Earnings Release • Nov 29, 2019
Earnings Release
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29 November 2019
*Includes one vessel currently on Subject. A vessel is available to charterers 14 days after delivery from the yard, after completion of bunkering operations and inspections.
** The TCE rate is a non-GAAP measure, and a standard shipping perforamnce figure. TCE is calculated by dividing voyage revenues, net of voyage expenses, by available days for the relevant time period. Voyage expenses primarily consists of fuel and port costs.
Benchmark MEG - Far East VLCC earnings averaged USD ~38,000/day and USD ~28,000/day in Q3 2019 for eco and non-eco VLCCs, respectively. An increase of 70% and 124% compared to last quarter.
Net fleet growth slowed to 12 VLCCs in Q3, with 14 newbuilds delivered and two older vessels sold for scrap, compared to 18 in Q2. Adjusting for sanctions placed on COSCO, net fleet growth in Q3 was negative with about 25 VLCCs being affected. Off-hire related to scrubber retrofitting was expected to further limit supply growth, however a large portion of the 32 VLCCs scheduled for retrofitting in Q3 have been delayed into Q4 '19 – Q1 – '20, due to yard congestion, longer lead times and owners postponing scrubber installations due to higher rates.
Tanker demand increased in Q3, with MEG fixtures improving by 5% from Q2, primarily driven by an increase to more than 140 cargos per month in August and September, from approx. 120-130 in Q2, as underlying oil demand remained robust and global refinery outages and maintenance declined. In particular, the MEG-China trade improved significantly with 23% higher activity in Q3 compared to Q2. The impact from the attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities in Saudi Arabia in September, initially believed to reduce seaborne crude oil supply, proved to have limited effects on physical tanker demand, as volumes were quickly brought back online. In the Atlantic basin, Brazil has become a growth driver in the latter part of the year, following oil production growth of ~690kpd the last twelve months to ~3mbpd reported in August. In Q3, exports out of the US accounted for about 45 VLCC loadings, and is expected to increase over the coming quarters as the 900kbd Grey Oak pipeline comes online in Q4.
Tanker rates got off to a strong start in Q4, driven by the COSCO sanctions combined with seasonal demand strength, modest fleet growth and off-hire related to scrubber retrofitting. For a period, several vessels were on subjects for spot voyages implying dayrates in excess of USD 300,000 per day. Although these eventually failed to materialize, it is a testament to tanker market volatility and upside potential in times of limited vessel availability. However, rates have remained at strong levels, with most Q4 fixtures so far observed in the USD 50,000 – 100,000 per day range, signaling strong underlying market fundamentals.
Going forward, we expect the earnings capacity for our vessels to improve further. The spread between HSFO and compliant fuel should continue to widen, driven by a declining HSFO price due to diminishing physical demand as the IMO 2020 deadline approaches. This view is mirrored by a forward market currently pricing HSFO for delivery in January 2020 at around USD 200/ton, compared to USD 260/ton with prompt delivery. Vessel deliveries will continue to remain modest for the foreseeable future, scrubber related VLCC off-hire should reach its peak in December and tanker demand should continue to improve on the back of robust global oil demand growth, a growing share of long-haul voyages and increasing refinery runs.
All three of the Company's delivered vessels will soon have completed their maiden voyages and received all relevant inspection documents, optimally positioning the Company ahead of the IMO 2020 implementation on January 1 st 2020.
