Company Overview - Danaos Corporation (NYSE: DAC) owns and operates a large fleet primarily consisting of container ships, with a smaller portion in the capesize dry bulk segment [1] - The company is currently trading at a significant discount to its fair value [1] Investment Focus - The focus is on long-term investing in stocks that are trading at or below fair value [1] - The strategy involves analyzing companies to identify opportunities arising from market inefficiencies [1]

Summary of Global Shipbuilding Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The global shipbuilding industry is experiencing a prolonged upcycle, expected to last until 2032, driven by decarbonization and the replacement of aging fleets [1][8][9] - The total addressable market (TAM) for global shipyards (excluding naval ships) is projected to be 441 million CGTs (compensated gross tonnage) with a value of US$1.2 trillion from 2025 to 2032 [8][22] Key Drivers of the Upcycle - **Decarbonization**: Stricter environmental regulations are anticipated to increase operating costs for conventional fuel vessels, making alternative fuel vessels more competitive by 2035 [11][22] - **Replacement Demand**: A significant portion of the fleet will exceed 20 years of age by 2029, necessitating replacements with greener vessels [9][21] Orderbook and Pricing Dynamics - The orderbook is expected to remain elevated, with a forecast of new ship orders increasing significantly from 2029 due to replacement demand and stricter regulations [10][12] - Newbuild prices are projected to remain high, with only a slight retreat of 12% from the peak in 2024 due to disciplined capacity and strong demand [10][25] Market Share and Competitive Landscape - Chinese shipyards are expected to regain market share from 2026 onwards, despite short-term losses attributed to tighter capacity and higher US port fees for China-built vessels [12][14] - The market share of Chinese shipyards is projected to decline in 2025 but is expected to recover due to competitive pricing and capacity expansion [12][14] Earnings and Valuation - Earnings are expected to boom from 2025 to 2028, driven by high-value orderbooks and lower steel prices, despite a potential decline in profitability for container shipping and LNG carriers [10][15] - Yangzijiang Shipbuilding is highlighted as a preferred investment due to its attractive valuation metrics, including the lowest price-to-book ratio and highest return on equity among peers [15][14] Future Projections - The global shipbuilding capacity is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of only 2% from 2025 to 2027, primarily driven by Chinese shipyards [13][25] - The orderbook cover years are projected to remain above 2.5 years, indicating a healthy backlog for shipyards [10][13] Conclusion - The global shipbuilding industry is positioned for a robust upcycle driven by environmental regulations and the need for fleet modernization. Investment opportunities are particularly favorable in Chinese shipyards, with Yangzijiang Shipbuilding being a standout choice for investors looking for growth in this sector [8][15][12]

Corporate Highlights - CMB.TECH completed its merger with Golden Ocean on August 20, 2025, significantly expanding its fleet to approximately 250 vessels, including 89 dry bulk vessels [4][6][18] - The company has declared an interim dividend of USD 0.05, payable on or about October 9, 2025 [9][10] - The Supervisory Board has undergone changes, with Mr. Marc Saverys resigning and Mr. Patrick de Brabandere appointed as chairman [6][21][22] Financial Highlights - For Q2 2025, CMB.TECH reported a net loss of USD 7.6 million, compared to a net gain of USD 184.4 million in Q2 2024 [3][6] - Revenue for Q2 2025 was USD 387.8 million, up from USD 252 million in Q2 2024, while year-to-date revenue reached USD 622.9 million compared to USD 492.4 million in the previous year [5][6] - EBITDA for Q2 2025 was USD 224.1 million, down from USD 261.2 million in Q2 2024 [3][8] Fleet Highlights - The company has a contract backlog of approximately USD 2.93 billion, providing solid revenue visibility [6][27] - CMB.TECH's fleet includes a diverse range of vessels, with over 80 hydrogen- and ammonia-ready vessels, and an estimated fair market value of approximately USD 11.1 billion [27] - The average age of the fleet is 6.1 years, indicating a young and fuel-efficient fleet [27] Market & Outlook - The tanker markets experienced volatility in Q2 2025, with average earnings reaching a five-month low in mid-June but rebounding sharply to USD 47,519/day by June 20 [30] - China's crude oil imports showed a decline in Q2 2025, reflecting a shift in the country's energy demand profile, which may have lasting implications for global oil trade [31][32] - The Capesize market remains supported by strong iron ore demand, particularly from China, which accounted for 76.4% of total seaborne iron ore volumes in H1 2025 [37]

Core Viewpoint - CMB.TECH has successfully completed a stock-for-stock merger with Golden Ocean Group, creating one of the world's largest diversified maritime groups [1][6]. Group 1: Merger Details - The merger was approved by 92.72% of Golden Ocean shareholders present at the special general meeting [2]. - CMB.TECH issued 95,952,934 new ordinary shares as part of the merger, with an exchange ratio of 0.95 CMB.TECH shares for each Golden Ocean share [3][8]. - The newly issued shares began trading on Euronext Brussels and NYSE, with a secondary listing approved on Euronext Oslo [4]. Group 2: Fleet and Financial Highlights - The combined fleet consists of approximately 250 vessels, including various types such as dry bulk vessels and crude oil tankers [7]. - The fleet has a fair market value of around USD 11.1 billion, with a contract backlog of approximately USD 3.0 billion, ensuring revenue visibility [7][8]. - CMB.TECH maintains a robust liquidity position exceeding USD 400 million, providing financial flexibility for growth [7]. Group 3: Corporate Structure and Listings - CMB.TECH is now listed on Euronext Brussels, NYSE, and Euronext Oslo under the ticker symbols "CMBT" and "CMBTO" [13]. - The total share capital post-merger is USD 343,439,903.39, with a total of 315,977,647 voting rights [11].

