Nordic American Tankers Limited
Annual Report 2004

Plain-text annual report

2004 Annual Report to Shareholders NORDIC AMERICAN TANKER SHIPPING LIMITED 2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 1 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders BUSINESS General Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited. (the “Company”) was formed on June 12, 1995 under the laws of the Islands of Bermuda (“Bermuda”) for the purpose of acquiring and chartering three Suezmax tankers that were built in 1997. These three vessels were bareboat chartered to BP Shipping Ltd., or BP Shipping, for a period of seven years. BP Shipping redelivered these three vessels to us in September 2004, October 2004 and November 2004, respectively. We have continued contracts with BP Shipping by time chartering to it two of our original vessels at spot market related rates for three-year terms up to the autumn of 2007. We have bareboat chartered the third of our original three vessels to Gulf Navigation Company LLC, or Gulf Navigation, of Dubai, U.A.E. for a term of five years at a fixed rate of charterhire, subject to two one-year extensions at Gulf Navigation’s option. We acquired in November 2004 our fourth vessel, which we are currently operating in the spot market. In January 2005, the Company agreed to acquire a double hull Suezmax tanker which was delivered to us on March 21, 2005. In February 2005, the Company agreed to acquire a double hull Suezmax tanker which was delivered to us from Daewoo Shipyard in Korea on March 29, 2005. Our Fleet Our fleet, including the two additional vessels we have acquired in 2005, consists of six modern double-hull Suezmax tankers. The following chart provides information regarding each vessel, including its employment status. Vessel Yard Year Built Dwt Employment Status (Expiration Date) 1997 Gulf Scandic (ex. British Harrier) 1997 Nordic Hawk (ex. British Hawk) Nordic Hunter (ex. British Hunter) 1997 Nordic Voyager (ex. Wilma Yangtze) Dalian New 1997 Samsung Samsung Samsung Nordic Fighter (ex. Front Fighter) 1998 Nordic Freedom (newbuilding) 2005 (1) TC/Spot = Time Charter on spot market related terms. (2) The vessels were delivered to us in late March 2005. Hyundai Daewoo 151,459 Bareboat (Nov. 2009) 151,459 TC/spot(1) (Oct. 2007) 151,459 TC/spot(1) (Oct. 2007) 149,591 Spot 153,181 Spot(2) 159,500 Spot(2) Flag Isle of Man Bahamas Bahamas Norway Norway Bahamas OUR CHARTERS We operate our vessels on bareboat charter, spot related time charters and in the spot market. Our goal is to manage our cash flows through the use of fixed-rate bareboat and time charters for part of our fleet, while taking advantage of potentially higher market rates through time charters with spot market related rates and voyage charters. Bareboat Charters We have chartered one of our vessels (the Gulf Scandic) under a bareboat charter to Gulf Navigation, for a period of five years, terminating in the fourth quarter of 2009, subject to two one-year extensions at Gulf Navigation’s option. Under the terms of the bareboat charter, Gulf Navigation is obligated to pay a fixed charterhire of $17,325 per day for the entire charter period. During the charter period, Gulf Navigation will be responsible for operating and maintaining the vessel and will bear all costs and expenses with respect to the vessel. Time Charters We have chartered two of our vessels (the Nordic Hawk and the Nordic Hunter) under spot market related time charters to BP Shipping for a period of three years each, terminating between September 1 and October 31, 2007. The amount of charterhire payable under the charters to BP Shipping is based on a formula designed to generate earnings to us as if we had operated the vessels in the spot market on two routes used for the calculation, less 5%. The charterhire is payable to us monthly. Under the time charters, BP Shipping is responsible for all voyage related costs while the Company is responsible for providing the crew and paying other operating costs. Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 2 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders Spot Charters We currently operate one of our four vessels (the Nordic Voyager) and have deployed the two additional vessels that we have recently purchased in 2005 (the Nordic Fighter and the Nordic Freedom), in the spot market. Tankers operating in the spot market typically are chartered for a single voyage which may last up to several weeks. Tankers operating in the spot market may generate increased profit margins during improvements in tanker rates, while tankers operating fixed-rate time charters generally provide more predictable cash flows. Under a typical voyage charter in the spot market, we will be paid freight on the basis of moving cargo from a loading port to a discharge port. We are responsible for paying both operating costs and voyage costs and the charterer is responsible for any delay at the loading or discharging ports. THE TANKER MARKET 2004 Tanker freight rates in 2004 were significantly higher than in the previous high periods in 2000 and 2003. In the single voyage market VLCCs achieved an average of close to $90,000 per day compared to the $50,000 per day level in the two previous peak years. For the year as a whole