Katie Dale

Dorian will be registering for resale, under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, all the Dorian shares that Scorpio Tankers (STNG) owns. Scorpio Tankers currently owns approximately 9.4 million shares, or 16.3%, of Dorian.

Contango allows traders to lock in profits by buying oil now and selling it forward for later delivery. In July, the oil market flipped into prolonged contango for the first time since 2010.

For the week ending October 3, 2014, total products supplied were 19 million barrels per day (or bpd)—compared to 18.6 million bpd in the first week of September.

A strong increase in tanker rates is allowing Navios Maritime Acquisition to secure attractive contract periods for its fleet of charters.

Star Bulk (SBLK) believes that the substitution of expensive Chinese iron ore production with imported iron ore can provide a significant support to iron ore trade, even with zero steel production growth.

According to the World Steel Association estimates, global steel use will increase by 3.1% to 1.53 billion metric tons in 2014. It will increase by another 3.3% in 2015 to reach 1.58 billion metric tons.

China is the world’s top iron ore and coal consumer. China imports almost 60% of the world’s seaborne iron ore, while its coal trade accounts for almost a quarter of the global trade.

For the full-year 2015, Navios Maritime Acquisition expects to pay dividends of $15.7 million. A 4Q 2014 dividend of $0.05 per share will be paid in April.

NMM recorded an increase of $1.8 million in its EBITDA to $37.5 million for the three-month period ending September 30, 2014—compared to $35.6 million for the same period in 2013.

At the end of the second quarter, Ship Finance reported more than $60 million of free cash—after the delivery of a Suezmax new building without leverage.

With lower vessel operating expenses and high cash flow to meet its debt obligations, NNA presents an attractive opportunity.

Since January 2009, China’s oil imports have more than doubled, at a 16% compounded annual growth rate. It will need ~14 million barrels per day by 2035.

For the third quarter of 2014, the charter hire expense increased $1.1 million to $32.9 million, from $31.9 million in the year ago quarter.

China buys around two-thirds of the world’s iron ore—iron ore supply in China outpaced demand by 52 million tons in the first half of 2014, according to the China Iron and Steel Association (or CISA).

For the second quarter of 2014, Navios Maritime Holdings (NM) recorded revenue of $145.4 million compared to $125.6 million in the corresponding quarter a year ago

The year 2013 was characterized by significant expansion of Diana Shipping Inc.’s (DSX) fleet, as the dry bulk shipping industry turned a corner.

Dividend yield for Navios Maritime Partners currently stands at 15.8% with the company recently paying a dividend of $0.4425 per common unit.

Five-year-old VLCC prices remained consistent, at $75 million, with the previous month’s levels. Year-over-year prices increased by 36%. Ten-year-old VLCC prices stood unchanged at $48 million and increased by 41.2% year-over-year.

While Navios Maritime Partners (NMM) is less sensitive to shipping cycles because of its longer-term contracts and staged expirations, it’s still subject to market rates when contracts roll over.

There’s no denying that debt is DryShips’ main concern going forward. The company’s debt stood at a total of $6 billion at the end of the first quarter, up around $500 million quarter-over-quarter.

China imports almost 60% of the world’s seaborne iron ore while its coal trade accounts for almost a quarter of the global trade.

Growing construction activity in the global arena leads to significant demand for iron ore and coking coal, which expands the seaborne trade of these dry bulk commodities.

China accounts for a major share of dry bulk commodities’ imports and exports. In the past three months, the Guggenheim Shipping ETF (SEA) dropped 6.1%.

The cash breakeven costs are the daily rates of Frontline’s (or FRO) vessels. They have to earn the rates to cover budgeted operating costs and dry dock, estimated interest expense, payable at hire, and corporate overhead costs.

FRO’s management commented that higher vessel scrapping supports the orderbook. However, the second quarter witnessed a fairly balanced fleet development.

