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Frontline Plc — Regulatory Filings 2012
Nov 29, 2012
6242_ffr_2012-11-29_4e8e6bdc-e7c4-46ae-9189-4904d83af8b4.zip
Regulatory Filings
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6-K 1 d1337987_6-k.htm d1337987_6-k.htm Licensed to: Seward & Kissel LLP Document Created using EDGARizer 2020 5.4.1.0 Copyright 1995 - 2009 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO
RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of November 2012
Commission File Number: 001-16601
FRONTLINE LTD.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
Par-la-Ville Place, 14 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F [ X ] Form 40-F [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): __.
Note : Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): __.
Note : Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant's "home country"), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant's securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant's security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM 6-K REPORT
Attached hereto as Exhibit 1 is a copy of the press release of Frontline Ltd. (the "Company"), dated November 28, 2012, containing the Company's Interim Report for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| /s/ Inger M. Klemp |
|---|
| Name: Inger M. Klemp |
| Title: Principal Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 1
FRONTLINE LTD.
THIRD QUARTER AND NINE MONTHS 2012 RESULTS
Highlights
· Frontline reports a net loss attributable to the Company of $49.0 million for the third quarter of 2012, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.63.
· Frontline reports a net loss attributable to the Company of $66.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.85.
· Frontline will not pay a dividend for the third quarter of 2012.
· In August and October 2012, Frontline agreed to terminate the long term charter parties with Ship Finance for the OBO carriers Front Climber and Front Driver, respectively.
· In September 2012, Frontline agreed with NAT that Frontline's nine Suezmax vessels will leave the Orion Suezmax pool.
Third Quarter and Nine Months 2012 Results
The Board of Frontline Ltd. (the "Company" or "Frontline") announces a net loss attributable to the Company of $49.0 million for the third quarter of 2012, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.63, compared with a net loss, excluding impairment losses, attributable to the Company of $11.2 million and a loss per share of $0.14 for the preceding quarter. The net loss attributable to the Company in the third quarter includes a gain on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains of $3.3 million, which includes an aggregate deferred gain of $3.8 million relating to the sale and leasebacks of DHT Eagle (ex Front Eagle) and Gulf Eyadah (ex Front Shanghai).The net loss attributable to the Company in the preceding quarter includes a gain on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains of $5.1 million, which includes an aggregate deferred gain of $3.8 million relating to the sale and leasebacks of DHT Eagle and Gulf Eyadah. The net loss attributable to the Company in the preceding quarter also include an impairment loss of $13.1 million.
The average daily time charter equivalents ("TCEs") earned in the spot and period market in the third quarter by the Company's VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and Suezmax OBO carriers were $12,300, $10,500 and $33,700, respectively, compared with $31,000, $16,200 and $28,100, respectively, in the preceding quarter. The spot earnings for the Company's double hull VLCCs and Suezmax vessels were $13,300 and $10,500, respectively, compared with $31,500 and $16,200, respectively, in the preceding quarter. The Orion Suezmax pool had spot earnings of $11,100 compared with $17,400 in the second quarter.
The contingent rental expense relates to the amended charter parties with Ship Finance International Limited ("Ship Finance") and the amended charter parties for four leased vessels and is based on the difference between the renegotiated rates and the actual TCE revenues up to the original contract rates.
Ship operating expenses increased by $1.2 million compared with the preceding quarter mainly due to an increase in running costs.
Charter hire expenses decreased by $1.2 million compared with the preceding quarter primarily as a result of redelivery of the chartered-in VLCC Hampstead on April 22, 2012.
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, was $23.5 million in the third quarter of which $5.6 million relates to the Company's subsidiary Independent Tankers Corporation Limited ("ITCL").
Frontline announces a net loss attributable to the Company of $66.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.85. The average daily TCEs earned in the spot and period market in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 by the Company's VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and Suezmax OBO carriers were $23,200, $15,500, and $33,300, respectively, compared with $24,000, $14,200 and $35,300, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The spot earnings for the Company's double hull VLCCs and Suezmax vessels were $23,700 and $15,500, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The Orion Suezmax pool had spot earnings of $15,300 per day.
