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Frontline Plc Earnings Release 2017

Feb 28, 2018

6242_rns_2018-02-28_8236d4c8-5a7f-4e9e-90ce-9ae1b116a098.pdf

Earnings Release

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FRONTLINE LTD. REPORTS RESULTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

Frontline Ltd. (the "Company" or "Frontline"), today reported unaudited results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017:

Highlights

  • Reports net loss attributable to the Company of \$248.4 million, or \$1.46 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2017, including non-cash impairment losses of \$255.8 million
  • Reports net income attributable to the Company adjusted for certain non-cash items of \$5.0 million, or \$0.03 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2017.
  • Reports net loss attributable to the Company of \$264.9 million, or \$1.56 per share, and a net loss adjusted for certain non-cash items of \$4.4 million, or \$0.03 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2017.
  • Agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long-term charter for the 1998-built VLCC Front Circassia.
  • Extended the terms of its senior unsecured loan facility of up to \$275.0 million facility with an affiliate of Hemen Holding Ltd. by 12 months to November 2019.

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

"The spot rates in the fourth quarter were weak, as inventory draws impacted a freight market that was already suffering from high fleet growth. At the same time, the key drivers for the tanker market, crude oil demand and the world economy remain strong, and we may also be nearing the end of the cycle of inventory draws. The headwind factors experienced in 2017 could turn in our favour possibly towards the end of the year. The quarter shows Frontline's resilience in weak markets, which is the direct result of low break-even levels and access to competitively priced capital."

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

"With asset values, rates and Frontline's cash break-even rates at historically low levels our downside risk is limited. We are in a unique position to capitalize on increases in both asset values and rates and we have a strong liquidity position in excess of \$300 million as at the end of December 2017."

The average daily time charter equivalents ("TCE") earned by Frontline in the quarter ended December 31, 2017, the prior quarter and in the year ended December 31, 2017 are shown below, along with estimates for the first quarter of 2018 and the estimated average daily cash break-even ("BE") rates for the remainder of 2018:

(\$ per
day)
Spot and time charter Spot Spot
estimates
%
covered
Estimated
average
daily BE
rates
Q4 2017 Q3 2017 YTD 2017 Q4 2017 Q3 2017 YTD 2017 Q1 2018 2018
VLCC 19,400 13,200 22,800 19,400 13,200 22,400 17,000 68% 22,200
SMAX 19,600 15,300 18,500 19,500 14,100 17,300 15,600 66% 18,200
LR2 18,400 17,200 18,800 14,400 12,300 14,400 15,300 73% 16,000

Average daily time charter equivalents ("TCEs")

The estimated average daily cash break-even rates are the daily TCE rates the vessels must earn in order to cover operating expenses including dry dock, repayments of loans, interest on loans, bareboat hire and general and administrative expenses.

The Fleet

As of December 31, 2017, the Company's fleet consisted of 61 vessels, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 11.6 million DWT:

  • (i) 43 vessels owned by the Company (10 VLCCs, 16 Suezmax tankers, 17 LR2/Aframax tankers);
  • (ii) nine vessels that are under capital leases, all of which are VLCCs;
  • (iii) one VLCC that is recorded as an investment in finance lease;
  • (iv) one VLCC where the cost/revenue is split 50/50 with an unrelated third party;
  • (v) seven vessels that are under the Company's commercial management (two Suezmax tankers, two LR2 tankers and three Aframax oil tankers)

Furthermore, the Company has five newbuildings under construction: four VLCCs and one LR2/Aframax tanker with an aggregate carrying capacity of 1.3 million DWT.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had entered into the following time charter-out contracts for six vessels:

  • (i) five LR2 tankers at an average rate of \$27,600, expiry Q1 2018; of which one LR2 tanker has been extended to Q1 2019 and one to Q3 2018, respectively at an average rate of \$16,800 and
  • (ii) one Suezmax tanker built in 2010 with a base rate of \$27,000 per day with a profit share arrangement, expiry Q1 2018. The agreement is index-linked.

