Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp Q3 2025 Earnings Call - Capesize Focus and Fleet Renewal Drive Strong Profits Amid Tight Market

Conference Call Operator: Thank you for standing by, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp conference call on the third quarter and nine months, ended September 30, 2025, financial results. We have with us Mr. Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, and Mr. Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer of Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. There will be a question-and-answer session, at which time, if you would like to ask a question, please press 11 on your telephone keypad, and you will then hear an automated message advising that your hand is raised. Please be advised that this conference call is being recorded today, Thursday, November 13, 2025. The archived webcast of the conference call will soon be made available on the Seanergy website, www.seanergymaritime.com.

To listen to the archived audio file, visit the Seanergy website following the webcast and presentation section under the Investor Relations page. Many of the remarks today contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations. Actual results may differ materially from the results projected from those forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that can cause the actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in the third quarter and nine months, ended September 30, 2025, earnings release, which is available on the Seanergy website again, www.seanergymaritime.com. I would now like to turn the conference over to one of your speakers today, the Chairman and CEO of the company, Mr. Stamatis Tsantanis. Please go ahead, sir.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Thank you, Operator, and welcome, everyone. Today, we’re pleased to present another quarter of strong performance for Seanergy, underlying our consistent profitability, disciplined strategy, and the continued success of our focused Capesize investment max platform, a model that we expect will deliver superior earnings capacity versus most peers. Following the strong momentum established in the second quarter, Seanergy delivered a profitable third quarter driven by our large vessel exposure and the ongoing strength in the Capesize market. Net revenue reached approximately $47 million, adjusted EBITDA was $27.5 million, and net income totaled $12.8 million, demonstrating Seanergy’s superior earnings capacity and operational leverage. Over the first nine months of the year, we generated net revenue of $108.7 million, adjusted EBITDA of $52.8 million, and net income was $8.8 million.

In line with our dividend policy, we declared a cash dividend of $0.13 per share for the quarter, bringing total 2025 distributions to $0.23 per share and reaffirming our commitment to regular shareholder returns. The expiration of our Class E warrants removed legacy dilution and further simplified our capital structure, fully aligning long-term performance with shareholder value. With a fleet of 20 large Capesize vessels and new customer access and fleet loan-to-value ratio around 45%, Seanergy is very well positioned to benefit from a robust Capesize cycle. Moving on to fleet developments, we continued executing our disciplined fleet renewal strategy. In October, we placed our first-ever newbuilding order, a 181,000 deadweight Capesize at Hengli Heavy Industry, China, marking the next phase of our large vessel strategy focused on efficiency, scale, and modernization.

The vessel is priced at approximately $75 million, with delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, offering strategic delivery window ahead of most comparable projects. This decision reflects attractive newbuilding economics versus surging secondhand values and positions Seanergy to capture stronger long-term returns from a modern, fuel-efficient fleet. The project’s timing aligns with the expected upswing in iron ore and bauxite trade through 2027 and thereafter. In parallel, we sold and delivered a vintage Capesize ship for $21.6 million, releasing approximately $12 million in net liquidity and further optimizing our fleet composition. Our vessels continue to secure premium employment with top-tier charters, supported by index-linked charters that preserve full market exposure. This disciplined structure, complemented by selective FFA hedging, ensures resilience across cycles.

Our time charter equivalent has consistently outperformed the BCI, confirming the strength of our larger vessel commercial model and positioning us for sustained earnings momentum heading into 2026. To conclude the first part of this call, our focus on larger Capesize Newcastlemax vessels continues to differentiate Seanergy. These assets deliver superior earnings capacity and long-term value compared to smaller bulk segments. Our boutique platform is built on scale where it matters: vessel size and operational performance, maximizing value creation per share. With a modern, efficient fleet, prudent leverage, and consistent dividends, Seanergy remains very well positioned to lead in shareholder value among listed dry bulk companies. I will now pass the floor to Stavros to discuss our financial update, and I will conclude later with our comments on the market. Stavros, please go ahead.

