SFL .(US:SFL)2025-11-11 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 2025, the company reported revenues of $178 million and an EBITDA-equivalent cash flow of $113 million, with a total EBITDA of $473 million over the past 12 months, indicating strong operational stability [3][12] - Net income for the quarter was $8.6 million, translating to $0.07 per share, with total operating expenses reduced to $69 million from $86 million in the previous quarter [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The container vessel segment contributed $82 million to adjusted EBITDA, while the car carrier fleet generated $23 million, down from $26 million due to scheduled dry docking of SFL Composer [12][14] - The tanker segment produced $44 million, benefiting from long-term charters, while dry bulk contributed $6 million, down from $19 million due to divestitures [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The charter backlog stands at approximately $4 billion, with two-thirds contracted to investment-grade counterparties, providing strong cash flow visibility [5][16] - The overall utilization of the shipping fleet in Q3 was about 98.7%, with adjusted utilization reaching 99.9% when accounting for unscheduled technical issues [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on fleet renewal, having sold older vessels and invested in cargo handling and fuel efficiency upgrades, with 11 vessels now capable of operating on LNG fuel [4][10] - The strategy includes securing long-term charters with strong counterparties, as evidenced by new five-year charters for three container vessels, adding approximately $225 million to the charter backlog from 2026 onwards [4][5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about securing new employment for the Hercules drilling rig, despite its current idle status, and is exploring various opportunities for its deployment [5][19] - The company emphasizes the importance of energy efficiency and emissions reduction in attracting and retaining charterers, highlighting ongoing investments in modernizing the fleet [10][11] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, marking the 87th consecutive dividend, with a total of approximately $2.9 billion returned to shareholders over the years [5][17] - The financial position remains strong, with approximately $278 million in cash and cash equivalents and $40 million in undrawn credit lines, totaling $320 million in liquidity [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for Hercules leasing in the new year and impact of Gulf of Mexico lease sale - Management is exploring all opportunities for Hercules, focusing on markets where its unique capabilities are needed, such as the North Sea and Canada, rather than the Gulf of Mexico [19][20] Question: Consideration of well intervention opportunities for Hercules - The company is open to any opportunity for the rig, including well intervention or exploration drilling, and has made upgrades to facilitate development drilling [23] Question: Outlook for securing long-term work for tankers - It is too early to secure long-term work for vessels rolling off charters, but there is significant value linked to profit-sharing features in existing contracts [24] Question: Update on the $100 million buyback implementation - Approximately $80 million remains on the buyback, with $10 million of shares repurchased at an average price of $7.98 per share [27] Question: Impact of potential pause in Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea - Management is cautious and believes it will take time for container ship operators to return to the region, with a focus on safety and risk evaluation [30][32] Question: Purchase obligations in charter contracts - The company has shifted from bareboat charters to time charters, reducing purchase obligations and maintaining upside in residual values [34] Question: Outlook for new transactions outside the container segment - The company is open to opportunities across various maritime sectors, focusing on strong counterparties and structuring deals with favorable return characteristics [35][36]