In February 2018, the Company agreed with Ship Finance International Limited ("Ship Finance") to terminate the longterm charter for the 1998-built VLCC Front Circassia upon the sale and delivery of the vessel by Ship Finance to an unrelated third party. The charter with Ship Finance terminated in February and the charter counterparty Frontline Shipping Limited ("FSL"), a non-recourse subsidiary of Frontline, has agreed to pay a compensation of approximately \$8.9 million for the termination of the charter to Ship Finance, which will be recorded as an interest-bearing note payable by FSL.

Newbuilding Program/ financing update

As of December 31, 2017, the Company's newbuilding program was comprised of four VLCCs and one LR2/Aframax tanker. As at December 31, 2017, total instalments of \$76.9 million had been paid and the remaining commitments amounted to \$305.4 million, of which \$252.0 million is due in 2018 and \$53.4 million is due in 2019. As at December 31, 2017 Frontline has committed bank financing in place to partially finance delivery of all of the Company's remaining newbuildings and estimates loan amounts of \$196.8 million and \$54.9 million to be drawn in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Two VLCCs and one LR2/Aframax tanker were delivered in January 2018.

In February 2018 the Company extended the terms of its senior unsecured loan facility of up to \$275.0 million facility with an affiliate of Hemen Holding Ltd. ("the Credit Facility") by 12 months. Following the extension, the Credit Facility is repayable in November 2019. Frontline's total liquidity as at the end of December 2017 was approximately \$307.0 million, including the undrawn portion of the Credit Facility and marketable securities, net of amounts used as security for borrowings.

Corporate Update

Pursuant to the Company's stated dividend policy and taking into account the current weak market, the Board has decided not to pay a dividend for the fourth quarter.

The Company had 169,809,324 ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2017, and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the quarter was 169,809,324.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Results

The Company reports a net loss attributable to the Company of \$248.4million for the fourth quarter of 2017 compared with a loss of \$24.1 million in the third quarter. The net income attributable to the Company adjusted for certain noncash items was \$5.0 million for the fourth quarter. These non-cash items consisted of an impairment loss of \$142.9 million on nine VLCCs leased from Ship Finance, a \$112.8 million impairment loss in relation to Goodwill and a gain on derivatives of \$2.3 million.

The Company reports a net loss attributable to the Company of \$264.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared with income of \$117.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The net loss attributable to the Company adjusted for certain non-cash items was \$4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Reconciliation of net income attributable to the Company adjusted for certain non-cash items1 :

(in millions of \$) Q4 2017 Q3
2017
Full year
2017
Full year
2016
Net (loss) income attributable to the Company
Add back:
(248.4) (24.1) (264.9) 117.0
Loss on termination of vessel lease, net of cash paid 1.2 3.3
Loss on cancellation of newbuilding contracts 2.7
Vessel impairment loss 142.9 164.2 61.7
Impairment loss on shares 7.2
Goodwill impairment loss 112.8 112.8
Provision for uncollectible receivables 4.0
Loss on derivatives 3.3
Less:
Gain on
derivatives
(2.3) (0.2) (2.5) (3.7)
Gain on termination of lease (20.6)
Net income
(loss)
attributable to the Company adjusted for
certain non-cash items
5.0 (23.1) (4.4) 188.9
(in thousands)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 169,809 169,809 169,809 156,973
(in \$)
Basic earnings per share adjusted for certain non-cash
charges
0.03 (0.14) (0.03) 1.20

1 This press release describes net income attributable to the Company adjusted for certain non-cash items and related per share amounts, which are not measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP ("non-GAAP"). We believe the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release provides investors with a means of evaluating and understanding how the Company's management evaluates the Company's operating performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, as substitutes for, nor superior to financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Strategy and Market Outlook

The past two years have been characterized by large growth in the global crude oil tanker fleet, and the growth is expected to continue in 2018. 58 VLCC's are scheduled to be delivered this year, although some of these are expected to be pushed to 2019, and further contracting has decreased from what we saw in 2017. This compares to 50 VLCCs delivered in 2017 and 47 in 2016. There was an increase in scrapping in 2017, with 13 VLCCs removed from the fleet, and there have been reports of up to seven VLCCs sold for scrap thus far in 2018.

