0000919574-11-006538.txt : 20111128 0000919574-11-006538.hdr.sgml : 20111128 20111128121048 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000919574-11-006538 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 6-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 1 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20111130 FILED AS OF DATE: 20111128 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20111128 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FRONTLINE LTD / CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000913290 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: DEEP SEA FOREIGN TRANSPORTATION OF FREIGHT [4412] IRS NUMBER: 980135919 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 6-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-16601 FILM NUMBER: 111227562 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: PO BOX HM 1593 MERCURY HOUSE STREET 2: 101 FRONT STREET CITY: HAMILTON HM GX BERMU STATE: D0 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 8092957259 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: PO BOX HM 1593 MERCURY HOUSE STREET 2: 101 FRONT STREET CITY: HAMILTON HM12 STATE: D0 ZIP: 00000 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LONDON & OVERSEAS FREIGHTERS LTD DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19931012 6-K 1 d1245231_6-k.htm d1245231_6-k.htm

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-16 OR 15D-16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the month of November 2011

Commission File Number:  001-16601

Frontline Ltd.
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
 
Par-la-Ville Place, 14 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton, HM 08, Bermuda
(Address of principal executive office)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F [X]       Form 40-F [  ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [  ].

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted solely to provide an attached annual report to security holders.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [  ].

Note: Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7) only permits the submission in paper of a Form 6-K if submitted to furnish a report or other document that the registrant foreign private issuer must furnish and make public under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the registrant is incorporated, domiciled or legally organized (the registrant's "home country"), or under the rules of the home country exchange on which the registrant's securities are traded, as long as the report or other document is not a press release, is not required to be and has not been distributed to the registrant's security holders, and, if discussing a material event, has already been the subject of a Form 6-K submission or other Commission filing on EDGAR.


 
 

 

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS FORM 6-K REPORT

Attached as Exhibit 1 is a copy of the press release of Frontline Ltd. (the "Company"), dated November 21, 2011, containing the Company's Interim Report for the nine months ended September 30, 2011.


 
 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 
FRONTLINE LTD.
 
(registrant)
   
   
   
   
Dated: November 28, 2011
By:
/s/  Inger M. Klemp
   
Inger M. Klemp
   
Principal Financial Officer



 
 

 

Exhibit 1
FRONTLINE LTD.
INTERIM REPORT JANUARY – SEPTEMBER 2011


Highlights

 
·
Frontline reports a net loss, excluding vessel impairment losses, attributable to the Company of $44.7 million for the third quarter of 2011, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.57.
 
·
Frontline reports a net loss, excluding vessel impairment losses, attributable to the Company of $64.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.83.
 
·
Frontline records vessel impairment losses of $121.4 million in the three and nine months period ended September 30, 2011, equivalent to a loss per share of $1.56.
 
·
Frontline disposed of the Suezmax tankers Front Fighter, Front Hunter and Front Delta.
 
·
Frontline agreed to terminate the charter parties for its three remaining single hull VLCCs Titan Orion, Titan Aries and Ticen Ocean and expects to receive compensation payments totaling $26.1 million.
 
·
Frontline agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party between the companies for the OBO carrier Front Striver. The Company expects to record a loss of approximately $9.3 million in the fourth quarter
 
·
Frontline will not pay a dividend for the third quarter of 2011.


Third Quarter and Nine Months 2011 Results

The Board of Frontline Ltd. (the "Company" or "Frontline") announces a net loss, excluding vessel impairment losses, attributable to the Company of $44.7 million for the third quarter of 2011, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.57, compared with a net loss attributable to the Company of $35.2 million and a loss per share of $0.45 for the preceding quarter. The net loss, excluding vessel impairment charges, attributable to the Company in the third quarter includes a gain on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains of $3.8 million, which comprises the amortization of deferred gains of $1.8 million and $2.0 million relating to the sales of Front Eagle and Front Shanghai, respectively. The net loss attributable to the Company in the preceding quarter included a loss on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains of $12.0 million, which comprised losses of $9.3 million and $8.5 million arising on the termination of the long term charter parties for the OBO carriers Front Leader and Front Breaker, respectively, partially offset by gains of $3.9 million and $2.0 million relating to the sales of Front Eagle and Front Shanghai, respectively.