Global growth Navios Maritime Acquisition’s (NNA) management cites the International Monetary Fund’s (or IMF) projected growth for 2014 and 2015 at 3.4%, and developing markets growth of 4.6% in 2014 and 5.2% in 2015. Meanwhile, the International Energy Association (or IEA) projects global oil demand growth to rise by 1 million barrels per day to […]

The Baltic Dry Index measures the cost of major raw materials. The raw materials are transported by sea in the global economy. It indicates a strict demand supply price situation.

At the end of the second quarter, Navios Maritime Acquisition’s (NNA) total assets amounted to $1.8 billion while total debt stood at $1,252 billion.

China’s power consumption in August was 502.5 billion kilowatt hours (or kWh). This was a decline of 1.5% from the levels last year.

DRYS has received firm commitments for a total of up to $520 million from ABN AMRO and Nordea Bank. This is the first major milestone towards the refinancing of the company’s 5% convertible notes maturing in December.

Industry analysts suggest that investors should avoid Frontline because of the bankruptcy risk. Currently, the company is facing bankruptcy. This is led by the $190 million bond that’s due in April 2015.

Second-hand vessel values were led by quicker deliveries. Price movements in second-hand vessels tend to reflect industry participants’ expectations for medium-term fundamentals.

On a YTD basis, the Baltic Dirty Tanker Index declined 5% to 841 on February 20, 2015. On a YoY basis, the index recorded a 10.50% increase.

For the first seven months of 2014, 30.6 million deadweight tonnes (DWT) were actually delivered versus the projection of 47.6 million DWT. The non-delivery rate through July was about 36%.

The company has seen the improved tanker market in the third quarter. This could continue into and passed the winter market. However, the company is still facing a challenging debt situation.

The Baltic Exchange Dry Bulk Index (BDIY) is a composite of rates for different ship sizes factoring in the average daily earnings of capsize, panama, supramax, and handysize dry bulk transport vessels.

In order to assess the industry’s fundamental outlook, managers use the oil tanker orderbook. It’s an important yardstick. It includes the number of ships that have been ordered and the number of ships under construction. A rising orderbook usually suggests that oil tankers have a better expectation for future supply and demand dynamics.

As of June 30, 2014, Frontline’s (or FRO) cash decreased by $49 million. Newbuilding installments of $41.5 million were paid in the quarter. Restricted cash in ITCL decreased by $38 million.

Tankships seeks to expand its fleet size through timely and selective acquisitions of additional secondhand modern tankers and the available optional vessels.

Numerous factors like world economic growth and commodity supply and demand affect the dry bulk shipping industry.

In 2Q14, Navios Maritime Acquisition (NNA) increased its EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) by $5.6 million.

Formed in September 2004, DryShips Inc. (DRYS) is a global shipping transportation company. It offers ocean transportation services for dry bulk cargoes and crude oil worldwide.

An experienced management team strengthens the Tankships’ foundation. George Economou will serve as its chairman, president, and CEO.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (or EIA), for the week ending September 12, 2014, U.S. crude oil imports from Canada hit a record high of 2.99 million barrels per day (or bpd). This was a 20% increase from the same period last year. Meanwhile, the four-week average on September 12 was 2.93 million bpd.

Looking ahead to 2015, Teekay Tankers Ltd. (TNK) forecasts 2.0% net global tanker fleet growth with major contribution from the product tanker sector. There is a negative fleet growth estimate for the Suezmax and uncoated Aframax sectors.

The stimulus measures introduced by China follow a string of weak economic data released in August. With higher credit available, China’s big banks are expected to channel funds into areas of economic importance.

Diana Shipping’s investment strategy is to preserve the strength and integrity of its balance sheet and gradually increase its leverage as asset values weaken.

For the second quarter 2014, NNA’s board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per share on its common stock payable on October 2, 2014

Analysts and money managers follow the Baltic Dirty Tanker Index (or BDTI). They follow the Index to assess the crude oil shipping industry’s revenue and earnings potential. The Baltic Dirty Tanker Index decreased to 699 on August 29, 2014. It was 826 at the beginning of the month.