Crude oil demand and the world economy remains strong. The oil supply growth has primarily come from the Atlantic Basin, whilst the demand growth is in Asia, which is positive for tonne-mile development. In the meantime, we are in the midst of a crude inventory cycle that is negatively impacting the market. There is a historic relationship between crude oil inventory levels and freight rates, with periods where rates rise as inventories build and decline as inventories are consumed. With the crude oil market in backwardation, inventories are being drawn down. While inventories remain elevated, days of forward demand cover has decreased sharply due to rising consumption, and we expect inventory draws to halt in the second quarter of 2018.

It will take some time until the crude oil tanker market has sufficiently absorbed new supply of vessels, despite the existence of factors that are evident in strong markets. The inflection point in the market has clearly not yet arrived, but when it is here and the right opportunities present themselves, we will be prepared to act. We believe there will be opportunities going forward and have the financial and commercial platform to grow our fleet when we believe it is to the benefit of our shareholders. Until then Frontline is sharply focused on maintaining our cost-efficient operations and low breakeven levels.

Conference Call and Webcast

On February 28, 2018 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:

Norway +47 2100 2610
Norway toll free 800 57933
UK +44 (0)330 336 9105
UK Toll Free 0800 358 6377
USA +1
929
477 0353
USA Toll Free 800
289 0438
Conference ID 4072495

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:

UK +44 (0) 207 660 0134
UK Toll Free 0 808 101 1153
Norway Dial-In +47 23 50 00 77
Norway toll free 800 196 72
USA Toll Free 888
203 1112
USA +1
719
457 0820
Replay Access Number 4072495

Participant information required: Full name & company Conference Call and Webcast