The Company has recorded a vessel impairment loss of $121.4 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, equivalent to a loss per share of $1.56. This loss relates to five Suezmax vessels built between 1992 and 1996, and includes losses of $27.1 million, $30.6 million and $18.5 million, which have been realized in the fourth quarter on the disposals of Front Fighter, Front Hunter and Front Delta, respectively. Impairment losses are taken when events or changes in circumstances occur that cause the Company to believe that future cash flows for an individual vessel will be less than its carrying value and not fully recoverable. In such instances an impairment charge is recognized if the estimate of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the vessel and its eventual disposition is less than the vessel's carrying amount.

The average daily time charter equivalents ("TCEs") earned in the spot and period market in the third quarter by the Company's VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and Suezmax OBO carriers were $17,000, $9,500 and $38,200, respectively, compared with $26,100, $15,800 and $31,300, respectively, in the preceding quarter. The spot earnings for the Company's double hull VLCCs and Suezmax vessels were $12,600 and $7,800, respectively, in the third quarter compared with $23,900 and $14,500, respectively, in the second quarter. The Gemini Suezmax pool had spot earnings of $7,600 per day in the third quarter compared to $16,200 per day in the second quarter. The Company's double hull VLCCs excluding the spot index time charter vessels had spot earnings of $14,600 per day in the third quarter, compared with $25,700 in the second quarter.


 
 

 

Profit share in the third quarter as a result of the profit sharing agreement with Ship Finance International Limited ("Ship Finance") was income of $1.6 million compared to $0.2 million expense in the preceding quarter. This is because profit share expense is calculated on a year-to-date basis and the poor spot market in the third quarter resulted in a clawback in the third quarter. Ship operating expenses decreased by $6.1 million compared with the preceding quarter as a result of a decrease in drydocking costs of $3.6 million and a decrease in running costs mainly due to recent sales and lease terminations. Charter hire expenses decreased by $0.8 million in the third quarter compared with the preceding quarter.
 
Interest income in the third quarter of $0.3 million primarily relates to restricted deposits held by subsidiaries reported in ITCL. Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, was $32.5 million in the third quarter of which $6.0 million relates to ITCL.

Frontline announces a net loss, excluding vessel impairment losses, attributable to the Company of $64.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, equivalent to a loss per share of $0.83. The average daily TCEs earned in the spot and period market in the nine months ended September 30, 2011 by the Company's VLCCs, Suezmax tankers and Suezmax OBO carriers were $24,000, $14,200 and $35,300, respectively, compared with $40,300, $28,200 and $48,100, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The spot earnings for the Company's double hull VLCCs and Suezmax vessels were $21,300 and $12,700, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The Gemini Suezmax pool had spot earnings of $14,000 per day and the Company's double hull VLCCs excluding the spot index time charter vessels had spot earnings of $22,900 per day, respectively, in the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had total cash and cash equivalents of $191.0 million and restricted cash of $157.2 million. Restricted cash includes $96.8 million relating to deposits in ITCL and $58.0 million in Frontline, which is restricted under the charter agreements with Ship Finance.

In November 2011, the Company has average total cash cost breakeven rates for the remainder of 2011 on a TCE basis for VLCCs and Suezmax tankers of approximately $30,200 and $23,600, respectively.
 
 
Fleet Development
 
In September 2011, the Company and Ship Finance agreed to terminate the long term charter parties for the single-hull VLCCs Titan Orion, Titan Aries and Ticen Ocean and Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessels to an unrelated third party. Each charter party will terminate at the time the vessel is delivered to the new owner at which time Ship Finance will make a compensation payment to the Company for termination of the charter party. Expected compensation amounts and termination dates are $9.4 million and first quarter of 2012 for Titan Orion, $6.5 million and fourth quarter of 2012 for Titan Aries and $10.2 million and third quarter of 2013 for Ticen Ocean.
 
In October 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 1994-built Suezmax tanker Front Fighter and delivery to the new owner took place in October. The sale resulted in a net cash outflow of approximately $2.6 million, after repayment of bank debt, and a loss of $27.1 million, which has been included in the impairment loss recorded in the third quarter.
 