Anchors aweigh…
| Quarters | Year to date | Year | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Unaudited figures in USD 1 000) | Q3 2019 | Q3 2018 | Note 30.09.2019 30.09.2018 31.12.2018 | |||
| Continuing operations | ||||||
| Revenues | ||||||
| Charter-hire revenue | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Other income | 69 | 0 | 281 | 0 | 52 | |
| Total Revenues | 6 9 | 0 | 281 | 0 | 5 2 | |
| Operating expenses | ||||||
| Payroll expenses | 136 | 121 | 339 | 363 | 465 | |
| Depreciation and amortisation expense | 14 | 0 | 7 | 30 | 0 | 0 |
| Other operating expenses | 161 | 198 | 4 | 364 | 1 947 | 2 352 |
| Total operating expenses | 311 | 319 | 732 | 2 310 | 2 816 | |
| Operating profit (loss) continuing operations | -242 | -319 | -451 | -2 310 | -2 765 | |
| Interest income | 99 | 386 | 186 | 561 | 874 | |
| Finance income | 0 | 567 | 1 632 | 1 110 | 2 432 | |
| Other financial income | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Interest expenses | -90 | 0 | -92 | 0 | 0 | |
| Other financial expenses | -1 423 | 0 | -1 429 | -26 | -26 | |
| Net financial income (loss) | -1 414 | 953 | 297 | 1 645 | 3 280 | |
| Profit (loss) before taxes from continuing operations | -1 656 | 633 | -154 | -665 | 515 | |
| Tax on ordinary result | 70 | 0 | 0 | -449 | -374 | |
| Net profit (loss) from continuing operations | -1 586 | 632 | -154 | -1 114 | 142 | |
| Discontinued operations | ||||||
| Net profit (loss) from discontinued operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4 410 | -4 410 | |
| Net profit (loss) | -1 586 | 632 | -154 | -5 524 | -4 268 | |
| Earning per share | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | -0,06 | -0,05 | |
| Earnings per share diluted | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | -0,06 | -0,05 | |
| Earnings per share continuing operations | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | -0,01 | -0,01 | |
| Earnings per share diluted continuing operations | 0,00 | 0,00 | 0,00 | -0,01 | -0,01 | |
| (Unaudited figures in USD 1 000) | Q3 2019 | Q3 2018 | 30.09.2019 30.09.2018 31.12.2018 | |||
| Total comprehensive income | ||||||
| Net profit (loss) | -1 586 | 633 | -154 | -5 524 | -4 268 | |
| Translation differences | 0 | 112 | 2 | 7 125 | -2 289 | |
| Comprehensive income for the period continuing operations | -1 586 | 745 | -152 | 1 601 | -6 557 | |
| Total comprehensive income attributable to: | ||||||
| Equity holders of the parent | -1 586 | 745 | -152 | 1 601 | -6 557 | |
| Total comprehensive income continuing operations | -1 586 | 745 | -152 | 1 601 | -6 557 |
| (Unaudited figures in USD 1 000) | Note 30.09.2019 30.06.2019 30.09.2018 31.12.2018 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NON-CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Property, plant, equipment & machineries | 7, 8 | 158 | 86 | 10 | 10 |
| VLCC vessels | 8 | 84 837 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| VLCC under construction | 5, 8 | 162 387 | 151 668 | 34 591 | 56 682 |
| Total tangible assets | 247 382 | 151 754 | 34 601 | 56 692 | |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 247 382 | 151 754 | 34 601 | 56 692 | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Trade receivables | 0 | 0 | 0 | 83 | |
| Other short-term receivables | 1 217 | 144 | 280 | 147 | |
| Total current receivables | 1 217 | 8 | 280 | 231 | |
| Other financial investments | 0 | 0 | 50 329 | 24 758 | |
| Total other financial investments | 0 | 0 | 50 329 | 24 758 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 6 | 9 725 | 45 127 | 37 459 | 35 001 |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 10 942 | 45 127 | 88 068 | 59 990 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 258 323 | 197 026 | 122 670 | 116 681 | |
| Equity and Liabilities | |||||
| EQUITY | |||||
| Share capital (575 362 013 shares) | 2 | 82 625 | 82 625 | 55 376 | 55 376 |
| Share premium | 2 | 112 467 | 112 794 | 66 842 | 61 123 |
| Other equity | 0 | 1 432 | 0 | 0 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY | 195 092 | 196 851 | 122 218 | 116 499 | |
