International Seaways Reports Second Quarter 2023 Results

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Aug 09, 2023

International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE: INSW) (the “Company” or “INSW”), one of the largest tanker companies worldwide providing energy transportation services for crude oil and petroleum products, today reported results for the second quarter 2023.

HIGHLIGHTS & RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

  • Net income for the second quarter was approximately $154 million, or $3.11 per diluted share, compared to net income of approximately $69 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2022. Cumulative net income over the last twelve months is approximately $658 million.
  • Adjusted EBITDA(A) for the second quarter was approximately $205 million.
  • Total liquidity was approximately $493 million as of June 30, 2023, including cash and short-term investments(B) of $236 million and $257 million of undrawn revolver capacity.
  • Returns to Shareholders:
    • Paid a cumulative $1.62 per share in regular and supplemental dividends in June 2023.
    • Repurchased and retired 366,483 shares for approximately $14 million, representing an average price of $38.03 per share.
    • Declared a combined dividend of $1.42 per share composed of a supplemental dividend of $1.30 per share in addition to regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share to be paid in September 2023.
    • Cumulative cash returns of $316 million paid over the last twelve months following the combined dividend in September 2023 represents 48% of net income.
    • Increased authorization on the current share buyback program from $26 million to $50 million.
  • Balance Sheet Enhancements:
    • Prepaid approximately $75 million of outstanding debt during the second quarter of 2023, which includes:
      • Approximately $46 million for two vessels under sale-leaseback financing arrangements, which were incurring an interest margin of 390 bps.
      • Approximately $29 million of the principal outstanding of the $750 Million Credit Facility, which unencumbered a modern Suezmax vessel.
    • As of July 3, 2023, the Company has 30 unencumbered vessels.
    • In connection with cash flows generated during the second quarter, the Company intends to evaluate further prepayments within its debt portfolio of approximately $50 million.
  • Fleet Optimization Program:
    • Contracted for two, scrubber-fitted, dual-fuel (LNG) ready, LR1 newbuildings for approximately $115 million in aggregate for delivery in late 2025. Upon delivery, the vessels are expected to enter into our jointly-owned, Panamax International Pool, that has historically outperformed the LR1 market.
    • Increased contracted revenues to $352 million by entering into a new time charter agreement on an Aframax for three years.
    • Took delivery of the third and final dual-fuel (LNG) VLCC. These vessels are employed on long-term time charters with an oil major and financed under sale and leaseback arrangements with a fixed interest rate of approximately 425 bps.

“We generated strong earnings for the fifth consecutive quarter, built on our track record of returning substantial capital to shareholders, and took steps to further enhance our balance sheet during the second quarter,” said Lois K. Zabrocky, International Seaways’ President and CEO. “With the combined dividend of $1.62 per share and $14 million in share repurchases in the second quarter, cumulative returns to shareholders represent over $190 million in the first half of the year. We are pleased to announce another combined dividend of $1.42 per share and increase to our share buyback authorization. We plan to continue executing our balanced capital allocation strategy to maximize long-term shareholder value.”

Ms. Zabrocky added, “With our diverse fleet of crude and product tankers, expanded scale, and substantial operating leverage, we continue to take advantage of the strong market, as evidenced by healthy third quarter bookings to-date. Our optimism is fueled by attractive supply and demand fundamentals, underpinned by trends in the global energy trade, as Russian oil displacement has resulted in increases in ton-mile demand and tanker utilization. Economic activity has remained strong, and oil demand forecasts signal a pickup in the second half of the year. These factors, combined with an historically low orderbook and an ageing global fleet, drive our expectation for strong tanker earnings for the foreseeable future.”

Jeff Pribor, the Company’s CFO stated, “During the second quarter, we drew on all aspects of our balanced approach to capital allocation, which consisted of returns to shareholders, investment in the fleet, and debt repayment. We have now prepaid $172 million of debt this year, further lowering our breakeven levels to among the lowest in the industry. Looking toward the remainder of the year, we maintain considerable financial strength, evidenced by nearly $500 million in total liquidity and a net-loan-to-value ratio of 22% at quarter’s end. With a cash break even below $16,000 per day, Seaways is well-positioned to generate incremental free cash flow and continue returning significant capital to shareholders.”

SECOND QUARTER 2023 RESULTS

Net income for the second quarter of 2023 was $153.8 million, or $3.11 per diluted share, compared to net income of $69.0 million, or $1.38 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2022. Net income for the quarter reflects the write-off of deferred finance costs aggregating $0.6 million. Net income excluding these items was $154.4 million, or $3.12 per diluted share. The increase in net income for the second quarter of 2023 was primarily driven by a $102.8 million increase in TCE revenues(C) as a result of the effects of sanctions on Russian oil that disrupted trading patterns leading to longer voyages and higher tanker utilization coupled with higher oil demand of approximately three million barrels per day.

