Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

Frontline Plc Earnings Release 2016

Nov 29, 2016

6242_iss_2016-11-29_c49570bd-0f22-4a7e-831e-4d2348a2b433.pdf

Earnings Release

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

{# SEO P0-1: filing HTML is rendered server-side so Googlebot sees the full text without executing JS or following an iframe to a Disallow'd CDN path. The content has already been sanitized through filings.seo.sanitize_filing_html. #}

FRONTLINE LTD. REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Frontline Ltd. (the "Company" or "Frontline"), today reported unaudited results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:

Highlights

  • Achieved net income attributable to the Company of \$5.5 million, or \$0.03 per share, for the third quarter of 2016 and \$98.7 million, or \$0.63 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
  • Achieved net income attributable to the Company adjusted for certain non-cash charges of \$16.6 million, or \$0.11 per share, for the third quarter of 2016 and \$154.7 million, or \$0.99 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
  • Announces a cash dividend of \$0.10 per share for the third quarter of 2016.
  • Secured bank financing in a total amount of up to \$870 million to partially finance all of the Company's newbuilding contracts.
  • Five of the six medium range tankers, which the Company agreed to sell in June 2016, were delivered to the buyer in the third quarter. The final vessel was delivered in November.

Robert Hvide Macleod, Chief Executive Officer of Frontline Management AS commented:

"While the summer is typically a slower period in the tanker markets, seasonal weakness was more pronounced this year as supply disruptions, easing refinery margins and inventory drawdowns led to reduced oil flows and a slowdown in tanker demand. In addition, the global fleet expanded as newbuilding vessels were delivered from shipyards. We believe that our performance in the third quarter against this market backdrop, further highlights Frontline's competitive position in the market and efficient operations. Frontline's low cash breakeven rates, large commercial scale, and historically successful access to capital are significant differentiators that support our leading position in the tanker market."

The average daily time charter equivalents ("TCE") earned by Frontline in the third quarter are shown below:

(\$ per day) Spot and time charter Spot Spot Guidance % covered Estimated
average daily
BE rates
Q3 2016 Q2 2016 Q3 2016 Q2 2016 Q4 2016 2016
VLCC 27 900 45 200 26 900 48 100 28 000 75 % 21 200
SMAX 21 200 30 300 19 200 28 600 19 000 55 % 17 300
LR2 23 800 24 300 20 600 22 300 16 000 60 % 15 300

Inger M. Klemp, Chief Financial Officer of Frontline Management AS, added:

"We are pleased to have secured bank financing of up to \$870 million to partially finance all of the Company's 16 newbuilding contracts and the four vessels which were delivered during the third quarter. We consider the terms achieved highly attractive, enabling us to maintain our low cash breakeven levels."

The Fleet

As of September 30, 2016, the Company's fleet consisted of 73 vessels, including newbuildings, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 14 million dwt. The Company's fleet consists of:

  • (i) 29 vessels owned by the Company (seven VLCCs, ten Suezmax tankers, eleven LR2 tankers and one MR tanker that the Company has agreed to sell );
  • (ii) 13 vessels that are under capital leases (11 VLCCs and two Suezmax tankers);
  • (iii) one VLCC that is recorded as an investment in finance lease;
  • (iv) four vessels chartered-in for periods of 12 months including extension options (two VLCCs and two Suezmax tankers), which can be redelivered within the next 2-4 months;
  • (v) one VLCC where the cost/revenue is split 50/50 with a third party;
  • (vi) three MR and one LR2 product tankers that are chartered-in on short term time charters with a remaining duration of less than six months and options to extend;
  • (vii) five vessels that are under the Company's commercial management (two Suezmax tankers and three Aframax oil tankers); and
  • (viii) 16 newbuildings, comprised of three VLCCs (excluding the four VLCC newbuilding contracts that were cancelled in October 2016), six Suezmax tankers and seven LR2 tankers.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had entered into the following time charter-out contracts for 11 vessels:

  • (i) one Suezmax built 2009 at a rate of \$27,500 per day, expiry Q2 2017;
  • (ii) one Suezmax built 2010 at \$33,500 per day, expiry Q1 2017;
  • (iii) five LR2 tankers at an average rate of \$27,600, expiry Q1 2018;
  • (iv) one Suezmax tanker with a base rate of \$30,000 per day for the first year and \$27,000 per day for the second year with a profit share arrangement, expiry Q1 2018. The agreement is index-linked;
  • (v) one VLCC built 2001 at \$46,750 per day, expiry Q1 2017.
  • (vi) one VLCC built 2009 at \$28,750 per day, expiry Q2 2017.
  • (vii) one VLCC built 2001 at \$28,000 per day, expiry Q3 2017.

