Chemoil Q4 & FY2009 Report

SGX Mainboard-listed Chemoil (SGX-ST: CHEL.SI) reported a net profit attributable to equity holders of $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 (FY2009) and a net profit attributable to equity holders of $2.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2009 (4Q2009).

Reflecting Chemoil’s continued strong presence in retail shipping sales, fuel deliveries rose by 5% to 4 million metric tons for 4Q2009 compared with 3.8 million metric tons for 4Q2008. Supported by strong retail volumes in Asia, retail marine fuel sales rose by 6% for FY2009 – accounting for 59% of all volumes throughout the year. Furthermore, Chemoil’s continued dedication to cultivating strategic partnerships, saw profits from affiliate and joint-venture companies increase by 89% to US$12 million for FY2009 compared to US$6.3 million for FY2008.

Chemoil’s Chairman and CEO, Mr Mike Bandy, commented: “The global recession has created difficult market conditions in 2009 in some of our port locations. However, Chemoil’s ability to tailor its integrated supply chain to reflect market conditions has enabled the company to increase retail volumes through a difficult year and remain profitable. As a reflection of the strength of our business strategy, our investment in logistics assets over recent years has enabled the business to take advantage of the stable revenue and profitability despite the volatile market. Moreover, our expansion through a partnership approach reinforces our growth strategy, and our joint ventures and associates such as IPC (USA), Burando, Galaxy, and ChemoilAdani have contributed significantly to our bottom line in 2009.”

In light of 2009’s historic recessionary pressures, sales volumes for FY2009 fell 8% to 15.1 million tons compared to 16.5 million tons for FY2008 due to lower wholesale volumes in Europe and the Americas combined with lower ex-wharf volumes in Asia. Gross contribution per metric ton (GCMT) for FY2009 fell to US$6.85 per metric ton compared to US$8.26 per metric ton for FY2008. GCMT for 4Q2009 was US$6.32 against a weak result in 3Q2009.

Chemoil’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr Jerome Lorenzo, explained: “While parts of Chemoil’s business have been impacted by the global downturn, the company’s balance sheet continues to remain strong at US$304.1 million in shareholder equity as at December 31, 2009 compared to US$291.3 million for the previous year, an increase of US$12.8 million. Our risk management team continues to fortify the risk management process against customer default through frequent review and monitoring of customer credit.”

Mr Bandy concluded: “There are signs of improved business conditions for 2010 amid small gains in global trade volumes and improving market sentiment. However, the overall weakness of the shipping sector is a constant reminder that recovery will be challenging in 2010. Consequently, as Chemoil continues to seize opportunities, we need to remain agile and proactive to the changing market conditions. Chemoil will continue to adapt its diversified supply strategy and flexible sales mix as required to strengthen the stable revenue streams and tap the more profitable market segments. Combined with the increased operational strength of our strategic partners, our aim is to continue to improve from the earnings and profitability of 2009.”

(www.chemoil.com)