Suezmax tankers reached an average of $65,000 per day, significantly higher than the $40,000 per day obtained in 2000 and in 2003. Based on export volume data, estimates indicate an increase in seaborne oil trade of 6% from 2003 to 2004. Average transport distance rose by 1%. There seems to have been a small improvement in productivity due to the modernization of the tanker fleet and a reduction in waiting days in the Bosphorus from 2003 to 2004. Accordingly tonnage demand increased by 6.5%. The active tanker fleet rose by 3.7% from 2003 to 2004, calculated on an annual average basis, resulting in an increase in the utilization rate from 89% in 2003 to 91.5% in 2004, the highest level recorded in the last three decades. Freight rates in 2004 fluctuated wildly, a logical consequence of such a record high utilization rate level. The active VLCC fleet increased by 2 %, while the Suezmax fleet rose by 5%. Deliveries of new tankers reached 27 million dwt in 2004, down from 30 million dwt in 2003. Removals amounted to 10 million dwt in 2004 compared to an average of 19 million dwt in the previous four years. Removals are based on the point in time vessels are actually removed from the market and not when reported sold for scrapping or for conversions. Some 8 million dwt were sold for scrapping in 2004 and 2 million dwt were sold for conversion. The average age for all tankers sold for scrapping was 27.3 years in 2004, compared to 26.6 years in 2003. As a result of the extremely strong dry bulk market, 2 million dwt of combined carriers moved from oil trades to dry trades from 2003 to 2004 and limited the fleet growth in oil transportation. The highest global economic growth since 1976 stimulated world oil consumption, which rose by 3.4% in 2004. This is the highest oil consumption growth rate since the 1970s. Global oil production climbed an exceptional 4.5% resulting in a moderate building of oil inventories. OPEC raised its crude oil production by more than 7% and reached a peak of more than 30 mbd in the fourth quarter of the year. This was very close to its production capacity, leading to a 35% surge in crude oil prices from 2003 to 2004. The strong growth in oil consumption despite the sharp rise in oil prices may be attributed, in parts, to heavy subsidization of end-user prices in many of the countries with strong consumption growth. The main driver behind these strong freight market conditions was China with its strong growth in oil consumption and imports. In the first half of 2004, Chinese oil consumption was 22% higher than in the same period the year before. Oil imports rose by more than 30% for the second year in a row. 2004 was also a record-breaking year in the vessel sale and purchase market with regard to transaction volumes as well as ship market values. During 2004, tankers monitored by R.S. Platou Shipbrokers increased in market value by some 45% (20% in 2003). Double hull tankers rose by 40% (25%), whereas single hull tankers were up between 35% and 75%. OUR CREDIT FACILITY In October 2004, we entered into the Credit Facility, which consists of a $50 million revolving credit facility and a $250 million revolving credit facility. The $50 million facility will mature in October 2007 and the $250 million facility will mature in October 2005, unless we exercise our one-year extension option or our option to convert Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 3 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders any drawn amounts to a five-year term loan. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 0.80% to 1.20% per year (depending on the loan to vessel value ratio). We may draw unborrowed amounts under the Credit Facility in connection with any future vessel acquisitions or for working capital purposes. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by mortgages over our existing and new vessels and assignments of earnings and insurances, and drawings will be available subject to loan to vessel value ratios. The terms and conditions of the Credit Facility require compliance with certain restrictive covenants, which we feel are consistent with loan facilities incurred by other shipping companies. Under the Credit Facility, we are, among other things, required to (i) maintain certain loan to vessel value ratios, (ii) maintain a book equity of no less than $75 million, (iii) remain listed on a recognized stock exchange and (iv) obtain the consent of the lenders prior to creating liens on our vessels. The Credit Facility provides that we may not pay dividends if there is a default under the Credit Facility. We will be able to pay dividends in accordance with our dividend policy as long as we repay any amounts drawn under the $250 million facility within one year from the closing of the Credit Facility and are not otherwise in default of the Credit Facility. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS Results of Operations Our net voyage revenues increased from $37,185,975 for year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $62,526,245 for year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of 68.1%. 