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 February 27, 2017

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

2016
Oct-Dec
2017
Oct-Dec
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
(in thousands of \$)
2017
Jan-Dec
2016
Jan-Dec
178,290 178,580 Total operating revenues 646,326 754,306
(12) 3 Other operating gain (loss) 2,381 (2,683)
50,143 79,384 Voyage expenses and commission 259,334 161,641
(7,201) (6,957) Contingent rental (income) expense (26,148) (18,621)
26,759 33,394 Ship operating expenses 135,728 119,515
16,453 1,990 Charter hire expenses 19,705 67,846
27,274 142,940 Impairment loss on vessels and vessels under capital lease 164,187 61,692
112,821 Impairment loss on goodwill 112,821
4,000 Provision for uncollectible receivable 4,000
8,726 8,884 Administrative expenses 37,603 37,026
34,290 36,388 Depreciation 141,748 141,043
160,444 408,844 Total operating expenses 844,978 574,142
17,834 (230,261) Net operating income (loss) (196,271) 177,481
108 250 Interest income 588 367
(14,197) (20,070) Interest expense (69,815) (56,687)
Impairment loss on shares (7,233)
(123) Gain on sale of shares 1,061
(143) (278) Foreign currency exchange gain (loss) (55) 9
15,082 2,331 (Gain) loss on derivatives (753) 3,718
(52) 62 Other non-operating items 1,213 204
18,632 (248,090) Net income (loss) before income taxes and non-controlling interest (264,033) 117,859
(168) (181) Income tax expense (290) (345)
18,464 (248,271) Net income (loss) (264,323) 117,514
(144) (161) Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest (539) (504)
18,320 (248,432) Net income (loss) attributable to the Company (264,862) 117,010
0.12 (1.46) Basic earnings per share attributable to the Company (\$) (1.56) 0.75
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE
2016
Oct-Dec
2017
Oct-Dec
INCOME
(in thousands of \$)
2017
Jan-Dec
2016
Jan-Dec
18,464 (248,271) Net income (loss) (264,323) 117,514
1,144 (688) Unrealized gain (loss) from marketable securities 1,901 (5,425)
Unrealized gain (loss) from marketable securities reclassified to
(571) statement of operations (571) 7,233
(230) 6 Foreign exchange gain (loss) 158 (686)
914 (1,253) Other comprehensive income
(loss)
1,488 1,122
19,378 (249,524) Comprehensive income (loss) (262,835) 118,636
144 161 Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest 539 504
19,234 (249,685) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company (263,374) 118,132
19,378 (249,524) Comprehensive income (loss) (262,835) 118,636
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of \$)
Dec 31
2017
Dec 31
2016
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 104,145 202,402
Restricted cash 741 677
Marketable securities 19,231 8,428
Marketable securitites, pledged
to creditors
10,272
Other current assets 187,225 172,119
Total current assets 321,614 383,626
Non-current assets
Newbuildings 79,602 308,324
Vessels and equipment, net 2,342,130 1,477,395
Vessels under capital lease, net 251,698 536,433
Investment in finance lease 21,782 30,908
Goodwill 112,451 225,273
Other long-term assets 4,451 4,358
Total non-current assets 2,812,114 2,582,691
Total assets 3,133,728 2,966,317
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Short term debt 102,766 67,365
Other secured borrowings 10,312
Current portion of obligations under capital lease 43,316 56,505
Other current liabilities 65,606 58,879
Total current liabilities 222,000 182,749
Non-current liabilities
Long term debt 1,467,074 914,592
Obligations under capital lease 255,700 366,095
Other long-term liabilities 1,325 3,112
Total non-current liabilities 1,724,099 1,283,799
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Frontline Ltd. equity 1,187,308 1,499,601
Non-controlling interest 321 168
Total equity 1,187,629 1,499,769
Total liabilities and equity 3,133,728 2,966,317
2016
Oct-Dec
2017
Oct-Dec
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of \$)
2017
Jan-Dec
2016
Jan-Dec
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
18,464 (248,271) Net income (loss) (264,323) 117,514
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by operating activities:
34,720 36,916 Depreciation and amortization of deferred charges 143,661 143,070
12 Other
operating loss (gain)
(2,378) 2,683
Amortization of time charter contract value (6,799)
(7,201) (6,957) Contingent rental (income) expense (26,148) (18,621)
27,274 142,940 Impairment loss on vessels and vessels under capital lease 164,187 61,692
112,821 Impairment loss on Goodwill 112,821
4,000 Provision for uncollectible receivables 4,000
Impairment loss on shares 7,233
123 (Gain)
loss
on sale of shares
(1,061)
(15,385) (2,464) (Gain) loss on derivatives (93) (8,017)
443 48 Other, net 1,954 (1,232)
(28,656) (29,804) Change in operating assets and liabilities (2,925) (15,508)
33,671 5,352 Net cash provided by operating activities 125,695 286,015
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
43,497 Refund of newbuilding installments and interest 43,497
(77,943) (6,075) Additions to newbuildings, vessels and equipment (713,560) (622,460)
1,978 (76) Change in restricted cash (64) (309)
2,396 2,508 Finance lease payments received 9,745 9,333
29,888 Proceeds from sale of vessels and equipment 173,187
Purchase of DHT shares (46,100)
1,457 Proceeds from the sale of DHT shares 27,412
(184) (2,186) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (722,567) (396,752)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
98,200 Net proceeds from issuance of shares 98,200
10,116 Proceeds from secured borrowing 10,116
6,248 Proceeds from debt 673,416 356,066
(39,813) (25,153) Repayment of debt (83,951) (169,883)
(3,367) (3,062) Repayment of capital leases (31,853) (61,677)
Lease termination payments (14,218)
(942) (8) Debt fees paid (3,495) (9,523)
(15,560) Dividends paid (51,400) (164,551)
Payment of fractional shares on reverse share split (17)
44,766 (18,107) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 498,615 48,615
78,253 (14,941) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (98,257) (62,122)
124,149 119,086 Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 202,402 264,524
202,402 104,145 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 104,145 202,402
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY 2017 2016
(in thousands of \$ except number of shares) Jan-
Dec
Jan-Dec
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Balance at beginning of period 169,809,324 781,937,649
Effect of reverse share split (625,551,143)
Shares issued 13,422,818
Balance at end of period 169,809,324 169,809,324
SHARE CAPITAL
Balance at beginning of period 169,809 781,938
Effect of reverse share split (625,551)
Shares issued 13,422
Balance at end of period 169,809 169,809
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL
Balance at beginning of period 195,304 109,386
Stock compensation expense 2,095 1,418
Payment for fractional shares on reverse share split (17)
Shares issued 84,517
Balance at end of period 197,399 195,304
CONTRIBUTED CAPITAL SURPLUS
Balance at beginning of period 1,099,680 474,129
Cash dividends (9,304)
Effect of reverse share split 625,551
Balance at end of period 1,090,376 1,099,680
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Balance at beginning of period 739 (383)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 1,488 1,122
Balance at end of period 2,227 739
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period 34,069 81,212
Net income (loss) attributable to the Company (264,862) 117,010
Cash dividends (41,710) (164,153)
Balance at end of period (272,503) 34,069
EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY 1,187,308 1,499,601
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
Balance at beginning of period 168 61
Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 539 504
Dividend paid to non-controlling interest (386) (397)
Balance at end of period 321 168
TOTAL EQUITY 1,187,629 1,499,769