As of September 30, 2012, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of $164.5 million and restricted cash of $75.7 million. Restricted cash includes $74.2 million relating to deposits in ITCL.
The Company estimates average cash cost breakeven rates for the remainder of 2012 on a TCE basis for its VLCCs and Suezmax tankers of approximately $23,400 and $16,200, respectively.
Fleet Development
In August, 2012, the Company announced that it had agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party for the OBO carrier Front Climber and that Ship Finance had simultaneously sold the vessel. The charter party was terminated on October 15, 2012. The Company made a compensation payment to Ship Finance of approximately $0.6 million for the early termination of the charter. The transaction will reduce the Company's obligations under capital leases by $1.7 million and the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4.2 million in the second quarter.
In September 2012, the Company agreed with Nordic American Tankers Ltd ("NAT") that Frontline's nine Suezmax vessels will leave the Orion Suezmax pool due to Frontline's wish to be more flexible in the operation of its vessels. NAT will acquire Frontline's 50 percent shareholding in Orion Tankers Ltd., the pool manager, at its nominal book cost effective January 1, 2013.
In October, 2012, the Company announced that it had agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party for the OBO carrier Front Driver and that Ship Finance had simultaneously sold the vessel. The charter party is expected to terminate in late November 2012. Frontline will make a compensation payment to Ship Finance of approximately $0.5 million for the early termination of the charter. The transaction will reduce the Company's obligations under capital leases by approximately $1.1 million and the Company expects to record a loss of approximately $0.1 million.
In October, 2012 the Company terminated the bareboat charters on the two single hull VLCCs Ticen Ocean (renamed Front Lady) and Ticen Aries (renamed Edinburgh) and the vessels will be delivered to the buyers (as announced in September, 2011) in the end of November 2012 and January 2013, respectively.
Newbuilding Program
As of November 28, 2012, the Company's newbuilding program comprised two Suezmax tankers, and the Company was committed to make newbuilding installments of $94.2 million with expected payments of $6.3 million in 2012 and $87.9 million in 2013.
Corporate
The Board of Directors has decided not to declare a dividend for the third quarter of 2012.
A resolution was approved at the Company's 2012 Annual General Meeting on September 21, 2012 such that the share premium account was reduced from $225.8 million to nil and the amount resulting from the reduction be credited to the contributed surplus account with immediate effect.
77,858,502 ordinary shares were outstanding as of September 30, 2012, and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the quarter was 77,858,502.
The Market
The market rate for a VLCC trading on a standard 'TD3' voyage between the Arabian Gulf and Japan in the third quarter of 2012 was WS 36, representing a decrease of approximately WS 19 points from the second quarter of 2012 and a decrease of approximately WS 22 points from the third quarter of 2011. Present market indications are approximately $11,000 per day in the fourth quarter of 2012.
The market rate for a Suezmax trading on a standard 'TD5' voyage between West Africa and Philadelphia in the third quarter of 2012 was WS 59.5, representing a decrease of approximately WS 13.5 points from the second quarter of 2012 and a decrease of WS 10 points from the third quarter of 2011. Current market forward rates indicate TD5 fourth quarter returns in line with third quarter.
Bunkers at Fujairah averaged $650/mt in the third quarter of 2012 compared to $662/mt in the second quarter of 2012. Bunker prices varied between a low of $590/mt on July 2 and a high of $697/mt on September 4.
The International Energy Agency's ("IEA") November 2012 report stated an OPEC oil production, including Iraq, of 31.4 million barrels per day (mb/d) in the third quarter. This was unchanged from the previous quarter.
The IEA estimates that world oil demand averaged 90.1 mb/d in the third quarter of 2012, which is an increase of 1.3 mb/d compared to previous quarter and the IEA estimates that world oil demand will average approximately 89.7 mb/d in 2012, representing an increase of 0.9 percent or 0.8 mb/d from 2011. 2013 demand is expected to be 90.5 mb/d.
