Himalaya Shipping .(HSHP) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit of $13.5 million for Q4 2025, compared to a net income of $1.1 million for Q4 2024, representing a significant increase [5] - EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $33.3 million, up from $21.3 million in Q4 2024 [5] - Operating revenues increased to $42.1 million in Q4 2025 from $29.6 million in Q4 2024, driven by higher time charter equivalent earnings [5] - Time charter equivalent earnings rose from $27,800 per day in Q4 2024 to $39,600 per day in Q4 2025 [5] - Cash distributions for the quarter totaled $0.30 per share [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company converted index-linked time charters for 4 vessels to fixed rates at an average of $27,700 per day for the period from January 1 to March 31, 2026 [2] - A new time charter agreement for the Mount Elbrus was established at a fixed rate of $30,000 per day until June 30, 2026, with a subsequent conversion to an index-linked rate [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Capesize market experienced a strong start in 2026, attributed to increased iron ore export volumes from Brazil and a lack of significant weather disruptions [11] - Year-over-year iron ore exports from Brazil and Australia increased by 18% and 9% respectively in Q4 2025 [12] - The ton-mile for Capesize vessels increased by 9% year-over-year, driven by a 21% increase in bauxite from Guinea and a 12% increase in iron ore trades [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to charter out the majority of its vessels on index-linked charters to capture market upside and maintain flexibility [8] - The fleet has traded at an average of 48% premium to the Baltic Capesize Index since inception, indicating strong commercial performance [9] - The company maintains a clear capital allocation structure and has achieved 27 consecutive monthly dividends [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the structural changes in the Capesize and Newcastlemax trades, which could drive market growth [11] - The company noted that the current Capesize and Newcastlemax fleet is aging, with 50% built between 2009 and 2015, leading to a favorable supply dynamic for the next few years [16] Other Important Information - Cash and cash equivalents stood at $32.4 million at the end of Q4 2025, with a minimum cash requirement of $12.3 million under sale leaseback financing [6] - The outstanding balance on sale leaseback financing decreased to approximately $700 million, down from $707 million in the previous quarter [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing power for upcoming renewals and average premium expectations - Management acknowledged that premiums tend to be higher in softer markets, and while they expect some discount in a $30,000-$40,000 market, they aim to time vessel renewals strategically [19][20] Question: Transition to new Capesize benchmark - Management confirmed that they will continue using the old index for now, as it is still linked to current FFAs, but acknowledged that a transition to new indexes will occur over time [21]