Höegh Autoliners ASA: Second quarter results, distribution of dividend and updated guidance for dividend frequency

Operating profit (EBITDA) of USD 99 million (up 27.7% Q-o-Q), net profit of USD 53 million (up 49.2% Q-o-Q). Dividend of USD 15 million scheduled to be paid in September 2022. Volumes grew 0.3 million CBM (up 7.3% Q-o-Q) while net rate increasing to a new high level of USD 61.9 per CBM (up 8.4% Q-o-Q). The growth in volumes was mainly due to increased utilisation, while net rate improvement was a result of optimal cargo mix and continuous repricing in several markets.

The Company concluded the refinancing of the fleet mortgage debt in June 2022 with significantly improved terms. Reduced amortisation profile, lessened interest cost, extended maturity and fewer vessels pledged allows for further financial flexibility for the Company.

In May 2022, the Company signed contracts with China Merchants Heavy Industry (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. (CMHI) to build another four multi-fuel and zero carbon ready 9,100 CEU Aurora class vessels, taking the total newbuild program to 8 vessels. The Company has committed external financing for all eight vessels at favourable market terms. Delivery of Aurora class vessels will start from the second half of 2024.

Höegh Autoliners’ shares were uplisted to the Oslo Stock Exchange’s main market in May 2022. The uplisting will expand Höegh Autoliners’ exposure and possibilities to enhance the liquidity of the stock.

CEO of Höegh Autoliners, Andreas Enger, says: “Second quarter saw geopolitical challenges, lockdown in China, supply chain disruptions, rising fuel costs and continuous port congestions. Therefore, it is a great satisfaction that Höegh Autoliners, despite all this, is continuing our track record of solid performance and delivering record quarterly financial results. Thank you to all who have contributed to our strong performance during the first half of 2022”.

CFO of Höegh Autoliners, Per Øivind Rosmo, says: “I am happy to see how we are able to create shareholders value through both our excellent operational performance and through the recently concluded refinancing of our legacy debt, as well as the financing of the newbuilding program. We operate and control our own vessels in well balanced trade systems and benefit from record high utilisation and increasing freight rates. We are also pleased to announce the commencement of dividends with a solid dividend yield”.

Outlook

The general market fundamentals remain positive with a tight tonnage situation and repricing of cargo in most trade lines. However, the volatile situation we have had in first half related to supply chain disruptions, delays and port congestions is expected to continue for a while and could potentially impact the current favourable supply and demand balance if the situation with delays normalizes.

The global macro picture with high inflation, increasing interest rates and fear for recession have so far not impacted our business, but this is something we are monitoring closely as it could curtail consumer and business spending as well as increase our cost of borrowings. Most of the increase in bunker prices earlier this year is, from Q3 2022, covered by BAF and will not impact the results going forward unless prices move drastic from current levels.

The refinancing of the legacy debt and the new financing agreements for the newbuilds has reduced the Company’s financial risk and exposure to volatile credit markets.

Based on current trading performance, dividends are expected to be maintained at around the same level for the remainder of the year.

Full Q2 report here:

https://www.hoeghautoliners.com/investors/reports-and-presentations

Aug 11 2022