In June 2014, NNA delivered the Nave Neutrino, a 2003-built VLCC (very large crude carrier) of 298,287 dwt (or deadweight tonage), for a purchase price of $43.5 million.

Stockholders provided the equity through equity offerings, operating cash flows, and long-term borrowings. These funds have been treated as capital expenditures.

Tankships Investment Holdings Inc. (TNKS) is an international shipping company. It provides worldwide seaborne transportation of crude oil petroleum.

China’s steel production mills are reluctant to reduce output for fear credit could be cut off and market share captured by rival producers.

Despite a decline in fuel prices, the Baltic Dry Index has recorded an approximate 40% drop since the start of November and a 62% decline year-to-date.

NDLS released its 2Q14 earnings on August 13, 2014. The company’s stock price dipped 16.7% since its release date—compared to its current price of $21.75.

Industry analysts believe that stronger oil demand, contained growth in crude tanker fleets, and improving economic conditions should support the average spot tanker rates remaining firm in 2014.

Navios Maritime Holdings’ (NM) low daily cash break-even rate allows the company to enjoy significant cash flow regardless of whether the market returns to historical norms.

The liner service is an organization-intensive business in which speed, reliability, and high service levels are important.

SB has paid six additional new eco-design newbuild vessels on order.

Star Bulk believes the recent coal import restrictions were minimal, while the freight rate agreement signing between Australia and China can be a positive development.

DryShips expects that iron ore production will increase in the next three years, which will increase the demand for transportation.

Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited’s (or TNP) management believes that the value created by its new partnerships will be profitable for the company. This will be reflected in its valuations. The company’s CEO believes that TNP performed stronger for the first half of 2014. This was mainly because it reinforced its strategy to focus on the versatile and diversified fleet in the crude sector.

With TK evolving from a small player to global marine midstream service provider, the company has garnered significant advantages and a strong standing in the industry.

For the last four-weeks as of December 12, 2014, US crude oil imports were 1.9% lower than the same period in 2013 due to high domestically produced oil.

During the quarter, Safe Bulkers operated 31 vessels with a time charter equivalent rate of $11,642—compared to 26 vessels with time charter equivalent rate of $17,116 during 2Q13. The weighted average time charter equivalent of the Baltic Panamax (or BPI) and Baltic Capesize (or BCI) indices stood at $6,846 for 2Q14.

In the product tanker sector, demand for transportation expressed in terms of ton miles for the period 2004 to 2013 increased by almost 77%.

As current fuel prices fall below log-time inflation, the adjusted average oil price leads to contango, and that drives VLCC rates higher.

Ship orders’ importance Orderbook is an indicator that investors can track for the longer run, as dry bulk ships generally take one or two years to construct. Managers’ expectations of future supply and demand differences reflect in the number of ships they order. Rising and falling ship orders indicate the different market scenarios. When managers refrain from purchasing […]

At the end of the second quarter, Fiesta Restaurant Group’s net income increased 87.4% to $9.3 million, compared to net income of $5 million in 2Q13.

Navios Maritime Partners has a modern, diverse fleet of 32 vessels with 3.3 million DWT and an average age of 7.5 years for its combined fleet.

Energy transport is driven by global economic growth and dislocation of consumption and production, reflected in cyclical freight rates that vary according to vessel supply and demand.

Star Bulk’s depreciation and interest costs Star Bulk Carriers Corp.’s (SBLK) depreciation expense increased to $10.7 million for the third quarter of 2014, compared to $4.0 million for the third quarter of 2013. The increase was due to the increase in the company’s average number of vessels in its fleet and the corresponding increase in […]

Due to rapid expansion, Star Bulk’s financing levels are higher compared to its industry peers.

Star Bulk’s management fee income is at $0.3 million compared to $0.5 million for 3Q13, due mainly to a decrease in the number of vessels under management.

This part covers Star Bulk’s cash flow numbers given the company’s rapid expansion of its fleet size through acquisitions and other related developments.

