TEN, Ltd. Reports Profits for the First Quarter 2024 and Sets Date for First Common Share Semi-Annual Dividend of $0.60

Rhea-AI Summary

TEN reported strong results for Q1 2024, with voyage revenues of $201.6 million and net income of $54 million, translating to $1.60 per share. The company's fleet renewal and growth initiatives are on track, with the delivery of three dual-fuel LNG vessels, and the sale and purchase of multiple ships. Cash reserves stood at $344 million, and bank debt reached $1.66 billion. Operating income was $76.2 million, including $16.2 million from vessel sales. Despite reduced fleet utilization and higher drydocking days, TEN maintained healthy TCE earnings of $33,403 per ship per day. The company announced a semi-annual dividend of $0.60 per share, double that of the previous year, to be distributed on July 18, 2024. The NYSE ticker symbol will change to 'TEN' effective July 1, 2024. The tanker market fundamentals remain solid, and TEN's fleet modernization efforts are contributing to its sustainable growth.

Positive

• Q1 2024 voyage revenues reached $201.6 million.
• Net income for Q1 2024 was $54 million, translating to $1.60 EPS.
• Cash reserves as of March 31, 2024, totaled $344 million.
• Operating income was $76.2 million, including $16.2 million from vessel sales.
• Healthy TCE earnings of $33,403 per ship per day.
• Semi-annual dividend of $0.60 per share, double that of the previous year.
• Delivery of three dual-fuel LNG vessels.
• Fleet modernization and green initiatives are on track.

Negative

• Fleet utilization reduced to 91.3% from 96.4% in Q1 2023 due to increased drydocking.
• Bank debt increased to $1.66 billion.
• Fleet depreciation edged higher at $32.5 million.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The financial performance of TEN, Ltd. in Q1 2024 is noteworthy, especially considering the fleet adjustments and maintenance activities. The company reported $201.6 million in voyage revenues and $76.2 million in operating income, including capital gains from vessel sales. Despite the reduced fleet size and increased drydocking activities, TEN achieved a healthy time charter equivalent (TCE) of $33,403 per ship per day. This resilience reflects efficient cost management and strategic asset utilization.

One of the key takeaways is the company's ability to maintain steady vessel operating expenses at $48.6 million. The increase in fleet depreciation to $32.5 million due to the addition of new vessels is a factor investors should monitor as it affects future earnings. However, with cash reserves of $344.0 million and the distribution of a $0.60 semi-annual dividend—double the previous year’s amount—indicate strong liquidity and commitment to shareholder returns.

The continuous investment in green technology and fleet renewal is a long-term positive, positioning TEN favorably in an evolving regulatory environment. The new NYSE ticker symbol “TEN” may also enhance visibility and market perception. From a financial perspective, the robust earnings, dividend growth and strategic initiatives make this a positive development.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, TEN, Ltd.'s strategic focus on fleet modernization and green initiatives aligns well with current industry trends. The introduction of six Dual-Fuel LNG vessels indicates a commitment to sustainability, potentially attracting environmentally-conscious investors and clients. The green initiative’s success will likely aid in maintaining or even increasing market share in an industry that is progressively leaning towards eco-friendly solutions.

The tanker market fundamentals remain solid, supported by geopolitical tensions and tight supply-demand dynamics. This environment favors higher freight rates and asset values, which TEN appears well-positioned to capitalize on. The planned construction of additional LR1 newbuildings also suggests confidence in the market's future potential. For investors, this consistent strategic alignment with market trends and strong fundamentals present a compelling growth narrative.

Corporate Strategy Expert

TEN’s strategic maneuvers, including the significant fleet renewal and sale of older vessels, reflect a proactive approach to maintaining operational efficiency and competitiveness. The replacement of older vessels with modern, environmentally friendly ones supports the company's green footprint, which is becoming increasingly important in global maritime trade. This strategy not only reduces operational costs in the long run but also ensures compliance with stricter environmental regulations.

The planned increase in fleet size with the construction of new vessels, coupled with the solid dividend payout, underscores a dual approach to growth and shareholder value. The collaboration between Mr. Harrys Kosmatos and Mr. Paul Durham as co-Chief Financial Officers points to a strengthened leadership team, which could enhance corporate governance and financial oversight. However, investors should remain vigilant about the potential long-term impacts of increased debt levels, despite the competitive financing terms.