2004 2003 Voyage Revenue 67 451 598 37 185 975 Voyage Expenses Net Voyage Revenue (4 925 353) 62 526 245 0 37 185 975 The increase in net voyage revenues was due to higher tanker spot market rates in the twelve month period in 2004 and the addition of one vessel on November 23, 2004. The tanker spot market rates are determined by the demand for the carriage of oil and the distance the oil is to be carried, measured in tonne miles, and the supply of vessels to transport that oil. Vessel operating expenses were $1,976,766 for 2004. The Company’s results for 2004 were impacted by one time extra operating costs associated with the expiry of the bareboat charters with BP for two of the Company’s ships and the continued employment for one of them to BP under a spot related time charter. The Company did not have vessel operating expenses for the comparable period of 2003 since all the vessels were chartered to BP Shipping under bareboat charter agreements. Under bareboat charter agreements all vessel operating expenses are paid by the charterer. Administrative expenses were $10,851,688 for 2004 compared to $468,087 for the comparable period of 2003. The increase was primarily due to costs associated with our transition to an operating company. These costs are mainly due to increased frequency of communication with shareholders, increased frequency of board meetings, costs related to the redelivery of the three vessels from BP Shipping, legal fees and consulting fees. Administrative expenses also include a non-cash charge of $9.2 million linked to a change in the compensation scheme for our Manager, Scandic American Shipping Ltd. The original incentive plan was a revenue based cash commission structure. The Manager agreed to eliminate the commission. The cash commission was replaced by restricted share issuances to the Manager of 2% of the Company’s outstanding common shares in order to align the interests of the Manager and the Company. These restricted shares are non-transferable for three years from issuance. In connection with the transition to an operating company, a stock incentive plan of 400,000 shares has been introduced. The initial strike price for options granted in 2005 was equal to $38.75 – the issue price in the follow-on offering in November 2004. Net operating income for 2004 increased 43.1% from the comparable period in 2003 from $29,886,849 to $42,779,627 primarily due to increased revenue and costs as described above. Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 4 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders Liquidity and Capital Resources Cash flows provided by operating activities increased by 110.1% in 2004 to $62,817,261 compared to $29,893,551 in 2003 primarily due to the increased revenue and change in the Company’s operation as described above. Cash flow provided from financing activities for 2004 was $33,486,608 compared to cash flow used of $29,605,410 for the same period in 2003. The increase was due to (i) proceeds from a follow-on offering of $112.1million offset by (ii) dividends paid of $47.2 million, (iii) repayment of $30 million in bank debt and (iv) payment of loan facility costs of $1.5 million in respect of our $300 million credit facility. Cash flow used by investing activities was $66,137,277 which represents the acquisition cost of the vessel acquired in November 2004. There were no investing activities for the comparable period of 2003. The Company is of the opinion that the working capital is sufficient for the Company’s present requirements. Dividend payment Total dividends paid in 2004 were $47,195,842 or $4.84 per share. Dividend payments per share in 2002, 2003 and 2004 have been as follows: Period 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 2002 $0.36 0.34 0.33 0.32 2003 $0.63 1.27 0.78 0.37 2004 $1.15 1.70 0.88 1.11 Total USD $1.35 $3.05 $4.84 The Company declared a dividend of $1.62 per share for the first quarter of 2005 which was paid to shareholders in February 2005. In addition, the Company declared a dividend of $1.15 per share for the second quarter of 2005, which will be paid to shareholders in May 2005. THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT Under the Management Agreement the Manager assumes commercial and operational responsibility of our vessels and is required to manage our day-to-day business subject, always, to our objectives and policies as established and directed from time to time by the Board of Directors. All decisions of a material nature concerning our business are reserved to the Board of Directors. The Management Agreement has been extended five years and will terminate on June 30, 2019, unless earlier terminated pursuant to its terms, as discussed below, or extended by the parties following mutual agreement. For its services under the Management Agreement, the Manager is entitled to cover the cost incurred plus a management fee equal to $100,000 per annum. The Management Agreement formerly provided that the Manager would receive 1.25% of any gross charterhire paid to us. In order to further align the Manager’s interests with those of the Company, the Manager agreed with us to amend the Management Agreement to eliminate this payment, and we have issued to the Manager restricted common shares equal to 2% of our outstanding common shares. Any time additional common shares are issued, the Manager will receive additional restricted common shares to maintain