SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| | | | | |
FLEX LNG Ltd. (registrant) |
| By: | /s/ Oystein Kalleklev |
| Name: | Oystein Kalleklev |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer of Flex LNG Management AS
(Principal Executive Officer of FLEX LNG Ltd.) |
Date: May 13, 2022
EXHIBIT 1
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following presentation of management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the three month period ended March 31, 2022 should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere herein, which have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). For additional information relating to our management's discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition, please see our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021, or our Annual Report, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on March 17, 2022.
Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "FLEX LNG," "we," "us," "our," the "Company" and the "Group" refer to FLEX LNG Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries. We use the term "LNG" to refer to liquefied natural gas, and we use the term "cbm" to refer to cubic meters in describing the carrying capacity of the vessels in our fleet.
Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "U.S. dollars," "USD," "dollars," "US$" and "$" in this report are to the lawful currency of the United States of America, references to "Norwegian Kroner," and "NOK" are to the lawful currency of Norway, references to "Swiss Franc," and "CHF" are to the lawful currency of Switzerland and references to "Great British Pounds," and "GBP" are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.
The below discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, such as those set forth in the section "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report.
General
FLEX LNG Ltd. is an exempted company incorporated under the laws of Bermuda. Our common shares currently trade on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and the Oslo Stock Exchange ("OSE") under the ticker symbol "FLNG".
We are a growth-oriented owner and commercial operator of fuel efficient, fifth generation LNG carriers. As of May 13, 2022, we own and operate thirteen LNG carriers, which we collectively refer to as our "Operating Vessels" or our "Fleet."
Our business currently focuses on the expansion of our Fleet and execution of our chartering strategy to seek balanced employment for the vessels in our Fleet through actively marketing our vessels in both the term and spot market.
Our Fleet
The following table sets forth additional information about our Fleet as of May 13, 2022: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Vessel Name | | Cargo Capacity (cbm) | | Propulsion | | Year Built | | Shipyard(1) | | Charter expiration(2) |
| Flex Endeavour | | 173,400 | | | MEGI | | 2018 | | DSME | | Q1 2025(3) |
| Flex Enterprise | | 173,400 | | | MEGI | | 2018 | | DSME | | Q1 2023(4) |
| Flex Ranger | | 174,000 | | | MEGI | | 2018 | | SHI | | Q1 2025(3) |
| Flex Rainbow | | 174,000 | | | MEGI | | 2018 | | SHI | | Q1 2023(5) |
| Flex Constellation | | 173,400 | | | MEGI | | 2019 | | DSME | | Q2 2024(6) |
| Flex Courageous | | 173,400 | | | MEGI | | 2019 | | DSME | | Q1 2025(7) |
| Flex Aurora | | 174,000 | | | X-DF | | 2020 | | HSHI | | Q1 2026(3) |
| Flex Amber | | 174,000 | | | X-DF | | 2020 | | HSHI | | Q4 2022(4) |
| Flex Artemis | | 173,400 | | | MEGI | | 2020 | | DSME | | Q3 2025(8) |
| Flex Resolute | | 173,400 | | | MEGI | | 2020 | | DSME | | Q1 2025(9) |
| Flex Freedom | | 173,400 | | | MEGI | | 2021 | | DSME | | Q1 2027(3) |
| Flex Volunteer | | 174,000 | | | X-DF | | 2021 | | HSHI | | Q1 2026(3) |
| Flex Vigilant | | 174,000 | | | X-DF | | 2021 | | HSHI | | Q2 2024(3) |
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| (1) | As used in this report, "DSME" means Daewoo Ship building and Marine Engineering Co. Ltd., "SHI" means Samsung Heavy Industries, and "HSHI" means Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. Each is located in South Korea. |
| (2) | The expiration of our charters is subject to re-delivery windows ranging from 15 to 45 days before or after the expiration date. |
| (3) | The charterer has the option to extend the charter for an additional two years. |
| (4) | The charterer has options to extend the charter for an additional one year. |
| (5) | There is no extension option on this charter party agreement. |
| (6) | The charterer has the option to extend the charter for an additional three years. |
| (7) | The charterer has the option to extend the charter for an additional four years. |
| (8) | The charterer has options to extend the charter for an additional five years. |
| (9) | The charterer has the option to extend the charter for an additional six years. |
Employment of Our Fleet and Our Customers
In March 2022, an addendum to the existing time charter agreement with Cheniere Marketing International ("Cheniere") was signed, nominating Flex Volunteer as the fourth vessel and adjusting the commencement of the charter to April 2022, which was originally set to commence in the third quarter 2022. The charter has a fixed rate of hire and a firm period ending in the first quarter 2026.
In April 2022, the option for a fifth time charter agreement with Cheniere was declared for the vessel Flex Aurora. This fixed rate charter will commence in the third quarter 2022 and has a firm period ending in the first quarter 2026.
Other business updates
In April 2022, 15,000 share options, under the April 2020 Tranche, were exercised and settled by the Company through the transfer of 12,491 treasury shares. The number of shares transferred was calculated as the difference between the adjusted exercise price converted to NOK on the exercise date and the closing share price on OSE multiplied by the number of shares exercised. The adjusted exercise price at the date of exercise was $4.90 (or NOK 42.84), adjusted for $2.70 of dividends. The share price on the exercise date was NOK 256.20 on OSE.
On May 10, 2022, the Company issued 50,000 share options to members of management. The share options have a five-year term and a three-year vesting schedule, whereby: 25% will vest after one year; 35% will vest after two years; and 40% will vest after three years. The options have an exercise price of $25.00. The exercise price will be adjusted for any distribution of dividends before the relevant options expire.
