Vi e w p o i n t | 15 Jan 2026 21:45:46 ET │ 41 pages Asia Shipping Upgrade Yang Ming & COSCO Shipping to Buy on cash and valuation — We believe our previous YM lagging orderbook Sell thesis was appreciated and more than priced- in following share price decline of >20% since Jun25 and YM more than doubling orderbook since (expect more). At near trough 0.6x 2026E PBV in relation to 4% core ROE supported by 2026E NT$42/sh of net cash ex lease liability, we U/G YM to Buy (from Sell) with NT$68 TP based on 0.7x ...

Euroseas Conference Call Summary Company Overview - Euroseas operates in the feeder and intermediate sectors of the container market with a fleet of 21 vessels and four under construction [2][3] - The company has been publicly listed since 2005, with a market capitalization growth from approximately $50 million to about $500 million [4] Fleet and Operations - The fleet includes six intermediate vessels averaging 18 years old and 15 feeder vessels, with nine new vessels built between 2023 and 2025 [5][6] - Future growth is supported by the order of four additional intermediate vessels for delivery in 2027 and 2028 [6] Financial Performance - For the nine-month period, Euroseas reported an average of 22.6 vessels at a charter rate of $28,735 per day, generating total net revenue of $170 million and net income close to $100 million [10] - The company paid a dividend of $0.70 per share for Q3, translating to an annualized yield of about 5% [10][11] - Projected earnings per share for 2026 and 2027 are expected to remain high due to significant charter coverage at rates exceeding $31,000 per day [11][12] Market Position and Outlook - Euroseas has a low break-even cost of $12,000 per day per vessel, providing substantial margins with current charter rates [13] - The company maintains a low bank debt of $224 million, representing about 33.3% of total book value of assets, indicating low leverage [14] - The estimated net asset value (NAV) per share is $85, while the current trading price is $53, reflecting a 38% discount [15] Industry Dynamics - The container shipping market experienced low rates from 2010 to 2020 due to oversupply, but rates surged post-COVID due to increased demand for goods [18] - Current geopolitical tensions, such as the Israeli-Gaza conflict, have led to increased charter rates, but normalization is expected in the coming years [19][20] - The order book for new vessels is at 34%, significantly lower than the historical highs, suggesting a more stable market environment [20][21] Investment Considerations - Euroseas is insulated from short to medium-term market fluctuations due to long-term charters secured at profitable levels [22] - The company has a strong commitment to rewarding shareholders with dividends and has a share repurchase program in place [24] - The feeder and intermediate container market fundamentals are positive, with a shrinking fleet expected in the sector [23] Risks and Challenges - Potential headwinds include geopolitical instability and global economic slowdowns, which could impact transportation demand [27][28] - The company is preparing for future fuel transitions by making new vessels LNG ready, although conventional fuel is expected to remain prevalent for some time [26] Conclusion - Euroseas presents a compelling investment opportunity in the container shipping sector, with strong financial performance, a well-managed fleet, and favorable market conditions, despite potential risks from geopolitical and economic factors [22][24]

Core Viewpoint - Danaos Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with Glenfarne Group to advance the Alaska LNG project, which includes a significant investment and the provision of LNG carriers for global delivery [1][2]. Group 1: Investment and Partnership - Danaos Corporation will invest $50 million in Glenfarne Alaska Partners LLC as part of the partnership [2]. - The company will also be the preferred tonnage provider for constructing and operating at least six LNG carriers for the Alaska LNG project [2]. Group 2: Project Phases and Development - The Alaska LNG project is being developed in two phases: Phase One involves a 765-mile pipeline to transport natural gas for domestic energy needs, while Phase Two will include an LNG liquefaction terminal to export 20 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG [3]. - Glenfarne has secured preliminary commercial commitments for 11 MTPA of LNG from buyers in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand [4]. Group 3: Company Background - Glenfarne Group is a global developer and operator of energy infrastructure, with a North American LNG portfolio totaling 32.8 MTPA of capacity under development [5]. - Danaos Corporation operates a fleet of 75 container vessels with a total capacity of 477,491 TEUs and has invested in the dry bulk sector with 11 capesize drybulk vessels [6].

