SFL .(US:SFL)2025-11-11 16:02Financial 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][6] - The 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 [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The container vessel segment contributed $82 million to adjusted EBITDA, while the car carrier fleet added $23 million, and the tanker segment generated $44 million [14] - Dry bulk contributed $6 million, down from $19 million, due to the divestiture of 13 dry bulk carriers as part of the fleet renewal strategy [14][15] 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 [6][17] - The overall utilization across the shipping fleet in Q3 was about 98.7%, with adjusted utilization at 99.9% [9] 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][11] - The company aims to diversify its asset base and maintain a sustainable long-term capacity for shareholder returns, supported by a solid liquidity position [7][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about securing new employment for the Hercules rig, despite its current idle status, and is exploring various opportunities for its utilization [5][19] - The company is cautious about the geopolitical situation affecting shipping routes, particularly in the Red Sea, and is closely monitoring developments [28] Other Important Information - The company has returned approximately $2.9 billion to shareholders over 87 consecutive quarters, with a dividend yield of over 10% based on the recent share price [6][17] - The company has about $80 million remaining on a $100 million share buyback program, having repurchased $10 million worth of shares at an average price of $7.98 per share [26] 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 the Hercules rig, focusing on areas where it has unique capabilities, such as the North Sea and Canadian markets [19][20] Question: Type of work considered for Hercules - The company is open to various opportunities for the Hercules, including well intervention and exploration drilling, and has made upgrades to facilitate development drilling [21][22] Question: 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 [23] Question: Update on the $100 million buyback - Approximately $80 million remains on the buyback program, with $10 million repurchased this year [26] Question: Impact of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea - Management is cautious and monitoring the situation, noting that any return to normalcy in the region will be gradual [28] Question: Purchase obligations in charter contracts - The company has shifted from bareboat charters to time charters, reducing purchase obligations and maintaining upside in residual vessel value [30] Question: Outlook for new transactions outside the container segment - The company is open to opportunities across various maritime segments, focusing on strong counterparties and favorable deal structures [31][32]