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Frontline Plc Interim / Quarterly Report 2015

Aug 27, 2015

6242_rns_2015-08-27_91c4b727-9b81-459c-ba38-04a9fc185f26.zip

Interim / Quarterly Report

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Filed by Frontline Ltd.

Commission File No. 001-16601

Pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933

Subject Company: Frontline 2012 Ltd.

Commission File No. for Registration Statement

on Form F-4 filed by Frontline Ltd.: 333-206542

The following is a copy of the press release issued by Frontline 2012 Ltd. on August 26, 2015, announcing Frontline 2012 Ltd.'s second quarter and six months 2015 results .

FRONTLINE 2012 LTD.

SECOND QUARTER AND SIX MONTHS 2015 RESULTS

Highlights

· Frontline 2012 reports net income from continuing operations of $78.6 million and earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.32 for the second quarter of 2015.

· Frontline 2012 reports net income from continuing operations of $134.9 million and earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.55 for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

· In June 2015, the Company paid a special dividend consisting of 75.4 million Golden Ocean shares.

· In August 2015, the Company received $14.6 million from STX Dalian in respect of two cancelled newbuilding contracts and expects to record a gain of $3.0 million in the third quarter.

· In July 2015, the Company and Frontline entered into an agreement and plan of merger.

Second Quarter and Six Months 2015 Results

On June 26, 2015, Frontline 2012 Ltd. ("the Company" or "Frontline 2012") paid a stock dividend consisting of 75.4 million Golden Ocean Group Ltd. ("Golden Ocean") shares. The Company held 77.5 million shares prior to this stock dividend and retained 2.1 million shares. This stock dividend has triggered discontinued operations presentation of its results of operations from Golden Ocean. Income statement comparatives are presented on an equivalent basis.

Frontline 2012 announces net income from continuing operations of $78.6 million and earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.32 for the second quarter compared with net income from continuing operations of $56.3 million and earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.23 in the preceding quarter. Net income in the second quarter included (i) a gain of $23.2 million in connection with the cancellation of newbuilding contract (J0106) at Jinhaiwan, and (ii) a gain of $19.6 million on the delivery of the Front Breeze and the Front Passat to Avance Gas Holding Ltd. ("AGHL"). Net income in the first quarter included (i) a gain of $1.8 million in connection with the cancellation of the fourth newbuilding contract (D-2174) at STX Dalian and (ii) a gain of $19.1 million on the delivery of the Front Mistral and the Front Monsoon to AGHL.

The average daily time charter equivalents ("TCEs") earned in the spot and period market in the second quarter by the Company's VLCCs and Suezmax tankers were $46,800 and $38,400 compared with $53,800 and $42,600, respectively, in the preceding quarter. The spot earnings for the Company's VLCC and Suezmax tankers were $49,300 and $39,200, respectively, compared with $57,700 and $43,400, respectively, in the preceding quarter. The earnings on the VLCC and Suezmax tankers for the quarter is somewhat weak, mainly explained by three VLCC's being positioned west, whilst two of our Suezmaxes underwent dry-docking in Asia in the same period.

The TCEs earned in the spot market in the second quarter by the Company's MR product tankers were $24,200 compared with $21,200 in the preceding quarter. The TCEs earned in the spot and period market in the second quarter by the LR2 tankers were $27,800 compared with $23,700 in the preceding quarter. The spot earnings for the Company's LR2 tankers were $32,400 compared with $23,200 in the preceding quarter.

In August 2015, the Company estimates average cash breakeven TCE rates for the remainder of 2015 on a TCE basis for its VLCCs, Suezmax tankers, MR product tankers and LR2 tankers of approximately $24,000, $19,100, $13,400 and $13,700, respectively.

