Taylor Maritime - a solid investment?

Director/PDMR Shareholding

The Company announces that Edward Buttery, Chief Executive Director, has purchased 200,000 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares @ 0.98USD

Good upward momentum

Another director buy reported today:

"The Company announces that Christopher Buttery, Non-Executive Director, has purchased 53,278 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company"

SP motoring up nicely, up 14% since I posted this on Jan 26 2004: "It would seem Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) are doing well and on course to do better."

I continue to hold.

The recent 100k purchase by Buttery has certainly helped give Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) SP a further upward momentum.

Taylor Maritime  aims to  create value for investors by "focusing on an area of the market which is inherently robust. It is centred around continuing, steady demand for necessity goods, leveraging TMI’s proven track record and deep market knowledge to secure attractively priced vessel acquisitions, and competitive charter rates with high quality charterers."

Another positive note is Taylor Maritome's carefully assembled fleet consists of "high quality predominantly Japanese built second-hand ships which, under experienced management, can operate relatively efficiently compared to peers."

Kepler Research comments: "One of the attractions of TMI is it offers the opportunity to invest in the shipping industry alongside an established team with strong connections. On the other hand, as an internally managed company, there is not the independence of the board that is common across the investment trust sector. TMI was established by Ed Buttery, who has 20 years’ experience in the industry; his father, Christopher Buttery, who established Pacific Basin in 1987, sits on the board as a non-executive director. Ed started his career at Pacific Basin, where he was a chartering manager before serving as deputy COO of Asia Maritime Pacific and then working at Nordea Bank, where he lent senior debt to shipping companies. He set up shipping management company Taylor Maritime in 2014, from which 17 of TMI’s 23 seed assets were already under commercial management. Taylor Maritime also managed other ships from the seed portfolio and those bought with the proceeds of the July 2021 placing. It was appointed by TMI to run its portfolio after TMI launched and has now been bought by Grindrod, bringing it in-house at TMI.

Ed is the key manager of the portfolio, leading the executive team, and serves as chief executive officer on the board. The board contains independent non-execs, including the chairman, while Christopher Buttery also serves as a non-executive director. Ed is joined on the executive team by Alexander Slee, deputy CEO, who has 15 years of experience in the industry, including Pacific Basin and then as deputy CEO of Taylor Maritime. Camilla Pierrepont, Ed’s sister, is the chief strategy officer and head of investor relations. She has experience in the LPG carrier company Epic Gas as well as in the venture capital industry. Chief financial officer Yam Lay Tan also worked for Epic Gas and joined Taylor Maritime in 2019. Carl Ackerley, with more than 30 years’ dry bulk industry experience, is the most recent addition to the executive team, having joined from Grindrod following the acquisition and currently serves as joint chief operating officer across both companies.

The directors and management team own shares in TMI, and benefit from a long-term incentive plan which sees them rewarded with equity based on three-year NAV performance. This provides alignment of interests with other shareholders, although arguably targets linked to share price would bring more alignment, as performance awards can be received based on NAV performance even while the shares sit on a wide discount."

With signs of emerging positivity in dry bulk handysize/ultramax shipping, I think there is decent upside at the current share price.

7 March 2024: Director/PDMR Shareholding

"The Company announces that Christopher Buttery, Non-Executive Director, has purchased 100,000 ordinary shares in the capital of the Company ("Ordinary Shares")."

Very encouraging to see Buttery executing a healthy share purchase at £0.72

(I continue to hold).

Encouraging to see Director buy of 115,000 shares.  Tentative signs Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) share price on an upward trend.

Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMI) making good progress:

• $91m of debt paid back at the end of September 2023 and ‘look-through’ debt reduced by around $147m (saving $7.7m interest costs per year)
• Gearing, reported as a percentage of debt to gross assets, was 26.9% at the end of September2003 or 38.5% on a look-through basis after seven vessel sales from both the TMI and Grindrod fleets during the quarter. 
• Sale of TMI’s two oldest vessels completed last quarter (repaying around $11m of debt) will bring  gearing close to company’s 25% target. 
• Fleet is now entirely made up of Japanese ships with a low average age, which should help preserve values over the long run
• Acquisition of Grindrod will deliver cost savings/efficiencies. For example, Grindrod has acquired commercial and technical managers of TMI’s fleet (who were previously external),  in a cash-plus-shares deal leading to  cost savings.
• Weaker charter rates during spring have recovered sharply from early August 2023, and surged further  in late November, hitting 13-month highs in December.
•  Vessel prices have also recovered.
• TMI continues to pay a dividend at 2 cents per share (9% annualised yield).

