TORM posts H1 2018 interim results
“Despite healthy end-user consumption, the product tanker market remained under pressure in the second quarter of 2018. Nevertheless, I am pleased to see TORM outperformed commercially when comparing to relevant benchmarks and peers,” Executive Director Jacob Meldgaard is quoted by the company's press service as saying.
“We have continued to take steps to further renew and optimize our fleet by taking delivery of one LR2 newbuilding in the second quarter and exercising newbuilding options for three MR vessels. In addition, we have to date decided to install scrubbers on 14 of our vessels to prepare for the expected consequences of the IMO sulfur emission directive that will come into force in 2020,” Meldgaard said.
EBITDA for the second quarter of 2018 was USD 29.4m (2017, same period: USD 35.7m). The loss before tax amounted to USD 8.6m (2017, same period: USD -1.5m). Cash flow from operating activities was positive with USD 25.1m in the second quarter of 2018 (2017, same period: USD 38.5m) and loss per share (EPS) was 12 cents (2017, same period: -3 cents). Return on Invested Capital (RoIC) was 0.1% (2017, same period: 2.1%).
EBITDA for the half year ended 30 June 2018 was USD 66.7m (2017, same period: USD 79.8m). The result before tax for the first six months of 2018 was a loss of USD 7.5m (2017, same period: profit of USD 3.3m). Cash flow from operating activities was positive with USD 43.0m in the first six months of 2018 (2017, same period: USD 65.3m) and loss per share (EPS) was 12 cents (2017, same period: 5 cents). Return on Invested Capital (RoIC) was 1.2% (2017, same period: 3.0%).
In the second quarter of 2018, TORM achieved TCE rates of USD/day 12,944 (2017, same period: USD/day 13,841). In the second quarter of 2018, product tanker freight rates started out at levels close to the levels seen in the first quarter of 2018, but the rates started to slide towards the end of the quarter.
As of 30 June 2018, 15% of the remaining total earning days in 2018 were covered at an average rate of USD/day 16,323. As of 7 August 2018, 55% of the remaining total earning days in Q3 2018 were covered at USD/day 11,856.
TORM has decided to install scrubbers on 14 vessels including all vessels currently on order and the three LR2 vessels that were delivered earlier in 2018. These vessels have a scrubber-prepared design and there are no changes to the delivery schedule. As of today, TORM’s scrubber program covers four LR2s, two LR1s and eight MRs.
In early April 2018, TORM exercised newbuilding options for three MR vessels for a total net consideration of USD 93m of which USD 63m is financed by banks. The three vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2019 through the first quarter of 2020.
TORM took delivery of two LR2 newbuildings in the first quarter of 2018 and on 20 April 2018 a third newbuilding, TORM Hellerup, was delivered. In June 2018, TORM redelivered the chartered LR2 vessel TORM Margrethe to its owner after expiry of the charter period. As of 30 June 2018, TORM’s fleet consists of 74 owned vessels, four chartered-in vessels and ten vessels on order.
As of 30 June 2018, TORM’s available liquidity was USD 442m and consisted of USD 159m in cash and USD 283m in undrawn credit facilities. As of 30 June 2018, net interest-bearing debt amounted to USD 598m. As of 30 June 2018, TORM's net loan-to-value (LTV) ratio was 54%.
Based on broker valuations as of 30 June 2018, TORM’s Net Asset Value (NAV) excluding charter commitments was estimated at USD 840.3m. This corresponds to a NAV/share of USD 11.4 or DKK 72. TORM’s book equity amounted to USD 882m as of 30 June 2018. This corresponds to a book equity/share of USD 11.9 or DKK 76.3.
Based on broker valuations, TORM’s fleet including newbuildings had a market value of USD 1,675m as of 30 June 2018. Compared to the broker valuations as of 31 March 2018, the fleet value has increased by USD 75m. Of the USD 1,675m, the value of new vessel contracts entered into in Q2 2018 summarized to USD 111m. Compared with Q1 2018, the broker value of the comparable fleet has decreased by USD 36m, totaling a net increase of USD 75m.
As of 30 June 2018, TORM’s order book stood at ten newbuildings: one LR2, two LR1s and seven MRs, all from Guangzhou Shipyard International, China. The LR2 vessel is expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2018 and the LR1s and the MRs in 2019 through the first quarter of 2020.
The book value of the fleet was USD 1,450m as of 30 June 2018 excluding outstanding installments on the newbuildings of USD 306m.
About TORM
TORM is one of the world’s leading carriers of refined oil products. The Company operates a fleet of approximately 80 modern vessels with a strong commitment to safety, environmental responsibility and customer service. TORM was founded in 1889. The Company conducts business worldwide. TORM’s shares are listed on NASDAQ Copenhagen and NASDAQ New York (tickers: TRMD A and TRMD).