Frontline 2012 announces net income from continuing operations of $134.9 million and earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.55 for the six months ended June 30, 2015 compared with net income from continuing operations of $74.4 million and earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.30 for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Net income from continuing operations in six months ended June 30, 2015 included (i) a gain of $23.2 million in connection with the cancellation of newbuilding contract (J0106) at Jinhaiwan, and (ii) a gain of $19.6 million on the delivery of the Front Breeze and the Front Passat to AGHL, (iii) a gain of $1.8 million in connection with the cancellation of the fourth newbuilding contract (D-2174) at STX Dalian and (iv) a gain of $19.1 million on the delivery of the Front Mistral and the Front Monsoon to AGHL. Net income from continuing operations in six months ended June 30, 2014 included (i) a gain on the sale of five newbuilding contracts of $74.8 million, (ii) a gain of $35.9 million in connection with the cancellation of newbuilding contract (J0025) at Jinhaiwan, and (iii) a gain on the sale of shares of $16.9 million

The TCEs earned in the spot and period market in the six months ended June 30, 2015 by the Company's VLCCs and Suezmax tankers were $50,300 and $40,200 compared with $31,700 and $20,400, respectively, in the six months ended June 30, 2014. The spot earnings for the Company's VLCC and Suezmax tankers were $53,600 and $41,500, respectively, compared with $31,300 and $20,400, respectively, in the six months ended June 30, 2014.

The TCEs earned in the spot market in the six months ended June 30, 2015 by the Company's MR product tankers were $22,700 compared with $16,700 in the six months ended June 30, 2014. The TCEs earned in the spot and period market in the six months ended June 30, 2015 by the Company's LR2 tankers were $26,200. The spot earnings for the Company's LR2 tankers were $27,800 in the six months ended June 30, 2015.

The net result from the chartered-in tonnage was $1.3 million in the second quarter and $1.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2015.

The net loss from discontinued operations of $55.4 million and $73.2 million in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, includes an impairment loss of $40.6 million relating to the Company's shareholding in Golden Ocean and is attributable to the fall in Golden Ocean's share price from March 31, 2015 (being the date from which the Company de-consolidated Golden Ocean) and June 26, 2015 (being the date of the stock dividend of the Golden Ocean shares).

Fleet Development

The Company took delivery of its fourth LR2 newbuilding, Front Tiger, in June.

During the second quarter, the Company entered into the following time charters: The two LR2 vessels, the Front Panther and the Front Puma, which were chartered out in the first quarter for a period of approximately 12 months from February/March 2015 at a rate of $25,000 per day have been extended for further 24 months from February/March 2016 at a rate of $28,000 per day. The LR2 vessel Front Lion has been chartered out for a period of approximately 30-36 months from end July/early August at a rate of $27,600 per day.

Newbuilding Program

As of June 30, 2015, the Company's newbuilding program, excluding newbuildings agreed to be sold and MR and Capesize newbuildings with STX Dalian and STX Korea, comprised 12 LR2 newbuildings, four VLCC newbuildings and options for four further VLCC newbuildings and six Suezmax tanker newbuildings and the remaining commitments for the Company's 22 newbuilding contracts, amounted to $1,169.2 million in the period 2015-2017. Subsequent to June 30, 2015, the Company exercised options for two LR2 newbuilding contracts and its newbuilding program currently comprises 24 newbuildings.

In 2012 and 2013, the Company cancelled all of its five newbuilding contracts at Jinhaiwan ship yard, which were acquired from Frontline in December 2011, and has received an aggregate refund of $321.0 million in respect of installments paid on these five contracts and accrued interest. The Company has no outstanding claims from Jinhaiwan.

The Company has cancelled all six of its MR tanker newbuilding contracts at STX Dalian and has received an aggregate refund of $44.3 million in respect of installments paid on five of these contracts and accrued interest. The Company has an outstanding claim of $11.5 million against STX Dalian for the remaining contract.

