Safe Bulkers(SB) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, the company achieved adjusted earnings per share of $0.14, compared to $0.15 in Q4 2024 [5][29] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $37.4 million, down from $40.7 million in Q4 2024 [28] - Daily vessel operating expenses increased by 13% to $5,683 in Q4 2025, compared to $5,047 in Q4 2024 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operated an average of 45 vessels in Q4 2025, earning an average time charter equivalent of $17,050, compared to 45.9 vessels earning $16,521 in Q4 2024 [29] - The company declared a dividend of $0.05 per share, marking the seventeenth consecutive quarterly dividend [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The dry bulk fleet is projected to grow by about 3% in 2026, with the highest growth in the Panamax and Supermax segments [7] - Global dry bulk demand is forecasted to grow by 2%-3% in 2026, with cargo volumes expected to expand by 1%-2% [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a balance between spot and time charter exposure to capture market opportunities while preserving cash flow visibility [6] - The company is focusing on fleet renewal with an emphasis on quality tonnage, particularly Japanese-built vessels [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted increased market volatility in the dry bulk market due to geopolitical reasons, but expressed optimism about the market's recovery [5] - The company highlighted the importance of maintaining a young and technologically advanced fleet to enhance operational performance and regulatory compliance [12] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with $382 million in capital resources and a leverage ratio of 34% [23] - The company has a revenue backlog of $178 million, supporting debt service and reinvestment [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is there any appetite to renew the Capesize fleet? - Management indicated that second-hand prices are rising, but there is a lack of suitable tonnage available for sale, leading to a focus on newbuilds [36] Question: Have you seen increasing appetite for 2- to 3-year contracts on Kamsarmaxes? - Management noted that there is currently no interest for longer-term contracts, with the market just starting to improve [37][39] Question: Would you favor index-linked exposure or fixed coverage? - Management traditionally prefers fixed rates, especially in a rising market, and noted current rates for one-year deals are around $18,000 to $19,000 per day for Eco Kamsarmaxes [40]