FMP

FMP

Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT) Faces Earnings Miss but Maintains Dividend and Expands Fleet

  • Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT) reported a Q3 earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.01, missing the estimated EPS of $0.10, with revenue also falling short at approximately $45.7 million.
  • Despite the earnings miss, NAT declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per common share, payable on December 22, aiming to retain investor confidence.
  • NAT plans to expand its fleet by entering into a letter of intent for the construction of two new Suezmax tankers, each priced at $86 million, indicating a commitment to growth and operational enhancement.

Nordic American Tankers Limited (NYSE:NAT) operates in the competitive shipping industry, focusing on the transportation of crude oil with its fleet of Suezmax tankers. The company competes with other key players like Frontline Ltd. and Teekay Tankers Ltd.

On November 28, 2025, NAT reported an earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.01, missing the estimated EPS of $0.10. This underperformance is reflected in the company's revenue, which was approximately $45.7 million, falling short of the expected $70.3 million. As highlighted by the company's third-quarter results, both revenue and profitability were significantly below consensus expectations.

Despite the disappointing earnings, NAT declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per common share, payable on December 22. This decision to maintain a generous dividend may be seen as a strategic move to retain investor confidence. Investors recorded by December 8 will be eligible to receive this dividend, which represents an increase from previous payouts.

Following the earnings announcement, NAT's stock price declined by 3.6%, reaching a low of $3.62. The stock last traded at $3.62, with a trading volume of 1.6 million shares, a 37% decrease from the average session volume of 2.5 million shares. The company's return on equity stands at 2.67%, with a net margin of 7.58%, indicating modest profitability.

In a strategic development, NAT entered into a letter of intent with a Korean shipyard for the construction of two Suezmax tankers, each priced at $86 million. This move suggests the company's commitment to expanding its fleet and enhancing its operational capabilities. Despite the earnings miss, NAT's financial ratios, such as a P/E ratio of 57.63 and a current ratio of 2.33, reflect the market's expectations for future growth and the company's ability to cover short-term liabilities.