ESG update
On May 11, 2022, the Company's fourth annual ESG report for 2021 was published and can be found on the Company's website. The report has been prepared in accordance with the Marine Transportation framework established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board in line with previous years.
COVID-19 update
The spread of the novel coronavirus (hereinafter referred to as COVID-19), which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020, has had and continues to have a significant negative impact on the global economy and has caused significant volatility in the financial markets, the severity and duration of which remains uncertain. The COVID-19 virus outbreak has negatively impacted, and may continue to impact adversely, demand for energy including LNG. This has resulted in greater volatility in the price of LNG, which has seen a sharp decline. We are focused on maintaining our efficient operations and, above all, the health and safety of our seafarers and shore-based employees. Because of port restrictions and various quarantine measures, we continue to experience challenges with crew changes on the vessels in our Fleet. In light of these challenges our crew have had to and may in the future have to stay on board for longer periods and increased costs may occur in conjunction with crew changes on the vessels in our Fleet. The uncertainty in global capital and bank credit markets has also affected access and cost of new financing. In addition, the sharp decline in both short and long-term interest rates has reduced the overall cost of our floating rate debt, but has resulted in a significant loss, most of which is unrealized, on our interest rate swaps, whereby floating interest rates have been swapped to fixed interest rates.
We are unable to reasonably predict the estimated length or severity of the COVID-19 pandemic on our future operating results.
Uncertainties caused by the Russo-Ukrainian War
The recent outbreak of war between Russia and the Ukraine has disrupted supply chains and caused instability in the global economy, while the United States and the European Union, among other countries, announced sanctions against Russia. The ongoing conflict could result in the imposition of further economic sanctions against Russia, and the Company's business may be adversely impacted. Currently, the Company's charter contracts have not been affected by the events in Russia and Ukraine. However, it is possible that in the future third parties with whom the Company has or will have charter contracts may be impacted by such events. While in general much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact of the conflict in Ukraine, it is possible that such tensions could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021
Amounts included in the following discussion are derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
Vessel operating revenues
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Vessel operating revenues | | 74,570 | | 81,260 | | | |
Vessel operating revenues decreased by $6.7 million to $74.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The decrease of vessel operating revenues is due to a weaker spot market in the first quarter of 2022 compared to 2021, which affected three of our vessels on market linked contracts and approximately 1.5 vessels trading in the spot market and short term Time Charter market. This was offset by an increase in the size of our fleet from ten to thirteen vessels between January and May 2021 and an improved average fixed rate of hire for longer term contracts in the first quarter 2022 compared to 2021.
Voyage expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended |
| | March 31, |
| | 2022 | 2021 |
| Voyage expenses | | (1,354) | | (1,296) | |
Voyage expenses, which include voyage specific expenses, broker commissions and bunkers consumption, increased by $0.1 million to $1.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Vessel operating expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Vessel operating expenses | | (14,351) | | (14,251) | | | |
Vessel operating expenses increased by $0.1 million to $14.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. Vessel operating expenses for the first quarter 2022, include an out-of-period adjustment of $2.9 million as further described in Note 2. With the exception of the aforementioned adjustment, there was an increase in vessel operating expenses due to an increase in our fleet size as well as increased employee related costs. compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Administrative expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Administrative expenses | | (2,697) | | (1,727) | | | |
Administrative expenses increased by $1.0 million to $2.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase in administrative expenses is primarily due to performance bonuses declared and paid to staff in the first quarter 2022, whereas the performance bonus for 2021 was declared and paid in the second quarter of 2021.
Depreciation | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Depreciation | | (17,809) | | (16,236) | | | |
Depreciation increased by $1.6 million to $17.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase in depreciation is due to the increase in our Fleet from ten to thirteen LNG carriers between the period of January 2021 and May 2021, resulting in greater depreciation charged.
Interest income | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Interest income | | 29 | | 7 | | | |
Interest expense
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Interest expense | | (14,639) | | (13,525) | | | |
Interest expense increased by $1.1 million to $14.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the increase in fleet size from ten to thirteen vessels between January and May 2021, coupled with an increase in LIBOR rates, on average, in the period.
Gain/(loss) on derivatives
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Gain/(loss) on derivatives | | 31,864 | | 12,935 | | | |
Gain on derivatives improved by $18.9 million to $31.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021. This is due to the positive development in interest rates in the period, resulting in an increase in the fair value of our derivatives.
Other financial items
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (unaudited figures in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Other financial items | | 164 | | 69 | | | |
Other financial items have increased by $0.1 million to $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We operate in a capital-intensive industry and have financed the purchase of the vessels in our Fleet through a combination of cash generated from operations, equity capital and borrowings under our financing agreements. Payment of amounts outstanding under our debt agreements, and all other commitments that we have entered into are made from the cash available to us.
Cash
As of March 31, 2022, we reported cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $174.5 million, which represented a decrease of $26.7 million, compared to $201.2 million as of December 31, 2021. In the three months ended March 31, 2022, the movements in cash consisted of $42.5 million from operating activities, $0.0 million from investing activities, offset by $69.1 million from financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2022, includes regular repayments of long-term debt of $28.6 million, $0.7 million scheduled reduction of the revolving tranche under the $100 Million Facility and dividend payments of $39.8 million.