In October 2011, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party for the OBO carrier Front Striver and Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessel. The charter party terminated on October 27 and Frontline made a compensation payment to Ship Finance of $8.1 million for the early termination of the charter. The transaction reduced the Company's obligations under capital leases by approximately $10.7 million and the Company expects to record a loss of approximately $9.3 million in the fourth quarter.
 
In October 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 1996-built Suezmax tanker Front Hunter to VTN Shipping Group, a related party. The vessel will cease to trade in the spot market and delivery took place on November 10, 2011. The sale resulted in a net cash outflow of approximately $0.1 million, after repayment of bank debt, and a loss of $30.6 million, which has been included in the impairment loss recorded in the third quarter.
 
In November 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 1993-built Suezmax tanker Front Delta.  Delivery to the new owner is expected to take place at the end of November 2011. The sale will result in a net cash outflow of approximately $1.5 million, after repayment of bank debt, and resulted in a loss of $18.5 million, which has been included in the impairment loss recorded in the third quarter.
 
 
 

 
 
The Company is currently establishing the Orion Tankers pool with Nordic American Tankers Limited and expects it to be operational by the end of the year. This specialist suezmax pool with 29 double hull Suezmaxes at the outset is expected to enhance customer service and reduce costs. During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company will leave the Gemini pool. This changeover will bring the Company closer to the commercial operations and will not result in any disruption.
 
 
Newbuilding Program

As of September 30, 2011, Frontline's newbuilding program comprised of two Suezmax tankers and five VLCCs, which constitute a contractual cost of $649.9 million. Installments of $212.0 million have been made on the newbuildings and the remaining installments to be paid as of September 30, 2011 amount to $437.9 million, with expected payments of approximately $13.5 million in 2011, $175.7 million in 2012 and $248.7 million in 2013.

In November 2010, the Company secured pre- and post-delivery financing in the amount of $147.0 million representing 70 percent of the contract price for the first two VLCCs to be delivered in 2012. As of September 30, 2011, $72.0 million was drawn down on this facility.

For the three remaining VLCCs and the two Suezmax tanker newbuildings to be delivered between late 2012 and 2013, the Company has not yet established pre- and post-delivery financing, thus Frontline has invested $140 million of equity in the newbuilding program as of September 30, 2011.
 
 
Corporate

The Board of Directors has decided not to declare a dividend for the third quarter of 2011.

77,858,502 ordinary shares were outstanding as of September 30, 2011, and the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the quarter was 77,858,502.

The Company reports vessel values provided by a broker panel on all loan facilities to its banks each quarter. At September 30, 2011, there were two facilities where the minimum value of the vessels was below the required levels defined in the loan agreements. In October 2011 the Company therefore made, in accordance with the loan agreements, prepayments of $13.3 million on these facilities in order to restore compliance. The Company was in compliance with all other covenants in the loan agreements at September 30, 2011.
 
 
The Market

The market rate for a VLCC trading on a standard 'TD3' voyage between the Arabian Gulf and Japan in the third quarter of 2011 was WS 47, representing a decrease of approximately WS 6 points from the second quarter of 2011 and a decrease of WS 5.5 points from the third quarter of 2010. Present market indications are approximately $12,000/day in the fourth quarter of 2011.

The market rate for a Suezmax trading on a standard 'TD5' voyage between West Africa and Philadelphia in the third quarter of 2011 was WS 70; equivalent to approximately $10,600/day compared to approximately $13,500/day in the second quarter of 2011, representing a decrease of approximately WS 7 points from the second quarter of 2011 and a decrease of WS 5 points from the third quarter of 2010. Present market indications are approximately $17,000/day in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Bunkers at Fujairah averaged $664/mt in the third quarter of 2011 compared to $657/mt in the second quarter of 2011; an increase of $7/mt. Bunker prices varied between a low of $626.5/mt at the end of September and a high of $699.5/mt in early August. On November 18, 2011, the quoted bunker price in Fujairah was 677/mt.

