FLEX LNG .(FLNG) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $87.5 million for Q4 2025, or $85 million excluding EUA related to the emission trading system. The fleet averaged TCE at $71,100 per day. Net income for Q4 was $21.6 million, resulting in an earnings per share of $0.40. Adjusted net income was $23.3 million, or adjusted earnings per share of $0.43 [3][5] - For the full year 2025, revenues reached $340 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of $251 million. The full year TCE was $72,000 per day [6][12] - The company maintained a cash balance of $448 million at year-end, with no debt maturing before 2029 [5][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company traded two vessels in the spot market in 2025: FLEX Artemis and FLEX Constellation. Four drydockings were completed in 2025 [6][12] - In 2026, the company expects to complete three drydockings and has a TCE guidance of $65,000-$75,000 per day [9][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global LNG exports rose 4% year-over-year in 2025, with Europe leading demand. U.S. LNG exports increased by 25% compared to 2024 [16] - European gas storage levels were reported to be around 40% entering 2026, indicating a potential strong demand pull from Europe [18] - The company noted that while new LNG supply is firm, there are too many ships delivered ahead of the new volumes, leading to modest expectations for earnings from spot exposure [10][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has a robust financial position and a solid contract backlog, with 78% of available days fixed on long-term charters for 2026 [6][8] - The company is optimistic about its open exposure later in the decade, aligning with expectations of an attractive shipping market due to significant new supply volumes [8][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management indicated that the spot market is expected to remain volatile in 2026, with many fixtures anticipated due to new LNG export volumes ramping up [7][10] - The long-term outlook remains optimistic, with a comfortable backlog and visibility despite current market challenges [10][20] Other Important Information - The board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share, marking the 18th consecutive dividend at this rate, with a total distribution of around $770 million since 2021 [5][10] - The company generated cash flow of $44 million from operations, with a net operating cash flow of approximately $36 million after accounting for working capital movements and drydocking expenditures [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more details on the upcoming options and their likelihood of being declared? - Management stated that they are also waiting for the charters to declare options during 2026, and regardless of the outcome, these options will not affect the fleet portfolio significantly [23] Question: How should the increased market exposure and decision factors be viewed regarding future dividend payments? - Management emphasized that each dividend payment is decided by the board at each meeting, and while some decision factors have been adjusted, the majority remain strong, supporting the dividend [24] Question: Will the company order new ships given the current market exposure? - Management indicated that they are in a position to order ships if needed but prefer to be disciplined and wait for contracts to be attached before making such decisions [26]