DHT Holdings Q4 2024: Navigating Contradictions in Fleet Strategy, Capital Allocation, and Market Demand

These are the key contradictions discussed in DHT Holdings' latest 2024 Q4 earnings call, specifically including: Fleet Modernization and Divestment Strategy, Share Repurchase and Dividend Policy, and Market Demand and Positioning:



Strong Financial Performance:
- DHT Holdings reported revenue on TCE basis of $85.5 million and EBITDA of $60.6 million for Q4, with a net income of $54.7 million.
- The company's strong performance was attributed to its low leverage, significant liquidity, and a robust fleet of vessels.

Capital Allocation and Dividends:
- The company declared a dividend of $0.17 per share for Q4, marking its 60th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.
- This capital allocation strategy was driven by the company's policy of paying out 100% of ordinary net income as quarterly cash dividends.

Fleet and Market Dynamics:
- DHT Holdings sold its oldest ship, the DHT Scandinavia, for $43.4 million, generating a book gain of about $19.8 million.
- The sale was part of the company's strategy to manage its fleet and capitalize on favorable market conditions, including a shrinking VLCC fleet and growing demand for crude oil transportation.

Increased Shareholder Value:
- The company repurchased 1.5 million shares, amounting to almost 1% of the company, providing a book gain.
- These share buybacks were accretive to earnings per share and net asset value, aligning with the company's focus on enhancing shareholder value.

Market Opportunities and Sanctions Impact:
- The company anticipates an increasingly supportive supply story in the market, with 444 VLCCs estimated to be older than 15 years by 2026.
- Sanctions and fiscal issues in China are impacting crude oil procurement behavior, reducing the role of shadow fleets and potentially supporting freight rates for VLCCs.