| LIABILITIES | |||||
| Other interest-bearing debt | 7, 8 | 58 730 | 77 | 0 | 0 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 58 730 | 7 7 | 0 | 0 | |
| Trade creditors | 552 | 61 | 336 | 132 | |
| Accrued public charges and indirect taxes | 16 | 0 | 17 | 9 | |
| Debt financial institutions | 8 | 1 440 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other current liabilities | 4 | 2 492 | 36 | 99 | 42 |
| Total current liabilities | 4 500 | 9 7 | 452 | 182 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 63 230 | 173 | 452 | 182 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 258 323 | 197 026 | 122 670 | 116 681 |
| Quarters Year to date |
Year end | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Unaudited figures in USD 1 000) | Q3 2019 | Q3 2018 | Note 30.09.2018 30.09.2018 31.12.2018 | |||
| Profit (loss) before tax from continuing operations | -1 656 | 633 | -154 | -665 | 142 | |
| Profit (loss) before tax discontinued operations | 0 | 0 | 0 | -4 410 | -4 410 | |
| Profit (loss) before tax | -1 656 | 633 | -154 | -5 075 | -4 268 | |
| Depreciation | 30 | 0 | 30 | 1 126 | 1 126 | |
| Net write-down intangible assets and capitalized grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 228 | 2 228 | |
| Financial income | -3 | -386 | -3 | -561 | -874 | |
| Financial expenses | 90 | 0 | 92 | 33 | 33 | |
| Change in accounts receivables and accounts payables | 491 | 167 | 503 | 287 | 12 | |
| Change in inventory | 0 | 0 | 0 | -571 | -571 | |
| Change in other receivables and payables and other | 1 270 | -883 | 1 351 | -1 055 | -662 | |
| Net cash flow from operating activities | 222 | -468 | 1 820 | -3 588 | -2 978 | |
| Investments in VLCC newbuilds and PP & E | -95 419 | -5 | 5, 8 | -190 482 | -33 989 | -59 672 |
| Investments in other financial investments | 0 | -50 329 | 0 | -50 329 | -81 502 | |
| Sale of other financial investments | 0 | 0 | 24 758 | 0 | 55 349 | |
| Net cash flow from investment activities | -95 419 | -50 335 | -165 724 | -84 319 | -85 825 | |
| Interest received | 3 | 386 | 3 | 561 | 874 | |
| Interest paid | -90 | 0 | -92 | -33 | -33 | |
| Proceeds from borrowings financial institution | 60 000 | 0 | 8 | 60 000 | -84 | -84 |
| Installment leasing-debt (IFRS 16) | -14 | 0 | -30 | 0 | 0 | |
| Capital contribution | 0 | 6 358 | 2 | 79 168 | 92 738 | 92 738 |
| Transaction cost capital contribution | -104 | 0 | 2 | -422 | -1 954 | -1 625 |
| Net cash flow from financing activities | 59 795 | 6 744 | 138 627 | 91 228 | 91 871 | |
| Total net changes in cash flow | -35 402 | -44 058 | -25 277 | 3 322 | 3 068 | |
| Currency effect on cash | 0 | -188 | 0 | 78 | -2 125 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period | 45 127 | 81 706 | 35 001 | 34 059 | 34 059 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents end of period | 9 725 | 37 460 | 9 725 | 37 459 | 35 001 |
| Share | Share Other paid- | Retained | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Unaudited figures in USD 1 000) | Note | Capital | premium | in capital | earnings | equity |
| Equity as of 01.01.2018 | 18 869 | 31 726 | 0 | 0 | 50 595 | |
| Net profit 3Q YTD 2018 | -5 524 | 0 | 0 | -5 524 | ||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | 4 932 | 0 | 0 | 4 932 | ||
| Total comprehensive income 3Q YTD 2018 | -592 | 0 | 0 | -592 | ||
| Private placement 9 May 2018 | 2 | 10 790 | 9 064 | 0 | 0 | 19 854 |
| Issuance of shares 14 June 2018 | 2 | 23 379 | 36 471 | 0 | 0 | 59 849 |
| Issuance of shares 19 July 2018 | 2 | 2 338 | 3 647 | 0 | 0 | 5 985 |
| Transactions costs (after tax) | -1 388 | 0 | 0 | -1 388 | ||
| Warrants related to VLCC shipbuilding contracts | 1 151 | 0 | 0 | 1 151 | ||
| Distribution in kind, shares in Dwellop AS | -13 236 | 0 | 0 | -13 236 | ||
| Equity as of 30.09.2018 | 55 376 | 66 842 | 0 | 0 | 122 218 | |
| Net profit 4Q 2018 | 1 256 | 0 | 0 | 1 256 | ||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | -7 221 | 0 | 0 | -7 221 | ||
