Genco Shipping & Trading Limited Enhances Dividend Policy to Increase Cash Distributable to Shareholders
September 10 2024 - 6:55AM
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE:GNK) (“Genco” or
the “Company”), the largest U.S. headquartered drybulk shipowner
focused on the global transportation of commodities, today
announced the removal of the drydocking capex line item from its
formula used to calculate its quarterly dividend. This will
increase the amount of cash available for distribution to
shareholders beginning in the third quarter of 2024.
The amount available for quarterly dividends is to be calculated
based on the following updated formula, commencing in Q3 2024:
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Dividend calculation |
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Net revenue |
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Less: operating expenses |
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Operating cash flow |
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Less: voluntary quarterly reserve |
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Cash flow distributable as dividends |
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The voluntary quarterly reserve for the third
quarter of 2024 under the Company’s dividend formula is $19.50
million, which remains fully within the Company’s discretion. We
plan to continue to review the voluntary reserve to further enhance
shareholder value over the long-term.
For the balance of 2024 and 2025, drydocking capex is estimated
to be as follows:
- Q3 2024: $11 million or $0.25 per share
- Q4 2024: $7 million or $0.16 per share
- FY 2025: $41 million or $0.95 per share
Actual drydocking capex will vary based on various factors,
including where the drydockings are actually performed.
John C. Wobensmith, Chief Executive Officer,
commented, “Based on Genco’s notable achievements in executing its
capital allocation strategy, we have enhanced our quarterly
dividend formula by eliminating the drydocking capex line item
within our calculation. As we approach our goal of net debt zero,
we are pleased to take another important step to reward
shareholders aimed at further strengthening shareholder returns.
This enhancement to our dividend formula reflects our belief that
our low leverage will support larger dividends to
shareholders. At the same time, we continue to maintain significant
financial strength to grow and renew our fleet and further improve
our earnings power.”
Mr. Wobensmith continued, “Since implementing
our comprehensive value strategy three years ago, we have made
demonstrable progress executing on all three core pillars. Notably,
Genco has distributed 20 consecutive quarterly dividends to
shareholders, returning a total of $5.915 per share, or ~35% of our
share price as of September 9, 2024. We have also further
modernized our sizeable drybulk fleet, while lowering our debt
nearly 80% since 2021, significantly reducing our net loan to value
and cash flow breakeven to industry lows.”
Note: Operating cash flow is defined as net
revenue (consisting of voyage revenue less voyage expenses, charter
hire expenses, and realized gains or losses on fuel hedges), less
operating expenses (consisting of vessel operating expenses,
general and administrative expenses other than non-cash restricted
stock expenses, technical management expenses, and interest expense
other than non-cash deferred financing costs), for purposes of the
foregoing calculation.
About Genco Shipping & Trading
LimitedGenco Shipping & Trading Limited is a U.S.
based drybulk ship owning company focused on the seaborne
transportation of commodities globally. We provide a full-service
logistics solution to our customers utilizing our in-house
commercial operating platform, as we transport key cargoes such as
iron ore, grain, steel products, bauxite, cement, nickel ore among
other commodities along worldwide shipping routes. Our wholly owned
high quality, modern fleet of dry cargo vessels consists of the
larger Capesize (major bulk) and the medium-sized Ultramax and
Supramax vessels (minor bulk) enabling us to carry a wide range of
cargoes. We make capital expenditures from time to time in
connection with vessel acquisitions. Genco’s fleet is expected to
consist of 41 vessels, including 15 Capesize, 15 Ultramax and 11
Supramax vessels with an aggregate capacity of approximately
4,266,000 dwt and an average age of 11.9 years, after agreed upon
vessel sales.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995This
release contains certain forward-looking statements pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements use words such as
“expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” and other words and terms of
similar meaning in connection with a discussion of potential future
events, circumstances or future operating or financial performance.
These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current
expectations and observations. Included among the factors
that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially
from the forward looking statements contained in this release are
the following: (i) the financial results we achieve for each
quarter that apply to the formula under our dividend policy,
including without limitation the actual amounts earned by our
vessels and the amounts of various expenses we incur, as a
significant decrease in such earnings or a significant increase in
such expenses may affect our ability to carry out our comprehensive
value strategy; (ii) the exercise of the discretion of our Board
regarding the declaration of dividends, including without
limitation the amount that our Board determines to set aside for
reserves under our dividend policy and (iii) other factors listed
from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, including, without limitation, the Company’s Annual
Report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the
Company's reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K subsequently filed with
the SEC. Our ability to pay dividends in any period will
depend upon various factors, including the limitations under any
credit agreements to which we may be a party, applicable provisions
of Marshall Islands law and the final determination by the Board of
Directors each quarter after its review of our financial
performance, market developments, and the best interests of the
Company and its shareholders. The timing and amount of dividends,
if any, could also be affected by factors affecting cash flows,
results of operations, required capital expenditures, or
reserves. As a result, the amount of dividends actually paid
may vary. We do not undertake any obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. We do not undertake any
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
CONTACT:Peter AllenChief
Financial OfficerGenco Shipping & Trading Limited(646)
443-8550
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