Shipping revenues for the second quarter were $292.2 million, compared to $188.2 million for the second quarter of 2022. Consolidated TCE revenues for the second quarter were $288.3 million, compared to $185.5 million for the second quarter of 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $205.1 million, compared to $111.7 million for the second quarter of 2022.

Crude Tankers

Shipping revenues for the Crude Tankers segment were $152.2 million for the second quarter of 2023, compared to $62.1 million for the second quarter of 2022. TCE revenues were $148.9 million for the second quarter, compared to $59.5 million for the second quarter of 2022. This increase was primarily attributable to substantially higher spot rates as the average spot earnings of the VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax sectors were approximately $52,300, $61,300 and $53,500 per day, respectively, compared with approximately $16,400, $23,700 and $34,100 per day, respectively, during the second quarter of 2022.

Product Carriers

Shipping revenues for the Product Carriers segment were $140.0 million for the second quarter, compared to $126.1 million for the second quarter of 2022. TCE revenues were $139.4 million for the second quarter, compared to $126.1 million for the second quarter of 2022. This increase is attributable to an increase in LR1 spot rates with average earnings of approximately $63,600 per day, in the second quarter of 2023 compared with approximately $25,900 per day, in the second quarter of 2022. This rate increase is offset by lower revenue days in the MR sector of approximately 142 days primarily reflecting the sale of three older MRs and slightly lower average spot earnings of approximately $28,300 per day in the second quarter of 2023, compared to $30,500 per day during the second quarter of 2022.

FIRST HALF 2023 RESULTS

Net income for the first half of 2023 was $326.4 million, or $6.59 per diluted share, compared to net income of $56.0 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, for the first half of 2022.

Shipping revenues for the first half of 2023 were $579.3 million, compared to $289.7 million for the first half of 2022. Consolidated TCE revenuesfor the first half of 2023 were $571.7 million, compared to $283.5 million for the first half of 2022.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2023 was $414.0 million, compared to $137.7 million for the first half of 2022.

Crude Tankers

TCE revenues for the Crude Tankers segment were $278.2 million for the first half of 2023, compared to $95.9 million for the first half of 2022. Shipping revenues for the Crude Tankers segment were $284.6 million for the first half of 2023, compared to $101.7 million for the first half of 2022.

Product Carriers

TCE revenues for the Product Carriers segment were $293.5 million for the first half of 2023 compared to $187.6 million for the first half of 2022. Shipping revenues for the Product Carriers segment were $294.8 million for the first half of 2023, compared to $188.0 million for the first half of 2022.

DELEVERAGING INITIATIVES

During the second quarter of 2023, the Company prepaid approximately $75 million of debt. The Company prepaid approximately $46 million in connection with exercising purchase options on two vessels under sale-leaseback agreements with an interest margin of 390 basis points. The vessels were delivered on July 3, 2023, which created a prepaid asset of $46 million with a corresponding current liability as of the balance sheet date. The Company also prepaid approximately $29 million on the $750 Million Credit Facility and obtained the release of one 2017-built Suezmax vessel from the collateral package.

For the seven months of 2023, the Company has extinguished approximately $172 million of debt. In addition to the aforementioned prepayments, the Company amended the $750 Million Facility, which included a prepayment of $97 million on the term loan, an increase in the capacity of the revolving credit facility by $40 million and a release of 22 vessels from the collateral package. As of July 3, 2023, the Company has 30 unencumbered vessels.

FLEET OPTIMIZATION PROGRAM

The Company entered into contracts to build two, scrubber-fitted, dual-fuel (LNG) ready, LR1 vessels in Korea with K Shipbuilding Co, Ltd. The vessels are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2025 at a contracted price of approximately $115 million in aggregate. Upon delivery, these vessels are expected to deliver into our niche, Panamax International Pool, which has consistently outperformed the market.

The last of three dual-fuel VLCCs in the Company’s newbuilding program was delivered in May 2023. The first and second dual-fuel VLCC’s delivered in March and April, respectively. The vessels were ordered for an aggregate contract price of $288 million, which are financed under sale leaseback arrangements. The vessels have commenced long-term time charters with an oil major for the next seven years at a base rate of $31,000 per day plus a profit share component. For the second quarter of 2023, the time charter equivalent rate earned for these three VLCCs, including the profit share component, was approximately $43,000 per day.

In the second quarter, the Company entered into a time charter agreement for three years on a 2017-built Aframax that commenced in late July 2023. During 2023, the Company has entered into five time charter agreements: the aforementioned Aframax, two 2008-built MRs, one 2011-built MR and one 2012-built Suezmax. The charters have durations of two to three years and have increased contracted future revenues to approximately $352 million remaining in time charter agreements from July 1, 2023 through charter expiry, excluding any applicable profit share.

In December 2022, the Company exercised its purchase options on two 2009-built Aframax vessels under sale leaseback arrangement, which were accounted for as operating leases prior to declaration of the options. The aggregate purchase price, net of prepaid charter hire of both vessels was approximately $41 million, representing a discount of approximately 45% to the market value of these vessels. One vessel was delivered in March 2023 while the other was delivered in April 2023.