| Total comprehensive income 4Q 2018 | -5 965 | 0 | 0 | -5 965 | ||
| Transactions costs (after tax) | 246 | 0 | 0 | 246 | ||
| Equity as of 31.12.2018 | 55 376 | 61 123 | 0 | 0 | 116 499 | |
| Total comprehensive 3Q YTD 2019 | -154 | 0 | 0 | -154 | ||
| Private placement 22 May 2019 | 2 | 27 249 | 51 919 | 0 | 0 | 79 168 |
| Transactions costs | -422 | 0 | 0 | -422 | ||
| Equity as of 30.09.2019 | 82 625 | 112 467 | 0 | 0 | 195 092 |
These condensed interim financial statements of Hunter Group where authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on 29 November 2019.
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ending 30 September 2019 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual consolidated financial statements as at 31 December 2018.
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2018.
Effective from 1 January, 2019, IFRS 16 covers the recognition of leases and related disclosure in the financial statements, and replaces IAS 17 Leases. In the financial statement of lessees, the standard requires recognition of all contracts that qualify under its definition of a lease as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities in the balance sheet, while lease payments are to be reflected as interest expense and reduction of lease liabilities. The right-ofuse assets are to be depreciated in accordance with IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment over the shorter of each contract's term and the assets' useful life. The standard consequently implies a significant change in lessees' accounting for leases currently defined as operating leases under IAS 17, both with regard to impact on the balance sheet and the statement of income. With regards to lessor accounting IASB has decided to substantially carry forward the lessor accounting model in IAS 17. The standard requires adoption either on a full retrospective basis, or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially recognizing the standard as an adjustment to retained earnings at the date of initial application.
The Company has reviewed its rental agreements for assessing if these will change category from operational to financial lease. The standard impacted the accounting of leasing of premises as the Company rent the buildings it operates its business from.
IFRS 16 was implemented using the modified retrospective method. The effect as per 31.12.18 was not significant. Hunter Group adopted IFRS 16 on 1 January, 2019.
After initial recognition, borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the EIR method. Gains and losses are recognized in profit or loss when the liabilities are derecognized as well as through the EIR amortization process. Amortized cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or premium on acquisition and fees or costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR amortization is included as finance costs in the statement of profit or loss.
The net cost of the VLCCs (less estimated residual value) is the basis for a straight-line depreciation over the estimated remaining economic useful lives (25 years). Other equipments (excluding vessel upgrades) are depreciated over its estimated remaining useful life (5 years). The estimated residual value for the VLCCs is calculated by multiplying the lightweight tonnage with the market price of scrap per tonne. The market price of scrap per tonne is based on price of scrap at delivery (USD 350/lwt in Pakistan). Residual values are reviewed annually.
On 9 May 2018, the private placement consisting of 75,000,000 new ordinary shares for gross proceeds of NOK 172.5 million with a subscription price of NOK 2.30 was registered in The Register of Business Enterprises.
On 18 May 2018, issuance of subscription rights to all shareholders in the Company as of 16 May, who were not allocated Offer shares in the Private Placement (NOK 520M) and who are not resident in a jurisdiction where such offering would be unlawful or require a prospectus filing or similar. Subscription price NOK 3.2.