The VLCC fleet totalled 617 vessels at the end of the third quarter of 2012, up from 610 vessels at the end of the previous quarter. Ten VLCCs were delivered during the quarter, three were removed. The order book counted 91 vessels at the end of the third quarter, down from 95 orders from the previous quarter. The current order book represents approximately 15 percent of the VLCC fleet. According to Fearnley's, the single hull fleet is 22 vessels, one less than previous quarter.
The Suezmax fleet counts 462 vessels at the end of the third quarter, up from 459 vessels at the end of the previous quarter. Ten vessels were delivered during the quarter whilst seven were removed. The order book counted 63 vessels at the end of the third quarter, down from 79 vessels at the end of the previous quarter. The current order book represents 14 percent of the total fleet. According to Fearnley's, the single hull fleet stands unchanged at nine vessels.
Strategy and Outlook
The tanker market has shown a strong negative development in the last four years. Several tanker companies are already experiencing severe problems. If the weak market continues it is likely to lead to significant financial problems for the whole tanker industry. We have recently experienced that VLCC spot rates have risen, but spot rates for Suezmax and Aframax tankers have seen little movement .
Consensus is that the recent rate spike could be short lived and that recovery in the crude tanker market could take some time. In order for sustainable recovery to happen substantial scrapping of vessels must take place.
Frontline will continue to remain cautious and focus its resources on the present activities until a clearer sign of recovery can be seen in the tanker market.
Based on results achieved so far in the fourth quarter and the current outlook, the Board expects the operating result in the fourth quarter to show some improvement compared with the third quarter.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Frontline management's examination of historical operating trends. Although Frontline believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, Frontline cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions.
Important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this press release include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market as a result of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and world wide oil consumption and storage, changes in the Company's operating expenses including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Board of Directors
Frontline Ltd.
Hamilton, Bermuda
November 28 2012
Questions should be directed to:
Jens Martin Jensen: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 99
Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 76
FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| 2011 Jul-Sept — 173,914 | 2012 Jul-Sept — 126,809 | CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (in thousands of $) — Total operating revenues | 2012 Jan-Sept — 470,671 | 2011 Jan-Sept — 628,121 | 2011 Jan-Dec — 810,102 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,787 | 3,288 | Gain on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains | 19,373 | 4,984 | (307,894 | ) | ||||
| 72,061 | 64,049 | Voyage expenses and commission | 189,525 | 228,114 | 295,787 | |||||
| (1,581 | ) | - | Profit share expense (income) | - | 829 | 482 | ||||
| - | 9,904 | Contingent rental expense | 42,631 | - | - | |||||
| 45,378 | 36,600 | Ship operating expenses | 101,511 | 147,912 | 187,010 | |||||
| 16,740 | 8,880 | Charter hire expenses | 31,099 | 50,843 | 65,601 | |||||
| 9,871 | 8,338 | Administrative expenses | 24,701 | 26,489 | 35,886 | |||||
| 121,443 | - | Impairment loss on vessels | 13,141 | 121,443 | 121,443 | |||||
| 49,603 | 28,301 | Depreciation | 86,892 | 151,540 | 195,597 | |||||
| 313,515 | 156,072 | Total operating expenses | 489,500 | 727,170 | 901,806 | |||||
| (135,814 | ) | (25,975 | ) | Net operating gain (loss) | 544 | (94,065 | ) | (399,598 | ) | |
| 251 | 40 | Interest income | 90 | 3,929 | 3,958 | |||||
| (32,522 | ) | (23,551 | ) | Interest expense | (71,813 | ) | (104,309 | ) | (141,497 | ) |
| (111 | ) | (92 | ) | Share of results from associated companies | 167 | (411 | ) | (600 | ) | |
| 21 | 79 | Foreign currency exchange gain | 100 | 171 | 106 | |||||
