Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the average market spot rates for Handysize and Supramax vessels were approximately $11,600 and $14,300 net per day, reflecting a decrease of 1% and an increase of 4% respectively compared to the same period in 2024 [5] - The average TCE earnings for Handysize and Supramax vessels were $11,680 and $13,410, representing a year-on-year decrease of 15% for Handysize and an increase of 10% for Supramax [8] - The company has utilized approximately $26 million of its announced $40 million share buyback program, completing about 65% of the targeted buyback [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core business generated average TCE earnings of $11,680 for Handysize and $13,410 for Supramax in Q3 2025, with performance against market indices showing a $90 per day outperformance for Handysize but a $100 per day underperformance for Supramax [8][9] - Operating activities generated a daily average margin of $750 over 6,830 operating days in Q3 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global mined bulk loadings rose 4% year-on-year, driven by bauxite, fertilizers, and mined ores, while grain loadings decreased by 9% [5][6] - Coal earnings reduced by 6% year-on-year due to weaker demand from major markets, with China’s coal imports falling by 15% [7] - The combined global fleet of Handysize and Supramax vessels is estimated to grow by 4.3% in 2025, with newbuilding deliveries accounting for 4.4% of this growth [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strategically renew and grow its fleet, maintaining fixed price purchase options on 13 long-term chartered vessels and planning to take delivery of newbuildings in 2026 [15] - The focus remains on expanding growth optionality while managing fleet renewal in a disciplined manner [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the dry bulk market, anticipating steady minor bulk demand growth and potential supply disruptions that could support tighter freight market conditions [21] - The company is prepared for ongoing macroeconomic and industry uncertainties, leveraging its financial strength and agile business model to navigate challenges [21] Other Important Information - The company has taken proactive steps to comply with new port tariffs, including transferring vessels to Singapore ownership to mitigate potential impacts [16][18] - The company does not believe it is subject to special tariffs under U.S. and Chinese regulations, as it maintains a diverse shareholder base [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on congestion and disruptions related to port tariffs? - Management noted that while there are concerns about congestion, the market has improved since summer, and strategic leadership has shifted to Singapore to align with regulatory definitions [28][29] Question: What is the expectation from the ongoing IMO meeting regarding supply dynamics? - Management expressed hope for regulations on decarbonization, which could positively impact the business and support new building initiatives [33] Question: How is the company managing disruptions from new port fees? - Management acknowledged that disruptions create inefficiencies, which could positively impact the market in the short term, while emphasizing the need for clarity on regulations [39][84] Question: What is the outlook for the spot market and outperformance in Q4? - Management indicated a positive outlook for the market, driven by demand growth and seasonal factors, while acknowledging the typical lag in performance during rising markets [56][58] Question: What are the CapEx plans and new building market expectations? - Management outlined a cautious approach to CapEx, focusing on share buybacks and monitoring the secondhand market, while noting that newbuilding orders remain low due to market uncertainties [72][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, market spot rates for Hetty Seizen and Supramax vessels averaged $8,000 and $7,900 net per day, respectively, representing a decrease of 24% to 36% compared to the same period in 2024 [3][4] - The average Handysize and Supramax daily time charter equivalent earnings were $10,940 and $12,210 per day, respectively, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 11% [6][7] - The operating activity generated a daily average margin of $830 per day over $6,950 in Q1, representing an increase of 634% year on year [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global minor bulk loadings increased by approximately 2% year on year, driven by higher loading of bauxite, cement, and clinker [4] - Global grain loadings decreased by 16% year on year, influenced by reduced Chinese demand and harvest delays in Brazil [4][5] - Global coal loadings dropped by 5% year on year, primarily due to an 11% decline in seaborne coal volumes to China [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Iron ore loadings declined by 7% year on year, mainly due to reduced Australian iron ore loadings caused by cyclones [6] - The Baltic Exchange Forward Freight Agreement average rates for the remainder of 2025 are projected at $9,120 for Hetty Seizen and $9,860 for Supramax vessels [3] - Global net fleet growth is projected to outpace demand growth, with dry bulk and minor bulk fleets estimated to grow by 3% to 4.5% in 2025 [12][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow and renew its fleet, maintaining a disciplined approach amidst market uncertainties [19][20] - The strategy includes purchasing larger and younger vessels while selling older ones, contributing to a 4% increase in total deadweight capacity [19][20] - The company is evaluating the impact of IMO's midterm measures on its operations and investments in dual fuel methanol newbuildings [21][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The near-term bulk market demand outlook is clouded by uncertainties from trade and geopolitical tensions, but potential shifts in trade flows could support tonne mile demand [10][15] - The company expects some support from ASEAN countries for coal demand, while iron ore demand may remain under pressure due to reduced Chinese domestic demand [11][15] - Management acknowledges the volatility in the market and emphasizes the importance of positioning for potential opportunities amidst uncertainties [34][58] Other Important Information - The company has covered 77% of committed vessel stays for Q2 2025 at rates higher than current market spot rates [7] - The company has a solid balance sheet that allows for growth opportunities despite market uncertainties [78] - The company is focused on optimizing short-term cargo commitments to navigate expected market volatility [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you comment on the market rate expectations for the rest of the year? - Management indicated that the market has developed normally, with stable freight rates and ongoing activity despite uncertainties [30][34] Question: How is the company preparing for various scenarios regarding USTR? - Management noted that 70% of the fleet is Japanese built, which may present opportunities amidst regulatory changes, but emphasized the need for clarity on regulations [38][40] Question: What is the outlook for secondhand prices and potential buybacks? - Management acknowledged a slight improvement in secondhand prices recently and confirmed ongoing share buyback programs due to undervaluation [50][51] Question: What kind of trade shifts have been observed recently? - Management reported that there has been a general step back in trade involving the US due to tariff uncertainties, but demand remains for various commodities [72][75] Question: Can you elaborate on M&A opportunities? - Management expressed interest in M&A opportunities but emphasized a preference for organic growth while remaining open to potential acquisitions [78][79]