Release Date: February 19, 2025
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Q: Can you provide more details on the cost synergies and savings from the Eagle Bulk merger? Have we reached a floor for OPEX per day, and are there any inflationary counterforces? A: Simos Spyrou, Co-Chief Financial Officer, stated that there is still room for improvement, particularly in crew wages and operating expenses. The company is restructuring to realize full efficiencies. Hamish Norton, President, added that while cost savings are evident, there are also potential revenue synergies that are harder to quantify.
Q: What is the ton-mile advantage of Brazilian soybeans versus US soybeans, and how would a shift in Chinese imports affect this? A: Petros Pappas, CEO, estimated that Brazilian soybeans have a 10% to 15% longer ton-mile advantage compared to US soybeans. Additionally, South American ports may create more congestion due to less efficiency compared to US ports.
Q: Regarding the fleet renewal program, how is the market appetite for older vessels, and what are your plans for selling them? A: Petros Pappas noted that prices for older vessels have fallen more than for younger vessels. The company expects market improvement in the coming months, which will provide opportunities to sell older and less efficient vessels.
Q: How should we calculate excess cash for capital allocation, and is it as simple as operating cash flow minus debt payments and dry docks? A: Christos Begleris, Co-Chief Financial Officer, confirmed that excess cash is calculated as operating cash flow minus debt principal repayments and dry dock expenses, subject to a cash threshold per vessel. This determines the amount available for dividends and other corporate purposes.
Q: Are the seven vessels chartered under long-term agreements at fixed rates, and what portion of the $26 million in chartering expenses is attributable to these vessels? A: Petros Pappas confirmed that the seven vessels are chartered at fixed rates for the initial seven-year duration. Simos Spyrou added that approximately 50% of the $26 million chartering expenses are attributable to these long-term charters.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
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