Financing information
$375 Million Facility
In March 2022, the Company, through its vessel owning subsidiaries, signed a $375 million secured term and revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks to re-finance existing facilities for Flex Endeavour, Flex Ranger and Flex Rainbow. The facility is comprised of a $125 million term loan facility with a 6 years repayment profile and a non-amortizing $250 million revolving credit facility, resulting in an average age adjusted repayment profile of 22 years. The facility has an accordion option to add an additional $125 million by adding an additional vessel as nominated by the Company within 36 months from the closing date of the agreement. The facility has an interest rate of SOFR plus a margin of 210 basis points. Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR"), is a benchmark interest rate for dollar-denominated derivatives and loans that is replacing the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR"). In April 2022, the Company made a drawdown of $125 million under the revolving tranche of the facility. In connection with the drawdown, the Company prepaid the full amount outstanding of $106.8 million under the $100 Million Facility which financed the vessel, Flex Ranger and prepaid the full amount outstanding of $128.0 million under the Flex Rainbow Sale and Leaseback. The third vessel, Flex Endeavour, is expected to be drawn in the third quarter of 2022. The remaining balance of $113.6 million, after deducting for financing costs, was paid from cash and $125 million commitment under the revolving tranche of the facility, remains available for general corporate purposes.
$320 Million Sale and Leaseback
In April 2022, the Company, through its vessel owning subsidiaries, signed two sale and leaseback agreements with an Asian based lease provider to re-finance the existing facility for Flex Constellation and Flex Courageous. Under the terms of the two sale and leaseback agreements, the vessels will be sold for gross consideration, equivalent to the market value of each vessel, and net consideration to the Company of $160 million per vessel, adjusted for an advance hire per vessel. The term of each lease is 10 years and the Company has options to repurchase the vessels after 3 years. At the expiry of the 10 year charter period the Company has the option to repurchase the vessels for $66.5 million per vessel reflecting an age adjusted repayment profile of 20 years. The agreement has an interest rate of SOFR plus 250 basis points. In May 2022, upon closing of the transaction, the Company received net consideration, after deducting for financing costs, of $317.1 million and used a portion of the proceeds to prepay the full amount outstanding of $217.2 million under the $250 Million Facility.
Interest Rate Swaps
In order to reduce the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, the Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions, whereby the floating rate has been swapped to a fixed rate of interest. As at March 31, 2022, the Company has fixed the interest rate on a total amortized notional amounts of $876.3 million with a weighted average fixed interest rate of 1.25% for a weighted average duration of 4.6 years.
In the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company entered into three new interest rate swap agreements, swapping a floating rate, based on SOFR, to a fixed rate of interest. Whereby notional amounts of $50.0 million, $50.0 million and $100.0 million, were swapped to fixed interest rates of 1.77%, 1.75% and 1.26% respectively with ten year tenors. The $100 million interest swap agreement has a four year forward start.
Loan Covenants
Certain of our financing agreements contain, among other things, the following financial covenants, which are tested quarterly, the most stringent of which require us (on a consolidated basis) to maintain:
•a book equity ratio of minimum 0.25 to 1.0;
•a positive working capital; and
•minimum liquidity, including undrawn credit lines with a remaining term of at least six months, being the higher of:
i.$25 million; and
ii.an amount equal to five per cent (5%) of our total interest bearing financial indebtedness net of any cash and cash equivalents.
•collateral maintenance test, ensuring that the aggregate value of the vessels making up the facility in question exceeds the aggregate value of the debt commitment outstanding.
Our financing agreements discussed above contain, among other things, restrictive covenants which, to the extent triggered, would restrict our ability to:
i.declare, make or pay any dividend, charge, fee or other distribution (whether in cash or in kind) on or in respect of its share capital (or any class of its share capital);
ii.pay any interest or repay any principal amount (or capitalized interest) on any debt to any of its shareholders;
iii.redeem, repurchase or repay any of its share capital or resolve to do so; or
iv.enter into any transaction or arrangement having a similar effect as described in (i) through (iii) above.
Our secured credit facilities may be secured by, among other things:
•a first priority mortgage over the relevant collateralized vessels;
•a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and charters from the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility;
•a pledge of earnings generated by the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility; and
•a pledge of the equity interests of each vessel owning subsidiary under the specific facility.
A violation of any of the covenants contained in our financing agreements may constitute an event of default under the relevant financing agreement, which, unless cured within the grace period set forth under the financing agreement, if applicable, or waived or modified by our lenders, provides our lenders, by notice to the borrowers, with the right to, among other things, cancel the commitments immediately, declare that all or part of the loan, together with accrued interest, and all other amounts accrued or outstanding under the agreement, be immediately due and payable, enforce any or all security under the security documents, and/or exercise any or all of the rights, remedies, powers or discretion's granted to the facility agent or finance parties under the finance documents or by any applicable law or regulation or otherwise as a consequence of such event of default.
Furthermore, certain of our financing agreements contain a cross-default provision that may be triggered by a default under one of our other financing agreements. A cross-default provision means that a default on one loan would result in a default on certain of our other loans. Because of the presence of cross-default provisions in certain of our financing agreements, the refusal of any one lender under our financing agreements to grant or extend a waiver could result in certain of our indebtedness being accelerated, even if our other lenders under our financing agreements have waived covenant defaults under the respective agreements. If our secured indebtedness is accelerated in full or in part, it would be difficult for us to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing and we could lose our vessels and other assets securing our financing agreements if our lenders foreclose their liens, which would adversely affect our ability to conduct our business.
