Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Frontline Mat Post Record Profit As Iran Cuts Fleet

Frontline May Post Record Profit As Iran Cuts Fleet
28, November 2008



Frontline Ltd, the world's largest owner of supertankers, may report a six-fold gain in third-quarter profit to a record after Iran used ships for storage.
Frontline, based in Hamilton, Bermuda, will probably say net income advanced to $ 164.5 million, or $ 2.07 a share, from $ 24.2 million, or 32 cents, a year ago, according to the median estimate of 12 analysts Bloomberg surveyed.
The previous third- quarter record was set in 2004 at $ 141.5 million. Iran began using as many as 15 supertankers for storage in the second quarter, cutting vessel supply. Rental rates in June and July were the highest for those months in at least a decade. Ship-owners are paid about three or four weeks after bookings are made so cash from single-voyage rentals arranged in June would be paid to Frontline in the third quarter.
Four analysts surveyed said the company may post mark-to- market losses of $ 30 million to $ 33 million related to Frontline's holding in Overseas Ship-holding Group Inc. The shares of Overseas Ship-holding fell 27 per cent in the quarter.
Source: www.hellenicshippingnews.com

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