| 1,707 | 341 | Other non-operating items | 4,317 | 9,969 | 9,153 | |||||
| (166,468 | ) | (49,158 | ) | Net loss before taxes and noncontrolling interest | (66,595 | ) | (184,716 | ) | (528,478 | ) |
| (76 | ) | (95 | ) | Taxes | (257 | ) | (183 | ) | (532 | ) |
| (166,544 | ) | (49,253 | ) | Net loss | (66,852 | ) | (184,899 | ) | (529,010 | ) |
| 388 | 236 | Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest | 664 | (1,036 | ) | (591 | ) | |||
| (166,156 | ) | (49,017 | ) | Net loss attributable to Frontline Ltd. | (66,188 | ) | (185,935 | ) | (529,601 | ) |
| $ (2.13 | ) | $ (0.63 | ) | Basic loss per share ($) | $ (0.85 | ) | $ (2.39 | ) | $ (6.80 | ) |
| Income on timecharter basis ($ per day per ship)* | ||||||||||
| 17,000 | 12,300 | VLCC | 23,200 | 24,000 | 22,800 | |||||
| 9,500 | 10,500 | Suezmax | 15,500 | 14,200 | 14,100 | |||||
| 38,200 | 33,700 | Suezmax OBO | 33,300 | 35,300 | 36,700 | |||||
| * Basis = Calendar days minus off-hire. Figures after deduction of broker commission |
See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| 2011 Jul-Sept — (166,544 | ) | (49,253 | ) | CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (in thousands of $) — Net loss | (66,852 | ) | (184,899 | ) | (529,010 | ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (368 | ) | 5 | Unrealized loss from marketable securities | 466 | (624 | ) | (894 | ) | ||
| (108 | ) | 49 | Foreign currency translation (loss) gain | 75 | (6 | ) | (49 | ) | ||
| (476 | ) | 54 | Other comprehensive income (loss) | 541 | (630 | ) | (943 | ) | ||
| (167,020 | ) | (49,199 | ) | Comprehensive loss | (66,311 | ) | (185,529 | ) | (529,953 | ) |
| (166,632 | ) | (48,963 | ) | Comprehensive loss attributable to Frontline Ltd. | (65,647 | ) | (186,565 | ) | (530,544 | ) |
| (388 | ) | (236 | ) | Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interest | (664 | ) | 1,036 | 591 | ||
| (167,020 | ) | (49,199 | ) | (66,311 | ) | (185,529 | ) | (529,953 | ) |
See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands of $) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Short term | |||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 164,484 | 191,027 | 160,566 |
| Restricted cash | 75,735 | 99,241 | 100,566 |
| Other current assets | 149,384 | 152,084 | 149,273 |
| Vessels held for sale | - | 28,666 | - |
| Long term | |||
| Restricted cash | - | 58,000 | - |
| Newbuildings | 20,144 | 246,978 | 13,049 |
| Vessels and equipment, net | 287,444 | 1,211,891 | 312,292 |
| Vessels under capital lease, net | 934,397 | 1,221,358 | 1,022,172 |
| Investment in finance lease | 51,952 | 54,019 | 53,531 |
| Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies | 40,805 | 2,997 | 27,340 |
| Other long-term assets | 1,373 | 7,349 | 1,780 |
| Total assets | 1,725,718 | 3,273,610 | 1,840,569 |
| LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | |||
| Short term liabilities | |||
| Short term debt and current portion of long term debt | 21,572 | 151,418 | 19,521 |
| Current portion of obligations under capital lease | 54,171 | 115,126 | 55,805 |
| Other current liabilities | 115,064 | 84,986 | 92,058 |
| Long term liabilities | |||
| Long term debt | 463,292 | 1,153,772 | 493,992 |
| Obligations under capital lease | 916,494 | 1,199,036 | 957,431 |
| Other long term liabilities | 7,225 | 11,642 | 8,283 |
| Commitments and contingencies | |||
| Equity | |||
| Frontline Ltd. equity | 136,069 | 544,690 | 200,984 |
| Noncontrolling interest | 11,831 | 12,940 | 12,495 |
| Total equity | 147,900 | 557,630 | 213,479 |
| Total liabilities and equity | 1,725,718 | 3,273,610 | 1,840,569 |
See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| 2011 Jul-Sept | CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands of $) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||
| (166,544 | ) | (49,253 | ) | Net loss | (66,852 | ) | (184,899 | ) | (529,010 | ) |
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||
| 49,992 | 28,439 | Depreciation and amortization | 87,300 | 152,893 | 202,519 | |||||
| (11 | ) | (24 | ) | Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss | (2 | ) | (26 | ) | 73 | |
| (3,787 | ) | (3,288 | ) | Gain on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains | (19,373 | ) | (4,984 | ) | 311,249 | |
| 111 | 92 | Equity (income) losses of associated companies | (167 | ) | 411 | 600 | ||||
