SB-PD — Safe Bulkers, Inc.

Summary of Safe Bulkers Q3 2025 Earnings Call

1. Key Financial Results and Metrics

• Adjusted EBITDA: $36.1 million, down from $41.3 million in Q3 2024.
• Adjusted EPS: $0.12, compared to $0.16 in the same period last year.
• Average Time Charter Equivalent (TCE): $15,507, a decrease from $17,108 in Q3 2024.
• Average Daily Vessel Operating Expenses: Decreased by 4% to $5,104; however, daily running expenses (excluding dry docking) increased by 1% to $5,060.
• Liquidity: Maintained a cash position of $187 million and $210 million in undrawn revolving credit facilities, totaling nearly $400 million in liquidity.
• Dividend Declared: $0.05 per share, marking the 16th consecutive quarterly dividend.

2. Strategic Updates and Business Highlights

• Fleet Renewal: Sold two older vessels as part of a fleet renewal strategy; currently operating 12 Phase 2 vessels and has 6 Phase 3 vessels on order.
• Market Positioning: 80% of the fleet consists of Japanese-built vessels, with an average fleet age of 10.1 years, younger than the global average.
• Sustainability: Achieved a CII rating of 0 vessels in the D & E carbon intensity categories for 2024, aligning with environmental goals.
• Revenue Backlog: $164 million in contracted revenue, with all 8 Capesize vessels period chartered at an average daily rate of $24,800.

3. Forward Guidance and Outlook

• Market Conditions: Anticipated improvement in freight rates due to a trade truce between the U.S. and China, with expected global GDP growth of about 3% in 2026 and 2027.
• Demand Growth: Projected global dry bulk demand growth of 2% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027, driven by grains and minor bulks.
• Supply Dynamics: Supply growth is expected to outpace demand, with a projected 3% increase in the dry bulk fleet for 2025 and 2026.

4. Bad News, Challenges, or Points of Concern

• Weaker Charter Market: The company operated in a weaker charter market environment compared to Q3 2024, resulting in decreased revenues and earnings.
• Geopolitical Risks: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, particularly related to U.S.-China relations, pose risks to global growth and trade.
• Declining Metrics: Notable declines in adjusted EBITDA and average TCE indicate challenges in maintaining profitability amidst market fluctuations.

5. Notable Q&A Insights

• No specific Q&A highlights were provided in the transcript, but management emphasized their commitment to maintaining a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility to navigate market volatility and seize opportunities.

Overall, Safe Bulkers reported a mixed quarter with solid liquidity and strategic initiatives in fleet renewal and sustainability, but faced challenges from a weaker charter market and geopolitical uncertainties impacting future demand.