In the first quarter of 2023, the Company sold a 2008-built MR, which generated approximately $10 million in net proceeds after debt repayment.

RETURNING CASH TO SHAREHOLDERS

In June 2023, the Company paid a combined dividend of $1.62 per share of common stock, composed of a regular quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock and a supplemental dividend of $1.50 per share. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company has paid combined dividends of approximately $3.62 per share.

The Company’s Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock and a supplemental dividend of $1.30 per share of common stock on August 8, 2023. Both dividends will be paid on September 27, 2023, to shareholders with a record date at the close of business on September 13, 2023.

During the second quarter of 2023, the Company repurchased and retired 366,483 shares of its common stock in open market purchases, at an average price of $38.03 at an aggregate cost of approximately $14 million.

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized an increase of the share repurchase program to $50 million from the remaining $26 million. The Company’s current share repurchase program expires at the end of 2023.

CONFERENCE CALL

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2023 results at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (“ET”) on Wednesday, August 9, 2023. To access the call, participants should dial (833) 470-1428 for domestic callers and (929) 526-1599 for international callers and entering 221822. Please dial in ten minutes prior to the start of the call. A live webcast of the conference call will be available from the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at https://www.intlseas.com.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available until August 16, 2023, by dialing (866) 813-9403 for domestic callers and +44 204 525 0658 for international callers, and entering Access Code 318908.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SEAWAYS, INC.

International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE: INSW) is one of the largest tanker companies worldwide providing energy transportation services for crude oil and petroleum products in International Flag markets. International Seaways owns and operates a fleet of 75 vessels, including 13 VLCCs, 13 Suezmaxes, five Aframaxes/LR2s, seven LR1s and 37 MR tankers. International Seaways has an experienced team committed to the very best operating practices and the highest levels of customer service and operational efficiency. International Seaways is headquartered in New York City, NY. Additional information is available at https://www.intlseas.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company may make or approve certain statements in future filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in press releases, or in oral or written presentations by representatives of the Company. All statements other than statements of historical facts should be considered forward-looking statements. These matters or statements may relate plans to issue dividends, the Company’s prospects, including statements regarding vessel acquisitions, expected synergies, trends in the tanker markets, and possibilities of strategic alliances and investments. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors. Investors should carefully consider the risk factors outlined in more detail in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2022 for the Company, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, and in similar sections of other filings made by the Company with the SEC from time to time. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements and written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or its representatives after the date of this release are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in this paragraph and in other reports previously or hereafter filed by the Company with the SEC.

Category: Earnings

Consolidated Statements of Operations

($ in thousands, except per share amounts)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30,

June 30,

2023

2022

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Shipping Revenues:

Pool revenues

$

247,591

$

164,727

$

507,169

$

248,489

Time and bareboat charter revenues

26,112

8,133

39,262

14,308

Voyage charter revenues

18,500

15,337

32,902

26,882

Total Shipping Revenues

292,203

188,197

579,333

289,679

Operating Expenses:

Voyage expenses

3,868

2,658

7,678

6,165

Vessel expenses

65,151

59,563

123,920

119,880

Charter hire expenses

10,502

7,693

19,302

15,002

Depreciation and amortization

32,445

27,256

61,993

54,256

General and administrative

11,522

10,847

22,768

21,013

Third-party debt modification fees

13

900

420

1,087

Loss/(gain) on disposal of vessels and other assets, net of impairments

26

(8,102

)

(10,722

)

(9,478

)

Total operating expenses

123,527

100,815

225,359

207,925

Income from vessel operations

168,676

87,382

353,974

81,754

Equity in results of affiliated companies

-

(5,162

)

-

435

Operating income

168,676

82,220

353,974

82,189

Other income/(expense)

3,381

(574

)

7,662

(800

)

Income before interest expense and income taxes

172,057

81,646

361,636

81,389

Interest expense

(17,914

)

(12,558

)

(34,861

)

(25,298

)

Income before income taxes

154,143

69,088

326,775

56,091

Income tax provision

(381

)

(52

)

(380

)

(56

)

Net income

$

153,762

$

69,036

$

326,395

$

56,035

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

Basic

49,029,784

49,602,181

49,083,897

49,586,847

Diluted

49,404,837

49,878,645

49,525,282

49,754,876

Per Share Amounts:

Basic net income per share

$

3.13

$

1.39

$

6.64

$

1.13

Diluted net income per share

$

3.11

$

1.38

$

6.59

$

1.12

Consolidated Balance Sheets

($ in thousands)

June 30,

December 31,

2023

2022

(Unaudited)

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

116,023

$

243,744

Short-term investments

120,000

80,000

Voyage receivables

241,088

289,775

Other receivables

12,840

12,583

Inventories

629

531

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

15,079

8,995

Advance payment on debt

46,427

-

Current portion of derivative asset

7,595

6,987

Total Current Assets

559,681