Cmb.Tech (NYSE:CMBT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 26, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsLudovic Saverys - CFOAxel Styrman - Head of Research Norway and Head of ShippingCliment Molins - Head of Shipping ResearchEirik Haavaldsen - Head of Equity ResearchKristoffer Barth Skeie - Equity ResearchKristof Samoy - Associate Director of Equity ResearchEnya Derkinderen - Brand ManagerAlexander Saverys - CEOConference Call ParticipantsFrode Mørkedal - Senior Equity AnalystQuirijn Mulder - Senior AnalystAlexander ...

Cmb.Tech (NYSE:CMBT) Q3 2025 Earnings Call November 26, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsLudovic Saverys - CFOAxel Styrman - Head of Research Norway and Head of ShippingCliment Molins - Head of Shipping ResearchEirik Haavaldsen - Head of Equity ResearchKristoffer Barth Skeie - Equity ResearchKristof Samoy - Associate Director of Equity ResearchEnya Derkinderen - Brand ManagerAlexander Saverys - CEOConference Call ParticipantsFrode Mørkedal - Senior Equity AnalystQuirijn Mulder - Senior AnalystAlexander ...

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 Q1 2025, the company reported a profit of approximately $40 million, but excluding capital gains, the net income would have been a loss of $6 million [3] - The liquidity position stood at $345 million, with a contract backlog of nearly $3 billion, having added approximately $1 billion in the first quarter [4] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) remained at $2.2 billion, and equity on total assets was 31.9% at the end of the quarter [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the tanker segment, average earnings were $40,000 per day in Q1, with an increase to approximately $43,000 per day in Q2 to date [7] - The bulkers experienced weaker performance in Q1, with Newcastlemax vessels earning $18,000 per day, which improved to $24,000 in Q2 [7] - The container and chemical tankers are primarily on long-term contracts, which are fixed at favorable rates, with an uptick in earnings for CTVs in the offshore wind markets [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The tanker market is expected to remain positive due to a flat growth forecast for crude oil ton miles and a historically low order book [22] - The dry bulk market is anticipated to improve, particularly for Capesizes, as ton mile demand is expected to increase [24] - The container market is cautious due to high order books and recent tariff changes, with 8% of TEU miles affected by tariffs [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversification and decarbonization, highlighted by the acquisition of ammonia-powered vessels and long-term contracts with major clients [5] - The proposed merger with Golden Ocean aims to create a leading diversified maritime group, expanding the fleet to 250 vessels and enhancing the contract backlog [10] - The company is committed to decarbonization, aligning with regulations such as MEPC 83, which emphasizes fuel intensity and the use of low-carbon fuels [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the tanker market due to an aging fleet and low order book, despite a slight decrease in oil demand growth expectations [30] - The dry bulk market is expected to strengthen in the second half of the year, with positive indicators for iron ore trade and a low order book [40] - The company believes that the merger with Golden Ocean will enhance its financial position and support ongoing investments in hydrogen and ammonia infrastructure projects [83] Other Important Information - The company decided not to declare a dividend for Q1 2025, focusing instead on growth and investment opportunities [6] - The fleet currently consists of 113 vessels, with plans to grow to approximately 150 vessels by the end of 2026 [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss your ammonia solution and the status of your ammonia-powered ships? - Management highlighted the positive outlook for ammonia as a fuel choice, with ongoing discussions about retrofitting existing vessels and the delivery of new ammonia-powered ships expected soon [54][55] Question: Is the pro forma free cash flow including debt repayments? - Yes, it includes debt repayments, and even in a bearish scenario, the company expects to generate excess cash flow to cover CapEx commitments [58][59] Question: What are the plans to improve revenue in the dry bulk sector? - Management emphasized the importance of building efficient vessels and leveraging the merger with Golden Ocean to enhance revenue opportunities in the dry bulk market [92][93] Question: Will the merger with Golden Ocean affect funding for hydrogen and ammonia projects? - Management clarified that the merger will enhance the company's balance sheet and liquidity, facilitating continued investments in hydrogen and ammonia infrastructure [83]