Moreover, in connection with any waivers of or amendments to our financing agreements that we have obtained, or may obtain in the future, our lenders may impose additional operating and financial restrictions on us or modify the terms of our existing financing agreements. These restrictions may further restrict our ability to, among other things, pay dividends, make capital expenditures or incur additional indebtedness, including through the issuance of guarantees. In addition, our lenders may require the payment of additional fees, require prepayment of a portion of our indebtedness to them, accelerate the amortization schedule for our indebtedness and increase the interest rates they charge us on our outstanding indebtedness.
As of March 31, 2022, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants contained in our financing agreements.
Cash Flows
The following summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | 42,450 | | 43,903 | | | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | | (1) | | (136,854) | | | |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | | (69,141) | | 103,006 | | | |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | | 30 | | 77 | | | |
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | (26,662) | | 10,132 | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | | 201,170 | | 128,962 | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | | 174,508 | | 139,094 | | | |
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $1.4 million to $42.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to cash provided of $43.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Net cash provided by operating activities was primarily impacted by: (i) overall market conditions as reflected by vessel operating revenues of our fleet, (ii) the size and composition of our fleet that we own, lease and charter-in, (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities including impact of whether our vessels are operated under time charters or voyage charters (iv) increases in interest expense as a result of debt repayments on fixed and floating rate facilities, along with the fluctuations in LIBOR rates:
i.During the period we had exposure to the spot market. The majority of our ships are on long term fixed rate charter hires, however, we had one vessel on the spot market as well as three vessels on market indexed variable rate charter party agreements in the three months to March 31, 2022, increasing our exposure to the market. Any increase or decrease in the average LNG carrier market rates earned by our vessels will have a positive or negative comparative impact, respectively, on the amount of cash provided by operating activities. Our operating activities is impacted by both movements in operating revenues, as determined by market rates, and voyage expenses, which are primarily comprised of bunker expenses, port charges and canal tolls. In 2022, there were lower LNG carrier market rates which affected any such vessels operating in the spot market and those on variable rate agreements. This resulted in impacted operating activities achieved in 2022;
ii.Detailed information on the size and composition of our fleet is disclosed in "Our Fleet". The increase in our fleet size from 10 to 13 vessels following the successful delivery of Flex Freedom, Flex Volunteer and Flex Vigilant between January 2021 and May 2021 resulted in an increase in cash paid relating to voyage expenses, ship operating expenses and interest expense of $0.3 million when comparing the three months ended March 31, 2022 to the three months ended March 31, 2021;
iii.Changes in operating assets and liabilities resulted in a decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $3.4 million. The movement in working capital balances are impacted by the timing of voyages, and also by the timing of fueling and consumption of fuel on board our vessels. Revenues for all of our vessels operate under time charters and are typically billed in advance;
iv.The increase in the Company's debt facilities, along with the increased LIBOR rates has resulted in an increase in interest paid of $1.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $136.9 million to $0.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to cash used of $136.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Net cash used in investing activities of $136.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to the delivery of the Flex Freedom and Flex Volunteer, making final payments of $4.7 million and $127.0 million respectively, under the purchase agreements, net of $235.6 million already prepaid in prior periods, and had a total additional capital expenditure of $5.1 million on the newbuilding vessels.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities improved by $172.1 million to $69.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2022, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $103.0 million in the same period to March 31, 2021.
Net cash used in financing activities in the three month period to March 31, 2022 was due to:
•dividend payments of $39.8 million;
•scheduled repayments of long-term debt of $28.6 million; and
•repayment of the revolving tranche under the $100 Million Facility of $64.1 million.
These items were partially offset by:
•drawdown of the revolving tranche under the $100 Million Facility of $63.4 million.
In the three months to March 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities in the three months ended March 31, 2021 includes $100 million and $25 million drawn under the term and revolving tranches of the $125 Million Facility in relation with the delivery of Flex Volunteer and a net drawdown of $19.3 million under revolving tranche of the $100 Million Facility. This was offset by regular repayments of long-term debt of $20.0 million, dividend payments of $16.1 million and the purchase of 597,203 treasury shares at an aggregate cost of $5.3 million.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our activities expose us to a variety of financial risks including market risk (including currency risk and interest rate risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. Our overall risk management program considers the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimize potential adverse effects on our financial performance, in a cost-effective manner.
Currency Risk
The majority of our transactions, assets and liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars, our functional currency. However, we incur expenditures in currencies other than the functional currency, mainly overhead costs in GBP, CHF and NOK. A portion of our dividends, if any, may also be paid in NOK due to our listing on the OSE. Historically, we have not hedged these exposures. There is a risk that currency fluctuations in transactions incurred in currencies other than our functional currency will have a negative effect of the value of our cash flows.
Interest rate risk
We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations primarily due to our floating rate interest-bearing long-term debt. The international LNG transportation industry is a capital-intensive industry, which requires significant amounts of financing, typically provided in the form of secured long-term debt or lease financing. Certain of our current bank and lease financing in floating interest rates could adversely affect our operating and financial performance and our ability to service our debt.
As of March 31, 2022, the Company's net outstanding debt, which was at variable interest rates and net of interest rate swaps agreements, was $1,605.3 million.
As of March 31, 2022, we had entered into twenty interest rate swap transactions to reduce the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates, whereby the floating rate has been swapped to a fixed rate. The total amortized notional principal of all of our interest rate swaps was $876.3 million with a weighted average fixed interest rate of 1.25%. Please see “Note 11. Financial Instruments” to our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity Risk
We monitor the risk of a shortage of funds using a cash modeling forecast. This model considers the maturity of payment profiles and projected cash flows required to fund the operations. Historically funds have been raised via equity issuance, lease finance and loan finance. Market conditions can have a significant impact on the ability to raise equity, lease finance and loan finance. While equity issuance may be dilutive to existing shareholders, lease and loan finance will contain covenants and other restrictions.