the number of common shares issued to the Manager at 2% of our total outstanding common shares. These restricted shares are non-transferable for three years from issuance. CHARTERING AND TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS We have entered into a chartering agreement, commencing end of March 2005, with Teekay Chartering Limited, or Teekay, an affiliate of Teekay Shipping Corporation for our newbuilding, Nordic Freedom. Under the supervision of the Manager, Teekay’s duties will include seeking and negotiating charters for this vessel. As with the Nordic Hunter and the Nordic Hawk, the technical management of the Nordic Freedom will be performed by IUM Shipmanagement AS under the supervision of the Manager. We have entered into a chartering agreement, commencing in the second quarter of 2005, with the Swedish based Stena Bulk AS, or Stena, for the Nordic Voyager under the supervision of the Manager. Stena’s duties will include seeking and negotiating charters for this vessel. The chartering and technical management for the Nordic Voyager Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 5 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders is being temporarily performed by affiliates of the previous owner. Following the commencement of the chartering agreement with Stena, Wilhelmsen Marine Services AS, an affiliate of the previous owner will, in the near term, continue to perform the technical management for the vessel. We have entered into a chartering agreement, commencing in the second quarter of 2005, with Frontline under the supervision of the Manager for the Nordic Fighter. Frontline’s duties will, under the supervision of the Manager, include seeking and negotiating charters for this vessel. We have entered into a technical management agreement for the Nordic Fighter with V.Ships under the supervision of the Manager. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS During 2004, the five non-employee directors received, in the aggregate, approximately $106,000 in cash fees for their services as directors. For the period from October 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004 and for each fiscal year thereafter, each of our non-employee directors receives a fee at the annual rate of $45,000. We do not pay director fees to employee directors. We do, however, reimburse our directors for all reasonable expenses incurred by them incurred in connection with serving on our board of directors. Directors may receive restricted shares or other grants under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan described below. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS We have an employment agreement with Herbjørn Hansson, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Rolf Amundsen, our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Hansson does not receive any additional compensation for serving as a director or the Chairman of the Board. The aggregate compensation of our executive officer during 2004 was $133,333 The aggregate compensation of our executive officers is expected to be approximately $560,000 during 2005. On certain terms the employment agreement may be terminated by us or Mr. Hansson upon six months’ written notice to the other party. 2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN Under the terms of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the directors, officers and certain key employees of the Company and the Manager are eligible to receive awards which include incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. A total of 400,000 common shares is reserved for issuance upon exercise of options, as restricted share grants or otherwise under the plan. Included under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan are options to purchase common shares at an exercise price equal to $38.75, the offering price of the shares offered in the follow-on offering in November 2004, subject to annual downward adjustment if the payment of dividends in the related fiscal year exceed a 3% yield calculated based on the initial strike price. In February 2005 the Company granted, under the terms of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, a total of 270,000 stock options that the Board of Directors had agreed to issue during 2004. These options will vest in equal instalments on each of the first four anniversaries of the closing of the follow-on offering in November 2004. MAY 18, 2005 NORDIC AMERICAN TANKER SHIPPING LIMITED Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 6 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders NORDIC AMERICAN TANKER SHIPPING LIMITED TABLE OF CONTENTS _________________________________________________________________________________ REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Balance Sheets Statements of Operations Statements of Cash Flows Statements of Shareholders’ Equity Notes to Financial Statements Page 8 9 10 11 12 13 Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 7 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 8 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders BALANCE SHEET All figures in USD ASSETS Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable Prepaid Finance Charges Prepaid Insurance Total Current Assets Long-term