| 121,443 | - | Impairment loss on vessels | 13,141 | 121,443 | 121,443 | |||||
| 440 | 5,460 | Other, net | 1,202 | (4,808 | ) | (8,681 | ) | |||
| 304 | 15,816 | Change in operating assets and liabilities | 29,623 | (42,224 | ) | (41,340 | ) | |||
| 1,948 | (2,758 | ) | Net cash provided by operating activities | 44,872 | 37,806 | 56,853 | ||||
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||
| 91,271 | 13,461 | Change in restricted cash | 24,831 | 98,906 | 155,581 | |||||
| (16,175 | ) | (538 | ) | Additions to newbuildings, vessels and equipment | (1,501 | ) | (78,980 | ) | (82,378 | ) |
| 394 | 468 | Finance lease payments received | 1,336 | 1,123 | 1,535 | |||||
| - | (442 | ) | Proceeds from sale of vessels and equipment | 12,224 | 148,335 | 200,041 | ||||
| - | - | Proceeds from sale of shares in subsidiaries | - | - | 128,882 | |||||
| - | - | Proceeds from sale of investments | - | 46,547 | 46,547 | |||||
| - | - | Net investment in associated companies | (13,548 | ) | - | (24,536 | ) | |||
| 75,490 | 12,949 | Net cash provided by investing activities | 23,342 | 215,931 | 425,672 | |||||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | ||||||||||
| 72,000 | - | Proceeds from long-term debt, net of fees paid | - | 70,559 | 70,559 | |||||
| (30,888 | ) | (9,780 | ) | Repayment of long-term debt | (24,049 | ) | (131,167 | ) | (256,527 | ) |
| (99,118 | ) | (13,076 | ) | Repayment of capital leases | (40,247 | ) | (161,612 | ) | (295,501 | ) |
| (1,557 | ) | - | Dividends paid | - | (17,129 | ) | (17,129 | ) | ||
| (59,563 | ) | (22,856 | ) | Net cash used in financing activities | (64,296 | ) | (239,349 | ) | (498,598 | ) |
| 17,875 | (12,665 | ) | Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 3,918 | 14,388 | (16,073 | ) | |||
| 173,152 | 177,149 | Cash and cash equivalents at start of period | 160,566 | 176,639 | 176,639 | |||||
| 191,027 | 164,484 | Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 164,484 | 191,027 | 160,566 |
See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
| CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (in thousands of $ except number of shares) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING | ||||||
| Balance at beginning and end of period | 77,858,502 | 77,858,502 | 77,858,502 | |||
| SHARE CAPITAL | ||||||
| Balance at beginning and end of period | 194,646 | 194,646 | 194,646 | |||
| ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL | ||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | 225,769 | 224,245 | 224,245 | |||
| Stock option expense | 732 | 1,251 | 1,524 | |||
| Transfer to contributed surplus | (225,769 | ) | - | - | ||
| Balance at end of period | 732 | 225,496 | 225,769 | |||
| CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS | ||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | 248,360 | 248,360 | 248,360 | |||
| Transfer from additional paid in capital | 225,769 | - | - | |||
| Balance at end of period | 474,129 | 248,360 | 248,360 | |||
| ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS | ||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | (4,779 | ) | (3,836 | ) | (3,836 | ) |
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | 541 | (630 | ) | (943 | ) | |
| Balance at end of period | (4,238 | ) | (4,466 | ) | (4,779 | ) |
| RETAINED (DEFICIT) EARNINGS | ||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | (463,012 | ) | 83,718 | 83,718 | ||
| Net loss | (66,188 | ) | (185,935 | ) | (529,601 | ) |
| Cash dividends | - | (17,129 | ) | (17,129 | ) | |
| Balance at end of period | (529,200 | ) | (119,346 | ) | (463,012 | ) |
| FRONTLINE LTD. EQUITY | 136,069 | 544,690 | 200,984 | |||
| NONCONTROLLING INTEREST | ||||||
| Balance at beginning of period | 12,495 | 11,904 | 11,904 | |||
| Net (loss) income | (664 | ) | 1,036 | 591 | ||
| Balance at end of period | 11,831 | 12,940 | 12,495 | |||
| TOTAL EQUITY | 147,900 | 557,630 | 213,479 |
See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
FRONTLINE LTD.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- GENERAL
Frontline Ltd. (the "Company" or "Frontline") is a Bermuda based shipping company engaged primarily in the ownership and operation of oil tankers. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Oslo Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.