Our objective is to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the raising of funds from investors. Upon delivery of the respective vessels from the yards, we expect to finance remaining delivery payments that are due through available liquidity, debt financing and lease financing.
Credit Risk
We are exposed to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty will be unable to pay amounts in full when due. There is a concentration of credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents to the extent that substantially all of the amounts are carried with SEB (S&P Global rating: A+), Nordea (S&P Global rating: AA-), Danske Bank (S&P Global rating: A+) and DNB (S&P Global rating: AA-).
Price Risk
We are also subject, indirectly, to price risk related to the spot/short term charter market for chartering LNG carriers. Charter rates may be uncertain and volatile and depend upon, among other things, the natural gas prices, the supply and demand for vessels, arbitrage opportunities, vessel obsolesce and the energy market, which we cannot predict with certainty. Currently, no financial instruments have been entered into to reduce this risk.
Operational Risk
The operation of a LNG carrier has certain unique operational risks. Our vessels and their cargoes are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather, business interruptions caused by mechanical failures, grounding and fire, explosions and collisions, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, labor strikes, boycotts and other circumstances or events. These hazards may result in death or injury to persons, loss of revenues or property, higher insurance rates, damage to our customer relationships and market disruptions, delay or rerouting.
If our LNG carriers suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-dock repairs are unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have to pay dry-docking costs that our insurance does not cover at all or in full. The loss of revenues while these vessels are being repaired and repositioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, may adversely affect our business and financial condition.
At a commercial level it also includes the ability to secure employment contracts on reasonable terms for the vessels under construction; and obtaining financing and working capital on reasonable terms.
INDEX TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| | | | | |
| Page |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 (unaudited) | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 (unaudited) | |
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 (unaudited) | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 (unaudited) | |
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021 (unaudited) | |
| Notes to the Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | |
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of $, except per share data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Revenues | | | | | |
| Vessel operating revenues | | 74,570 | | 81,260 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Operating expenses | | | | | |
| Voyage expenses | | (1,354) | | (1,296) | | | |
| Vessel operating expenses | | (14,351) | | (14,251) | | | |
| Administrative expenses | | (2,697) | | (1,727) | | | |
| Depreciation | | (17,809) | | (16,236) | | | |
| Operating income | | 38,359 | | 47,750 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Other income/(expenses) | | | | | |
| Interest income | | 29 | | 7 | | | |
| Interest expense | | (14,639) | | (13,525) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Gain/(loss) on derivatives | | 31,864 | | 12,935 | | | |
| Other financial items | | 164 | | 69 | | | |
| Income before tax | | 55,777 | | 47,236 | | | |
| Income tax expense | | (16) | | (8) | | | |
| Net income | | 55,761 | | 47,228 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Earnings/(loss) per share: | | | | | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Basic and diluted | | 1.05 | | 0.88 | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of $) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Net income/(loss) | | 55,761 | | 47,228 | | | |
| Total other comprehensive income/(loss) | | — | | — | | | |
| Total comprehensive income/(loss) | | 55,761 | | 47,228 | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021
(in thousands of $, except share data) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| ASSETS | | | | |
| | | | |
| Current assets | | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | 174,053 | | | 200,652 | |
| Restricted cash | | 455 | | | 518 | |
| Inventory | | 5,206 | | | 6,453 | |
| Receivables due from related parties | | 129 | | | 228 | |
| Other current assets | | 13,966 | | | 17,040 | |
| Total current assets | | 193,809 | | | 224,891 | |
| | | | |
| Non-current assets | | | | |
| Derivative instruments | | 34,473 | | | 5,862 | |
| | | | |
| Vessels and equipment, net | | 2,324,357 | | | 2,342,165 | |
| Other fixed assets | | 3 | | | 3 | |
| Total non-current assets | | 2,358,833 | | | 2,348,030 | |
| Total assets | | 2,552,642 | | | 2,572,921 | |
| | | | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | | | | |
| | | | |
| Current liabilities | | | | |
| Current portion of long-term debt | | 81,800 | | | 81,472 | |
| Derivative instruments | | — | | | 4,764 | |
| Payables due to related parties | | 429 | | | 348 | |
| Accounts payable | | 4,005 | | | 2,016 | |
| Other current liabilities | | 37,551 | | | 42,987 | |
| Total current liabilities | | 123,785 | | | 131,587 | |
| | | | |
| Non-current liabilities | | | | |
| Long-term debt | | 1,523,463 | | | 1,551,947 | |
| | | | |
| Total non-current liabilities | | 1,523,463 | | | 1,551,947 | |
| Total liabilities | | 1,647,248 | | | 1,683,534 | |
| | | | |
| Equity | | | | |
Share capital (March 31, 2022: 54,110,584 (December 31, 2021: 54,110,584) shares issued, par value $0.10 per share) | | 5,411 | | | 5,411 | |
Treasury shares (March 31, 2022: 980,000 (December 31, 2021: 980,000) | | (9,449) | | | (9,449) | |
| Additional paid in capital | | 1,189,154 | | | 1,189,060 | |
| Accumulated deficit | | (279,722) | | | (295,635) | |
| Total equity | | 905,394 | | | 889,387 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | | 2,552,642 | | | 2,572,921 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of $) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Operating activities | | | | | |
| Net income/(loss) | | 55,761 | | 47,228 | | | |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities | | | | | |
| Depreciation | | 17,809 | | 16,236 | | | |
| Amortization of debt issuance costs. | | 1,137 | | 1,165 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Share-based payments | | 94 | | 72 | | | |
| Foreign exchange loss/(gain) | | (20) | | (104) | | | |