In November 2016, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter for the 1998-built VLCC Front Century. Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessel to an unrelated third party. The Company expects the vessel to cease operating as a conventional tanker and the charter with Ship Finance will terminate in the first quarter of 2017. The Company has agreed a compensation payment to Ship Finance of approximately \$4 million for the termination of the charter. Following this termination, the number of vessels on charter from Ship Finance will be reduced to 12 vessels, including ten VLCCs and two Suezmax tankers.

Newbuilding Program

In August 2016, the Suezmax newbuilding, Front Challenger, was delivered to the Company.

In September 2016, the VLCC newbuilding, Front Duke, the Suezmax newbuilding, Front Crown, and the LR2 newbuilding, Front Altair, were delivered to the Company.

In October 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. ("STX") to terminate the contracts for four VLCC newbuildings due for delivery in 2017. The contracted price of these vessels was \$364.3 million, of which the Company has paid installments of \$45.5 million. Following the contract terminations, the Company has been released of any and all obligations relating to the contracts, and has received all installment payments made to STX, less a \$0.5 million cancellation fee per vessel. The Company recorded a loss of \$2.8 million relating to the contract terminations in the third quarter.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company's newbuilding program comprised three VLCCs (excluding the four cancelled STX vessels), six Suezmax tankers and seven LR2 tanker newbuildings. As of September 30, 2016, total instalments of \$208.1 million had been paid in respect of these newbuildings and the remaining commitments amounted to \$760.4 million with \$76.3 million payable in 2016 and \$684.1 million payable in 2017. All 16 vessels are expected to be delivered in 2017.

Financing Update

In November 2016, the Company secured a commitment for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$321.6 million. The facility will be provided by China Exim Bank and will be insured by China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation.

The facility matures in 2033, carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin in line with Frontline's existing loan facilities and has an amortization profile of 15 years. This facility will be used to partially finance eight of our newbuildings and will be secured by four Suezmax tankers and four LR2 tankers. The facility is subject to final documentation.

Including this facility, Frontline has secured bank financing in a total amount of up to \$870 million to partially finance all of the Company's 16 newbuilding contracts and four vessels that were delivered during the quarter.

Corporate Update

The Company announces a cash dividend for the third quarter of 2016 of \$0.10 per share versus an earnings per share of \$0.03 and an adjusted earnings for certain non-cash charges of \$0.11 per share.

The record date for the dividend is December 15, 2016. The ex-dividend date is December 13, 2016 for shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange and December 14, 2016 for shares listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange, respectively and the dividend will be paid on or about December 22, 2016.

156,386,506 ordinary shares were outstanding as of September 30, 2016, and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the quarter was 156,386,506.

Third Quarter and Nine Months 2016 Results

The Company generated net income attributable to the Company of \$5.5 million, or \$0.03 per share in the third quarter compared with net income attributable to the Company of \$14.3 million, or \$0.09 per share, in the previous quarter. Net income attributable to the Company adjusted for certain non-cash charges was \$16.6 million, or \$0.11 per share, for the third quarter of 2016. These non-cash charges consisted of a loss on the cancellation and sale of newbuildings and vessels of \$2.7 million, a vessel impairment loss of \$8.9 million relating to three vessels leased from Ship Finance, an impairment loss on shares of \$0.3 million, a mark to market gain on derivatives of \$0.9 million and a non-controlling interest expense of \$0.1 million. Net income attributable to the Company in the second quarter included a vessel impairment loss of \$25.5 million, an impairment loss on shares of \$4.6 million, a mark to market loss on derivatives of \$4.2 million and a non-controlling interest expense of \$0.2 million.

Total ship operating expenses of \$30.8 million in the third quarter were \$1.7 million lower than the previous quarter primarily due to a \$4.0 million decrease in dry docking costs (no vessels were dry docked in the third quarter compared with two vessels in the prior quarter), which was partially offset by an increase in running costs.

Contingent rental income in the third quarter relates to the charter party contracts with Ship Finance and is due to the fact that the actual profit share in the third quarter of \$5.4 million was \$8.8 million less than the amount accrued in the lease obligations payable when the leases were recorded at fair value at the time of the merger with Frontline 2012.