FRONTLINE LTD. SELECTED 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 stated 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 and interim 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, 2016, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2017.

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, 2016.

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

(in thousands of \$) 2017
Jan-Dec
2016
Jan-Dec
Net income attributable to the Company (264,862) 117,010
(in thousands)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares 169,809 156,973

4. IMPAIRMENT LOSS ON GOODWILL

On July 1, 2015, the Company, Frontline Acquisition and Frontline 2012 entered into a Merger Agreement pursuant to which Frontline Acquisition and Frontline 2012 agreed to merge ("the Merger"), with Frontline 2012 as the surviving legal entity and thus becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The merger was completed on November 30, 2015 at which time the share price of Frontline Ltd. was \$15.15, adjusted for the 1-for-5 reverse share split in February 2016, and the Company recorded goodwill of \$225.3 million. As a result of declining charter rates, declining vessel values and the fall in the Company's share price since the date of the Merger, and in the fourth quarter of 2017 specifically, the Company performed a goodwill impairment test, as a result of which it was determined that the carrying value of the Company was in excess of the fair value. The Company has recorded an impairment loss on goodwill of \$112.8 million in the fourth quarter.

5. IMPAIRMENT LOSS ON VESSELS AND VESSELS UNDER CAPITAL LEASE

In the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company recorded an impairment loss of \$164.2 million in respect of nine vessels leased in from Ship Finance, as well as three vessels for which the leases with Ship Finance were terminated in the second and third quarter of 2017. The leasehold interest in these capital leased assets was recorded at fair value at the time of the Merger based on the discounted value of the expected cash flows from the vessels. Based on the deterioration in forecast rates since the Merger, and the reduced remaining useful economic life of the vessels as they approach the end of their leases, the Company has recognised an impairment loss on all of these leased vessels, calculated as the difference between the discounted value of the expected cash flows from the vessels as at December 31, 2017 and the carrying value of the vessels under capital lease at that time.

6. OTHER OPERATING GAINS (LOSSES)

In March 2017, the lease with Ship Finance for the 1998-built VLCC Front Century was terminated upon the sale and delivery of the vessel to a third party. The Company recorded a gain on this lease termination of \$20.6 million in the first quarter of 2017.

In May 2017, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long-term charters for the 2000-built VLCC Front Scilla and the 1998-built Suezmax tanker Front Brabant upon the sale and delivery of the vessels by Ship Finance to unrelated third parties. The charters with Ship Finance terminated in the second quarter. Frontline made compensation payments to Ship Finance of \$6.5 million and \$3.6 million, respectively, for the termination of the charters and reduced obligations under capital leases by \$41.7 million. The Company recorded a loss on termination, including these termination payments, of \$12.2 million in the second quarter.