"The shipping industry has passed through a rough patch over the summer, but TMI continues to support an attractive dividend while Ed Buttery, CEO of TMI, has fashioned a fleet that looks to be in a strong position to deliver value over the long run. The deleveraging process has proceeded at great pace, and it is encouraging to see the market provide liquidity close to carrying value, even in a falling market. We also think it is promising to see dividends continuing to be paid at the current level despite a fall in cash generation over the summer due to weak charter rates. We understand that at the time of writing [16 Jan 2024] cash generated by the combined fleet on an ongoing basis has returned to almost the level at which it covers interest costs and dividend" Kepler Trust Intelligence

1 March 2024

TR-1 notification reporting Christian Burchard Max Oldendorff have increased their holding from 10.635932% to 15.308147%

Some highlights from the latest Quarterly Factsheet:

• 3.9% NAV total return due to end of year market improvement Benchmark indices reached 13-month highs in December on tightening supply conditions
• Company debt-to-gross assets at 24.9% due to $11.4 million repayment and slightly higher asset values
• Interim dividend of 2 cents per share declared
• Sale of the two oldest vessels in the TMI fleet completed
• Sale of the last two Grindrod Chinese built Handysize bulk carriers completed
• TMI/Gridrod combined fleet now fully Japanese built vessels (as announced on 11 December 2023)
• Increased shareholder alignment: share ownership by Principals of the original Taylor Maritime group increased by 3,910,450 to 26,493,914 ordinary shares (c.8% of issued share capital)
• Ongoing tensions in theRed Sea have begun to impact global shipping, causing further re-routing and increased voyage times, providing further potential upside given the resulting impact on effective supply.

Commenting on the trading update Edward Buttery, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"We are harnessing the operatingleverage of the Grindrod transaction which has delivered a younger, more efficient combined fleet, an increased carrying capacity and expected synergies and cost efficiencies to drive earnings power into a firming charter rate environment. Reducing debt remains a strategic priority and further progress has seen debt to gross assets fall below 25% at quarter end. We took advantage of strengthening market conditions towards the end of the period with 13 month index highs and locked in higher charter rates on a portion of the fleet.

Tight supply-demand fundamentals for the geared dry bulk segment continue to drive positive forward sentiment. The management team remain closely aligned with shareholders and maintain strong conviction in the Company's prospects as reflected by a purchase by the Principals of the original Taylor Maritime group of a further 3.9 million shares during the period. There remains plenty to do in 2024 and I am confident of achieving our goals."

It would seem Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) are doing well and on course to do better.Gearing being reduced to below 25% set target set earlier is great news (I hold)

Link to Factsheet

Nice to see at least one of my holdings  on the up, especially as it's during the recent sell-off everywhere else in my porfolio. 

Interesting writeup on Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) by David Stevenson:

Great results from Taylor Maritime

Commenting on performance in this first interim period, Nicholas Lykiardopulo, Independent Chair, said:
"As a specialist owner of Handysize vessels, the workhorses of the dry bulk shipping trade transporting necessity goods around the world, TMI has made a strong start as a listed company, delivering on its investment thesis by growing the fleet at attractive prices. We are focused on high-quality, fuel-efficient vessels which we can operate in an increasingly sustainable way as we transition towards alternate fuels. TMI has built a strong foundation since IPO, with an excellent fleet and highly cash generative charters which will allow us to deliver predictable long-term income to shareholders".

Edward Buttery, CEO, added:
"This has been a formative, dynamic period following our well-received IPO, a period of milestones and momentum - efficient deployment of IPO proceeds through new vessel acquisitions, successful chartering balancing attractive rates and visibility, and a strong investment position marrying agility with financial discipline. TMI is on a firm footing, operating in a clearly defined niche of a market with systemic demand".

Outlook
Given buoyant markets, the highest demand and charter rates seen in a decade and attractive opportunities for the specialist vessel buyer, we anticipate continued market strength for the coming two to three years. The favourable combination of slowing fleet growth, healthy demand for commodities, likely slower operating speeds for the global fleet and muted ship ordering arising from evolving emissions regulations will benefit our earnings, secondhand asset values and shareholder returns. The Board remains committed to meeting its stated target dividend commitments, but will consider the company's financial position at the year end and the potential for an additional extraordinary dividend.

* QUARTERLY OPERATING PROFIT 33 MILLION USD
* INTERIM DIVIDEND OF 1.75 CENTS PER SHARE DECLARED
* AS AT 31 MARCH UNAUDITED NAV WAS $1.74  (+22% SINCE 31 DEC 2021)

Commenting on the trading update, Edward Buttery, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"I'm delighted that we have delivered a first year of solid financial results and cash generation with 4.0x baseline dividend cover. We have created a differentiated shipping investment opportunity offering growth and attractive shareholder returns as well as effective recycling of capital. This is in the context of our continued anticipation of two to three years of further strength in the market."

Interim Results Statement

Interesting recent newsflow might explain the upward movement in the share price:

9 March 2022: ...agreed to sell one 2006 built Handysize vessel and one 2011 built Supramax vessel for a combined $33.3m of proceeds. The transactions represent IRRs in excess of 100% for each vessel and a MOIC of 1.4x and 1.7x respectively.

29 March 2022: Waverton Investment Management Limited discloses increase in TMIP holding from 4.64% to 5.0057%

30 March 2022: ...agreed to sell a 2004 built Handysize vessel for $11.6 million. The vessel was an IPO seed asset and the sale is expected to complete in Q2 2022, generating an IRR in excess of 200% and MOIC of 1.6x. The vessel, at 18 years old, is the oldest vessel in TMI's fleet and the sale is part of the Company's stated policy to improve the efficiency of the overall fleet.