The Company generated net income attributable to the Company of \$98.7 million, or \$0.63 per share in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared with net income attributable to the Company of \$96.1 million, or \$0.82 per share, in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Net income attributable to the Company adjusted for certain non-cash charges was \$154.7 million, or \$0.99 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. These non-cash charges were a loss on the cancellation and sale of newbuildings and vessels of \$2.7 million, a vessel impairment loss of \$34.4 million, an impairment loss on shares of \$7.2 million, a mark to market loss on derivatives of \$11.4 million and a non-controlling interest expense of \$0.4 million. Net income attributable to the Company in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 reflects the combined results of Frontline and Frontline 2012 while net income attributable to the Company in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 relate to Frontline 2012 only.

As of November 2016, the Company estimates that the average daily cash breakeven rates for the remainder of 2016 will be approximately \$21,200, \$17,300 and \$15,300 for its owned and leased VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and LR2 tankers, respectively. The Company believes these rates are highly competitive.

Strategy and Market Outlook

The Company has a positive long term outlook on the tanker market, although it expects periods of market weakness as further newbuildings are delivered. There has been very limited ordering in 2016, a trend supported by the expected contraction in global shipyard capacity and the limited availability of capital to finance new orders. The Company expects these factors to lead to slippage in the current orderbook and in delivery delays.

The Company believes that any prolonged period of market weakness will lead to vessel scrapping as older vessels are increasingly difficult to operate and face more off hire and higher dry docking costs in order to pass special surveys. Additionally, oil price contango may lead to older vessels being chartered to store crude oil on a permanent basis and not return to the trading market. All factors considered the Company believes the tanker market will begin to balance as vessels are absorbed into the global fleet and older vessels retire from trading. In the meantime, the Company expects that periods of market weakness will inevitably create attractive opportunities to acquire assets at historically low prices.

The Company believes it is in a unique position to grow its operating fleet and continue to generate substantial returns to its shareholders in a strong tanker market and healthy returns in a more muted market. The Company has a long track record of doing so, and it seeks to carry on that tradition as it increases its leadership role in the market. The Company intends to continue to maintain a disciplined approach to its business which it believes will benefit its shareholders.

Conference Call and Webcast

On November 29, 2016 at 9:00 A.M. ET (3:00 P.M. CET), the Company's management will host a conference call to discuss the results.

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers:

UK Toll Free 0800 279 4841
USA Toll Free 1877 280 1254
USA Local +1646 254 3360
Conference ID 2357876

Presentation materials and a webcast of the conference call may be accessed on the Company's website, www.frontline.bm, under the 'Webcast' link.

A replay of the conference call will be available for seven days following the live call. The following numbers may be used to access the telephonic replay:

Replay Access Number 2357876
International Dial-In/UK Local +44 (0)20 3427 0598
Norway Dial-In +47 2100 0498
USA Local +1 347 366 9565

Participant information required: Full name & company

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. Words, such as, but not limited to "believe," "anticipate," "intends," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect," "pending" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. Although Frontline believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond the control of Frontline, Frontline cannot assure you that they will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and Frontline disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.

The Board of Directors Frontline Ltd. Hamilton, Bermuda November 28, 2016

Questions should be directed to:

Robert Hvide Macleod: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS +47 23 11 40 84 Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS +47 23 11 40 76

