Tanker firm Frontline in battle for survival
Hard-pressed Frontline, the tanker ship company, says unless it can achieve a major restructuring it could go under.
Hard-pressed Frontline, the tanker ship company, says unless it can achieve a major restructuring it could go under.
Its latest management report makes grim reading.
Net losses accelerated in the third quarter to $44.7m, contributing to net losses for the year-to-date of $64.5m.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Frontline has also had to take impairment losses of $121.4m on its tanker fleet.
Unsurprisingly, the directors have chosen not to recommend a dividend for the three months to the end of September.
The one piece of good news is that Frontline's major shareholder, Hemen Holding, has said it would be prepared to inject more capital.
The outlook, though, is not comforting, with the directors describing it in these terms:
"The tanker market has shown a strong negative development in the last two years. Rates are currently at operating cost levels with no contribution to capital, and vessel values have fallen approximately 25-50 percent ... during the last year. If the weak market continues it is likely to lead to significant financial problems for the whole tanker industry."
Shares in Frontline had sunk 40% by 12.15pm. In the last year the share price has fallen 86%.
BS
Sign up to Money Morning
Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.
-
The top stocks in the FTSE 100
After a year of strong returns for the UK’s flagship index, which FTSE 100 stocks have posted the best performance in 2024?
By Dan McEvoy Published
-
A junior ISA could turn your child’s pocket money into thousands of pounds
Persuading your child to put their pocket money in a junior ISA might be difficult, but the pennies could quickly grow into pounds – and teach them a valuable lesson about money
By Katie Williams Published