| Change in fair value of derivative instruments | | (33,375) | | (14,552) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Other | | (10) | | (1,662) | | | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net: | | | | | |
| Inventory | | 1,247 | | (1,821) | | | |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | | 35 | | 4,050 | | | |
| Accrued income | | 5,282 | | 5,155 | | | |
| Prepaid expenses | | (1,681) | | 3,775 | | | |
| Other receivables | | (562) | | 196 | | | |
| Receivables due from related parties | | 99 | | (451) | | | |
| Payables due to related parties | | 81 | | 265 | | | |
| Accounts payable | | 1,989 | | 1,749 | | | |
| Accrued expenses | | (1,299) | | (1,031) | | | |
| Deferred charter revenue | | (1,602) | | (16,933) | | | |
| Other current liabilities | | (2,307) | | 451 | | | |
| Provisions | | (228) | | 115 | | | |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | | 42,450 | | 43,903 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Investing activities | | | | | |
| Purchase of other fixed assets | | (1) | | (2) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Purchase to vessels and equipment | | — | | (136,852) | | | |
| Net cash provided used in investing activities | | (1) | | (136,854) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Financing activities | | | | | |
| Purchase of treasury shares | | — | | (5,257) | | | |
| Repayment of long- term debt | | (28,615) | | (19,995) | | | |
| Proceeds of revolving credit facility | | 63,421 | | 91,053 | | | |
| Repayment of revolving credit facility | | (64,079) | | (46,710) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Proceeds from long-term debt | | — | | 100,000 | | | |
| Financing costs | | (20) | | — | | | |
| Dividends paid | | (39,848) | | (16,085) | | | |
| Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities | | (69,141) | | 103,006 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | | 30 | | 77 | | | |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | (26,662) | | 10,132 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period | | 201,170 | | 128,962 | | | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period | | 174,508 | | 139,094 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Supplemental Information | | | | | |
| Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized | | (14,964) | | (11,635) | | | |
| Income tax paid | | (17) | | (41) | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands of $, except number of shares) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Number of shares outstanding | | | | | |
| At beginning of period | | 53,130,584 | | 53,907,787 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Treasury shares purchased | | — | | (597,203) | | | |
| At end of period | | 53,130,584 | | 53,310,584 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Share capital | | | | | |
| At beginning of period | | 5,411 | | 5,411 | | | |
| | | | | |
| At end of period | | 5,411 | | 5,411 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Treasury shares | | | | | |
| At beginning of period | | (9,449) | | (1,661) | | | |
| Treasury shares purchased at cost | | — | | (5,257) | | | |
| At end of period | | (9,449) | | (6,918) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Additional paid in capital | | | | | |
| At beginning of period | | 1,189,060 | | 1,190,333 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Stock option expense | | 94 | | 72 | | | |
| At end of period | | 1,189,154 | | 1,190,405 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Accumulated deficit | | | | | |
| At beginning of period | | (295,635) | | (358,908) | | | |
| Net income/(loss) | | 55,761 | | 47,228 | | | |
| Dividends paid | | (39,848) | | (16,085) | | | |
| At end of period | | (279,722) | | (327,765) | | | |
| Total equity | | 905,394 | | 861,133 | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL
FLEX LNG Ltd. ("FLEX LNG" or the "Company") is a limited liability company, originally incorporated in the British Virgin Islands in September 2006 and re-domiciled to Bermuda in June 2017. The Company is currently listed on the Oslo and New York Stock Exchanges under the symbol "FLNG". The Company's activities are focused on seaborne transportation of liquefied natural gas ("LNG") through the ownership and operation of fuel efficient, fifth generation LNG carriers. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had thirteen LNG carriers in operation.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of management, include all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the Company's consolidated financial statements, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on March 17, 2022.
The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the disclosures required in an Annual Report on Form 20-F.
Out-of-period adjustment
In the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded an out-of-period adjustment to prospectively correct prior period accounting errors of $1.0 million and $1.9 million relating to the overstatement of our technical ship management fees within vessel operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021, respectively. As a result of the adjustment, in the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded a decrease in our vessel operating expense and a decrease to our other current liabilities of $2.9 million. In the three months ended March 31, 2022, this adjustment increased the Company's net income by $2.9 million. We evaluated the errors for years ended December 31, 2020 and 2021 and concluded that the accounting errors were not material to the previously issued financial statements. We also evaluated the materiality of the impacts of the out-of-period adjustment required to correct the accounting errors and concluded that it was not material to the estimated income for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2022 or its effect on the trend in earnings.
Significant accounting policies
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Company’s annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.
3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04 (ASC 848 Reference Rate Reform), which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this update are elective and apply to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this update are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company has determined that reference rate reforms will primarily impact its floating rate debt facilities and the interest rate derivatives to which it is a party. We expect to take advantage of the expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP provided by the updates when reference rates currently in use are discontinued and replaced with alternative reference rates.
Other recently issued accounting pronouncements are not expected to materially impact the Company.
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net income/(loss) by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during that period.