2015 2016 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME 2016 2015 2015
Jul-Sept Jul-Sept STATEMENT
(in thousands of \$)
Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Jan-Dec
107,456 157,157 Total operating revenues 576,016 304,911 458,934
(Loss) gain on cancellation and sale of
32,695 (2,670) newbuilding contracts and vessels (2,670) 96,430 108,923
27,282 43,984 Voyage expenses and commission 111,498 79,245 109,706
- (8,765) Contingent rental income (11,419) - -
17,826 30,811 Ship operating expenses 92,756 46,499 64,357
13,265 16,841 Charter hire expenses 51,393 30,341 43,387
Impairment loss on vessels and vessels under
- 8,939 capital lease 34,419 - -
2,550 9,413 Administrative expenses 28,300 5,336 10,582
10,470 33,432 Depreciation 106,753 29,450 52,607
71,393 134,655 Total operating expenses 413,700 190,871 280,639
68,758 19,832 Net operating income 159,646 210,470 287,218
5 76 Interest income 259 13 47
(3,291) (14,717) Interest expense (42,490) (9,314) (17,621)
- - Share in results of associated companies - 2,727 2,727
- (319) Impairment loss on shares (7,233) (1,138) (10,507)
30 (31) Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) 152 (27) 134
(3,710) 896 Mark to market (loss) gain on derivatives (11,364) (5,968) (6,782)
76 (55) Other non-operating items 256 4 320
Net income before income taxes and non
61,868 5,682 controlling interest 99,226 196,767 255,536
- (73) Income tax expense (177) - (150)
61,868 5,609 Net income from continuing operations 99,049 196,767 255,386
- - Net loss from discontinued operations - (131,006) (131,006)
61,868 5,609 Net income 99,049 65,761 124,380
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling
- (138) interest (360) 30,305 30,244
61,868 5,471 Net income attributable to the Company 98,689 96,066 154,624
Basic earnings per share attributable to the
0.53 0.03 Company from continuing operations (\$) 0.63 1.69 2.13
Basic loss per share attributable to the Company
- - from discontinued operations (\$) - (0.87) (0.84)
Basic earnings per share attributable to the
0.53 0.03 Company (\$) 0.63 0.82 1.29
2015
Jul-Sept
2016
Jul-Sept
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands of \$)
2016
Jan-Sept
2015
Jun-Sept
2015
Jan-Dec
61,868 5,609 Net income 99,049 65,761 124,380
(3,485) 625 Unrealized (loss) gain from marketable securities
Unrealized loss from marketable securities
(6,569) (5,132) (10,720)
319 reclassified to statement of operations 7,233 1,138 10,507
- (87) Foreign exchange loss (456) - (170)
(3,485) 857 Other comprehensive income (loss) 208 (3,994) (383)
58,383 6,466 Comprehensive income 99,257 61,767 123,997
- 138 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non
controlling interest
Comprehensive income attributable to the
360 (30,305) (30,244)
58,383 6,328 Company 98,897 92,072 154,241
58,383 6,466 Comprehensive income 99,257 61,767 123,997
Sept 30 Sept 30 Dec 31
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 2016 2015 2015
(in thousands of \$)
ASSETS
Short term
Cash and cash equivalents 124,149 163,707 264,524
Restricted cash 2,655 3,675 368
Marketable securities 7,284 6,638 13,853
Other current assets 153,045 95,930 188,720
Long term
Newbuildings 274,246 212,764 266,233
Vessels and equipment, net 1,491,738 1,067,294 1,189,198
Vessels under capital lease, net 583,579 - 694,226
Investment in finance lease 33,417 - 40,656
Goodwill 225,273 - 225,273
Vessels held for sale 27,473 - -
Other long-term assets - - 417
Total assets 2,922,859 1,550,008 2,883,468
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short term liabilities
Short term debt 68,392 52,883 57,575
Current portion of obligations under capital lease 59,445 - 89,798
Other current liabilities 65,916 32,242 94,663
Sale proceeds received in advance - 17,475 -
Long term liabilities
Long term debt 947,640 582,652 745,695
Obligations under capital lease 380,841 - 446,553
Other long-term liabilities 3,323 - 2,841
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Frontline Ltd. equity 1,397,278 864,756 1,446,282
Non-controlling interest 24 - 61
Total equity 1,397,302 864,756 1,446,343
Total liabilities and equity 2,922,859 1,550,008 2,883,468
2015
Jul-Sept
2016
Jul-Sept
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
OF CASH FLOWS
2016
Jan-Sept
2015
Jan-Sept
2015
Jan-Dec
(in thousands of \$)
61,868 5,609 OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income
99,049 65,761 124,380
- - Net loss from discontinued operations - 131,006 131,006
61,868 5,609 Net income from continuing operations 99,049 196,767 255,386
Adjustments
to
reconcile
net
income
from
continuing operations to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation
and
amortization
of
deferred
10,752 34,472 charges
Loss
(gain)
on
cancellation
and
sale
of
108,350 30,316 54,524
(32,695)
-
2,670
-
newbuilding contracts and vessels
Share of results from associated companies
2,670
-
(96,430)
(2,727)
(108,923)
(2,727)
