SFL .(US:SFL)2026-02-11 16:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the fourth quarter, the company reported revenues of $176 million and an EBITDA-equivalent cash flow of $109 million, with 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 approximately $26 million, and the tanker fleet generating about $42 million [14][15] - The overall utilization of the shipping fleet in Q4 was about 98.6%, with adjusted utilization at 99.8% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a significant strengthening in the tanker market, with the Suezmax segment expected to benefit from high charter rates due to correlations with the VLCC market [8][25] - The market for secondhand vessels is currently strong, with broker reports indicating a modern Suezmax tanker could command rates in the high $40,000s to over $60,000 per day [36] 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 approximately $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 consolidations and increasing demand for premium 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 Questions and Answers Question: How is the company thinking about the Suezmax vessels given the strong crude tanker spot market? - Management finds the Suezmax market interesting and is looking for long-term charters while also benefiting from the current spot market [20][25] Question: What is the outlook for the dividend over the next 12 months? - Management indicated that the board does not guide on dividends but emphasized the importance of sustainable cash flows and disciplined capital deployment [28][31] Question: What was the rate on the previous contract for the terminated charters? - The previous charter rates for the sold vessels were around $27,000 per day, and the company sold them for $57 million each [35][36] Question: What is the 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: What is the size of the new rig financing facility? - The new financing facility for the Hercules rig is expected to be in the amount of $100 million [48]