On 30 May 2018, distribution of all the Company's 206,158,013 shares in Dwellop AS as a PIK dividend to all shareholders on record per 18 May 2019.
On 14 June 2018, HUNT has issued 162,500,000 new ordinary shares for gross proceeds of NOK 520.0 million with a subscription price of NOK 3.20, and registered it in The Register of Business Enterprises.
On 19 July 2018, HUNT has issued 16,250,000 new ordinary shares for gross proceeds of NOK 52.0 million with a subscription price of NOK 3.20, and registered it in The Register of Business Enterprises.
On 22 May 2019, HUNT has issued 190,454,000 new ordinary shares for gross proceeds of NOK 695 million (USD 79m) with a subscription price of NOK 3.65, and registered it in The Register of Business Enterprises.
As the Dwellop-segment was discontinued in 2018, and the Indicator-segment has not had any activity during the last couple of years, the management monitors the operating results in 1 segment which develops and operates the VLCCs.
The following table provides the total amount of transactions with related parties controlled by the members of the executive management of Hunter Group for 2019. All related party transactions have been entered into on an arm's length basis.
| Transactions with related parties | 30.09.2019 | 31.12.2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Purchased services in USD 1 000 | 146 | 18 440 |
For the first nine months of 2018, Middelborg AS has invoiced the Company 247t, mainly related to Mr. Vegard Urnes, Investment Manager of Middelborg AS, and former CEO of Hunter Group ASA. The contract was terminated in May 2018.
Gudbrandsneset is owned by the Company's former SVP Business Development (hired on 60% basis) Mr. Eirik Bergsvik. USD 69t were invoiced for consultancy services for the first part of 2018. The contract was terminated in May 2018.
The Group has used the services of the law firm Ro Sommernes DA for legal advice in 2018 and 2019. Ro Sommernes DA has invoiced the Company USD 348t in 2018 and USD 109t as per Q3 2019 YTD. The Company's chairman Henrik Christensen is a partner in Ro Sommernes DA.
From 1 November 2018 the Company rents office space from Dronningen Eiendom AS. The rental agreement is for 36 months. One of the Company's shareholder is also a shareholder of Dronningen Eiendom AS.
On 26 April 2018 Hunter Group entered into a definitive VLCC contract transfer agreement with Apollo Asset Ltd. Apollo Asset Ltd. Is 100% owned by Mr. Arne Fredly, board member and largest shareholder of Hunter Group ASA. As of 30 September 2019, there is drawn USD 2.5 million of the short-term USD 3 million revolving credit facility with Apollo Asset Ltd (insignificant interest cost as per 30 September 2019).
The Company entered into at total of eight shipbuilding contracts of which one were delivered in September 2019. Another two were delivered in October 2019, of which one were already sold and redelivered her to her new owner. The fourth VLCC were delivered in November 2019. Please see note 9 for further information.
As per 30 September 2019, Hunter Tankers has made installments totaling USD 250m, of which USD 60m were paid as per 31 December 2018.
Of the USD 9.7m m in cash and cash equivalents as per 30 September 2019, a major part were in USD.