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Thank you, Stamatis, and welcome to everyone joining us today. Let me walk you through the key highlights of our financial performance for the third quarter and the nine-month period ended September 30, 2025. The third quarter delivered another period of solid profitability and balanced strength for Seanergy, underscoring our disciplined financial management and focus on capital efficiency. For the quarter, net revenue reached $47 million, representing a 6% increase year over year, while adjusted EBITDA came in at $26.6 million, broadly in line with last year’s performance. Net income and adjusted net income for the quarter were $12.8 million and $14 million, respectively, translating to earnings per share of $0.61. For the first nine months of 2025, net revenue amounted to $108.7 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $52.8 million. Net income for the period reached $8.8 million, with earnings per share at $0.42.

While these figures are below last year’s levels due to a softer market during the first half, we expect profitability to strengthen meaningfully in the fourth quarter, supported by fixtures already secured at higher levels. Turning to our balance sheet, our cash position strengthened to approximately $37 million at the end of the quarter, equivalent to $1.8 million per vessel. This reflects our disciplined approach to cash management, as outflows related to vessel acquisitions earlier in the year were effectively offset by the net proceeds from the sale of our older Capesize vessel during the third quarter. In parallel, we continue to fund dividend distributions and an extensive dry docking program, underscoring the company’s ability to invest in its fleet while maintaining robust liquidity. This healthy cash position provides financial flexibility, enabling us to pursue attractive opportunities and support our newbuilding project with confidence.

Notably, our financial performance and stability have enabled us to declare nearly $5 million in cash dividends so far this year, despite the challenging conditions of the first half, reaffirming our commitment to consistent shareholder returns. As of quarter end, our total debt stood at approximately $292 million. Based on the current market value of our fleet, this corresponds to a loan-to-fleet value ratio below 45%, reflecting a healthy and conservatively capitalized profile. On a per-vessel basis, our debt stands at roughly $14.6 million, which is nearly $18 million below the average market value of our ships, highlighting the strong asset coverage supporting our balance sheet. In terms of financing activity, this quarter we maintained a measured pace, following an exceptionally active first half of the year, during which we executed transactions totaling $110.6 million.

Nevertheless, we are now in the final stages of concluding a highly attractive financing package for our new building, featuring a competitive structure and a compelling interest margin. We expect to be in a position to disclose additional details on upcoming financings soon. The constructive seed finance environment, offering multiple options across both bank and leasing markets, has been an important consideration in our decision to pursue new buildings at this stage. At the same time, we continue to assess opportunities to optimize our capital structure and expect to report additional progress in the coming months. It is also worth noting that we have a clear debt maturity profile through the second quarter of 2026, with no balloon repayments before that period. This provides valuable flexibility and ensures that we can time our future financing strategically without pressure. Finally, as of September 30, 2025, total shareholders’ equity reached $271 million.

With both Class D and Class E warrants now fully eliminated, Seanergy’s capital structure is stronger, simpler, and fully aligned with shareholder interests. That concludes my overview. I will now hand the call back to Stamatis, who will provide insights on the Capesize market and broader industry fundamentals. Stamatis, over to you.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Thank you, Stavros. The Capesize market continued to show sustained strength in Q3, with average rates of about $24,600 per day, the highest levels in the recent quarters. This performance was driven by a 2% increase in ton-mile demand against only 1.3% growth in available tonnage, reflecting a very tight market balance. Iron ore remained the main catalyst. Australian exports recovered strongly from early year weather disruptions, while Brazilian record volumes surged, supported by Vale output increase and long-haul routes that amplified ton-mile demand. Looking ahead, the upcoming Simandou project in West Africa, combined with steady steel production and iron ore demand in China, underpins a solid multi-year outlook for the Capesize trade. Bauxite continues to be another key growth driver, with shipments rising more than 15% year over year in Q3 and 20% for the nine-month period.

This trend, coupled with Atlantic-based cargo growth, is expected to support high utilization levels going forward. Coal flows were also supported, led by an eight-month import high in China and increased demand across South Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia. On the supply side, 2025 marked a record low year for Capesize deliveries, with less than 1.5% fleet growth. Only 38 newbuilding orders were placed, the lowest since 2020, while 7% of the fleet is above 20 years and 30% is above 15 years. With the global shipyard capacity effectively booked through 2029, supply growth will remain structurally constrained for several years. Overall, the combination of rising Atlantic-based trade, a historically low order book, and limited yard availability supports a sustained high earnings environment for Capesize vessels. To conclude, Seanergy’s pure-play Capesize and Newcastlemax focus continues to differentiate our platform.

