices due to its significant orders placed during market downturns, as noted by Pareto Securities analyst Eirik Haavaldsen [5][6]. - CMB.Tech intends to sell older tankers during market upswings, which could further enhance its financial standing [5]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment and Industry Trends - There has been a notable increase in general investor interest in shipping over the past three years, driven by geopolitical events [6]. - Despite this growing interest, investors still prefer pure-play shipping companies with clear dividend policies, indicating a potential challenge for CMB.Tech in attracting traditional shipping investors [6].

Group 1 - CMB.TECH announced the sale of the Suezmax tanker Sofia, built in 2010, for $40.1 million, expected to deliver in Q4 2025, generating approximately $20.4 million in profit [1] - This sale is part of a fleet renewal strategy led by the Saverys family, which previously disposed of five older Suezmax tankers built between 2006 and 2008 [3] - CMB.TECH's subsidiary Euronav has also been active in tanker disposals, achieving $57.1 million from the sale of the VLCC Iris in Q2 and approximately $39.3 million from two VLCCs in Q3, totaling an expected $117 million from four tanker sales this year [3] Group 2 - Following the recent merger with Golden Ocean, CMB.TECH's fleet expanded to 251 vessels, valued over $11.1 billion, with an average age of 6.1 years, making it one of the largest diversified shipping companies globally [5] - The merger added 89 bulk carriers to CMB.TECH's fleet, reinforcing its position as one of Europe's most diversified shipowners [5] - Analysts predict a potential $1.08 billion asset sale plan post-merger, involving the sale of 34 non-core and older vessels, including 7 Suezmax tankers valued at $303 million, with the Sofia sale possibly being the first step in this strategy [5]