711 (738) Amortization of time charter contract value (6,799) 2,111 816
- (8,765) Contingent rental income
Impairment loss on vessels and vessels under
(11,419) - -
- 8,939 capital lease 34,419 - -
- 319 Impairment loss on shares 7,233 1,138 10,507
2,923 (1,854) Mark to market loss (gain) on derivatives 7,368 3,555 3,618
- - Dividends received from Avance Gas - 4,101 4,101
40 621 Other, net (1,673) 470 1,015
(11,400) 7,258 Change in operating assets and liabilities 13,147 (12,593) (4,561)
- - Cash used in operating activities of discontinued
operations
- (6,410) (6,410)
32,199 48,531 Net cash provided by operating activities 252,345 120,298 207,346
14,576 - INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Refund of newbuilding installments and interest
Additions to newbuildings, vessels and
- 46,910 58,793
(220,889) (206,566) equipment (544,518) (683,845) (786,772)
11,025 2,850 Change in restricted cash (2,287) 32,125 35,713
- 2,357 Finance lease payments received 6,936 - -
172,676
-
143,299
-
Proceeds from sale of vessels and equipment
Cash acquired on reverse business acquisition
Cash used in investing activities of discontinued
143,299
-
398,478
-
456,366
87,443
- - operations - (310,822) (310,822)
(22,612) (58,060) Net cash used in investing activities (396,570) (517,154) (459,279)
-
(13,373)
-
163,637
(106,640)
-
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term debt
Repayment of long-term debt
Repayment of related party loan note
356,000
(136,252)
-
159,600
(37,258)
-
659,700
(427,338)
(112,687)
- (17,313) Repayment of capital leases (58,310) - (5,491)
(485)
-
(4,377)
-
Debt fees paid
Lease termination receipt
(8,581)
-
(485)
-
(485)
3,266
- (31,246) Dividends paid
Payment of fractional shares on reverse share
(148,990) (14) (39,228)
- - split
Cash provided by financing activities of
(17) - -
- - discontinued operations - 141,775 141,775
(13,858) 4,061 Net cash provided by (used in) financing
activities
3,850 263,618 219,512
(4,271) (5,468) Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash balances included in
(140,375) (133,238) (32,421)
- - held for distribution - 61,144 61,144
167,978 129,617 Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 264,524 235,801 235,801
163,707 124,149 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 124,149 163,707 264,524
2016 2015 2015
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Jan-Dec
(in thousands of \$ except number of shares)
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Balance at beginning of period 781,937,649 635,205,000 635,205,000
Treasury shares cancelled - - (17,319,898)
Cancellation of shares held by the Company prior to the Merger - - (34,323,000)
Effect of reverse business acquisition
Effect of reverse share split
-
(625,551,143)
-
-
198,375,547
-
Balance at end of period 156,386,506 635,205,000 781,937,649
SHARE CAPITAL
Balance at beginning of period
Treasury shares cancelled
781,938
-
635,205
-
635,205
(17,320)
Cancellation of shares held by the Company prior to the Merger - - (34,323)
Effect of reverse business acquisition - - 198,376
Effect of reverse share split (625,551) - -
Balance at end of period 156,387 635,205 781,938
TREASURY SHARES
Balance at beginning of period - (50,397) (50,397)
Shares cancelled - - 50,397
Balance at end of period - (50,397) -
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL
Balance at end of period
109,386 382,373 382,373
Gain attributable to change in non-controlling ownership - 27,485 27,485
Stock dividends - (187,784) (187,784)
Effect of reverse business acquisition - - 361,441
Transfer to contributed surplus - - (474,129)
Stock compensation expense
Payment for fractional shares on reverse share split
709
(17)
-
-
-
-
Balance at end of period 110,078 222,074 109,386
CONTRIBUTED CAPITAL SURPLUS
Balance at beginning of period
Transfer from additional paid in capital
474,129
-
-
-
-
474,129
Effect of reverse share split 625,551 - -
Balance at beginning and end of period 1,099,680 - 474,129
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Balance at beginning of period
(383) - -
Other comprehensive income (loss) 208 (3,994) (383)
Balance at end of period (175) (3,994) (383)
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period
Net income attributable to the Company
81,212
98,689
156,399
96,066
156,399
154,624
Cash dividends (148,593) (14) (39,228)
Stock dividends - (190,583) (190,583)
Balance at end of period 31,308 61,868 81,212
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY 1,397,278 864,756 1,446,282
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
Balance at beginning of period 61 323,770 323,770
Impact of sale of shares in subsidiary - (27,485) (27,485)
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest
Dividend paid to non-controlling interest
360
(397)
(30,305)
-
(30,244)
-
Impact of de-consolidation - (265,980) (265,980)
Balance at end of period 24 - 61
TOTAL EQUITY 1,397,302 864,756 1,446,343