These larger vessels generate superior earnings capacity and long-term value compared to smaller bulk carrier segments, reinforcing our boutique model based on scale where it matters: vessel size and operational performance. Our strategy remains anchored on three priorities: Capital returns: maintain a consistent dividend policy and pursue share buybacks when accretive. Fleet renewal and growth: enhance fleet efficiency and environmental performance through disciplined high-return investments. Financial health: preserve balanced strength and prudent leverage, ensuring flexibility throughout market cycles. We are executing on all three fronts and remain confident that Seanergy will continue to deliver industry-leading value per share as the Capesize market enters another strong phase. On that note, I would like to turn the call back to the operator and receive any questions you may have. Operator, please take the call. Thank you.

Conference Call Operator: Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, you will need to press 11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A, Rosto. Our first question comes from the line of Liam Bourke from B. Riley Securities. Please go ahead. Your line is open.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Thank you. Good afternoon, Stamatis. Good afternoon, Stavros.

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Hello, Liam. Good morning.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Stamatis, you’ve been very active in the fleet renewal program with the ordering and even with the sale of older assets. If I look forward, you have the financial flexibility. How do you anticipate growing the fleet? Would it be to add new builds or to mix in some second-hand vessels?

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: We are constantly in the market seeking opportunities, both in more modern second-hand ships as well as a few new building vessels that we believe could add value to the company. We want to avoid having the so-called dead capital, invest money in advances while the ships will be delivered in 2030 or whatever. We have to be very selective, and the reason why we chose that particular shipyard is not only its quality, but also the fact that it is basically going to deliver the ship in a year and a half from today. That eliminates that issue. We are constantly looking for both. I cannot give you an answer right now because there are a few opportunities that we are getting closer to. In the next few weeks, I will be in a position to discuss more.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Great. Thank you. Just taking a look at the macro, it looked like you have the best of all worlds here. As we end the year, it looks like China’s steel production will be down. If I flip the narrative and say China’s steel goes back to its historical growth rate of 1% or 2%, does that even increase your optimism for 2026, or is that sort of baked in in how you look at the demand side of the Capesize equation?

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: We were never worried about the demand side, even when people were downplaying China and its ability to keep up with the housing crisis and the real estate problems. We’re very optimistic about demand for iron ore, coal, and bauxite. The Simandou, starting now in November and December, is going to pick up a lot of long-haul demand for high-quality iron ore, and this is going to ramp up in 2026 and 2027. Demand is not going to be an issue. What is very interesting to note is the fact that about 23%-24% of the global Capesize, Newcastle Max, and VLOC fleet is older than 16 years. That gives you a sense while the order book is, of course, at the lowest point. That gives you a sense of potential supply squeezes getting into 2026 and 2027.

That makes us feel way more optimistic than the demand narrative.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Great. Thanks very much, Stamatis.

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Thank you. Nice to hear from you.

Conference Call Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Mark Wrightman from Noble Capital Markets. Please go ahead.

Mark Wrightman, Analyst, Noble Capital Markets: Thank you. Always great to see another strong quarter. Just really two questions for me on this new build contract, the five installment payments. Can we just think about that as the $41.25 million or 55% paid on the fifth payment, and then the balance of the $33.75 million spread over the first four payments? What quarter do those payments begin?

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Hi, Mark. This is Stavros. Yes. I mean, your assessment is correct. Expect the 45% to be paid over the next 12 months and then at delivery, which is approximately one year and five months from now, the remaining 55%. Based on the financing that we’re contemplating for this unit, we will be liable from our own cash reserves for approximately 25% of the contract price. And these installments, we expect to be paid in the first quarter of 2026. Everything else will come from that.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Okay. And then just a second question on the commercial updates. I was just kind of curious, kind of the tenor going into maybe some of these renewals. I mean, do you feel like you’ve got more pricing power? I mean, I noticed that in some instances, the daily hire is based on a revised premium over the BCI, and I was just wondering if that premium—I am kind of assuming that premium went up.