Dividend doubles from amount paid at same time last year

Significant fleet renewal - increased sale & purchase and newbuilding activity since beginning of 2024

Green initiative on target - Six Dual-Fuel LNG vessels fully operational

New NYSE Ticker Symbol “TEN” effective July 1^st, 2024

Tanker market fundamentals remain solid

ATHENS, Greece, June 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TEN, Ltd (TEN) (NYSE: TNP) (the “Company”) today reported results (unaudited) for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Q1 2024 SUMMARY RESULTS
The first quarter of 2024 has been the springboard for TEN’s green drive with a series of vessel renewals and future growth initiatives. During this time, the fleet averaged almost two vessels fewer than in the equivalent 2023 period and had eight vessels undergoing scheduled drydockings and repairs compared to only two vessels in the first quarter of 2023. Despite these fleet adjustments and necessary maintenance procedures, voyage revenues reached a healthy $201.6 million and operating income settled at $76.2 million, including $16.2 million of capital gains from sale of vessel.

Net income for the first quarter of 2024 at $54.0 million, resulting in $1.60 earnings per share.

The aforementioned fleet maintenance in the first quarter of 2024 reduced average utilization to 91.3% from 96.4% in the first quarter of 2023, resulting in healthy time charter equivalent earnings (TCE) of $33,403 per ship per day.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2024, impacted by the reduced fleet size and the increased number of off-hire days due to drydockings, totaled $100.5 million.

The Company’s cash reserves remained at a solid $344.0 million as of March 31, 2024.

During the first quarter of 2024, TEN took delivery of three modern dual-fuel LNG powered vessels. These vessels were financed by cash-at-hand and bank loans at competitive terms. As a result, bank debt at the end of the first quarter of 2024 reached $1.66 billion. During the first quarter of 2024, interest costs remained similar to the equivalent period of 2023, at $25.1 million.

Fleet depreciation, primarily due to the addition of three modern vessels, edged higher at $32.5 million from $29.7 million in the equivalent period of 2023.

Vessel operating expenses were kept at steady levels during the first quarters of 2023 and 2024, respectively, at $48.6 million or $9,387 per ship per day.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
As previously announced, from July 1^st, 2024 onwards, the ticker symbol for TEN’s common shares will change from “TNP” to “TEN”. TEN’s preferred shares will correspondingly transition to the new ticker and will trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbols “TEN-PRE” and “TEN-PRF”.

On June 14, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Mr. Harrys Kosmatos, TEN’s Corporate Development Officer as the Company’s co-Chief Financial Officer, effective July 1^st, 2024. Mr. Kosmatos will work alongside and complement Mr. Paul Durham, TEN’s long-standing Chief Financial Officer.

Following the introduction of four vessels and the sale of one suezmax in the first quarter of 2024, TEN has taken delivery of another four vessels from Viken Crude AS and sold to third party interests two aframaxes, one suezmax and one LNG carrier for a substantial profit. In addition, TEN is in firm discussions with a Far Eastern yard for the construction of five LR1 newbuildings with expected delivery between the second quarter of 2027 and third quarter of 2028.

This heightened activity in 2024 so far, has resulted in the divestment of assets of 0.6 million deadweight tonnes with an average age of 17.5 years and their concurrent replacement with environmentally friendly vessels of 1.4 million deadwight tonnes averaging 1.5 years.

CORPORATE AFFAIRS - DIVIDEND

On July 18, 2024, TEN will distribute to common shareholders a first semi-annual dividend of $0.60 per share to shareholders of record on July 12, 2024. Inclusive of this upcoming payment, which is double the first semi-annual dividend of 2023, TEN has distributed over $800 million of common and preferred share dividends, $546 million of which to common shareholders, since the Company’s 2002 NYSE listing.

CORPORATE STRATEGY
TEN’s stated policy of expanding its “green” footprint while divesting from its first-generation tankers continues unabated. The first half of 2024 was one of the busiest ever for the Company which engaged in activities relating to sales, acquisitions and new orders of 14 vessels, five of which in the first quarter. TEN today operates a fleet of six vessels with alternative fuel capabilities, all on long-term contracts to oil majors.

The greenship initiative of the fleet has complemented TEN’s cash generating ability and assisted the Company’s in increasing its reserves to about $450 million at mid-year. TEN’s fleet modernization is on track, and shareholder value should continue to grow.

