SFL .(SFL) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $176 million for the fourth quarter, with an EBITDA-equivalent cash flow of $109 million, and a total EBITDA of $450 million over the past 12 months, indicating strong operational stability [3][14] - The net result for the quarter was a loss of approximately $4.7 million or $0.04 per share, impacted by non-recurring and non-cash items [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Charter revenue from the fleet was approximately $176 million, with the container fleet contributing around $81 million, the car carrier fleet generating $26 million, and the tanker fleet producing $42 million [14][15] - The overall utilization of the shipping fleet was about 98.6%, with adjusted utilization at 99.8% when accounting for unscheduled technical off-hire [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The tanker market has seen unprecedented consolidation, with high charter rates expected to positively impact the Suezmax market [8] - The company noted a significant increase in the spot market rates, with the TD20 index rising by 20% in a short period [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to build a diversified, high-quality fleet and has secured long-term agreements with strong counterparties, enhancing its charter backlog to $3.7 billion [3][9] - The company is focused on investing in efficiency upgrades and exploring new long-term charter opportunities, particularly in the tanker market [4][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about securing new employment for the Hercules rig, citing recent industry developments that indicate rising demand for premium high-specification rigs [9][42] - The company remains disciplined in its approach to capital deployment, focusing on sustainable cash flows and long-term contracts [30][31] Other Important Information - The company declared its 88th consecutive dividend of $0.20 per share, representing a dividend yield of around 9% [9][17] - The company has a solid liquidity position with cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $151 million and an additional $46 million available on credit facilities [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on Suezmax vessels and long-term contracts - Management finds the Suezmax market interesting and is optimistic about securing long-term charters, while also benefiting from the strong spot market [20][25] Question: Dividend sustainability and market opportunities - Management indicated that the board does not guide on dividends but emphasized the importance of long-term sustainable cash flows and the potential for over $100 million in dividends per year [27][31] Question: Updates on terminated charters and spot market fixtures - Management provided details on previous charter rates and current spot market conditions, highlighting strong cash flows from recent vessel sales [35][36] Question: Future growth in dry bulk and other segments - Management remains open to opportunities across all segments, including dry bulk, and emphasized the need for good risk-adjusted returns [39][40] Question: Status of the Hercules rig - The Hercules rig has been idle since November 2024, but management sees signs of improving market dynamics and potential employment opportunities [42] Question: Size of new rig financing facility - The new financing facility for the Hercules rig is expected to be around $100 million [48]