Core Viewpoint - CMB.TECH NV is set to announce its Q2 2025 earnings on August 28, 2025, and is providing preliminary figures due to an impending stock-for-stock merger with Golden Ocean Group Limited [1][2][3]. Group 1: Earnings Announcement - The Q2 2025 results will be released before market opening on August 28, 2025, followed by a conference call at 8 a.m. EST / 2 p.m. CET [1][4]. - Preliminary key figures for Q2 2025 will be shared in the business update, although these figures are unaudited and subject to change [2][3]. Group 2: Conference Call Details - The earnings conference call will be an audio webcast with a user-controlled slide presentation [5]. - Participants can register for the conference call through a provided link, and those unable to pre-register can dial in using a specific phone conference ID [6]. Group 3: Company Overview - CMB.TECH is a diversified maritime group operating over 150 vessels, including crude oil tankers, dry bulk vessels, and offshore wind vessels [7]. - The company is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, and has a global presence with offices in Europe, Asia, the United States, and Africa [7][8].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of approximately $99 million for the second quarter of 2025, translating to $0.83 per share, while adjusted net income was around $92 million or $0.77 per share [4][7] - Total contracted revenues amount to $2.5 billion with a remaining time charter duration of about 3.2 years [5][8] - Liquidity is reported to be above $500 million [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company completed the spin-off of Costa Maria Parques, which includes its dry bulk fleet and CPI operating platform, while retaining ownership of 68 container ships [4] - The company ordered four new container ships with a capacity of approximately 3,100 TEU, expected to be delivered in 2027, and will commence an eight-year time charter with a first-class liner company [4][5] - The fleet deployment rates are reported at 100% for 2025 and 75% for 2026 [5][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The idle fleet is reported to be at less than 1%, indicating a fully employed market [6][10] - Charter rates remain robust due to low availability of vessels and high demand, with current market conditions supporting firm charter rates [6][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains its focus on container shipping and does not plan to shift its strategy despite the spin-off of the dry bulk segment [15][16] - The company is patient regarding new transactions, only pursuing opportunities that justify entering into deals [17] - The company continues to invest in Neptune Maritime Leasing, with commitments exceeding $650 million for 47 shipping assets [6][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the current market conditions are favorable, with charter rates supported by high demand and low fleet availability [10] - The company remains committed to its dividend policy, paying $0.15 per share per quarter, while also considering capital deployment for new business opportunities [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has no major debt maturities until 2027, indicating a stable financial position [8][9] - The company has a long track record of uninterrupted dividend payments [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the spin-off and new container ship orders - Management clarified that the new orders do not indicate a shift in focus but are based on favorable pricing and market conditions [14][15] Question: Changes in strategy or approach post-spin-off - Management confirmed that the strategy remains unchanged, focusing on opportunities in the container sector while being patient during high asset price periods [16][17] Question: Development of Neptune Maritime Leasing and potential for increased investment - Management indicated that Neptune is progressing well, with nearly 90% of the initially committed capital employed, but no immediate plans for additional investment were disclosed [23][24] Question: Expectations on shareholder returns and dividend policy - Management reiterated that the dividend policy remains the same, with a healthy dividend payout, but future changes are subject to the Board's decision [25][26]

Company Overview - Danaos Corporation (NYSE: DAC) is a tonnage provider and non-operating owner of container ships and dry-bulk ships [1] - The company operates a fleet of 84 ships, which includes 471,500 TEUs of containerized capacity and 1,760,861 DWT (dry weight tons) of dry-bulk capacity [1] Leadership and Background - Benjamin Halliburton, the founder of Danaos, has a long history in investment management, having started his career at Merrill Lynch in 1986 [1] - Halliburton has been recognized for his investment acumen, being named "PSN Manager of the Decade" for All-Cap in the 2000s and for Dividend Value in the 2010s [1] - He earned an MBA with a focus on finance from Duke's Fuqua School of Business and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation [1] Investment Strategy - Halliburton's "Disciplined Growth Strategy" has historically outperformed the S&P 500 during the 1990s bull market [1] - He was noted as the youngest partner at his previous firm and received accolades from senior managing partners for his investment skills [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q1 2025, the company reported total net revenues of $56.3 million, a 20.6% increase from $46.7 million in Q1 2024 [35] - Net