FRONTLINE LTD. NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL

Frontline Ltd. (the "Company" or "Frontline") is a Bermuda based shipping company engaged primarily in the ownership and operation of oil and product tankers. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Oslo Stock Exchange.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required in the annual consolidated financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 21, 2016.

Significant accounting policies

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Company's annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015 except for the retrospective implementation of the changes relating to the presentation of deferred charges as outlined in Accounting Standards Update 2015-03.

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The components of the numerator and the denominator in the calculation of basic earnings per share are as follows:

2016 2015 2015
(in thousands of \$) Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Jan-Dec
Net income from continuing operations after non-controlling interest 98,689 196,767 255,325
Net loss from discontinued operations after non-controlling interest (100,701) (100,701)
Net income attributable to the Company 96,066 154,624
(in thousands)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 156,387 116,712 120,082

The weighted average numbers of shares outstanding have been adjusted for the reverse business acquisition of the Company by Frontline 2012 and the 1-for-5 reverse share split that was effected in February 2016.

4. IMPAIRMENT LOSS ON VESSELS

In May 2016, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter for the 1998-built VLCC Front Vanguard. The charter was terminated in July 2016. The Company agreed to a compensation payment to Ship Finance of \$0.4 million for the termination of the charter and recorded an impairment loss of \$7.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2016.

In June 2016, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its six MR tankers for an aggregate sale price of \$172.5 million to an unaffiliated third party. Five of the vessels were delivered by the Company during August and September 2016 and the final vessel was delivered in November. The Company recorded an impairment loss in the three months ended June 30, 2016 of \$18.2 million in respect of these vessels.

In the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded an impairment loss of \$8.9 million in respect of three vessels leased in from Ship Finance.

5. IMPAIRMENT LOSS ON MARKETABLE SECURITIES

An impairment loss of \$2.4 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2016, in respect of the mark to market loss on the Golden Ocean shares in the period that was determined to be other than temporary in view of the significant fall in rates in the Baltic Dry Index and the short to medium term prospects for the dry bulk sector.

An impairment loss of \$4.6 million was recorded in the three months ended June 30, 2016 and an impairment loss of \$0.3 million was recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2016 in respect of the mark to market losses on the Avance Gas shares that were determined to be other than temporary in view of the significant fall in rates and the short to medium term prospects for the LPG sector.

6. NEWBUILDINGS

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company took delivery of four LR2 tanker newbuildings, Front Ocelot, Front Cheetah, Front Cougar and Front Lynx.

The Company took delivery of the LR2 tanker newbuildings, Front Leopard and Front Jaguar, in May and June 2016, respectively.

In June 2016, the Company acquired two VLCC newbuildings under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries at a purchase price of \$84.0 million each. The VLCC newbuilding, Front Duke, was delivered to the Company in September 2016 and the other vessel is expected to be delivered in January 2017.

In August 2016, the Suezmax newbuilding, Front Challenger, was delivered to the Company.

In September 2016, the VLCC newbuilding, Front Duke, the Suezmax newbuilding, Front Crown, and the LR2 newbuilding, Front Altair, were delivered to the Company.

7. DEBT

The Company drew down \$192.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from its \$466.5 million term loan facility in connection with six LR2 tanker newbuildings, which were delivered in that period.

In June 2016, the Company signed a senior unsecured loan facility of up to \$275.0 million facility with an affiliate of Hemen Holding Ltd., the Company's largest shareholder. The loan will be used to partially finance the Company's current newbuilding program, partially finance potential acquisitions of newbuildings or vessels on the water and for general corporate purposes.

In August 2016, the Company signed a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$328.4 million with China Exim Bank. The facility matures in 2029 and has an amortization profile of 18 years. It will be used to partially finance eight of our newbuildings and will be secured by four Suezmax tankers and four LR2 tankers. The Company drew down \$109.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from this facility in connection with one LR2 tanker and two Suezmax tanker newbuildings, which were delivered in that period.

