DHT(DHT) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, the company achieved revenues on a TCE basis of $92.8 million and adjusted EBITDA of $69 million, with net income of $56 million, equating to $0.35 per share [5][6] - After adjusting for a $17.5 million gain on the sale of vessels, the net profit for the quarter was $38.6 million, or $0.24 per share [6] - Vessel operating expenses for the quarter were $19.6 million, and G&A expenses were $4.6 million [6] - The average TCE for vessels in the spot market was $48,700 per day, while vessels on time charters made $42,800 per day, resulting in a combined average TCE of $46,300 per day [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The DHT Appaloosa entered a seven to nine-year time charter contract with a global energy major at a fixed base rate of $41,000 per day, plus a profit-sharing structure [11] - The company sold two vessels, DHT Lotus and DHT Pony, for a combined price of $103 million, with a capital gain of $17.5 million recorded during the quarter [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - India’s imports of Russian oil decreased by 20% in July, impacting chartering activity and favoring larger ships [27][28] - The company noted that OPEC's announcement to finish unwinding cuts earlier than expected could lead to increased interest in VLCC capacity [37][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on maintaining a robust balance sheet with low leverage and significant liquidity, ending the quarter with total liquidity of $299 million [6][7] - A new building financing update revealed a secured credit facility of $308.4 million to finance four new buildings, indicating confidence from lenders in the company's financial position [16][17] - The company aims to pay out 100% of ordinary net income as quarterly cash dividends, declaring a dividend of $0.24 per share for Q2 2025 [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the VLCC market dynamics, citing a favorable supply story with an aging fleet and a benign order book of new ships [22] - The company anticipates a potential turnaround in the market despite a disappointing start to Q3, with several positive catalysts expected to influence VLCC performance [46][50] Other Important Information - The company has a fleet renewal strategy focused on creating shareholder value, with recent sales of older vessels being part of this strategy [41][43] - The company is exploring financing options for the acquisition of a modern secondhand vessel, indicating a conservative approach to leverage [57] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs from India on chartering activity - Management noted a 20% decrease in Russian oil imports to India, which could favor larger ships moving forward [27][28] Question: Repeatability of strong fixture rates for older ships - Management indicated success in securing time charters for older vessels, with rates starting in the low $40,000s, suggesting potential for repeat fixtures [30][32] Question: Changes in conversations with charters due to OPEC's actions - Management observed increased interest from customers in securing VLCC capacity, indicating a bullish signal for the market [39][40] Question: Fleet renewal strategy and maintaining fleet size - Management emphasized a case-by-case approach to fleet renewal, focusing on value creation and earnings per share [41][43] Question: Reasons for recent disappointment in VLCC performance - Management attributed the recent downturn to inventory building in China and a tapering of production, but expressed confidence in a temporary nature of these issues [46][49] Question: Update on dry dock schedule - Management confirmed only one ship is scheduled for dry dock in the second half of the year [52] Question: Utilization rates of sanctioned vessels - Management indicated limited ability to track the utilization of sanctioned vessels but estimated their productivity to be around 50% compared to compliant vessels [68][70] Question: Competitive financing rates and company’s attractiveness to banks - Management highlighted the company's strong balance sheet and stable banking relationships as factors contributing to competitive financing rates [72][74]