Philadelphia bunkers averaged $675/mt in the third quarter, which represents a decrease of $6/mt from the second quarter of 2011. Bunker prices varied between a low of $640.5/mt mid August and a high of $705.5/mt at the end of July. On November 18, 2011, the quoted bunker price in Philadelphia was 658/mt.

The International Energy Agency's ("IEA") November 2011 report stated an average OPEC oil production, including Iraq, of 30 million barrels per day (mb/d) during the third quarter of the year. This was an increase of 540,000 barrels per day compared to the second quarter of 2011 and an increase of 720,000 barrels per day compared to the third quarter of 2010.

 
 

 

IEA further estimates that world oil demand averaged 89.8 mb/d in the third quarter of 2011, representing an increase of approximately 1.7 mb/d compared to the previous quarter, and an increase of approximately 540,000 barrels per day compared to the third quarter of 2010.

The VLCC fleet totaled 588 vessels at the end of the third quarter of 2011, up from 574 vessels at the end of the previous quarter. 14 VLCCs were delivered during the quarter. The orderbook counted 131 vessels at the end of the third quarter, down from 143 orders from the previous quarter. Two new orders were placed during the quarter, and the current orderbook represents about 22 percent of the VLCC fleet. According to Fearnleys the single hull fleet stands at 35 vessels.

The Suezmax fleet totaled 442 vessels at the end of the third quarter, up from 432 vessels at the end of the previous quarter. 12 vessels were delivered during the quarter versus an estimated 15 at the beginning of the year. The orderbook counted 118 vessels at the end of the quarter, down from 125 vessels at the end of the previous quarter. Five new orders were placed during the quarter and the current orderbook now represents 27 percent of the total fleet. Two vessels were removed from the trading fleet and according to Fearnleys, the single hull fleet now stands at 12 vessels.

The newbuilding orderbook at the end of the third quarter 2011 includes a high number of expected vessel deliveries remaining in 2011 and in 2012. However, the actual number of deliveries is likely to be lower due to the expected delays, slippage and cancellations of newbuilding orders going forward.

The International Monetary Fund forecasts world growth to rise by approximately 4.0 percent in 2012 compared with 2011 and the IEA projects an increase in world's oil consumption in 2012 by 1.3 mb/d and 1.5 percent compared to 2011. This is not enough to absorb the newbuilding orderbook, but will help mitigate.
 
 
Strategy and Outlook

The tanker market has shown a strong negative development in the last two years. Rates are currently at operating cost levels with no contribution to capital and vessel values have fallen approximately 25-50 percent, depending on age, during the last year. If the weak market continues it is likely to lead to significant financial problems for the whole tanker industry.

At September 30, 2011 Frontline was, after minimum value clause prepayments of $13.3 million on two loan facilities in October, in compliance with all of its financial covenants and had cash and cash equivalents of $191 million. The negative operating cash flow, the funding of the newbuilding program and the additional decrease in values in the fourth quarter creates a challenging situation. If the current market does not improve, the Company is likely to need additional funding in the first part of 2012 in order to meet the Company's cash obligations. There are also significant uncertainties regarding the Company's ability to comply with certain of its financial covenants at the end of the fourth quarter 2011.

The Company has received committed financing for two of its seven newbuildings, while five newbuildings remain unfinanced. The remaining installments to be paid as of September 30, 2011 amounts to $437.9 million, with expected payments of approximately $13.5 million in 2011, $175.7 million in 2012 and $248.7 million in 2013.

The Board has in view of this difficult situation started to consider ways to improve the Company's maneuverability. Certain assets have already been sold in order to reduce the Company's liabilities.

In the period to come the Board will seek discussions with the Company's creditors and counter parts. The target is to find a restructuring solution which reduces the Company's overall liabilities, reduces the cash break even rates and get relief in the Company's financial covenants and debt repayments. The Board anticipates that any such solution will be dependent on a significant new equity contribution or an asset sale and will, in view of the seriousness of the situation, explore all possible alternatives with the preferred target of finding a solution prior to December 31, 2011.

If the current weak market continues and no solution can be found there are significant uncertainties linked to Frontlines sustainability in the present form. The Company's major shareholder Hemen Holding has expressed a positive view in order to contribute to an overall solution.