Corporate

On June 26, 2015, the Company paid a stock dividend consisting of 75.4 million Golden Ocean shares. All shareholders holding 3.2142 shares or more, received one share in Golden Ocean for every 3.2142 shares held, rounded down to the nearest whole share. The remaining fractional shares were paid in cash. The Company held 77.5 million Golden Ocean shares prior to this stock dividend and retained 2.1 million Golden Ocean shares. This stock dividend has triggered discontinued operations presentation of its results of operations from Golden Ocean. Income statement comparatives are presented on an equivalent basis.

Reference is made to the announcement dated July 2, 2015, that Frontline Ltd. ("Frontline") and Frontline 2012 have entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement"), pursuant to which the two companies have agreed to enter into a merger transaction, with Frontline as the surviving legal entity (the "Surviving Company") and Frontline 2012 becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Frontline. Frontline has on August 24, 2015, filed a registration statement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") covering the common shares to be issued by Frontline to Frontline 2012's shareholders in the merger. The shareholders' meetings of each of Frontline and Frontline 2012 will be held after the registration statement is declared effective. The effectiveness of the registration statement is subject, among other things, to SEC review.

242,307,883 ordinary shares were outstanding as of June 30, 2015, and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the quarter was 242,307,883.

The Market

The average rate for a VLCC trading on a standard 'TD3' voyage between the Arabian Gulf and Japan in the second quarter of 2015 was WS 64, representing an increase of 5 WS points from the first quarter of 2015. The market rate for a Suezmax trading on a standard 'TD20' voyage between West Africa and Rotterdam in the second quarter of 2015 was WS 88, representing a decrease of 2 WS points from the first quarter of 2015. The VLCC fleet totalled 639 vessels at the end of the quarter, whilst the Suezmax fleet counted 449 vessels at the end of the quarter.

For MR's trading on a standard 'TC2' voyage between Rotterdam and New York the market rates for the second quarter of 2015 was WS 155, representing an increase of 12 points from the first quarter of 2015. Average market rates for an LR2 trading on a standard "TC1" voyage between Middle East and Japan in the second quarter of 2015 was WS 110, representing a increase of 11 points from the first quarter of 2015.

The order book for tankers represented about 16 percent of the overall tanker fleet.

Bunkers in Rotterdam averaged $326/mt in the second quarter of 2015 compared to $280/mt in the first quarter of 2015.

Strategy and Outlook

The Board of Directors is very pleased with the merger agreement entered into between Frontline and Frontline 2012. With a large modern fleet, a strong balance sheet and attractive cash break even rates, the combined companies should be well positioned to generate significant free cash in a strong market, and sustain a weak market.

Despite the slowdown seen in the market the last weeks, the Board of Directors hopes the combined companies will be in a position to start returning cash to shareholders as quarterly dividends as soon as the merger is completed. The intention is to pay out excess cash as dividends at the Board's discretion.

The Board believes the combined companies will be well positioned to grow through acquisition and consolidation opportunities.

Important Information For Investors And Shareholders

This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed transaction between Frontline and Frontline 2012, Frontline has filed relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including a registration statement of Frontline on Form F-4 (File No. 333-206542) , filed on August 24, 2015, that includes a joint proxy statement of Frontline 2012 and Frontline that also constitutes a prospectus of Frontline. The registration statement has not yet become effective. After the registration statement is declared effective by the SEC, a definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to shareholders of Frontline 2012 and Frontline. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF FRONTLINE 2012 AND FRONTLINE ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and the joint proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Frontline through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with or furnished to the SEC by Frontline will be available free of charge on Frontline's website at http://www.Frontline.bm. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with or furnished to the SEC when they become available.

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 Ltd's management's examination of historical operating trends. Although Frontline Ltd 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 2012 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 2012 Ltd.

