Connect with us

Technology

MPC Container Ships Reports Q4 2023 Results

Published

on

OSLO, Norway, Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ —

Highlights 

Strong operating revenues of USD 152.8 million.EBITDA was USD 93.6 million, compared to USD 127.0 million in Q4 2022. Adj. for non-recurring items, EBITDA was USD 101.5 million (Q4 2022: USD 114.3 million).Non-recurring impairment charges of USD 34.9 million and USD 6.5 million in loss of disposal recorded in the period (both non-cash effective)Profit for the period was USD 35.7 million. Adj. for non-recurring items, the profit for the period was USD 78.5 million compared to USD 91.0 million in Q4 2022.Adj. EPS was USD 0.18 (Q4 2022: USD 0.21) and the Board declared a quarterly recurring dividend of USD 0.13 per share.Average TCE was USD 27,405 per day in Q4 2023, down from USD 31,279 in Q4 2022Fleet utilization was 98.2%, up from 97.8% in Q4 2022For 2024, management currently expects, subject to certain assumptions, operating revenues in the range of USD 435-470 million and EBITDA in the range of USD 240-280 million.As at December 31, 2023, the Group’s fleet consisted of 59 vessels, with an aggregate capacity of approximately 126,943 TEU. Of these vessels, three were categorized as held for sale.

Commenting on MPCC’s results in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2023, CEO, Constantin Baack, said:

“As we reflect on the full year of 2023, I am pleased to share MPC Container Ships’ continued resilience, progress, and sustained strong financial performance. Throughout the year, we remained committed to delivering value to our shareholders, maintaining operational excellence in a volatile market environment with modest growth and geopolitical challenges.

Our financial performance in the fourth quarter underscores our consistent track record. Utilization remained high at 98.2%, and we continue to adhere to our low leverage-strategy, with our leverage standing at 13.3% at the end of 2023, whilst 38 vessels in our fleet are debt-free. Furthermore, our backlog remains robust, with contracted revenues of USD 1 billion and 78% of available trading days covered for 2024. Our backlog provides us with significant earnings visibility and reinforces our confidence in the year ahead.

A key feature of our performance is our commitment to shareholder returns. Throughout the year, we distributed approximately USD 293 million in dividends, corresponding to a dividend yield of 43% for the year. Including the dividend declared for the fourth quarter, our total dividends distributed and declared over the last twelve months amount to approximately USD 350 million, representing more than 50% of the company’s market cap at the beginning of 2023.”

Throughout 2023, MPCC has emphasized sustainability initiatives, aiming to reduce carbon emissions, and working closely with our charter customers to conclude mutual projects and investments, with an aim ti foster a more environmental maritime landscape.

Speaking to MPCC’s ESG ambitions and collaboration with customers, Constantin Baack added:

“In 2023, MPCC continued to prioritize sustainability as a means to drive forward our overall strategic goals. With investments into efficiency-enhancing retrofits together with our charter customers and several dual-fuel and eco-design newbuildings under construction, we aim to decrease GHG emissions and enhance the long-term competitiveness of our fleet, creating long-term shareholder value.

Furthermore, MPCC recently set new greenhouse gas emissions intensity reduction targets in line with the IMO’s industry carbon intensity targets, demonstrating our dedication to decreasing emissions while we remain strongly committed to our low-leverage strategy and distribution policy.”

Key figures

Q4 2023
                             (unaudited)

Q4 2022 (unaudited)

FY 2023 (unaudited)

FY 2022 (audited)

Operating revenues

USD m

152.8

162.1

711.3

616.8

EBITDA

USD m

93.6

127.0

518.4

522.3

Adjusted EBITDA

USD m

101.5

114.3

428.5

451.5

Profit for the period

USD m

35.7

103.6

325.1

435

Adjusted profit for the period

USD m

78.5

91.0

336.7

364.3

Operating cash flow

USD m

96.8

125.4

484.8

136.5

EPS

USD

0.08

0.23

0.73

0.98

Adjusted EPS

USD

0.18

0.21

0.76

0.82

DPS*

USD

0.13

0.15

0.64

1.03

Total ownership days

days

5,675

5,336

22,236

21,671

Total trading days

days

5,527

5,079

21,553

20,590

Utilization

98.2 %

97.8 %

98.1 %

97.9 %

Average TCE

per day

27,405

31,279

28,816

28,625

Average OPEX

per day

6,808

6,937

6,751

6,363

Leverage ratio

13.3 %

16.1 %

13.3 %

16.1 %

 

* Dividends per share (DPS) comprises the recurring dividend per share and any event-driven dividends per share declared for the period.

The above information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Q4 2023 Earnings Call:

Constantin Baack, CEO, and Moritz Fuhrmann, CFO, will present the results in an earnings call today at 15:00 CET / 09:00 ET, followed by a Q&A session. The earnings call can be accessed live via webcast or conference call and questions can be submitted orally or in writing. A recording of the earnings call will be available on demand at the Company’s website after the live event has concluded.

The Q4 2023 report and presentation materials are attached to this release and available at the Company’s website at https://www.mpc-container.com/investors/

The webcast can be accessed through the following link: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20240227_3/

Alternatively, participants may dial in using the below information:

NO: +47 21 95 63 42
DE: +49 30 2178 9327
UK: +44 20 3769 6819
US: +1 646 787 0157
DK: +45 78 76 84 90
SE: +46 40 682 06 20

PIN code: 304648

For more information, contact:
ir@mpc-container.com 

About MPC Container Ships
MPC Container Ships ASA (ticker code “MPCC”) is a leading container tonnage provider focusing on small to mid-size container ships. Its main activity is to own and operate a portfolio of container ships serving intra-regional trade lanes on fixed-rate charters. The Company is registered and has its business office in Oslo, Norway. For more information, please visit www.mpc-container.com.

Forward-looking statements:

This announcement includes forward-looking statements. Such statements are generally not historical in nature, and specifically include statements about the Company’s plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in its business, the markets in which it operates and its restructuring efforts. These statements are made based upon management’s current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company’s regulatory filings and periodical reporting. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

The following files are available for download:

 

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mpc-container-ships-reports-q4-2023-results-302072098.html

Continue Reading

Technology

HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

Published

on

By

Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date:

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue:

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth:

C08-09

Time:

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hkage-showcases-gifted-students-learning-journeys-at-innocarnival-2026-302918606.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Continue Reading

Technology

LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

Published

on

By

Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Trending