 
 

 

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward looking statements. These statements are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including Frontline management's examination of historical operating trends. Although Frontline believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond its control, Frontline cannot give assurance that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or intentions.

Important factors that, in the Company's view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this press release include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market as a result of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and world wide oil consumption and storage, changes in the Company's operating expenses including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by the Company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.


The Board of Directors
Frontline Ltd.
Hamilton, Bermuda
November 21, 2011

Questions should be directed to:
Jens Martin Jensen: Chief Executive Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 99
 
Inger M. Klemp: Chief Financial Officer, Frontline Management AS
+47 23 11 40 76

 
 

 

FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2010
Jul-Sept
 
   
2011
Jul-Sept
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
(in thousands of $)
 
2011
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Dec
 
 
                                       
  251,111       173,914  
Total operating revenues
    628,121       939,050       1,165,215  
   6,843        3,787  
Gain on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains
     4,984        26,324        30,935  
  71,195       72,061  
Voyage expenses and commission
    228,114       215,356       282,708  
  5,839       (1,581 )
Profit share expense (income)
    829       28,584       30,566  
  49,555       45,378  
Ship operating expenses
    147,912       142,095       195,679  
  20,543       16,740  
Charter hire expenses
    50,843       116,941       134,551  
  8,400       9,871  
Administrative expenses
    26,489       23,913       31,883  
  -       121,443  
Impairment loss on vessels
    121,443       -       -  
  53,985       49,603  
Depreciation
    151,540       159,879       212,851  
  209,517       313,515  
Total operating expenses
    727,170       686,768       888,238  
  48,437       (135,814 )
Net operating income (loss)
    (94,065 )     278,606       307,912  
  2,732       251  
Interest income
    3,929       10,708       13,432  
  (39,175 )     (32,522 )
Interest expense
    (104,309 )     (112,241 )     (149,918 )
  (120 )     (111 )
Share of results from associated companies
    (411 )     (405 )     (515 )
  338       21  
Foreign currency exchange gain
    171       519       622  
  561       1,707  
Other non-operating items
    9,969       (2,064 )     (7,311 )
   12,773       (166,468 )
Net (loss) income before taxes and noncontrolling interest
    (184,716 )      175,123        164,222  
  (52 )     (76 )
Taxes
    (183 )     (156 )     (218 )
  12,721       (166,544 )
Net (loss) income
    (184,899 )     174,967       164,004  
  (463 )      388  
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (1,036 )     (1,715 )     (2,597 )
  12,258       (166,156 )
Net (loss) income attributable to Frontline Ltd.
    (185,935 )     173,252       161,407  
                                       
                                       
                                       
  12,258       (166,156 )
Net (loss) income attributable to Frontline Ltd.
    (185,935 )     173,252       161,407  
  -       121,443  
Impairment loss on vessels
    121,443       -       -  
   12,258       (44,713 )
Net (loss) income, excluding impairment loss, attributable to Frontline Ltd.
    (64,492 )      173,252        161,407  
                                       
                                       
$ 0.16     $ (2.13 )
Basic (loss) earnings per share ($)
  $ (2.39 )   $ 2.23     $ 2.07  
  -       (1.56 )
Impairment loss per share
    (1.56 )     -       -  
$  0.16     $ (0.57 )
Basic (loss) earnings per share, excluding impairment loss ($)
  $ (0.83 )   $  2.23     $  2.07  
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
             
Income on timecharter basis ($ per day per ship)*
                       
  29,800       17,000  
VLCC
    24,000       40,300       35,900  
  18,200       9,500  
Suezmax
    14,200       28,200       25,800  
  48,600       38,200  
Suezmax OBO
    35,300       48,100       47,400  
             
* Basis = Calendar days minus off-hire. Figures after  deduction of broker commission
                       
See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
 

 

FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2010
Jul-Sept
 
   
2011
Jul-Sept
 
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands of $)
 
2011
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Dec
 
 
                                       