Assets Vessels Prepaid Finance Charges Total Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Deferred Revenue Accrued Liabilities Derivative Contract Current Portion of Long-term Debt Total Current liabilities SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Common Shares, par value $.01 per share, (51,200,000 shares authorized; 13,067,838 issued and outstanding, (9,706,606 in 2003) Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Deficit Total Shareholders' Equity Total liabilities & Shareholders' equity Notes Dec. 31 2004 Dec. 31 2003 1 1 4 30 732 516 4 539 354 1 206 348 273 362 36 751 580 565 924 8 142 307 14 475 91 667 8 814 373 187 301 038 150 793 224 203 411 128 081 925 0 136 896 298 411 366 1 286 070 637 582 0 0 2 335 018 0 0 38 322 1 150 000 30 000 000 31 188 322 6 130 678 97 066 265 752 581 0 (44 014 866) 221 868 393 224 203 411 144 395 866 (1 150 000) (37 634 956) 105 707 976 136 896 298 The footnotes are an integral part of these financial statements Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 9 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (all figures in USD) Voyage Revenue Voyage Expenses Vessel Operating Expenses Administrative Expenses Depreciation Net Operating Income Interest Income Interest Expense Other Financial Charges Net Financial Items Net Profit before tax Tax Expense Net Profit for the Year Notes 1, 3 2, 5 4 Year Ended December 31, 2003 2004 2002 67 451 598 (4 925 353) (1 976 766) (10 851 688) (6 918 164) 42 779 627 143 230 (1 971 304) (135 621) (1 963 695) 40 815 932 0 40 815 932 37 185 975 0 0 (468 087) (6 831 040) 29 886 848 26 462 (1 797 981) (15 040) (1 786 559) 28 100 289 0 28 100 289 17 873 208 0 0 (427 048) (6 831 040) 10 615 120 21 409 (1 764 424) (24 837) (1 767 852) 8 847 268 0 8 847 268 Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding 4.05 2.89 0.91 10 078 391 9 706 606 9 706 606 The footnotes are an integral part of these financial statements Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 10 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (all figures in USD) Year Ended December 31, 2003 2004 2002 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Profit 40 815 932 28 100 289 8 847 268 Reconcilation of Net Profit to Net Cash From Operating Activities Depreciation Amortization of Prepaid Finance Costs Share-based Compensation Increase (decrease) in: Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Deferred Revenue Other Assets Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 6 918 164 112 838 9 252 365 3 602 956 1 010 626 1 286 075 (181 695) 62 817 261 6 831 040 14 480 0 (4 865 784) (178 140) 0 (8 334) 29 893 551 6 831 040 14 480 0 (3 106 343) 176 800 0 (12 337) 12 750 908 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Investment in Vessels Net Cash Used In Investing Activitites CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from Sale of Common Stock Proceeds from Use of the Credit Facility Repayment of Debt Loan Facility Costs Dividends Paid Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Beginning Cash and Cash Equivalents Ending Cash and Cash Equivalents (66 137 277) (66 137 277) 112 137 953 96 000 000 (126 000 000) (1 455 503) (47 195 842) 33 486 608 30 166 592 565 924 30 732 516 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (29 605 410) (29 605 410) 288 141 277 783 565 924 0 0 0 0 (13 103 993) (13 103 993) (353 085) 630 868 277 783 Cash Paid for Interest 1 774 264 1 975 125 1 587 622 The footnotes are an integral part of these financial statements Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 11 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (all figures in USD) Common Shares Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Total Shareholders' Equity Total Comprehensive Income Balance at 01.01.02 97 066 144 395 866 (31 873 110) (778 000) 111 841 822 Net Profit Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments Adjustment for Losses on Derivatives Reclassified to Earnings Dividends Paid Total Compehensive Income 8 847 268 8 847 268 8 847 268 (2 262 564) (2 262 564) (2 262 564) 1 024 564 1 024 564 1 024 564 (13 103 993) (13 103 993) 7 609 268 Balance at 12.31.02 97 066 144 395 866 (36 129 835) (2 016 000) 106 347 097 28 100 289 28 100 289 28 100 289 (365 723) (365 723) (365 723) (29 605 410) 1 231 723 1 231 723 (29 605 410) 1 231 723 Net Profit Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments Adjustment for Losses on Derivatives Reclassified to Earnings Dividends Paid Total Compehensive Income Net profit Common Shares Issued Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments Adjustment for Losses on Derivatives Reclassified to Earnings Dividends Paid Total Compehensive Income Balance at 12.31.03 97 066 144 395 866 (37 634 956) (1 150 000) 105 707 976 33 612 121 356 715 40 815 932 40 815 932 121 390 327 28 966 289 40 815 932 (20 710) (20 710) (20 710) (47 195 842) 1 170 710 1 170 710 (47 195 842) 1 170 710 41 965 932 Balance at 12.31.04 130 678 265 752 581 (44 014 866) - 221 868 393 The footnotes are an integral part of these financial statements Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 12 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders NORDIC AMERICAN TANKER SHIPPING LIMITED NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP). Nature