Returns At SBM Offshore (AMS:SBMO) Appear To Be Weighed Down
Monday, Jan 13, 2025 2:01 am ET

SBM Offshore (AMS:SBMO), a leading provider of floating production solutions to the offshore energy industry, has been facing headwinds in recent months, with its returns underperforming compared to its peers. The company's share price has been volatile, and investors are left wondering what factors are contributing to this trend. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects that may be weighing down SBM Offshore's returns.
1. Debt Levels and Interest Coverage: SBM Offshore has a high debt-to-equity ratio of 171.2%, indicating that it relies heavily on debt financing. This high debt level can lead to increased interest expenses, which can negatively impact earnings and cash flow. Additionally, SBM Offshore's interest coverage ratio is 1.7, which means it generates only 1.7 times the earnings needed to cover its interest expenses. A ratio below 3 indicates that the company may struggle to meet its debt obligations.
2. Earnings Growth and Forecasts: SBM Offshore's earnings are forecast to decline by an average of 17.2% per year for the next 3 years. This expected decline in earnings can lead to a decrease in the company's stock price. Analysts have also recently downgraded their outlook for SBM Offshore, which can further impact investor sentiment.
3. Insider Selling: There has been significant insider selling over the past 3 months, which can be a negative signal for investors. Insiders may be selling their shares because they have negative information about the company's prospects. This can erode investor confidence and lead to a decrease in the stock price.
4. Dividend Track Record: SBM Offshore has an unstable dividend track record, with a dividend growth rate of -23.18% year-over-year. An unstable dividend can make the company less attractive to income-oriented investors, potentially leading to a decrease in demand for the stock.
5. Analyst Downgrades: Analysts have recently downgraded their outlook for SBM Offshore, which can lead to a decrease in the stock's price. This downgrade may reflect concerns about the company's financial health, earnings growth, or other factors that could impact its stock price.

In conclusion, SBM Offshore's recent underperformance in returns can be attributed to several factors, including high debt levels, expected earnings declines, insider selling, an unstable dividend track record, and analyst downgrades. Investors should carefully consider these factors when evaluating SBM Offshore's stock and make informed decisions based on their own analysis and risk tolerance. As always, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments surrounding the company to make well-informed investment decisions.