  12,721       (166,544 )
Net (loss) income
    (184,899 )      174,967        164,004  
  (3,719 )     (368 )
Unrealized loss from marketable securities
    (624 )     (13,142 )     (2,013 )
  162       (108 )
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain
    (6 )     (42 )     (137 )
  (3,557 )     (476 )
Other comprehensive loss
    (630 )     (13,184 )     (2,150 )
  9,164       (167,020 )
Comprehensive (loss) income
    (185,529 )     161,783       161,854  
   8,701       (166,632 )
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Frontline Ltd.
    (186,565 )      160,068        159,257  
   463       (388 )
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest
     1,036        1,715        2,597  
  9,164       (167,020 )       (185,529 )     161,783       161,854  

See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 

FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of $)
 
2011
Sept 30
 
   
2010
Sept 30
 
   
2010
Dec 31
 
 
ASSETS
                 
Short term
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
    191,027       207,977       176,639  
Restricted cash
    99,241       225,455       182,091  
Other current assets
    152,084       227,961       229,032  
Vessels held for sale
    28,666       -       -  
Long term
                       
Restricted cash
    58,000       -       62,000  
Newbuildings
    246,978       185,410       224,319  
Vessels and equipment, net
    1,211,891       1,448,183       1,430,124  
Vessels under capital lease, net
    1,221,358       1,462,392       1,427,526  
Investment in finance lease
    54,019       55,766       55,355  
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies
    2,997       3,518       3,408  
Other long-term assets
    7,349       27,843       7,426  
Total assets
    3,273,610       3,844,505       3,797,920  
                         
                         
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
                       
Short term liabilities
                       
Short term debt and current portion of long term debt
    151,418       118,228       173,595  
Current portion of obligations under capital lease
    115,126       196,412       193,379  
Other current liabilities
    84,986       117,699       136,603  
Long term liabilities
                       
Long term debt
    1,153,772       1,257,536       1,190,763  
Obligations under capital lease
    1,199,036       1,368,451       1,336,908  
Other long term liabilities
    11,642       8,118       7,635  
Commitments and contingencies
                       
Equity
                       
Frontline Ltd. equity
    544,690       767,039       747,133  
Noncontrolling interest
    12,940       11,022       11,904  
Total equity
    557,630       778,061       759,037  
Total liabilities and equity
    3,273,610       3,844,505       3,797,920  

See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 

FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

2010
Jul-Sept
 
   
2011
Jul-Sept
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands of $)
 
2011
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Dec
 
 
         
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
  12,721       (166,544 )
Net (loss) income
    (184,899 )     174,967       164,004  
             
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
  54,385       49,992  
Depreciation and amortization
    152,893       160,939       214,287  
  26       (11 )
Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss
    (26 )     (45 )     (138 )
  (6,843 )     (3,787 )
Gain on sale of assets and amortization of deferred gains
    (4,984 )     (26,324 )     (30,935 )
  120       111  
Equity losses of associated companies
    411       405       515  
  -       121,443  
Impairment loss on vessels
    121,443       -       -  
  390       440  
Other, net
    (4,808 )     (3,700 )     1,847  
  35,077       304  
Change in operating assets and liabilities
    (42,224 )     (59,164 )     (34,669 )
  95,876       1,948  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    37,806       247,078       314,911  
                                       
             
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
  83,718       91,271  
Change in restricted cash
    98,906       272,952       256,535  
  (104,397 )     (16,175 )
Additions to newbuildings, vessels and equipment
    (78,980 )     (509,971 )     (548,946 )
  333       394  
Finance lease payments received
    1,123       930       1,277  
  -       -  
Proceeds from sale of vessels and equipment
    148,335       11,061       11,061  
  -       -  
Proceeds from sale of investments
    46,547       -       19,839  
  100       -  
Proceeds from sale of shares in subsidiary
    -       100       100  
  (20,246 )      75,490  
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
     215,931       (224,928 )     (260,134 )
                                       
             
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
  149,707       72,000  
Proceeds from long-term debt, net of fees paid
    70,559       645,537       645,537  
  (26,292 )     (30,888 )
Repayment of long-term debt
    (131,167 )     (158,546 )     (169,953 )
  (101,282 )     (99,118 )
Repayment of capital leases
    (161,612 )     (247,485 )     (280,579 )
  (58,395 )     (1,557 )
Dividends paid
    (17,129 )     (136,254 )     (155,718 )
  (36,262 )     (59,563 )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (239,349 )      103,252        39,287  
                                       