income for the period was $36.9 million, compared to $20 million in Q1 2024 [36] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $37.1 million, up from $24.6 million in the same period last year [37] - Basic and diluted earnings per share were $5.31 and $5.29 respectively, compared to $2.89 and $2.87 in Q1 2024 [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operated an average of 23.68 vessels in Q1 2025, compared to 19.6 vessels in Q1 2024 [39] - The daily operating expenses were $7,511 per vessel per day, down from $7,963 in the previous year [39] - The cash flow breakeven rate was $13,062 per vessel per day, significantly lower than $17,171 in Q1 2024 [39] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average one-year time charter rate for 2,500 TEU containerships reached approximately $35,000 per day, significantly above historical averages [20] - Average charter rates increased by 10% for future vessels and by 4% for Panamax and post-Panamax vessels compared to Q4 2024 [15] - The idle fleet, excluding vessels under repair, stood at 19 million TEU, representing 6.6% of the global fleet [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed a spin-off of Europoading, allowing it to focus on its younger, more efficient fleet and growth strategy [12] - The fleet consists of 22 vessels with an average age of under 13 years, and the company expects to receive two new intermediate containers in Q4 2027 [13] - The company aims to secure long-term charters to enhance cash flow visibility and reduce exposure to market volatility [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted heightened geopolitical risks and shifting global trade dynamics as challenges for 2025 [16] - The company anticipates that the market will remain strong and resilient throughout 2025, despite potential downward pressure on charter rates [29] - The management expressed concerns about energy conditions and their impact on markets, while also noting the increasing demand for eco-efficient vessels [31] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share for Q1 2025, payable on July 16, 2025 [7] - The company has repurchased 463,000 shares for approximately $10.5 million since initiating its repurchase plan [7] - The net asset value per share was estimated to be between $74 and $75, indicating a significant upside potential compared to the current trading price [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the latest estimate for scheduled hire days for the remainder of the year? - Management indicated that the estimated stoppage time for the vessel undergoing dry dock is 25 days, and no incremental days are expected for the rest of the fleet [51][52] Question: Which assumption has the most bearing on the conclusion regarding downward pressure on charter rates? - Management noted that rerouting of ships is a significant negative factor as it reduces ton miles, while tariffs and global trade drops can also negatively impact the market [54][55] Question: Will total daily vessel operating expenses decline further with the incorporation of new builds? - Management suggested that as the fleet composition becomes more favorable with new builds, the blended average operating expenses might decrease slightly, but a 2% increase in operating expenses is budgeted [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $193 million for the quarter, with an EBITDA equivalent cash flow of $116 million. The EBITDA equivalent over the last twelve months was $545 million [4] - A net loss of $32 million was recorded for the quarter, translating to $0.24 per share, compared to a net profit of approximately $20.2 million or $0.15 per share in the previous quarter [4][23] - The company has returned over $2.8 billion to shareholders through dividends over 85 consecutive quarters, with the latest dividend yielding approximately 13% based on the share price [4][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The container fleet generated approximately $85 million in gross charter hire, while the car carrier fleet contributed about $25 million, and the tanker fleet generated approximately $43 million [19] - The seven dry bulk vessels employed in the spot market contributed approximately $4.4 million in net charter revenue, down from $7.2 million in the previous quarter [19] - The overall utilization of the shipping fleet was 98.6%, with adjusted utilization at 99.8% when excluding unscheduled technical off-hire [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The charter backlog stands at $4.2 billion, with more than two-thirds of this backlog attributed to customers with investment-grade ratings, providing cash flow visibility [8][25] - The company has identified that approximately 27 vessels in its fleet will be affected by new U.S. tariffs on Chinese-built vessels, primarily impacting car carriers and tankers [14][15][86] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its fleet through investments in new technology and vessel upgrades, focusing on organic growth and compliance with stricter regulatory demands [11] - The strategy includes maintaining long-term charters with strong industrial players, which provides stability amid market volatility [42] - The company is exploring strategic opportunities for its rigs while remaining optimistic about future employment for the Hercules rig [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that recent market volatility and recession fears have made it challenging to trade vessels profitably in the spot market [5][7] - The