of Business: The principal business of Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited (the ”Company”) is to own and operate Suezmax crude oil tankers. Use of Estimates: Preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP necessarily includes amounts based on estimates and assumptions made by management. Actual results could differ from those amounts. Concentration of Credit Risk: Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash with reputable financial institutions. The terms of these deposits are on demand to minimize risk. The Company has not experienced any losses related to these cash deposits and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk. Accounts receivable consist of uncollateralized receivables from international customers primarily in the international shipping industry. To minimize risk associated with international transactions, all sales are denominated in U.S. currency. The Company routinely assesses the financial strength of its customers. The Company considers accounts receivable to be fully collectible; accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts is required. If amounts become uncollectible, they will be charged to operations when that determination is made. Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposits with original maturities of three months or less. Property and Equipment: Depreciation and amortization are provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The Company’s property and equipment consist solely of vessels. The estimated useful life of these vessels is 25 years from the date the vessel is delivered from the shipyard. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets are required to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset, the asset is deemed impaired. The amount of the impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the asset. Revenue Recognition: Revenues are generated from freight billings, time charter and bareboat charter hires. Time charter and bareboat charter revenues are recorded over the term of the charter as the applicable vessel operates under the charter. The Company uses a discharge-to-discharge basis in determining percentage of completion for all spot voyages. The operating results of voyages in progress at a reporting date are estimated and recognised pro-rata on a per day basis. Financial Instruments: The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximated carrying value because of the short-term nature of these instruments Finance costs: Finance costs, including fees, commissions and legal expenses, which are presented as other assets are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant Credit Facility. Amortization of finance costs is included in interest expense. Segment Information: The Company has identified only one operating segment under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131 “Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” The Company has only one type of vessel – Suezmax crude oil tankers – operating on time charter contracts at market related rates, in the spot market and on long-term bareboat contract. Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 13 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders Stock-Based Compensation: The Company follows No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”), which establishes a fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities: The Company accounts for its derivative instruments and hedging activities according to No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended by SFAS No. 137 and SFAS No. 138. This standard, as amended, requires derivative instruments to be recorded in the balance sheet at their fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that do not qualify for hedge treatment, as well as ineffective portions of any hedge, are recorded to earnings. Changes in fair value for qualifying cash flow-hedges are recorded in equity and are realized in earnings in conjunction with the gain or loss on the hedged item or transaction. Changes in the fair value of qualifying hedges offset corresponding changes in the fair value of the hedged item in the statement of operations. Net Profit per Share: SFAS No. 128 “Earnings Per Share,” (EPS) requires earnings per share to be computed and reported as both basic EPS and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common stock equivalents (ie. stock options, warrants) outstanding during the period. The Company does not have any potentially dilutive or anti-dilutive securities outstanding. Income taxes: The Company is incorporated in Bermuda. Under current Bermuda law, the Company is not subject to corporate income taxes. New Pronouncements: In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), "Share-Based Payment" ("SFAS 123R"), which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supercedes APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees." SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values beginning with the first annual period after June 15, 2005, with early adoption encouraged. Under SFAS 123R, the Company must determine the appropriate fair value model to be used for valuing share-based payments, the amortization method for compensation cost and the transition method to be used at date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 123R will have on its results of operations and financial condition but does not expect it to have a material impact. In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets—An Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions" ("SFAS 153"). SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets in paragraph 21(b) of APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions," and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS 153 is effective for the fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 153 will have on its results of operations and financial condition but does not expect it to have a material impact. 2. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Manager, Scandic American Shipping Ltd., is jointly owned by the Chairman and CEO of the Company, Mr. Herbjørn Hansson, and a Board Member, Mr. Andreas Ove Ugland. The Manager, under the Management Agreement, assumes commercial and operational responsibility of our vessels and is required to manage our day- to-day business subject, always, to our objectives and policies as established from time to time by the Board of Directors. For its services under the Management Agreement, the Manager is entitled to cover the cost incurred plus a management fee equal to $100,000 per annum. The Manager also has a right to 2% of the Company’s total outstanding shares (see Note 7 “Share-Based Compensation”). The Company has recognized total costs of $653,799 for the services provided under the Management Agreement for the year ended December 31, 2004, additionally the Company recognized $9,252,365 in non-cash share-based compensation expense related to the issuance of shares to the Manager (see Note 7 “Share-Based Compensation”). Payable at year end was $105,080. At the end of the year 2004 Mr. Ugland held a 25.7% ownership interest in IUM Shipmanagement AS (IUM), a third-party technical manager to whom the Manager has sub-contracted technical management for some of the vessels. The Company has recognized costs of $1,863,552 for the services provided under the Technical Management Agreements for the year ended December 31, 2004. Payable at year end was $116,681. Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 14 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders Mr. Jan Erik Langangen, Executive Vice President of the Manager, is a partner of Langangen & Helset Advokatfirma DA which in the past has also provided and may continue to provide legal services to us. The Company has recognized costs of $33,435 for the services provided by Langangen & Helset Advokatfirma DA. Payable at year end was $38,157. 3. REVENUE For the twelve months ending December 31, 2004, our only source of income was from our four vessels of which two are on charter to BP Shipping, one vessel on charter to Gulf Navigation and one on charter to the previous owner. All of the Company’s revenues are earned in international markets. One customer accounted for 97% of Company’s revenues during the year ended December 31, 2004. One customer accounted for 100% of Company’s revenues during the year ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002. 4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment consist of four Suezmax crude oil tankers built in 1997. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the vessels. The estimated useful life of a new vessel is 25 years. Acquisition cost Accumulated depreciation 2004 2003 $236,913,247 (49,612,209) $170,775,970 (42,694,045) $187,301,038 $128,081,925 5. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Management fee Directors and officers insurance Share-based compensation Other fees and expenses 2004 $175,000 112,500 9,252,365 1,311,823 Total administrative expenses $10,851,688 2003 $250,000 101,666 0 116,421 $468,087 2002 $250,000 86,667 0 90,381 $427,048 6. STOCK HOLDERS’ EQUITY Authorized, and issued and outstanding common shares rollforward is as follows: Balance at 01.01.03 Follow-on Offering - November 2004 Share-based Compensation Balance at 12.31.04 Authorized Shares Issued and Outstandig Shares 51 200 000 9 706 606 - - 51 200 000 3 105 000 256 232 13 067 838 Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 15 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders 7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION 2004 Stock Incentive Plan Under the terms of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the directors, officers and certain key employees of the Company and the Manager will be eligible to receive awards which include incentive stock options, non- qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance shares. A total of 400,000 common shares are reserved for issuance upon exercise of options, as restricted share grants or otherwise under the plan. No options have been issued or are outstanding at December 31, 2004. Restricted Shares The Management Agreement formerly provided that the Manager would receive 1.25% of any gross charterhire paid to us. In order to further align the Manager’s interests with those of the Company, the Manager agreed with us to amend the Management Agreement, effective October 12, 2004, to eliminate this payment, and we have issued to the Manager restricted common shares equal to 2% of our outstanding common shares at par value of $0.01 per share. At the time when additional common shares are issued, the Manager will receive additional restricted common shares to maintain the number of common shares issued to the Manager at 2% of our total outstanding common shares. These restricted shares are non-transferable for three years from issuance. During 2004 the Company has issued to the Manager an aggregate of 256,232 shares at an average fair value of $36.11. The share-based compensation expense related to the issuance of restricted shares to the Manager of $9,252,365 in 2004 was classified as administrative expenses. 