International Seaways (INSW) Positioned to Capitalize on Various Market Segments

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Written By Elizabeth Monroe

International Seaways, Inc. (NYSE: INSW) stands out in the maritime transport sector with its diverse portfolio of crude and product tankers.

Despite not being a pure play in crude oil transportation, INSW’s strategic fleet management and recent financial maneuvers place it in a favorable position for growth and profitability.

Fleet Composition and Strategic Developments

INSW boasts a versatile fleet comprising 13 Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), 13 Suezmax, and 4 Aframax tankers, alongside a substantial division of product tankers including 1 LR2, 11 LR1, and 35 Medium Range (MR) tankers.

Credit: DepositPhotos

This diverse fleet positioning allows INSW to capitalize on various market segments, addressing different cargo size requirements and route specifics.

Recent Acquisitions and Sales

The company is actively managing its fleet portfolio through strategic acquisitions and disposals.

Notably, INSW recently agreed to purchase six MR tankers built between 2014 and 2015 for $232 million, signaling a robust expansion of its MR fleet.

This move is particularly timely, given the aging global MR fleet and a recordlow order book, suggesting imminent replacement demand which INSW is poised to meet.

Conversely, INSW sold three older MR tankers for approximately $39 million, optimizing its fleet age and efficiency. This proactive fleet management underscores INSW’s commitment to maintaining a competitive and modern fleet.

Financial Performance and Revenue Streams

INSW’s financial strategy effectively leverages its diversified fleet to maximize revenue streams across different market segments:

Revenue Sources: INSW derives more than 80% of its revenues from pool agreements, complemented by earnings from time and voyage charters.

In 2023, the company achieved substantial revenues of $905 million from pool operations, alongside significant contributions from time and voyage charters.

Growth in Cash Flow: The company reported impressive cash flow growth, with $688 million in operating cash flow and $338 million in free cash flow (unlevered) in 2023, marking significant improvements over the previous year.

Dividend Policy and Shareholder Returns

INSW’s robust financial health is reflected in its aggressive dividend policy. In 2023, the company distributed $308 million in dividends, equivalent to $6.29 per share, and repurchased shares worth $366,483 at an average price of $38.03 each.

These actions underscore INSW’s commitment to delivering shareholder value through direct returns and capital appreciation.

Market Position and Competitive Outlook

INSW’s strategic positioning within the product tanker and crude tanker segments allows it to benefit from specific market dynamics such as the aging fleet and low order books in the LR1 and MR segments, and the strategic advantages offered by LR1 tankers in navigating the Panama Canal.

Valuation and Market Comparison

INSW trades at an attractive valuation with a price to net asset value (PNAV) below 100%, indicating potential undervaluation relative to its assets.

Credit: DepositPhotos

The company’s enterprise value to sales and EBITDA multiples are competitive, reflecting its robust business model and efficient operation.

Investor Takeaway

With a diversified fleet that spans both product and crude tankers, solid financials, and a strategic approach to fleet management, INSW represents a compelling investment opportunity within the tanker shipping industry.

The company’s strong dividend yield, combined with a conservative payout ratio relative to peers, offers a balanced risk-reward profile for investors seeking exposure to the shipping sector.

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