- 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 as at December 31, 2011.
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 consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011.
- RESTRUCTURING
The Company successfully completed a restructuring of its business in December 2011. The restructuring included the sale of 15 wholly-owned special purpose companies ("SPCs") to Frontline 2012 Ltd. ("Frontline 2012"). These SPCs held six VLCCs (including one on time charter), four Suezmax tankers and five VLCC newbuilding contracts. The SPCs were sold at fair market value of $1,120.7 million. As part of the transaction, Frontline 2012 assumed the obligation to pay $666.3 million in bank debt related to the vessels and $325.5 million in remaining commitments to the yard under the newbuilding contracts. The sale of these SPCs resulted in a loss of $307.0 million, which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011. In June 2012, the Company received payment for the working capital related to the assets sold in the amount of $10.5 million.
On December 16, 2011, Frontline 2012 completed a private placement of 100,000,000 new ordinary shares of par value $2.00 per share at a subscription price of $2.85, raising $285.0 million in gross proceeds, subject to certain closing conditions. These conditions were subsequently fulfilled and Frontline 2012 was registered on the Norwegian Over the Counter list in Oslo on December 30, 2011. The Company was allocated 8,771,000 shares, representing approximately 8.8 percent of the share capital of Frontline 2012 for which it paid $25.0 million. The Company has accounted for its investment in Frontline 2012 under the equity method. There were no discontinued operations associated with this transaction.
The Company will initially manage Frontline 2012 through its wholly owned subsidiary, Frontline Management (Bermuda) Ltd.. Frontline 2012 plans to establish its own management subsidiary with a management team solely focused on its activities over time.
Following the restructuring, the Company's operating fleet was reduced from 58 vessels to 48 vessels, including the nine vessels owned through Independent Tankers Corporation Limited ("ITCL"). In addition, newbuilding commitments reduced from $437.9 million to $112.4 million relating to two Suezmax tanker newbuilding contracts. Bank debt was eliminated following a prepayment of a $12.9 million loan associated with a vessel, which was not part of the transaction with Frontline 2012, and the prepayment of ITCL's $33.0 million bank loan.
As part of the restructuring, the Company obtained agreements with its major counterparties to reduce the gross charter payment commitments under existing chartering arrangements by approximately $293 million for the period from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2015. The Company will compensate the counterparties with 100% of any difference between the renegotiated rates and the average vessel earnings up to the original contract rates. Some of the counterparties will receive some additional compensation for earnings achieved above the original contract rates.
- IMPAIRMENT LOSS
The Company has recorded a vessel impairment loss of $13.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2012. This loss relates to three OBO vessels – Front Rider ($4.9 million), Front Climber ($4.2 million) and Front Driver ($4.0 million). The losses relating to Front Rider, Front Climber and Front Driver were the expected losses on the termination of the long term charter parties in July, October and in the fourth quarter of 2012, respectively. Impairment losses are taken when events or changes in circumstances occur that cause the Company to believe that future cash flows for an individual vessel will be less than its carrying value and not fully recoverable. In such instances an impairment charge is recognized if the estimate of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the vessel and its eventual disposition is less than the vessel's carrying amount.