In July 2017, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long-term charter for the 1997 built Suezmax tanker Front Ardenne upon the sale and delivery of the vessel by Ship Finance to an unrelated third party. The charter with Ship Finance terminated in August. Frontline agreed to make a compensation payment to Ship Finance of \$4.8 million for the termination of the charter and reduced obligations under capital leases by \$11.6 million. The Company recorded a loss on termination, including this termination payment, of \$5.8 million in the third quarter.

7. NEWBUILDINGS

In January 2017, the Company took delivery of the Suezmax newbuilding Front Classic and the LR2 newbuildings Front Antares and Front Vega. In February 2017, the Company took delivery of the VLCC newbuilding Front Duchess. In March 2017, the Company took delivery of the Suezmax newbuilding Front Clipper.

In April 2017, the Company ordered two VLCC newbuildings to be constructed at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries. The vessels are due for delivery in December 2018 and April 2019.

In April 2017, the Company took delivery of the Suezmax newbuilding Front Crystal and the LR2 newbuilding Front Sirius. In May 2017, the Company took delivery of the Suezmax newbuilding Front Coral. In June 2017, the Company took delivery of the Suezmax newbuilding Front Cosmos and the LR2 newbuilding Front Castor.

In July 2017, the Company took delivery of the Suezmax newbuilding Front Cascade and the VLCC newbuilding Front Earl. In August 2017, the Company took delivery of the LR2 newbuilding Front Pollux. In September 2017, the Company took delivery of the VLCC newbuilding Front Prince and the LR2 newbuilding Front Capella.

8. DEBT

The Company drew down \$54.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 from its \$109.2 million term loan facility with ING in connection with one VLCC delivered in the period. The facility is fully utilised as at year end.

The Company drew down \$165.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 from its \$328.4 million term loan facility with China Exim Bank in connection with two Suezmax tankers and three LR2/Aframax tankers delivered in the period. The facility is fully utilised as at year end.

The Company drew down \$54.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 from its \$110.5 million term loan facility with Credit Suisse in connection with one VLCC delivered in the period. Up to \$54.9 million remains available and undrawn as at year end.

The Company drew down \$90.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 from its senior unsecured loan facility of up to \$275.0 million with an affiliate of Hemen Holding Ltd. Up to \$185.0 million remains available and undrawn as at year end. In February 2018 the Company extended the terms of the facility by 12months. Following the extension, the facility is repayable in November 2019.

In February 2017, the Company signed a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$321.6 million. The facility provided by China Exim Bank is 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 the Company's other credit facilities and has an amortization profile of 15 years. This facility will be used to part finance eight of our newbuildings and will be secured by four Suezmax tankers and three Aframax/LR2 tankers delivered in the year, and one Aframax/LR2 newbuilding being delivered in 2018. The Company drew down \$252.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 in connection with four Suezmax tankers and three LR2/Aframax tanker delivered in the period. Up to \$32.0 million remains available and undrawn as at year end.

In June 2017, the Company signed a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$110.5 million with Credit Suisse. The facility matures in 2023, carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 190 basis points and has an amortization profile of 18 years. The facility will be used to partially finance two of our recent VLCC resales and newbuilding contracts to be delivered in 2018 and 2019. The full facility remains available and undrawn at year end.

In June 2017, the Company signed a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to \$110.5 million with ING. The facility matures in 2023, carries an interest rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 190 basis points and has an amortization profile of 18 years. The facility will be used to partially finance two of our recent VLCC resales and newbuilding contracts and will be secured by one VLCC delivered in the year and one VLCC newbuilding being delivered in 2018. The Company drew down \$55.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 from this facility in connection with one VLCC delivered in the period. Up to \$55.2 million remains available and undrawn as at year end.

The Company has recorded debt issuance costs (i.e. deferred charges) of \$12.3 million at December 31, 2017 as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt.

