PACIFIC BASIN(02343) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company generated an EBITDA of $333 million, an underlying profit of$114 million, and a net profit of $132 million, resulting in a 7$20 million and committed liquidity of $548 million [1][14] - The total dividend recommended amounts to$61 million, representing 50% of the net profit for the full year, excluding vessel disposal gains [2][16] - The company completed a $40 million share buyback program, buying back and canceling 138 million shares, reducing issued share capital by 2$178 million before overheads, benefiting from a stronger freight market, while operating activity contributed $70 million with a margin of$630 per day over 27,610 days [1][11] - Average market spot freight rates for Handysize and Supramax increased by 24% year on year to $11,200 and$12,920 per day, respectively [3] - Dry bulk loading volumes grew approximately 2% year on year, driven by robust Chinese demand, while minor bulk loading decreased by 3% [5][6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Thermal dry bulk demand growth, particularly from China for coal and bauxite, supported the trade market in 2024, despite a weakening market in the fourth quarter [3][4] - Grain loadings increased by 4% year on year due to increased loadings from Argentina and the U.S., while Ukraine grain loadings increased by 84% year on year [6][7] - Iron ore loadings increased by 4% year on year, driven by increased production from key exporters and strong Chinese demand [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to optimize capital allocation and maintain a robust capital structure to enable strategic investments and growth initiatives [17][29] - The company is focused on acquiring modern secondhand vessels while selling older, less efficient vessels to enhance shareholder value [3][24] - The long-term strategy includes transitioning to net zero emissions by 2050 and maximizing growth optionality through newbuilding vessels and long-term charters [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates a weaker start to 2025 due to market corrections in the fourth quarter of 2024, but expects steady improvements in the first quarter of 2025 [4][60] - The company remains cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, prepared to seize opportunities arising from increased productivity [23][28] - Management highlighted that geopolitical tensions and trade tariffs could create volatility but may also provide advantages in the short term [41][42] Other Important Information - The company paid a total of $66 million in dividends, including final and interim dividends for 2023 and 2024 [16] - The company’s owned vessels have a total net book value of approximately$1.7 billion, with a market value estimated at 2 billion [17] - A new Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Woo, will join the company in December 2025 [30] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Impact of U.S. potential actions on Chinese vessels - Management acknowledged that the majority of their ships are Japanese built, with only 25% being Chinese built, and noted that any regulations would impact trading patterns [34][35] Question: Outlook on dividends and impact of tariffs - Management confirmed a total 50% dividend for 2024 and a 40 million share buyback program, stating that U.S. tariffs may not significantly impact operations as the U.S. is not a major importer of dry bulk [39][40] Question: Percentage of owned fleet that is Chinese built - Management stated that 25% of the owned fleet is Chinese built, and they are always looking for opportunities in the market, including potential purchases from Chinese shipyards [44][45] Question: Cover ratio and rates in the first quarter of 2025 - Management indicated that the cover ratio is lower than the previous year, allowing for more flexibility to optimize ship positioning and maximize earnings [58][61]