- NEWBUILDINGS
Five VLCC newbuilding contracts were sold to Frontline 2012 in December 2011 (see Note 3), which left the Company with two Suezmax newbuilding contracts at December 31, 2011.
- VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET
The Company sold its 1993-built double hull Suezmax tanker, Front Alfa, in March 2012.
- FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Marketable securities of $1.2 million at September 30, 2012 (December 31, 2011: $0.7 million) are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of marketable securities is based on the quoted market prices. This fair value falls within the "Level 1" category of ASC 820-10 being "measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities".
- DEBT
The Company's bank debt was eliminated in December 2011. See Note 3.
In March 2012, the Company purchased $10.0 million notional value of the convertible bonds due 2015 for a purchase price of $5.4 million. The Company recognized a gain of $4.6 million in the first quarter of 2012. After the purchase, the Company holds 4.4% of the convertible bonds outstanding. The conversion price of the Company's convertible bonds at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $36.5567.
- 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 our principal shareholder, as the Company leases the majority of its vessels from Ship Finance and pays Ship Finance contingent rental expense and profit share based on the earnings of these vessels.
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. In addition, the Company is chartering in two vessels from Frontline 2012 on floating rate time charters under which the charter hire expense is equal to the time charter equivalent earnings of the vessels.
In September 2011, the Company negotiated the early termination of bareboat charters on three single hull VLCCs, Titan Orion (ex-Front Duke), Titan Aries (now renamed -Edinburgh) and Ticen Ocean (now renamed-Front Lady), which are being chartered in from Ship Finance. These three vessels have been sold by Ship Finance with expected delivery during 2012 and 2013. The Titan Orion (ex-Front Duke) was delivered, and the charter party with Ship Finance was terminated, on March 27, 2012. In October 2012, the Company terminated the bareboat charters on Ticen Ocean (now renamed Front Lady) and Tiitan Aries (now renamed Edinburgh) and the vessels will be delivered to the buyers end November 2012 and January 2013, respectively.
In May 2012, the Company paid $13.3 million for 3,546,000 shares in a private placement by Frontline 2012 of 56 million new ordinary shares at a subscription price of $3.75 per share. Following the private placement, the Company's ownership in Frontline 2012 was reduced from 8.8% to 7.9%. Refer to Note 3 for details of the restructuring transaction with Frontline 2012.
In June, 2012, the Company announced that it had agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party for the OBO carrier Front Rider and that Ship Finance had simultaneously sold the vessel. The charter party was terminated on July 22, 2012. The Company paid a compensation payment to Ship Finance of $0.4 million for the early termination of the charter. The Company recorded an impairment loss of $4.9 million in the second quarter of 2012.
- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
As of November 28, 2012, the Company's newbuilding program comprised two Suezmax tankers, and the Company was committed to make newbuilding installments of $94.2 million with expected payments of $6.3 million in 2012 and $87.9 million in 2013
As part of the Restructuring described in Note 3, Frontline 2012 agreed to fully reimburse and indemnify the Company for all payments made under any guarantees issued by the Company to the shipyard in connection with the newbuilding contracts acquired and to reimburse the Company for all costs incurred in connection with these guarantees.
- SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In August 2012, the Company announced that it had agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party for the OBO carrier Front Climber and that Ship Finance had simultaneously sold the vessel. The charter party terminated on October 15, 2012. The Company made a compensation payment to Ship Finance of $0.6 million for the early termination of the charter. The transaction will reduce the Company's obligations under capital leases by $1.6 million and the Company recorded an impairment loss of $4.2 million in the second quarter.
In October 2012, the Company announced that it had agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party for the OBO carrier Front Driver and that Ship Finance has simultaneously sold the vessel. The charter party is expected to terminate in late November 2012. Frontline will make a compensation payment to Ship Finance of approximately $0.5 million for the early termination of the charter. The transaction will reduce the Company's obligations under capital leases by approximately $1.1 million and the Company expects to record a loss of approximately $0.1 million.