Hamilton, Bermuda

August 25, 2015

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

FRONTLINE 2012 LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2014 Apr-Jun — 53,643 103,937 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (in thousands of $) — Total operating revenues 2015 Jan-Jun — 197,455 2014 Jan-Jun — 113,548 241,826
35,913 42,809 Gain on cancellation and sale of newbuilding contracts 63,735 35,913 68,989
27,147 26,256 Voyage expenses and commission 51,963 49,950 103,708
12,733 16,066 Ship operating expenses 28,673 23,311 49,607
- 10,610 Charter hire expenses 17,076 - -
1,561 1,492 Administrative expenses 2,786 2,826 4,943
7,954 10,159 Depreciation 18,980 15,385 31,845
49,395 64,583 Total operating expenses 119,478 91,472 190,103
40,161 82,163 Net operating income 141,712 57,989 120,712
2 3 Interest income 8 105 118
(1,845 ) (3,561 ) Interest expense (6,023 ) (4,081 ) (7,421 )
16,850 - Gain on sale of shares - 16,850 16,850
8,368 - Share in results of associated companies 2,727 9,114 16,064
- (1,138 ) Impairment loss on shares (1,138 ) - -
62 (77 ) Foreign currency exchange (loss) gain (57 ) 24 18
(3,732 ) 1,186 Mark to market (loss) gain on derivatives (2,258 ) (5,575 ) (8,779 )
(48 ) 20 Other non-operating (expense) income (72 ) (76 ) (148 )
59,818 78,596 Net income from continuing operations 134,899 74,350 137,414
76,764 (55,436 ) Net (loss) income from discontinued operations (73,216 ) 76,764 12,055
136,582 23,160 Net income 61,683 151,114 149,469
$ 0.24 $ 0.32 Earnings per share from continuing operations $ 0.55 $ 0.30 $ 0.56
$ 0.31 $ (0.23 ) (Loss) earnings per share from discontinued operations $ (0.30 ) $ 0.31 $ 0.05
$ 0.55 $ 0.09 Earnings per share $ 0.25 $ 0.61 $ 0.61
Income on time charter basis ($ per day)*
24,000 46,800 VLCC 50,300 31,700 32,500
14,400 38,400 Suezmax 40,200 20,400 24,500
15,800 22,400 MR product tanker 22,000 16,700 16,600
- 27,700 LR2 tanker 26,200 - 19,100
  • Basis = Calendar days minus off-hire. Figures after deduction of broker commission

FRONTLINE 2012 LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands of $) June 30 2015 June 30 2014 Dec 31 2014
ASSETS
Short term
Cash and cash equivalents 167,978 290,589 296,945
Restricted cash 14,700 51,225 35,800
Marketable securities 10,123 - -
Other current assets 96,976 76,446 104,163
Long term
Newbuildings 187,930 194,126 477,168
Vessels and equipment, net 1,076,960 827,802 1,522,023
Restricted cash - 3,675 -
Newbuildings held for sale - 157,965 -
Investment in associated companies - 216,193 59,448
Deferred charges 4,666 2,464 4,543
Other long-term assets 1,046 3,943 1,678
Total assets 1,560,379 1,824,428 2,501,768
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short term liabilities
Short term debt 52,882 42,815 63,864
Other current liabilities 30,531 18,169 34,143
Sale proceeds received in advance 69,700 121,625 139,200
Long term liabilities
Long term debt 600,893 463,167 817,211
Sale proceeds received in advance - 17,575 -
Commitments and contingencies
Equity
Frontline 2012 Ltd equity 806,373 1,161,077 1,123,580
Non-controlling interest - - 323,770
Total equity 806,373 1,161,077 1,447,350
Total liabilities and equity 1,560,379 1,824,428 2,501,768