company remains cautious about the current economic environment but is optimistic about finding new employment opportunities for its rigs [7][33] - Discussions with customers have resumed, indicating a potential increase in business transactions as market stability improves [42] Other Important Information - The company has been active in share repurchases, acquiring $10 million worth of shares below $8 per share [5][25] - The company has a strong liquidity position, with approximately $174 million in cash and cash equivalents and undrawn credit lines of about $48 million [23][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about vessel and rig operating expenses - Management confirmed a decrease in operating expenses, attributing it to cost savings at Hercules and noted that 17 vessels are scheduled for dry docking this year, which is higher than usual [27][28] Question: Update on Hercules rig - The Hercules rig remains warm stacked in Norway, with ongoing discussions for new contracts, but no specific timeline can be provided [32][33] Question: Asset acquisition opportunities - Management indicated that market uncertainty has slowed decision-making processes, but discussions for long-term charters with strong industrial players are picking up again [42] Question: Long-term distribution potential and share repurchases - The company maintains a sustainable dividend level based on cash flow from owned assets, balancing capital allocation between investments, debt repayments, share buybacks, and dividends [64][65] Question: Impact of new U.S. tariffs on vessels - Approximately 27 vessels will be affected by the new tariffs, primarily impacting car carriers and tankers, but the company expects charterers to absorb these costs [14][15][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $193 million for Q1 2025, with an EBITDA equivalent cash flow of $116 million. The EBITDA equivalent over the last twelve months was $545 million [4][20] - A net loss of $32 million was recorded for the quarter, translating to $0.24 per share, compared to a net profit of approximately $20.2 million or $0.15 per share in the previous quarter [4][24] - The company has returned over $2.8 billion to shareholders through dividends over 85 consecutive quarters, with the latest dividend yielding approximately 13% based on the share price [4][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The container fleet generated approximately $85 million in gross charter hire, while the car carrier fleet contributed about $25 million, and the tanker fleet generated approximately $43 million [20] - The seven dry bulk vessels employed in the spot market contributed approximately $4.4 million in net charter revenue, down from $7.2 million in the previous quarter [20] - The overall utilization of the shipping fleet was 98.6%, with adjusted utilization at 99.8% when excluding unscheduled technical off-hire [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The charter backlog stands at $4.2 billion, with more than two-thirds of this backlog attributed to customers with investment-grade ratings, providing cash flow visibility [7][27] - The company anticipates that approximately 27 vessels in its fleet will be affected by new U.S. tariffs on Chinese-built vessels, primarily impacting car carriers and tankers [14][15][87] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its fleet through investments in new technology and vessel upgrades, focusing on organic growth and compliance with stricter regulatory demands [11] - The strategy includes maintaining long-term charters with strong industrial players, which provides resilience against market volatility [47] - The company is exploring strategic opportunities for its rigs while remaining cautious due to recent market volatility and oil price fluctuations [6][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about finding new employment for the Hercules rig despite current market challenges, emphasizing the rig's capabilities in harsh environments [6][36] - The management noted that recent market volatility has led to longer decision-making processes among customers, but discussions for long-term charters are picking up again [47] - The company is well-positioned with strong liquidity and a diversified fleet, allowing it to pursue new investment opportunities [27] Other Important Information - The company has been active in share repurchases, buying back $10 million worth of shares below $8 per share [5][27] - The company has approximately $174 million in cash and cash equivalents, along with undrawn credit lines of about $48 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about vessel and rig operating expenses - Management indicated that this year is a busy dry docking year, with up to 17 vessels scheduled for dry docking, which is above the average of 10 [30] Question: Update on Hercules rig - The Hercules rig remains warm stacked in Norway, with ongoing discussions for new contracts, but no specific timeline can be provided [36] Question: Long-term distribution potential and share repurchases - The dividend is set quarterly based on long-term sustainable cash flow, and the board aims to maximize long-term distribution per share through a combination of investments, debt repayments, share buybacks, and dividends [68] Question: Impact of new tariffs on vessels - Approximately 27 vessels are estimated to be affected by new U.S. tariffs, primarily impacting car carriers and tankers, but the costs will likely be passed on to charterers [15][90]