  39,368       17,875  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    14,388       125,402       94,064  
  168,609       173,152  
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period
    176,639       82,575       82,575  
  207,977       191,027  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
    191,027       207,977       176,639  

See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


 
 

 

FRONTLINE LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(in thousands of $ except number of shares)
 
2011
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Sept
 
   
2010
Jan-Dec
 
 
                   
NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
                 
Balance at beginning and end of period
    77,858,502       77,858,502       77,858,502  
                         
SHARE CAPITAL
                       
Balance at beginning and end of period
    194,646       194,646       194,646  
                         
ADDITIONAL PAID IN CAPITAL
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    224,245       221,991       221,991  
Stock option expense
    1,251       1,684       2,053  
Gain on sale of shares in subsidiary
    -       201       201  
Balance at end of period
    225,496       223,876       224,245  
                         
CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
                       
Balance at beginning and end of period
    248,360       248,360       248,360  
                         
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    (3,836 )     (1,686 )     (1,686 )
Other comprehensive loss
    (630 )     (13,184 )     (2,150 )
Balance at end of period
    (4,466 )     (14,870 )     (3,836 )
                         
RETAINED EARNINGS
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    83,718       78,029       78,029  
Net (loss) income
    (185,935 )     173,252       161,407  
Cash dividends
    (17,129 )     (136,254 )     (155,718 )
Balance at end of period
    (119,346 )     115,027       83,718  
                         
FRONTLINE LTD. EQUITY
    544,690       767,039       747,133  
                         
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
                       
Balance at beginning of period
    11,904       9,408       9,408  
Net liabilities assumed on purchase of noncontrolling interest
    -       (101 )     (101 )
Net income
    1,036       1,715       2,597  
Balance at end of period
    12,940       11,022       11,904  
                         
TOTAL  EQUITY
    557,630       778,061       759,037  

See accompanying notes that are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
 

 

FRONTLINE LTD.
UNAUDITED NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  

1.
GENERAL

Frontline Ltd. (the "Company" or "Frontline") is a Bermuda based shipping company engaged primarily in the ownership and operation of oil tankers. The Company's ordinary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the Oslo Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange.

2.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting
The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the disclosures required in the annual consolidated financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual financial statements as at December 31, 2010. Certain amounts in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the year ended December 31, 2010 have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation.

Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Company's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010.

On June 16, 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This standard requires an entity to present items of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement — referred to as the statement of comprehensive income — or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. The standard is intended to enhance comparability between entities that report under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. and those companies that report under International Financial Reporting Standards, and to provide a more consistent method of presenting non-owner transactions that affect an entity's equity. The standard is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012.

3.
VESSEL IMPAIRMENT LOSS

The Company has recorded a vessel impairment loss of $121.4 million, equivalent to a loss per share of $1.56, in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011. This loss relates to five Suezmax vessels built between 1992 and 1996 and includes losses of $27.1 million, $30.6 million and $18.5 million, which have been realized in the fourth quarter on the disposals of Front Fighter, Front Hunter and Front Delta, respectively. Impairment losses are taken when events or changes in circumstances occur that cause the Company to believe that future cash flows for an individual vessel will be less than its carrying value and not fully recoverable. In such instances an impairment charge is recognized if the estimate of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the vessel and its eventual disposition is less than the vessel's carrying amount.

4.
NEWBUILDINGS

The Company capitalized newbuilding costs of $14.4 million and interest of $8.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011.

5.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Marketable securities of $1.0 million at September 30, 2011 (December 31, 2010: $51.5 million) are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of marketable securities is based on the quoted market prices. This fair value falls within the "Level 1" category of ASC 820-10 being "measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities".
 