FRONTLINE 2012 LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2014 Apr-Jun 2015 Apr-Jun CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands of $) 2015 Jan-Jun 2014 Jan-Jun 2014 Jan-Dec
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
136,582 23,160 Net income attributable to the Company 61,683 151,114 149,469
- - Net loss attributable to the non-controlling interest (30,305) - (63,214)
136,582 23,160 Net income 31,378 151,114 86,255
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
8,123 11,852 Depreciation and amortization of deferred charges 29,010 15,721 38,930
(110,747) (42,809) Gain on newbuilding contracts and sale of assets (63,735) (110,747) (143,823)
(16,850) - Gain on sale of shares - (16,850) (16,850)
- - Vessel impairment loss 62,489 - -
- - Goodwill impairment loss - - 149,482
(10,298) 14,878 Share of results from associated companies and gain on equity interest 12,151 (11,044) (40,807)
- - Gain arising on non-controlling interest (27,677) - -
- 41,694 Impairment loss on shares 41,694 - -
2,050 - Dividends received from Avance Gas 4,101 2,050 7,052
3,658 (2,222) Other, net 1,075 5,748 8,272
- - Debt modification fee paid - - (2,640)
4,811 (8,098) Change in operating assets and liabilities (2,387) 1,230 (27,230)
17,329 38,455 Net cash provided by operating activities 88,099 37,222 58,641
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
99,302 24,748 Refund of newbuilding installments and interest 32,334 99,302 173,840
(56,470) (147,880) Additions to newbuildings, vessels and equipment (690,962) (154,637) (465,477)
12,700 7,350 Change in restricted cash 21,100 (54,900) (35,800)
- 111,789 Sale of fixed assets 225,802 - -
- - Sale proceeds received in advance - 139,200 139,200
3,100 - Dividends received from Knightsbridge, prior to consolidation - 3,100 6,200
57,140 - Net proceeds from sale of shares in associated company - 57,140 57,140
(43,411) - Cash transferred in connection with the sale of shares in SPCs - (43,411) (43,411)
- - Impact of deconsolidation of Golden Ocean (82,816) - -
- - Cash acquired in connection with purchase of Golden Ocean - - 104,799
72,361 (3,993) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (494,542) 45,794 (63,509)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
- 33,000 Proceeds from long-term debt 308,200 91,000 244,000
(54,259) (11,344) Repayment of long-term debt (26,399) (177,482) (200,390)
- (2) Debt fees paid (4,311) (500) (500)
(19,773) - Payment to acquire treasury shares - (28,341) (50,397)
(12,398) (3) Dividends paid (14) (24,853) (38,649)
(86,430) 21,651 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 277,476 (140,176) (45,936)
3,260 56,113 Net change in cash and cash equivalents (128,967) (57,160) (50,804)
287,329 111,865 Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 296,945 347,749 347,749
290,589 167,978 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 167,978 290,589 296,945

FRONTLINE 2012 LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (in thousands of $ except number of shares) 2015 Jan-Jun 2014 Jan-Jun 2014 Jan-Dec
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
Balance at beginning of period 242,307,883 249,100,000 249,100,000
Treasury shares held - (3,654,529) (6,792,117)
Balance at end of period 242,307,883 245,445,471 242,307,883
SHARE CAPITAL
Balance at beginning and end of period 498,200 498,200 498,200
TREASURY SHARES
Balance at beginning of period (50,397) - -
Purchase of treasury shares - (28,341) (50,397)
Balance at end of period (50,397) (28,341) (50,397)
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL
Balance at beginning and end of period 519,378 519,378 519,378
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Balance at beginning of period - - -
Other comprehensive loss (509) - -
Balance at end of period (509) - -
RETAINED (DEFICIT) EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period 156,399 45,579 45,579
Net income 61,683 151,114 149,469
Cash dividends (14) (24,853) (38,649)
Stock dividends (378,367) - -
Balance at end of period (160,299) 171,840 156,399
FRONTLINE 2012 LTD. EQUITY 806,373 1,161,077 1,123,580
NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
Balance at beginning of period 323,770 - -
Arising at date of acquisition - - 386,984
Net loss (30,305) - (63,214)
Impact of deconsolidation (293,465) - -
Balance at end of period - - 323,770
TOTAL EQUITY 806,373 1,161,077 1,447,350