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l pany .(CLCO) - 2024 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
CLCOl pany .(CLCO)2024-11-22 00:46

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q3 2024 reached 82.4million,withadjustedEBITDAat82.4 million, with adjusted EBITDA at 53.7 million, and net income of 8.1million,impactedbya8.1 million, impacted by a 15.5 million negative mark on interest rate swaps [5][28] - The dividend has been reduced to 0.15pershare,anda0.15 per share, and a 40 million share buyback program has been introduced [6][29] - TCE revenues were reported at 77.7million,slightlyexceedingguidance,withanaverageTCErateof77.7 million, slightly exceeding guidance, with an average TCE rate of 81,600 per day, up from 78,400inQ2[23][24]BusinessLineDataandKeyMetricsChangesThebacklogasofSeptembertotaledover78,400 in Q2 [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The backlog as of September totaled over 1.7 billion, equivalent to around 60 years of backlog, with an average TCE rate of approximately 80,000perdaypervessel[32]OperatingincomeforQ3was80,000 per day per vessel [32] - Operating income for Q3 was 38.9 million, down from 41.4millioninthepriorquarter,primarilyduetodrydockimpacts[27]Vesseloperatingexpensesaveraged41.4 million in the prior quarter, primarily due to drydock impacts [27] - Vessel operating expenses averaged 17,700 per day per vessel, slightly higher than Q2 but consistent with 2023 levels [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The LNG shipping market is experiencing a disconnect, with LNG prices remaining strong while shipping rates have declined [12][10] - Cold weather in Europe has led to a steepening of the curve in anticipation of increased demand, although the market remains volatile [14] - The supply of LNG has not significantly increased, contributing to strong pricing and favorable LNG value chain economics [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maximize shareholder value through strategic decisions such as refinancing, dividend adjustments, and share buybacks, positioning itself to seize opportunities in a volatile LNG shipping market [3][9] - The long-term outlook for LNG remains strong, with expectations of increased shipping demand as new projects come online and older vessels exit the market [21][17] - The company is strategically placed to consolidate the market and is considering both asset and corporate opportunities for growth [42][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term market despite short-term challenges, anticipating a recovery as older vessels are phased out and new projects are launched [44][57] - The company expects rates to improve steadily in the first half of 2025 as new projects deliver and older steam turbine vessels are retired [17][18] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet to capitalize on potential market opportunities [44][21] Other Important Information - The company successfully secured bank approvals to refinance a 570millionfacility,enhancingfinancialflexibilityandextendingmaturitytolate2029[34][35]Cashandcashequivalentstotaled570 million facility, enhancing financial flexibility and extending maturity to late 2029 [34][35] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled 142 million, up from $84 million in the previous quarter, indicating a solid liquidity position [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: What type of investments is the company anticipating in the current market? - The company is looking at both asset and corporate opportunities, particularly as market conditions may lead to more attractive growth options [41][42] Question: What is the company's confidence level in the current investment climate? - The long-term market outlook is strong, with expectations of improved conditions as older vessels are phased out and new projects come online [44] Question: Is the company open to selling ships in the current market? - The company is open to selling ships if the price is right, particularly those that can be converted into higher-value vessels [45][46] Question: What is the appetite for long-term charters given the current market softness? - There is a bid-ask spread for medium-term charters, but long-term charters are less liquid, with some recent activity noted [50] Question: How does the company view the supply-demand dynamics with upcoming LNG projects? - The company sees a cyclical phenomenon where upcoming LNG projects will primarily benefit Asia, which is favorable for shipping due to longer distances [51] Question: What is the outlook for vessel valuations in light of current TCE rates? - Vessel valuations are holding up relatively well, with newbuild prices showing slight increases, while second-hand market values depend on the specific vessel type [69][70]