With a well-balanced fleet of vessels operating in flexible and secured revenue contracts a right balance has been struck to, on the one hand, safeguard TEN’s ability to benefit from market peaks, while on the other, provide adequate cover for the fleet’s expenses. It is this equilibrium and ability to adjust to market conditions, without assuming unnecessary risks, that has enabled TEN to maintain its uninterrupted dividend payment record while making TEN an operator of choice for the transportation needs of its blue-chip clientele.

The tanker markets are on a solid path forward, fueled by the continuous tightness in the supply and demand of tonnage spurred by geopolitical tensions across numerous, geographically significant for maritime trade, regions. This should enable both freight rates and asset values to remain elevated for the foreseeable future. The creation of new trading routes and the indiscriminate targeting of vessels in the Red Sea have resulted in the over-lengthening of the already stretched global ton-miles.   

“True to our strategy of vessel divestments and timely acquisitions, including new orders, TEN maintains the reputation it has built over the decades in the global maritime energy markets,” Mr. George Saroglou, President & COO of TEN commented. “With such heightened renewals activity since the beginning of the year, coupled with a dividend that is twice the amount paid to shareholders this time last year, we remain confident the TEN’s stock price will continue to rise and eventually reflect it’s true value,” Mr. Saroglou concluded.

TEN’s CURRENT NEWBUILDING PROGRAM  

#	Name	Type	Expected Delivery	Status	Employment
1	Athens 04	DP2 Shuttle Tanker	Q2 2025	Under Construction	Yes
2	Paris 24	DP2 Shuttle Tanker	Q2 2025	Under Construction	Yes
3	Anfield	DP2 Shuttle Tanker	Q3 2026	Under Construction	Yes
4	TBN	Suezmax – Scrubber Fitted	Q2 2025	Under Construction	Under Discussion
5	TBN	Suezmax – Scrubber Fitted	Q4 2025	Under Construction	Under Discussion
6	TBN	MR – Scrubber Fitted	Q1 2026	Under Construction	Under Discussion
7	TBN	MR – Scrubber Fitted	Q1 2026	Under Construction	Under Discussion
8	TBN	Panamax LR1	Q2 2027	Under Construction	Under Discussion
9	TBN	Panamax LR1	Q1 2028	Under Construction	Under Discussion
10	TBN	Panamax LR1	Q1 2028	Under Construction	Under Discussion
11	TBN	Panamax LR1	Q2 2028	Under Construction	Under Discussion
12	TBN	Panamax LR1	Q3 2028	Under Construction	Under Discussion

ABOUT TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION
TEN, founded in 1993 and celebrating this year 31-years as a public company, is one of the first and most established public shipping companies in the world. TEN’s diversified energy fleet currently consists of 74 vessels, including three DP2 shuttle tankers, two scrubber-fitted suezmax vessels, two scrubber-fitted MR product tankers and five scrubber-fitted LR1 tankers under construction, consisting of a mix of crude tankers, product tankers and LNG carries, totaling over 9.0 million dwt.

ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted by such forward-looking statements. TEN undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Conference Call Details:
As announced previously, today, Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, TEN will host a conference call to review the results as well as management's outlook for the business. The call, which will be hosted by TEN's senior management, may contain information beyond what is included in the earnings press release.

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 877-405-1226 (US Toll-Free Dial In) or +1 201-689-7823 (US and Standard International Dial In). Please quote “Tsakos” to the operator and/or conference ID 13747051. Click here for additional participant International Toll-Free access numbers.

Alternatively, participants can register for the call using the call me option for a faster connection to join the conference call. You can enter your phone number and let the system call you right away. Click here for the call me option.

Simultaneous Slides and Audio Webcast:
There will also be a live, and then archived, webcast of the conference call and accompanying slides, available through the Company’s website. To listen to the archived audio file, visit our website www.tenn.gr and click on Webcasts & Presentations under our Investor Relations page. Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

For further information, please contact:

Company
Tsakos Energy Navigation Ltd.
George Saroglou, President & COO
+30210 94 07 710
gsaroglou@tenn.gr

Investor Relations / Media
Capital Link, Inc.
Nicolas Bornozis
Markella Kara
+212 661 7566
ten@capitallink.com