India’s overall imports for the month of November totaled 3.86 million barrels per day (or bpd), a growth of about 6.8% from a year ago.

Star Bulk management stated that commodity demand remains healthy, while substantial supply expansion has resulted in surpluses across various commodity markets.

With product supplied rising on a year-over-year comparison, crude tanker companies are likely to be in the positive.

Newbuild VLCC (very large crude carrier) prices for the month of November 2014 decreased to $97.7 million compared to $98.1 million in October 2014.

Star Bulk Carriers’ fleet includes 52 operating vessels, 16 second-hand vessels yet to be delivered, and 35 newbuilding vessels still under construction.

Star Bulk merged with Ocean Bulk in July, right after the high price levels of March weakened. It took advantage of even lower vessel prices in its Excel acquisition in August.

Frontline Ltd. (FRO) is engaged mainly in the ownership or operation of oil tankers used to transport crude oil. It’s owned by Norwegian shipping magnate John Fredriksen.

As of September 30, 2014, Frontline Ltd.’s (FRO) cash and cash equivalents increased to $104.6 million from $79.3 million as of September 30, 2013.

Frontline recorded better vessel earnings compared to the second quarter. Improved fleet utilization was due to increased travel distance driven by crude moving from the Atlantic Basin to China.

The revenue mix for Teekay Tankers Ltd. (TNK) is largely contributed by the net pool revenues. The company has developed secured charter-in contracts and created a significant base for the company’s future growth.

Teekay Tankers generated $16.2 million, or $0.19 per share, in the third quarter of 2014 of cash available for distribution (or CAD). This compared to $8.7 million, or $0.10 per share, in the third quarter of 2013.

Lower borrowing costs through KEXIM financing In July 2014, Scorpio Tankers Inc. (STNG) participated in the previously announced offering of $125.2 million in shipping aggregate principal amount of floating rate guaranteed notes due in 2019 (the KEXIM notes). These notes have reduced Export-Import Bank of Korea’s (or KEXIM’s) funding obligations under Scorpio Tankers’ KEXIM credit […]

With faster deliveries and employment of vessels, secondhand vessels tend to reflect industry participants’ expectations for medium-term fundamentals.

As of September 30, 2014, cash and cash equivalents, including NNA’s restricted cash, totaled $72.3 million—compared to $107.8 million recorded as of December 31, 2013.

NNA’s senior notes mature at the end of 2021. There aren’t any debt maturities on bank debt until 2016. NNA estimates that leverage ratios will continue to decrease.

Navios Maritime Acquisition’s (NNA) management commented that for 2004–2013, transportation demand—expressed in ton miles—is expected to increase by ~77%.

Scorpio Tankers’ management believes that with the newbuilding program, the company over the summer finally turned the corner of having more ships on the water than vessels under construction at shipyards.

Scorpio Tankers is at the beginning of what could be a strong winter season for product tankers, and the company is extremely well positioned to take advantage of it.

On July 28, 2014, the board of directors of Scorpio Tankers (STNG) approved a new stock buyback program with authorization to purchase up to $150 million of its common stock.

With an expanding vessel base and increasing available days, NNA recorded a significant increase in revenue. The company’s bottom line generated profits.

In order to determine the crude oil shipping industry’s revenues and earnings, analysts and money managers follow the Baltic Dirty Tanker Index.

For the week ending November 21, total product supplied was 20.5 million barrels per day—compared to 20.1 million barrels per day in the third week of October.

DryShips notes that it has significant leverage in the dry bulk and tanker spot markets. So, positive developments in these sectors will result in substantial cash flow to its bottom line.

George Economou, the company’s chairman, president, and chief executive officer, purchased $80 million, or 57.1 million shares of common stock at the public offering price. With this purchase, Economou increased his ownership in DryShips to 16.9%.

Orderbooks of Suezmax and Aframax fleets remain at manageable levels, with the majority of new orders due for delivery in the second half of 2016 or later.