 
 
 

 

 
6.
DEBT

The conversion price of the Company's convertible bonds at December 31, 2010 was $37.0483 per share. The Company declared a dividend of $0.25 per share on November 24, 2010 and a dividend payment of $0.10 on February 22, 2011. Together these dividend payments resulted in a calculated adjustment of the conversion price above the 1% adjustment threshold, triggering a new actual conversion price. The conversion price was adjusted from $37.0483 to $36.5567 effective March 7, 2011, which was the first date the shares traded ex-dividend of the latter dividend payment.

7.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company's most significant related party transactions are with Ship Finance International Limited ("Ship Finance"), a company under the significant influence of our principal shareholder, as the Company leases the majority of its vessels from Ship Finance and pays Ship Finance a profit share based on the earnings of these vessels.

Amounts earned from other related parties comprise office rental income, technical and commercial management fees, newbuilding supervision fees, freights, corporate and administrative services income and interest income. Amounts paid to related parties comprise primarily rental for office space and guarantee fees.

In February 2011, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter parties between the companies for the single hull VLCCs Ticen Sun (ex. Front Highness) and Front Ace and Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessels to unrelated third parties. The termination of the charters took place in February and March 2011, respectively. Ship Finance made a compensation payment to the Company of $5.3 million for the early termination of the charters, which was recorded in the first quarter of 2011.

In April and May 2011, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter parties between the companies for the OBO vessels Front Leader and Front Breaker, respectively, and Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessels. The termination of the charter parties took place on April 12, 2011 and May 26, 2011, respectively, and the Company made compensation payments to Ship Finance of $7.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively, for the early termination of the charter parties. The Company recorded losses of $9.3 million and $8.5 million, respectively, in the second quarter of 2011.
 
In September 2011, the Company and Ship Finance agreed to terminate the long term charter parties for the single-hull VLCCs Titan Orion, Titan Aries and Ticen Ocean and Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessels to an unrelated third party. Each charter party will terminate at the time the vessel is delivered to the new owner at which time Ship Finance will make a compensation payment to the Company for termination of the charter party. Expected compensation amounts and termination dates are $9.4 million and first quarter of 2012 for Titan Orion, $6.5 million and fourth quarter of 2012 for Titan Aries and $10.2 million and third quarter of 2013 for Ticen Ocean.
 
8.
COMMITMENTS  AND CONTINGENCIES

As of September 30, 2011, the Company was committed to make newbuilding installments of $437.9 million as follows;

       
(in millions of $)
 
Total
 
2011
    13.5  
2012
    175.7  
2013
    248.7  
      437.9  
 
 
 
 

 

 
9.
DIVIDENDS

On May 24, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.10 per share. The record date for the dividend was June 8, 2011, the ex dividend date was June 6, 2011 and the dividend was paid on June 28, 2011.

On August 25, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.02 per share. The record date for the dividend was September 9, 2011, ex dividend date was September 7, 2011 and the dividend was paid on September 26, 2011.

10.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
In October 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 1994-built Suezmax tanker Front Fighter and delivery to the new owner took place in October. The sale resulted in a net cash outflow of approximately $2.6 million, after repayment of bank debt, and a loss of $27.1 million, which has been included in the impairment loss recorded in the third quarter.
 
In October 2011, the Company agreed with Ship Finance to terminate the long term charter party for the OBO carrier Front Striver and Ship Finance simultaneously sold the vessel. The charter party terminated on October 27 and Frontline made a compensation payment to Ship Finance of $8.1 million for the early termination of the charter. The transaction reduced the Company's obligations under capital leases by approximately $10.7 million and the Company expects to record a loss of approximately $9.3 million in the fourth quarter.
 
In October 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 1996-built Suezmax tanker Front Hunter to VTN Shipping Group, a related party. The vessel will cease to trade in the spot tanker market and delivery took place November 10, 2011. The sale resulted in a net cash outflow of approximately $0.1 million, after repayment of bank debt, and a loss of $30.6 million, which has been included in the impairment loss recorded in the third quarter.
 
In November 2011, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 1993-built Suezmax tanker Front Delta and delivery to the new owner is expected to take place at the end of November 2011. The sale will result in a net cash outflow of approximately $1.5 million, after repayment of bank debt, and resulted in a loss of $18.5 million, which has been included in the impairment loss recorded in the third quarter.