9. MARKETABLE SECURITIES

In January 2017 the Company purchased 10.9 million shares in DHT for an aggregate cost of \$46.1 million.

In the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company sold a total of 6.2 million shares in DHT for proceeds of \$27.4 million, recognizing a gain of \$1.1 million.

In December 2017, the Company sold 1.3 million shares in GOGL for proceeds of \$10.1 million. At the same time the Company entered into a forward contract to repurchase 1.3 million shares in GOGL in March 2018 for \$10.3 million.

The transaction has been accounted for as a secured borrowing, with the shares reclassified to "Marketable securities pledged to creditors" and a liability recorded within secured borrowings for \$10.3 million.

10. SHARE CAPITAL

The Company had an issued share capital at December 31, 2017 of \$169,809,324 divided into 169,809,324 ordinary shares (December 31, 2016: \$169,809,324 divided into 169,809,324 ordinary shares) of \$1.00 par value each.

11. 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 largest shareholder. The Company leased 9 of its vessels from Ship Finance at December 31, 2017 and pays Ship Finance profit share based on the earnings of these vessels.

Profit share arising in the year ended December 31, 2017 was \$5.6 million, which was \$26.1 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 March 2017, the lease with Ship Finance for the 1998-built VLCC Front Century was terminated. The Company recorded a gain on this lease termination of \$20.6 million in the first quarter of 2017. A termination payment of \$4.1 million was paid in the second quarter to Ship Finance in connection with the lease termination.

In May 2017, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long-term charters for the 2000 built VLCC Front Scilla and the 1998 built Suezmax tanker Front Brabant upon the sale and delivery of the vessels by Ship Finance to unrelated third parties. The charters with Ship Finance terminated in the second quarter. Frontline made compensation payments to Ship Finance of \$6.5 million and \$3.6 million, respectively, for the termination of the charters. The Company recorded a loss on termination, including these termination payments, of \$12.2 million in the second quarter.

In July 2017, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long-term charter for the 1997 built Suezmax tanker Front Ardenne upon the sale and delivery of the vessel by Ship Finance to an unrelated third party. The charter with Ship Finance terminated in August. Frontline agreed to make a compensation payment to Ship Finance of \$4.8 million for the termination of the charter. The Company recorded a loss on termination, including this termination payment, of \$5.8 million in the third quarter.

In May the Company drew down \$50.0 million from its senior unsecured loan facility of up to \$275.0 million facility with an affiliate of Hemen Holding Ltd. In September the Company drew down a further \$40.0 million from this facility. In February 2018 the Company extended the terms of the facility by 12 months. Following the extension, the facility is repayable in November 2019.

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.

12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As of December 31, 2017, the Company's newbuilding program was comprised of four VLCCs and one LR2/Aframax tanker. As of December 31, 2017, total instalments of \$76.9 million had been paid and the remaining commitments amounted to \$305.4 million, of which \$252.0 million is due in 2018 and \$53.4 million is due in 2019.

13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In January, the Company took delivery of the VLCC newbuildings Front Empire and Front Princess and the LR2/Aframax newbuilding Front Polaris.

In February 2018 the Company extended the terms of its senior unsecured loan facility of up to \$275.0 million with an affiliate of Hemen Holding Ltd by 12 months. Following the extension, the facility is repayable in November 2019.

In February 2018, the Company agreed with Ship Finance International Limited ("Ship Finance") to terminate the long-term charter for the 1998-built VLCC Front Circassia upon the sale and delivery of the vessel by Ship Finance to an unrelated third party. The charter with Ship Finance terminated in February and the charter counter party Frontline Shipping Limited ("FSL"); a non recourse subsidiary of Frontline, has agreed to pay a compensation of approximately \$8.9 million for the termination of the charter to Ship Finance, which will be recorded as an interest-bearing note payable by FSL. The termination will reduce obligations under capital leases by approx. \$20.1 million. The Company expects to record a loss on termination, including this termination payment, of \$5.5 million in the first quarter of 2018.