KNOT Offshore Partners LP(KNOP) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for Q2 2025 were $87.1 million, with operating income at $22.2 million and net income at $6.8 million, while adjusted EBITDA was $51.6 million [3][11] - Available liquidity as of June 30, 2025, was $104 million, consisting of $66.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $38.5 million in undrawn credit facilities, which is $4 million higher than at the end of Q1 [3][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved full utilization of its fleet, with an overall utilization rate of 96.8%, despite the start of two dry dockings [3] - The backlog as of June 30, 2025, was extended to $895 million in fixed contracts, averaging 2.6 years [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The shuttle tanker market is tightening in both Brazil and the North Sea, driven by Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) startups and ramp-ups [8][9] - The average age of the fleet was reduced from 10.1 years to 9.7 years with the addition of a new vessel [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on fleet growth through acquisitions and maintaining high operational utilization, while also planning to increase distributions to unitholders [17][27] - The strategic acquisition of the Dakin Connexion is expected to enhance long-term contracts and fleet growth without drawing on cash reserves [5][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the financial outlook, citing positive momentum in the shuttle tanker market and the company's ability to address debt maturities [12][16] - The company is optimistic about the demand for shuttle tankers, anticipating a medium-term shortage against forthcoming production [16] Other Important Information - A cash distribution of $0.026 per common unit was declared and paid in August 2025 [4] - The company initiated a $10 million unit buyback program, repurchasing 226,000 common units at an average price of $7.24 [6][10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Delivery timeline for Dakin Connexion - Management confirmed that the Dakin Connexion was delivered on July 2, 2025, the same day it was announced [19][20] Question: Future dropdowns and fleet growth - Management indicated that they do not have a specific timing for future dropdowns but will respond to opportunities as they arise, emphasizing the importance of financial capacity [22] Question: Contracting discussions for older vessels - Management clarified that their business model focuses on operating vessels rather than trading them, and they are actively discussing contracts for older vessels [26] Question: Balancing fleet growth and distribution increases - Management stated that fleet growth and returns to unitholders are both important and can be pursued simultaneously without conflict [27][28]