Frontline plc (FRO) Stock: Posts $33M Q125 Profit Amid Strong TCE Rates and Geopolitical Headwinds

TLDR

Frontline stock closed at $18.34 on May 23, 2025, rising 6.75%. Q1 2025 profit reached $33.3 million, with adjusted profit at $40.4 million. Strong TCE rates across VLCC, Suezmax, and LR2/Aframax fleets. $805 million in cash and liquidity, no major debt maturities until 2030. OPEC+ production increases and sanctions shape tanker market outlook.

Frontline plc (NYSE: FRO) stock closed at $18.34 on May 23, 2025, up 6.75%, after posting first-quarter 2025 results.

Frontline plc (NYSE: FRO) Stock

The company reported a profit of $33.3 million, or $0.15 per share, with adjusted profit reaching $40.4 million, or $0.18 per share. Revenues totaled $427.9 million, driven by strong time charter equivalent (TCE) rates across its tanker fleet.

Frontline plc, $FRO, Q1-25. Results:
🟢 +2% Pre-Market

📊 Adj. EPS: $0.18 🔴
💰 Revenue: $427.9M 🟢
🔎 Liquidity strengthened with $1.3B refinancing, no major debt maturities until 2030, and one of the youngest, most efficient fleets in the industry. pic.twitter.com/Wn8uVvESmz

— EarningsTime (@Earnings_Time) May 23, 2025

Strong TCE Rates and Cash Generation

In Q1 2025, Frontline achieved notable TCE rates: $37,200 per day for VLCCs, $31,200 for Suezmax, and $22,300 for LR2/Aframax tankers. For Q2, bookings are even stronger, with 68% of VLCC days secured at $56,400, 69% of Suezmax at $44,900, and 66% of LR2 at $36,100 per day. Despite a slight decrease in time charter earnings to $241 million from $249 million in the prior quarter, the company’s cash generation potential stands at $332 million, or $1.49 per share, which could double if spot markets rise by 30%.

Fleet Overview and Operational Strength

Frontline operates a modern fleet of 81 vessels, including 41 VLCCs, 22 Suezmax tankers, and 18 LR2/Aframax tankers, with an average age of 6.8 years. Nearly all vessels are ECO class, enhancing efficiency. Operating expenses averaged $8,300 per day across the fleet in Q1, with cash breakeven rates at $29,700 for VLCCs, $24,300 for Suezmax, and $23,300 for LR2s.

Market Dynamics and Geopolitical Impact

Global oil consumption averaged 103.2 million barrels per day in Q1 2025, up 1.5 mbpd year-over-year, while supply increased 1.0 mbpd. Notably, OPEC+ reversed its 2.2 mbpd production cuts, tripling the expected supply increase. Analysts expect global supply to outpace demand, potentially creating a contango market that benefits tanker freight rates. Meanwhile, sanctions on over 800 tankers, primarily linked to Iranian and Russian trades, are reshaping market routes and opportunities.

Strong Balance Sheet and Refinancing Moves

As of March 31, 2025, Frontline reported $805 million in cash and cash equivalents. Recent refinancing efforts secured $1,286.5 million in new credit facilities, leaving the company with no significant debt maturities until 2030. Despite a 4.7 million decrease in adjusted profit compared to the prior quarter and rising operating costs, the company maintains a solid financial footing.

 

 

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