Nordic American Tankers Stock Price, News & Analysis

Nordic American Tankers Ltd. reported on the effects of the recent Suez Canal blockage on tanker rates.

The blockade lasted from March 24 to March 29, 2021, resulting in a temporary spike in tanker rates. Rates for Suezmax tankers have already increased to between USD 15,000 and USD 25,000 per day.

The company has 24 ships on short-term contracts, indicating a strong market position and expectations for further rate increases in the coming weeks.

NAT announced that Alexander Hansson, a Director on the board, purchased 50,000 shares at a price of USD 3.69 each. This share acquisition underlines confidence in the company, which operates in the tanker industry, and reflects familial ties as Alexander is the son of Herbjorn Hansson, the company's Founder and CEO. The press release emphasizes forward-looking statements regarding market conditions and operational performance, alongside potential risks that could impact results.

Nordic American Tankers (NAT) operates a fleet of 25 Suezmax tankers, capable of carrying one million barrels of oil each. Recently, the Suez Canal has been blocked by a large vessel, creating uncertainty about the duration of the blockage. Prolonged closure could necessitate rerouting vessels around Africa, significantly increasing travel distance and time, which would reduce the available shipping capacity and potentially raise freight rates. The company has not provided specific financial forecasts due to the unpredictable nature of the situation.

Nordic American Tankers Ltd. released its 2020 financial results on February 26, 2021, highlighting a solid year overall, despite a weak fourth quarter. The company secured significant spot contracts for its Suezmax tankers, with rates climbing to approximately USD 20,000 and USD 15,000 per day, up from USD 4,000. This is well above operating costs of USD 8,000 per day. CEO Herbjorn Hansson also purchased 50,000 shares at USD 3.13, indicating confidence as he remains one of the largest shareholders.

During 2020, Nordic American Tankers (NAT) distributed $67.2 million in cash dividends and repaid $75.5 million in loans. The full year produced a net income of $50 million, translating to an EPS of $0.34. The fourth quarter was weaker, with a time charter equivalent of $8,700 per day per ship. NAT announced a 2 cents per share dividend for Q4 2020, payable on March 31, 2021. The company expects improved earnings due to strong oil demand, particularly from Asia, and anticipates a positive market turnaround.

Nordic American Tankers Ltd. emphasizes the significance of seagoing transportation, stating that 90% of global trade relies on shipping. A recent video by BIMCO, a shipping association based in Denmark, underscores this point. The company also includes a cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements, highlighting the uncertainties in their future performance and market conditions. The press release, dated January 19, 2021, is aimed at shareholders and investors, maintaining an informative tone without disclosing specific financial metrics or business developments.

Nordic American Tankers Ltd. reported a positive outlook driven by strong economic growth in Asia, contrasting with global uncertainties. The decreasing price of oil has stimulated demand for transportation services utilizing Suezmax tankers. This trend is beneficial for the company as it enhances tanker utilization rates. The management notes that such regional demand shifts could positively impact the company's operations and financial performance.

On December 18, 2020, Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE: NAT) held its Annual General Meeting in Monaco, where shareholders approved key resolutions. These included the election of five nominees to the Board of Directors and the appointment of KPMG AS as the independent auditors for the Company. The meeting underscored the Company's commitment to governance and transparency. Additionally, the press release includes cautionary forward-looking statements regarding various risk factors that could affect the Company's performance, highlighting uncertainties in market conditions and operational expenses.

Nordic American Tankers received an Award from the President of South Korea for promoting the country, presented by the Korean Ambassador in Oslo. Despite a temporary slowdown in Q4, NAT anticipates a strong 2020 due to rapid recovery in Asian economies. The company emphasizes its ongoing trading activities in the East and expresses optimism for a robust tanker market in 2021. This recognition underlines NAT's commitment to enhancing relationships in Asia, particularly South Korea.