8. LONG-TERM DEBT On September 29, 2004, the Company obtained an extension of the maturity of its $30 million loan from December 2004 to October 2007. Interest on the loan, as extended, was at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 0.70%. In October 2004 the Company entered into the Credit Facility, which consists of a $50 million revolving credit facility and a $250 million revolving credit facility. The $50 million facility will mature in October 2007 and the $250 million facility will mature in October 2005, unless the Company exercises the one-year extension option or the option to convert any drawn amounts to a five-year term loan. Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility will bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin between 0.80% to 1.20% per year. The Company pays a commitment fee, at a rate ranging from 0.24% to 0.36% per year, on any undrawn amount. On November 8, 2004, the Company repaid its $30 million loan with proceeds from the Credit Facility. The drawn amount on the credit facility was subsequently repaid with proceeds from the share issue on November 23, 2004. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility at December 31, 2004. 9. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT In 2003, the Company had outstanding a $ 30 million variable rate loan that was repaid in November 2004. The Company had hedged the variable interest exposure by an interest rate swap whereby the Company paid a fixed interest rate and received a variable interest (LIBOR). The interest rate swap was designated as a cash flow hedge of the interest payments on the loan. The interest rate swap matured in 2004. The Company did not hold any derivative instruments at December 31, 2004. The effective portion of gains and losses on the interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge was deferred to accumulated other comprehensive income and was reclassified to earnings as the hedged interest payments were recognized. The Company reclassified $1,170,000 from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings in 2004. The reclassified loss was included in interest expense. The fair value of the swap was recorded as a liability of $1,150,000 at December 31, 2003. Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 16 of 17 2004 Annual Report to Shareholders 10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Litigation and Environmental Matters –The Company can be a party to various legal proceedings generally incidental to its business and is subject to a variety of environmental and pollution control laws and regulations. As is the case with other companies in similar industries, the Company faces exposure from actual or potential claims and legal proceedings. Although the ultimate disposition of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of the Company’s management that the outcome of any claim which might be pending or threatened, either individually or on a combined basis, will not have a materially adverse effect on the financial position of the Company, but could materially affect the Company’s results of operations in a given year. 11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In January 2005 the Company entered into two separate agreements to acquire a 1998 built Suezmax vessel and a 2005 Suezmax newbuilding at an aggregate purchase price of $149.25 million. The Company took delivery of the vessels in March 2005. In February 2005 the Company granted, under the terms of the Company’s 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, a total of 270,000 stock options. The closing price of our common shares on the date these options were granted was $48.95 per share as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. These options will vest in equal instalments on each of the first four anniversaries of the closing of the Company’s follow-on offering in November 2004. In March 2005, the Company sold 3,500,000 shares in a public offering in the US to fund the acquisition of the two vessels and to repay outstanding debt. The offering was priced at $49.50 per share, and net proceeds (after offering costs of $ 11.1 million) to the Company were $162.1 million. The Company issued 76,658 restricted shares to the Manager as a result of this offering (see Note 7 Share-based Compensation). In May 2005 Mr. Andreas Ove Ugland has exercised a right to sell his shares in IUM Shipmanagement AS (IUM) and does no longer hold any interests in IUM * * * * * Nordic American Tanker Shipping Limited Page 17 of 17 

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