Diluted earnings per share amounts are calculated by dividing the net income/(loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on conversion of all the dilutive potential ordinary shares into ordinary shares. If in the period there was a loss then any potential ordinary shares have been excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share, because the effects were anti-dilutive.
The following reflects the net income/(loss) and share data used in the earnings per share calculation.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $, except share data) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Net income | | 55,761 | | 47,228 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares | | 53,130,584 | | 53,668,939 | | | |
| Share options | | 218,364 | | 186,000 | | | |
| Weighted average number of ordinary shares, adjusted for dilution | | 53,348,948 | | 53,854,939 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Earnings per share: | | | | | |
| Basic and Diluted | | 1.05 | | 0.88 | | | |
| | | | | |
5. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
The following identifies the balance sheet line items included in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | 174,053 | | | 200,652 | |
| Restricted cash | | 455 | | | 518 | |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | | 174,508 | | | 201,170 | |
Restricted cash consists of cash that is restricted by law for the Norwegian tax authorities in relation to social security of employees.
6. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Other current assets includes the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Trade accounts receivable, net | | 5,235 | | | 5,270 | |
| Accrued income | | 1,723 | | | 7,005 | |
| Prepaid expenses | | 4,168 | | | 2,487 | |
| Other receivables | | 2,840 | | | 2,278 | |
| Total other current assets | | 13,966 | | | 17,040 | |
Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for doubtful accounts amounting to $nil as of March 31, 2022 (December 31, 2021: $nil).
7. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other current liabilities includes the following:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Accrued expenses | | 11,308 | | | 12,607 | |
| Deferred charter revenue | | 25,271 | | | 26,873 | |
| Other current liabilities | | 594 | | | 2,901 | |
| Provisions | | 378 | | | 606 | |
| Total other current liabilities | | 37,551 | | | 42,987 | |
8. VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT, NET
Movements in the three months ended March 31, 2022 for vessels and equipment, net is summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | Vessels and equipment | Dry docks | | | Total |
| Cost | | | | | | |
| At December 31, 2021 | | 2,467,470 | | 32,500 | | | | 2,499,970 | |
| Additions | | — | | — | | | | — | |
| Newbuildings | | — | | — | | | | — | |
| Disposals | | — | | — | | | | — | |
| At March 31, 2022 | | 2,467,470 | | 32,500 | | | | 2,499,970 | |
| | | | | | |
| Accumulated depreciation | | | | | | |
| At December 31, 2021 | | (143,923) | | (13,882) | | | | (157,805) | |
| Charge | | (16,206) | | (1,602) | | | | (17,808) | |
| Disposals | | — | | — | | | | — | |
| At March 31, 2022 | | (160,129) | | (15,484) | | | | (175,613) | |
| | | | | | |
| Net book value | | | | | | |
| At December 31, 2021 | | 2,323,547 | | 18,618 | | | | 2,342,165 | |
| At March 31, 2022 | | 2,307,341 | | 17,016 | | | | 2,324,357 | |
The net book value of vessels that serve as collateral for the Company's long-term debt (Note 10) was $2,324.4 million as at March 31, 2022 (December 31, 2021: $2,342.2 million). The net book value of the vessels Flex Rainbow, Flex Enterprise, Flex Endeavour and Flex Amber further referred to in Note 10 was $719.6 million as at March 31, 2022 (December 31, 2021: $748.5 million).
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
As of March 31, 2022, the Company's only capital commitments relate to long-term debt obligations, summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (figures in thousands of $) | | | | | | |
| | Sale & Leaseback | Period repayment | Balloon repayment | | Total |
| 1 year | | 36,501 | | 49,640 | | — | | | 86,141 | |
| 2 years | | 37,660 | | 49,640 | | — | | | 87,300 | |
| 3 years | | 38,768 | | 39,196 | | 281,184 | | | 359,148 | |
| 4 years | | 39,998 | | 32,376 | | 257,000 | | | 329,374 | |
| 5 years | | 41,298 | | 38,744 | | — | | | 80,042 | |
| Thereafter | | 507,327 | | 173,826 | | — | | | 681,153 | |
| Total | | 701,552 | | 383,422 | | 538,184 | | | 1,623,158 | |
10. SHORT TERM AND LONG-TERM DEBT
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| U.S. dollar denominated floating rate debt | | | | |
| | | | |
$250 Million Term Loan Facility | | 217,188 | | | 220,313 | |
$50 million term loan under $100 Million Facility | | 43,422 | | | 44,080 | |
Flex Rainbow Sale and Leaseback | | 129,938 | | | 131,906 | |
$629 million term loan facility | | 597,574 | | | 613,512 | |
Flex Amber Sale and Leaseback | | 145,539 | | | 147,712 | |
| | | | |
| Total U.S. dollar floating rate debt | | 1,133,661 | | | 1,157,523 | |
| | | | |
| U.S. dollar denominated fixed rate debt | | | | |
| Hyundai Glovis Sale and Charterback | | 268,241 | | | 271,381 | |
| Volunteer Sale and Leaseback | | 157,834 | | | 159,448 | |
| Total U.S. dollar denominated fixed rate debt | | 426,075 | | | 430,829 | |
| | | | |
| U.S. dollar denominated revolving credit facilities | | | | |
$50 million revolving tranche under $100 Million Facility | | 63,422 | | | 64,080 | |
| | | | |
| Total U.S. dollar denominated revolving credit facilities | | 63,422 | | | 64,080 | |
| | | | |
| Total debt | | 1,623,158 | | | 1,652,432 | |
| | | | |
| Less | | | | |
| Current portion of debt | | (86,141) | | | (85,879) | |
| Long-term portion of debt issuance costs | | (13,554) | | | (14,606) | |
| Long-term debt | | 1,523,463 | | | 1,551,947 | |
Flex Rainbow Sale and Leaseback
In July 2018, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Flex LNG Rainbow Ltd., which owned Flex Rainbow, entered into a sale and leaseback transaction (the "Flex Rainbow Sale and Leaseback"), for the vessel with a Hong Kong-based lessor for a lease period of 10 years. The gross sales price under the lease was $210 million, of which $52.5 million represented advance hire for the 10 years lease period. The agreement includes fixed price purchase options, whereby we have the option to re-purchase the vessel on or after the second anniversary of the agreement, and on each anniversary thereafter, until the end of the lease period. The bareboat rate payable under the lease has a fixed element, treated as principal repayment, and a variable element based on LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50% per annum calculated on the outstanding under the lease. The facility includes a covenant that requires us to provide additional security, by way of a deposit, as necessary to maintain the fair market value of the vessel at not less than a specified percentage of the principal amount outstanding under the lease. As of March 31, 2022 , the net outstanding balance under the lease was $129.2 million (December 31, 2021: $131.1 million ).