Core Viewpoint - Bed Bath & Beyond's former corporate entity has filed a complaint against Hyundai Merchant Marine for alleged service failures and excessive fees during the pandemic [1][2]. Group 1: Complaint Details - The complaint was filed with the Federal Maritime Commission, alleging violations of the U.S. Shipping Act by Hyundai Merchant Marine [1]. - The complaint targets HMM for a pattern of service failures, coerced surcharges, and punitive billing practices during the pandemic [2]. - The core of the complaint involves two service contracts for the shipping years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, which included minimum quantity commitments of 1,000 FEUs and 2,000 FEUs respectively [3]. Group 2: Service Failures and Financial Impact - HMM allegedly failed to provide the contracted vessel space, resulting in a shortfall of over 60 FEUs in the first year and more than 530 FEUs in the second year [4]. - The retailer claims to have incurred over $9.3 million in additional costs due to these service failures across the two years [4]. - The complaint also accuses HMM of conditioning access to shipping space on the payment of peak season surcharges and other fees, contrary to the contract terms [5]. Group 3: Pricing and Performance Issues - Emails referenced in the complaint indicate that HMM offered limited weekly allocations only if Bed Bath & Beyond agreed to increase surcharge levels, with charges rising from $1,000 to $1,500 per container [6]. - Despite paying the additional fees, the performance of HMM did not improve significantly, according to the former retailer [6].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: The analysis covers the transportation sector in China, specifically airlines, tankers, and container shipping, with a positive outlook on airlines and tankers while turning bearish on container shipping [1][8][10]. Airlines - **Positive Outlook**: Airlines are expected to benefit from higher international demand and supply constraints, leading to above-cycle Return on Equity (ROE) of 22% in 2027 [1]. - **Earnings Forecast**: The net demand forecast for airlines has been raised to 1.6% and 1.3% for 2026 and 2027, respectively, leading to an earnings upgrade for 2027. However, earnings for 2026 have been cut due to the negative impact from China-Japan flight cancellations [1][10]. - **Key Picks**: Air China-H and CEA-A are highlighted as key investment picks due to their price outperformance [1]. Tanker Shipping - **Optimistic Projections**: The crude tanker sector is expected to see further spot rate hikes amid a continuous upcycle in 2026, driven by faster crude stockpiling in China [2][10]. - **Average TCE Rates**: The average Time Charter Equivalent (TCE) for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) is forecasted to rise to $75, up from $56 in 2025 [1]. - **Supply Dynamics**: Supply growth is expected to be limited to 1% in 2026, with a lower effective supply growth forecast due to the exit of sanctioned capacity and increased storage use [2][10]. Container Shipping - **Bearish Stance**: The outlook for container shipping has turned bearish due to higher-than-expected new ship orders, which have driven the order book to 33% of current capacity. This is expected to lead to a deeper and longer downcycle [3][10]. - **Demand Decline**: There is a shrinking demand on the Transpacific route, exacerbated by declining US imports, which poses further downside risks [3]. Shipbuilding - **Continued Upcycle**: The shipbuilding sector is expected to benefit from limited supply growth, with a slight decline in new ship prices anticipated in the medium term due to a drop in new orders [22][10]. - **Long-term Outlook**: The order book coverage is expected to remain above 2.5x until 2032, indicating sustained demand for shipbuilding despite short-term fluctuations [22][24]. Ports and Exports - **Resilient Exports**: China's resilient export growth is projected at 5-6% per year, benefiting port operators and shipyards [11][10]. - **Port Operators**: Chinese port operators are expected to benefit from this resilient export growth, while shipyards may regain market share due to competitive pricing and cost advantages [11]. Key Investment Recommendations - **Buy Recommendations**: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, COSCO Shipping Energy, and COSCO Ports are recommended for purchase [9][10]. - **Sell Recommendations**: COSCO Shipping Holdings, Eastern Air Logistics, and Shanghai Airport are recommended for sale due to bearish outlooks [9][10]. Additional Insights - **Market Dynamics**: The analysis highlights the impact of supply constraints and lower oil prices on the transportation sector, with airlines and tankers positioned favorably compared to container shipping [8][10]. - **Scenario Analysis**: Potential scenarios regarding the reopening of the Red Sea and its impact on container shipping and tankers are discussed, indicating mixed outcomes for tankers and significant negative impacts for container shipping [12][10]. This comprehensive analysis provides a detailed overview of the current state and future outlook of the transportation sector in China, highlighting key investment opportunities and risks.

Group 1: Overview of Layoffs - Layoffs across manufacturing, logistics, and transportation sectors are increasing, affecting over 4,200 workers nationwide in recent weeks [1] - Job losses are occurring in food manufacturing, automotive and EV supply chains, trailer production, ports, warehousing, and automated fulfillment networks, indicating ongoing strain in industrial employment [1] Group 2: Specific Company Layoffs - Ford Motor Co. will lay off all 1,600 employees at its electric vehicle battery plant in Glendale, Kentucky, as it shifts focus to manufacturing batteries for data centers and utilities [2][4] - Franklin Foods will permanently close its Casa Grande cream cheese manufacturing facility in Arizona, resulting in 83 layoffs due to an expected sale of the company [3] - Michigan Sugar Co. will close a warehouse facility in Findlay, Ohio, affecting four logistics workers due to loss of rail service and obsolete equipment [5] Group 3: Regional Layoff Trends - Texas has seen over 500 job losses in manufacturing and logistics, driven by distribution center closures and electronics manufacturing shutdowns [3] - Pennsylvania is experiencing significant industrial layoffs, with Great Dane planning to cut approximately 164 jobs at its Elysburg plant due to weak freight demand [6] - S&S Activewear is closing a distribution center in Texas, affecting 146 workers, and another center in York County, eliminating 128 jobs [7][8]

th NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 26 annual TPM, S&P Global's premier shipping and supply chain conference organized by the Journal of Commerce, will bring together senior decision-makers from across the global logistics ecosystem March 1 – 4 in Long Beach, California. TPM26: Taking Costs Out, Putting Value In underscores the urgent challenge facing shippers as rising tariff burdens drive a renewed focus on cost savings and risk mitigation—without sacrificing resilience or service quality. Acco ...