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: We tend to agree the extensions for a period of about 12 to 14 months. This is what we like, and that’s what the charterers are comfortable about. We have no concern into renewing them thereafter, so it’s not going to be an issue. We have proven to be in a position to renew our ships consistently with very high-quality charterers all the way until they become close to 20 or sometimes above 20 years old. We see no issue in renewing anything for longer periods. We like it the way it is right now. That provides flexibility on both sides of the transaction, both for us and the charterers, and we like this.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Okay. Just to go back, I mean, in terms of the pricing power, is that even something that you kind of think about? Or, I mean, do you have greater leverage in this market? Or it’s just—or can you even comment on the revised premium over the BCI on some of those contracts?

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Yes. The way that we obtain this premium, that we achieve this premium, is with the conversions that we do. Whenever we feel the time is right and the forward rate is above the BCI, that is when we trigger certain conversions, and we feel comfortable about securing certain cash flows. I am not going to say coincidentally, but in most cases, that leads us to the premium over the BCI. In certain cases, of course, we may not be able to get the full extent of that, but we like that we hedge the downside. We feel way more confident and comfortable to have a certain stream of cash flows, even if we lose a couple of thousand from the upside. We feel better off by securing the downside risk in certain quarters that might be weaker throughout the year.

Stamatis Tsantanis, Chairman and CEO, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: I see. Thank you very much. That’s very helpful.

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Very welcome and nice to hear from you.

Conference Call Operator: Thank you. As a reminder to ask a question, please press 11 on your telephone. Our next question comes from the line of Tate Sullivan from Maxim Group. Please go ahead.

Tate Sullivan, Analyst, Maxim Group: Hi. Thank you. Congratulations on the new builds and consistent with how you’ve been talking about the market for the last at least two years. Was there a specific second-hand transaction in the market that made you decide to go the new build route? Or at what point did the S&P prices increase to a level where new builds are more attractive, please?

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Good morning, Tate, and thanks for the question. Yes. I mean, there comes a time where we have triggering events. We were chasing a couple of second-hand acquisitions, and we missed on those because the higher bidders paid more than 20% or 15%-20% than what we had anticipated or what we considered to be the fair value of that asset for that particular time. When you see this kind of abrupt increases in prices of second-hand vessels, which are not really modern—I mean, we’re talking about close to 15 years old or 12 years old or 13 years old—then it kind of drives you; the decision automatically gets taken. That is how the triggering events happen.

Tate Sullivan, Analyst, Maxim Group: Thank you. And how were you able to secure a 2027 delivery? Was it the last slot in the China shipyard or one of the last slots? Did you consider other countries as well too?

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Quality above all. We are not going to sacrifice any delivery for inferior quality, as you can understand. We have been in discussions with various shipyards for quite some time. We chose that. We might be seeking other solutions as well at similar other shipyards of high quality in China. We will not sacrifice the quality of this vessel for early delivery. In this particular case, we kind of had a win-win situation where we had prompt delivery, kind of prompt delivery, and at the same time, very high quality. We felt comfortable with that. We have certain good connections with a lot of people in the Far East, so we believe we will be able to source some other deals as well.

Tate Sullivan, Analyst, Maxim Group: Okay. Yeah. You mentioned that earlier too. We’ll look out for those. Stavros, on the cost of your debt, your interest rate going forward—I’m sorry if I missed it—but do you think you’re now about the 7% interest rate level or even lower with where floating rates have gone?

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: It’s lower than that. I mean, look, the financings that we have concluded recently, the margins are at around 2%. And as we move forward, the ones that we’re negotiating now, a couple of packages in connection with a new building and some refinancings that we want to do, are even lower. I mean, from quarter to quarter, you might see variations because there are certain fees that are being paid in order to break a financing or get into another financing, which sometimes are charged under the interest expenses. But overall, judging where so far is today, I would estimate the average cost to be closer to five and a half, below six.

Tate Sullivan, Analyst, Maxim Group: Okay. Thank you very much.

Stavros Gyftakis, Chief Financial Officer, Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp: Thank you, Tate.

Conference Call Operator: Thank you. As a reminder to ask a question, please press 11 on your telephone. That’s 11 to ask a question. There are no further questions. This concludes today’s conference call. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect. Speakers, please stand by.