The IFRS 16 standard regarding Leases was implemented on 1 January 2019. The new accounting standard replaces IAS 17 Leases. IFRS 16 requires that all leases, except for short-term and low-value leases are reflected in the balance sheet as a lease liability and a Right of Use (RoU) asset. Hunter Group has used the modified retrospective method as from 1 January 2019. The Consolidated balance sheet increased by adding lease liabilities and right of use assets with USD 0,1m. Hunter Group's equity has not been impacted from the implementation of IFRS 16. The weighted average discount rate used to calculate the IFRS 16 opening balance lease liability was 5 %. The following line items in the balance sheet have been impacted:
| (unaudited figures in USD 1 000) | 31.12.2018 adjustments | 01.01.2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property, plant, equipment & machineries | 10 | 92 | 101 |
| Other interest-bearing debt | 0 | 92 | 92 |
| (unaudited figures in USD 1 000) | 2019 | ||
| Property, plant, equipment & machineries 01.01 | 92 | ||
| Addition 2019 | 79 | ||
| Depreciation 2019 | -30 | ||
| Property, plant, equipment & machineries 30.09 | 141 | ||
| Other interest-bearing debt 01.01 | 92 | ||
| Addition 2019 | 79 | ||
| Installments 2019 | -31 | ||
| Other interest-bearing debt 30.09 | 140 |
Interest 2019 4
| ( Unaudited figures in USD 1 000) Per 30 September 2019 |
Property, | VLCC under | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFRS 16 PP&E |
plant, equip. & mach. |
construction VLCC vessels | Total | ||
| Additions in the period | 79 | 7 | 190 475 | 0 | 190 561 |
| Transfer to VLCC in operation | 0 | 0 | -84 837 | 84 837 | 0 |
| Cost at 30 September 2019 | 171 | 17 | 162 387 | 84 837 | 247 411 |
| Accumulated depreciations at 30 September 2019 | -30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -30 |
| Book value at 30 September 2019 | 141 | 1 7 | 162 387 | 84 837 | 247 382 |
| This period's depreciation | 30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 0 |
The Group took delivery of "Hunter Atla" (NB No. 5455), the first of seven identical ECO design VLCC newbuildings on 24 September 2019. Hunter Tankers AS entered 6 September 2019 into a USD 180 million sale-and-leaseback transaction with Ship Finance International Limited ("SFL"), for an initial three VLCCs. The Group will receive net proceeds of USD 60 million per vessel for the sales of Hunter Atla (5455), Hunter Saga (5456) and Hunter Laga (5460), and will subsequently bareboat charter the vessels back for 5 years. The Group will have purchase options for all three vessels, ensuring maximum flexibility in regards to potential future vessel sales. The bareboat rate for Hunter Atla for the first 6 months is \$11,500 per day, and Hunter Atla will enter the Tankers International Scrubber Pool, and will commence trading in the spot market.
The acquisition cost of Hunter Atla has as such been transferred from VLCC under construction to VLCC vessels. The depreciation will start when the vessel starts its activity in Q4.
Hunter Saga and Hunter Laga were delivered on 19 October 2019 and 1 November 2019, more than 40 and 80 days ahead of the original delivery schedule, respectively, hence significantly improving Q4 2019 earnings power. Following redelivery of the vessels to SFL in accordance with the SLB, the Company received USD 120 million and subsequently bareboat chartered the vessels back on term equal to Hunter Atla.
As of the date of this report, all three of the delivered vessels have been successfully employed. We have booked ~96%* of available days in Q4 2019 at an average estimated TCE dayrate of USD ~70,100*.
On 1 October 2019 the Company entered into a USD 15.0 million revolving credit facility agreement ("RCF") with Apollo Asset Ltd., a company owned by Hunter Group ASA's board member Mr. Arne Fredly. Subsequently, the company has cancelled the outstanding USD 3.0 million RCF. The new facility carries a total interest rate of 5.00% p.a. all inclusive. The facility may be cancelled at any time, by either party, whereupon the outstanding amount will become due and payable. The facility will be used to finance the group's working capital requirements, as well as general corporate purposes. At the time of this report the RCF facility is not drawn upon, and the balance is zero.
On 31 October 2019 the NB No. 5457 was successfully delivered and subsequently redelivered her to her new owner in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement. All funds have been transferred and the transaction is complete.
* Includes one vessel currently on Subject. A vessel is available to charterers 14 days after delivery from the yard, after completion of bunkering operations and inspections.
Hunter Group ASA Org. nr. 985 955 107
Address: Dronningen 1, 0287 OSLO E-mail: Erik A. S. Frydendal, CEO, [email protected]

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