In July 2016, the Company entered into a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$109.2 million with ING Bank. The facility matures on June 30, 2021 and has an amortization profile of 17 years. It will be used to partially finance the acquisition made in June 2016 of the two VLCC newbuildings and is available in two equal tranches. The Company drew down \$54.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 from this facility in connection with the VLCC newbuilding that was delivered in that period.

In August 2016, Frontline secured a commitment for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$110.5 million with Credit Suisse. The facility matures in 2022 and has an amortization profile of 18 years. The facility will be used to partially finance two of our existing VLCC newbuilding contracts or the acquisition of two similar VLCCs. The financing is subject to final documentation.

The Company has recorded debt issuance costs (i.e. deferred charges) of \$10.2 million at September 30, 2016 as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt rather than as an asset following its adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2015-30 and has applied this on a retrospective basis to all prior periods presented.

8. SHARE CAPITAL

As at December 31, 2015, the authorized share capital of the Company was \$1,000,000,000 divided into 1,000,000,000 shares of a par value of \$1.00 each, of which 781,937,649 shares had been issued and fully paid. A resolution was approved at the Company's Special Meeting of Shareholders on January 29, 2016 to effect a capital reorganization, with effect from February 3, 2016, for a 1-for-5 reverse stock split of the Company's ordinary shares and to reduce the Company's authorized share capital to \$500,000,000 divided into 500,000,000 shares of \$1.00 par value each, of which 156,386,506 shares of \$1.00 par value each are in issue and fully paid or credited as fully paid. Share capital amounts in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 have not been restated for the 1-for-5 reverse share split.

The Company had an issued share capital at September 30, 2016 of \$156,386,506 divided into 156,386,506 ordinary shares (December 31, 2015: \$156,386,506 divided into 156,386,506 ordinary shares taking into account the 1-for-5 reverse stock split that was effected in February 2016).

9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company's most significant related party transactions are with Ship Finance International Limited ("Ship Finance"), a company under the significant influence of the Company's principal shareholder. The Company leased thirteen of its vessels from Ship Finance at September 30, 2016 and pays Ship Finance profit share based on the earnings of these vessels. Profit share arising in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was \$44.1 million, which was \$11.4 million less than the amount accrued in the lease obligations payable when the leases were recorded at fair value at the time of the merger with Frontline 2012.

In May 2016, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter for the 1998-built VLCC Front Vanguard. The charter with Ship Finance terminated in July 2016. Frontline agreed a compensation payment to Ship Finance of \$0.4 million for the termination of the charter.

Amounts earned from other related parties comprise office rental income, technical and commercial management fees, newbuilding supervision fees, freights, corporate and administrative services income and interest income. Amounts paid to related parties comprise primarily rental for office space and guarantee fees.

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As of September 30, 2016, the Company's newbuilding program comprised three VLCCs (excluding the four cancelled STX vessels), six Suezmax tankers and seven LR2 tanker newbuildings. As of September 30, 2016, total instalments of \$208.1 million had been paid in respect of these newbuildings and the remaining commitments amounted to \$760.4 million with \$76.3 million payable in 2016 and \$684.1 million payable in 2017. All 16 vessels are expected to be delivered in 2017.

11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In October 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with STX to terminate the contracts for four VLCC newbuildings due for delivery in 2017. The contracted price of these vessels was \$364.3 million, of which the Company has paid installments of \$45.5 million. Following the contract terminations, the Company has been released of any and all obligations relating to the contracts, and has received all installment payments made to STX, less a \$0.5 million cancellation fee per vessel. The Company recorded a loss of \$2.8 million related to the contract terminations in the third quarter.

In November 2016, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter for the 1998 built VLCC Front Century. Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessel to an unrelated third party. The Company expects the vessel to cease operating as a conventional tanker and the charter with Ship Finance will terminate in the first quarter of 2017. The Company has agreed a compensation payment to Ship Finance of approximately \$4 million for the termination of the current charter. Following this termination, the number of vessels on charter from Ship Finance will be reduced to 12 vessels, including 10 VLCCs and two Suezmax tankers.

In November 2016, the Company announced a cash dividend of \$0.10 per share for the third quarter of 2016.

In November 2016, the Company secured a commitment for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$321.6 million. The facility will be provided by China Exim Bank and will be insured by China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation. The facility matures in 2033, carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin in line with Frontline's existing loan facilities and has an amortization profile of 15 years. The facility will be used to partially finance eight of our newbuildings and will be secured by four Suezmax tankers and four LR2 tankers. The facility is subject to final documentation.