Core Viewpoint - Euroseas Ltd. has secured new charter contracts for three modern fuel-efficient container vessels, indicating strong demand in the feeder container segment and enhancing revenue visibility through 2029 [1][2]. Charter Contracts - The new charters are for a minimum of 35 months and a maximum of 37 months, with a gross daily rate of $30,000 [1]. - The charters are expected to generate approximately $75 million in EBITDA over the minimum contracted period [2]. Revenue and Earnings Visibility - The new contracts will increase charter coverage for 2026, 2027, and 2028 to approximately 82.5%, 66.5%, and 42% respectively [2]. - The contracts are set to commence after the redelivery of current charters in the first three quarters of 2026 [1]. Fleet Profile - Euroseas operates a fleet of 21 vessels, including 15 feeder containerships and 6 intermediate containerships, with a total cargo capacity of 61,144 TEU [8]. - After the delivery of four new intermediate containerships in 2027 and 2028, the fleet will expand to 25 vessels with a total capacity of 79,080 TEU [8]. Company Background - Euroseas Ltd. was established in 2005 and is listed on NASDAQ under the ticker ESEA, focusing on container shipping and managed by Eurobulk Ltd. [6][7].

ZIM is being shopped around. The Israeli container shipping firm is considering buyout offers in the wake of a purchase proposal co-led by CEO Eli Glickman. More from Sourcing Journal A report from Israel-based business publication Globes said German ocean carrier giant Hapag-Lloyd has made an offer to acquire ZIM. However, the bid is in the initial stages and negotiations have yet to begin between the sides. Such a deal would combine the fifth and 10th largest container shipping firms worldwide by marke ...

Summary of Container Shipping Global Primer: 2026 Outlook Industry Overview - The report focuses on the container shipping industry, analyzing seven container shipping equities, with six rated as Underweight due to challenging supply and demand dynamics [2][11]. Key Points Supply and Demand Dynamics - **Capacity Adjustments**: The global container supply/demand model has been updated, with demand growth for 2026/27/28 revised down by -30/-100/-200 basis points to a 3.0% run rate, aligning closely with GDP growth expectations [4][9]. - **Supply Growth**: Effective supply growth is projected to increase from approximately 4% to 6% for 2026-2028 due to new orders. A return to Red Sea sailings in 1H26 is anticipated, but any earlier resumption could worsen overcapacity, potentially driving effective supply growth above 10% [5][119]. - **Freight Rates**: Freight rates are expected to decline further, following a temporary boost from General Rate Increases (GRI) attempts by carriers [5][11]. Long-term Trends - **Reshoring of Supply Chains**: The report highlights a shift towards reshoring, which is expected to reduce reliance on long-distance sea freight and increase demand for road freight as supply chains shorten [10][9]. - **Market Segmentation**: While some segments will continue to depend on global supply chains, the overall growth rate, particularly for long-distance shipping, is expected to slow, benefiting shorter-haul modes like trucks and rail [10][9]. Financial Outlook - **Equity Valuation**: Despite low price-to-book (P/B) multiples averaging 0.7x across the global container equity coverage, the report warns of downside risks to freight rates and earnings. The average price targets imply a -24% downside [11][134]. - **Company Ratings**: Six companies are rated Underweight (Maersk, COSCO Shipping Holding, Orient Overseas, Nippon Yusen, Mitsui OSK, Kawasaki Kisen), with one rated Equal-weight (SITC) [11][134]. Market Performance - **Container Trade Volumes**: Year-to-date global container trade volumes have increased by 4.7%, but growth rates are moderating, with a decline observed in Asia to North America routes, down -3.1% year-over-year [58][61]. - **Divergence in Trade Routes**: There is a notable divergence in container flows, with volumes from Asia to North America decreasing by -7% to -11%, while volumes to Europe have increased by over 10% [61][58]. Risks and Considerations - **Overcapacity**: The persistent oversupply in the market is a significant concern, with supply additions expected to outpace demand growth through 2027 [115][119]. - **Market Sentiment**: Investor sentiment remains cautious, with many equities already consensus underweights, reflecting the challenging fundamentals of the industry [9][11]. Conclusion - The container shipping industry faces significant challenges in the coming years, with supply growth outpacing demand and freight rates under pressure. The shift towards reshoring and changing trade routes may alter the landscape, but the overall outlook remains cautious due to persistent overcapacity and economic uncertainties.