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data
(In Thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share, per share and fleet data)
			Three months ended
			March 31 (unaudited)
	STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA		2024					2023
	Voyage revenues	$	201,589				$	261,212
	Voyage expenses		42,020					45,898
	Charter hire expense		6,013					6,792
	Vessel operating expenses		48,626					48,275
	Depreciation and amortization		37,526					35,139
	General and administrative expenses		7,326					7,157
	Gain on sale of vessels		(16,167)					(81,198)
	Total expenses		125,344					62,063
	Operating income		76,245					199,149
	Interest and finance costs, net		(25,145)					(24,515)
	Interest income		3,248					2,763
	Other, net		70					61
	Total other expenses, net		(21,827)					(21,691)
	Net income		54,418					177,458
	Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest		(384)					(908)
	Net income attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited	$	54,034				$	176,550
	Effect of preferred dividends		(6,750)					(8,673)
	Net income attributable to common stockholders of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited	$	47,284				$	167,877
	Earnings per share, basic and diluted	$	1.60				$	5.69
	Weighted average number of common shares, basic and diluted		29,505,603					29,505,603
	BALANCE SHEET DATA		March 31					December 31
			2024					2023
	Cash		343,994					376,694
	Other assets		229,788					236,800
	Vessels, net		2,785,561					2,600,021
	Advances for vessels under construction and acquisitions		143,432					150,575
	Total assets	$	3,502,775				$	3,364,090
	Debt and other financial liabilities, net of deferred finance costs		1,659,845					1,562,657
	Other liabilities		161,477					148,786
	Stockholders' equity		1,681,453					1,652,647
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	3,502,775				$	3,364,090
			Three months ended
	OTHER FINANCIAL DATA		March 31
			2024					2023
	Net cash provided by operating activities	$	74,958				$	115,006
	Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	$	(197,016)				$	86,323
	Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$	89,358				$	(35,086)
	TCE per ship per day	$	33,403				$	41,882
	Operating expenses per ship per day	$	9,387				$	9,213
	Vessel overhead costs per ship per day	$	1,323				$	1,279
			10,710					10,492
	FLEET DATA
	Average number of vessels during period		60.9					62.2
	Number of vessels at end of period		62.0					58.0
	Average age of fleet at end of period	Years	10.3					10.2
	Dwt at end of period (in thousands)		7,581					7,178
	Time charter employment - fixed rate	Days	2,630					2,277
	Time charter and pool employment - variable rate	Days	1,392					1,801
	Period employment coa at market rates	Days	-					61
	Spot voyage employment at market rates	Days	1,035					1,252
	Total operating days		5,057					5,391
	Total available days		5,539					5,594
	Utilization		91.3%					96.4%
	Non-GAAP Measures
	Reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA
			Three months ended
			March 31
			2024					2023
	Net income attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited	$	54,034				$	176,550
	Depreciation and amortization		37,526					35,139
	Interest Expense		25,145					24,515
	Gain on sale of vessels		(16,167)					(81,198)
	Adjusted EBITDA	$	100,538				$	155,006
	The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP measures used within the financial community may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods as well as comparisons between the performance of Shipping Companies. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company’s performance. We are using the following Non-GAAP measures:
	(i) TCE which represents voyage revenue less voyage expenses is divided by the number of operating days less 171 days lost for the first quarter of 2024 as a result of calculating revenue on a loading to discharge basis, compared to 164 days lost for the first quarter of 2023.
	(ii) Vessel overhead costs are General & Administrative expenses, which also include Management fees, Stock compensation expense and Management incentive award.
	(iii) Operating expenses per ship per day which exclude Management fees, General & Administrative expenses, Stock compensation expense and Management incentive award.
	(iv) Adjusted EBITDA. See above for reconciliation to net income.
	Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to and not as an alternative for, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
	The Company does not incur corporation tax.

FAQ

What were TEN's voyage revenues for Q1 2024?

TEN's voyage revenues for Q1 2024 were $201.6 million.

What was TEN's net income for Q1 2024?

TEN's net income for Q1 2024 was $54 million, resulting in $1.60 earnings per share.

What is the new NYSE ticker symbol for TEN's common shares?

The new NYSE ticker symbol for TEN's common shares will be 'TEN' effective July 1, 2024.

When will TEN distribute its first semi-annual dividend for 2024?

TEN will distribute its first semi-annual dividend of $0.60 per share on July 18, 2024.

What was the impact of fleet maintenance on TEN's utilization rate in Q1 2024?

Fleet maintenance reduced TEN's utilization rate to 91.3% in Q1 2024 from 96.4% in Q1 2023.

How has TEN's bank debt changed as of Q1 2024?

TEN's bank debt increased to $1.66 billion by the end of Q1 2024.