Could this become one of my long-term hold shares?

Have to say found it difficult so far to initiate a trade.A J Bell only offered trade at best which given quite a wide spread is not for me.If i can find a broker who offers a limit trade then  would consider TMIP . 

In my writeup on Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) I wrote "could Taylor Maritime be in the right place at the right time?"

It would seem that Jeremy Gordon writing at Citywire yesterday agrees when he says "It has been a case of right place, right time for the fund run by Ed Buttery."

Link to article 'Big gains on the high seas' (you may have to register - free)

"‘With second-hand ships continuing to transact at above-depreciated replacement cost and average net charter rates having increased further over October to $19.5k per day, further valuation increases are likely,’ said analyst Conor Finn."

Brief soundbites from Buttery https://www.investmentweek.co....

Why does Stockopedia class this share as a Collective Investment and give next to no data? Maybe I'm old-fashioned but I think of Collectives as companies that primarily hold shares (quoted or unquoted) in a range of separate other businesses, like traditional investment trusts. As I see it, Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) buys physical assets (boats), perhaps renovates them, then rents them out, maybe sells them afterwards. Rather like REDDE or HSS but with bigger ticket items.

Also, any thoughts on whether holders through a UK brokerage have to do anything to get the forthcoming dividend paid in GBP rather than converted from USD at the broker's sometimes penal FX terms?

Quarterly NAV Announcement, Publication of Factsheet and Trading Update

• As at 30 September 2021 unaudited NAV was $1.3982 per share
• Unaudited NAV up c.24% since 30 June and c.43% since IPO (in late May 2021)
• Interim dividend of 1.75 cents per share declared
• Interim dividend in respect of the period to 30 September 2021 of 1.75 cents per Ordinary Share declared

Quarterly factsheet for the Company available here

Key Factsheet Highlights

• As at 30 September 2021, the Company's fleet consisted of 20 delivered vessels and 12 undelivered vessels. Of the 32 vessels, 30 are Handysize and 2 are Supramax
• The fleet's average net time charter rate at 30 September 2021 was approximately $17,000 per day, with an average duration of eight months and average annualized unlevered return in excess of 20%
• At 30 September 2021, the portfolio valuation of 25 vessels (from 30 June) had increased by $68m (19%) over the 30 June valuation. The valuation of the remaining seven vessels (acquisition announced 11 August) had increased by $11m (10%) over the aggregate purchase price
• The Market Value of the vessel portfolio was $535m as at 30 September

Post-Period Trading Update (Since 30 September 2021)

• Four ships have delivered in October to date taking the delivered fleet to 24 vessels with a fifth ship expected to deliver before the end of the month
• Current average net charter rates increased to approximately $19,500 per day by the end of October
• Delivered fleet currently yielding annualized unlevered return in excess of 25%
• Demand growth expected to continue to outpace supply growth in 2022
• Further asset value upside possible as secondhand ships remain attractive relative to Depreciated Replacement Cost

A useful summary, thanks. I've been squirrelling this away since July and have enough for now. The Board sound experienced though there's a degree of 'keep it in the family'. I read the prospectus initially but can't remember what size fleet they plan to grow to - they made a point of buying their initial ships at a decent discount on the second hand market and achieving gross rental yields up to 20% pa. My understanding is their focus is mainly grains/ soft commodities so they're not into the current 'container space' boom (and subsequent bust.....?). That said, I expect it will turn out to be quite a cyclical business.

FT's David Stevenson recently compared Taylor Maritime Investments (LON:TMIP) to Tufton Oceanic Assets (LON:SHIP) and came out mildly in favour of the latter, based partly on a longer track record http://www.adventurousinvestor...

From coverage of the IPO by Hellenic Shipping News, 28/5/2021:

A Guernsey-incorporated spin-off of Hong Kong’s privately-owned Taylor Maritime Investments, TM initially planned to sell 250m new shares at US$1 each on the premium segment of the LSE’s main market in that exchange’s first major maritime IPO since that of Tufton Oceanic Assets’ in 2017. Such was the interest in the offering, TM ultimately issued, in a deal brokered by Jefferies, 253.7m shares, comprising 160m shares to investors and 93.7m shares issued to fund the acquisition of a seed fleet of 23 handysizes and supramaxes bulk carriers.

Handysize vessels have a carrying capacity of 15,000 to 35,000 DWT and length from 130m to 150m with a 10m draught. They typically contain five cargo holds for diversified storage with four on-deck cranes. Their shallow draught and small size allow them to operate in most ports across the world, making them the most common bulk carrier over 10,000 DWT. They can carry a variety of dry bulk cargo, including iron ore, coal, cement, phosphate, finished steel products, wooden logs, fertilizer, and grains. These vessels are typically built in Japan, South Korea, China, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines.

Supramax vessels are medium-sized vessels with a carrying capacity between 48,000 and 60,000 DWT, with a typical draught of 12.2m and 199m length. Because of their smaller size, Supramax vessels can enter and exit smaller ports.