In March 2022, as discussed further below, the Company signed an agreement for the re-financing of the vessels Flex Rainbow, Flex Ranger and Flex Endeavour under the $375 Million Facility. Upon closing of the transaction in May 2022, the Flex Rainbow Sale and Leaseback was prepaid in full, for more information refer to Note 16: Subsequent events.
$250 Million Term Loan Facility
In April 2019, the Company, through two of its vessel owning subsidiaries, entered into a $250 million secured term loan facility (the "$250 Million Term Loan Facility") with a syndicate of banks for the part financing of the newbuildings Flex Constellation and Flex Courageous. The first $125 million tranche was drawn in June 2019 upon delivery of Flex Constellation, and the remaining $125 million tranche was drawn in August 2019 upon delivery of Flex Courageous. The facility has a term of five years from delivery of the last vessel, Flex Courageous, and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.35% per annum. As of March 31, 2022, the net outstanding balance under the facility was $216.3 million (December 31, 2021: $219.2 million). The facility includes various financial covenants, as described below.
In April 2022, as discussed further below, the Company signed agreements for the re-financing of the vessels Flex Constellation and Flex Courageous under the $320 Million Sale and Leaseback. The upon closing of the agreements in May 2022 the $250 Million Term Loan Facility was prepaid in full, for more information refer to Note 16: Subsequent events.
Hyundai Glovis Sale and Charterback
In April 2019, the Company, through two of its vessel owning subsidiaries, entered into sale and time charter agreements with Hyundai Glovis Co. Ltd. ("Hyundai Glovis") for the vessels Flex Endeavour and Flex Enterprise (the "Hyundai Glovis Sale and Charterback"). The transactions were executed at the end of July 2019, whereby the vessels were sold for a gross consideration of $210 million per vessel, with a net consideration of $150 million per vessel adjusted for a non-amortizing and non-interest bearing seller's credit of $60 million per vessel. The vessels have been chartered back on a time-charter basis to the vessel owning subsidiaries for a period of 10 years. The agreements include fixed price purchase options, whereby the Company will have annual options to acquire the vessels during the term of the time-charters. The first option is exercisable on the third anniversary of closing of the transactions and the last option at expiry of the 10 years charter periods. At the end of the 10 years charter periods, Hyundai Glovis will have the right to sell the vessels back to the Company for a net consideration of $75 million per vessel, net of the $60 million seller's credit per vessel. As of March 31, 2022, the total net outstanding balance under the leases was $266.4 million (December 31, 2021: $269.5 million).
In March 2022, as discussed further below, the Company signed an agreement for the re-financing of the vessels Flex Rainbow, Flex Ranger and Flex Endeavour under the $375 Million Facility. Under the re-financing, the Flex Endeavour is due to be re-financed in the third quarter 2022.
$100 Million Facility
In July 2019, the Company, through one of its vessel owning subsidiaries, entered into a $100 million term loan and revolving credit facility (the "$100 Million Facility") with a syndicate of banks to refinance the vessel Flex Ranger. The new facility is divided into a $50 million term loan and a $50 million revolving credit facility. The facility has a term of five years and bears interest of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum. The facility contains a minimum value clause, and financial covenants that require the Company, on a consolidated basis, to maintain: a book equity ratio of minimum 0.25 to 1; a positive working capital; and minimum liquidity, including undrawn credit lines with a remaining term of at least six months, being the higher of $25 million and an amount equal to 5% of our total interest bearing debt net of any cash and cash equivalents. In March 2021, the Company signed an addendum to the $100 Million Facility, whereby the revolving tranche under the facility was increased by $20 million. The $20 million increase is non-amortizing and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum for any drawn amounts. As of March 31, 2022, the net outstanding balance under the facility was $106.8 million (December 31, 2021: $108.1 million) including the fully drawn revolving tranche balance of $63.4 million.
In March 2022, as discussed further below, the Company signed an agreement for the re-financing of the vessels Flex Rainbow, Flex Ranger and Flex Endeavour under the $375 Million Facility. Upon closing of the transaction in May 2022, the $100 Million Facility was prepaid in full, for more information refer to Note 16: Subsequent events.
$629 Million Term Loan Facility
In February 2020, the Company, through five of its vessel owning subsidiaries, entered into a $629 million term loan facility (the "$629 Million Term Loan Facility"), with a syndicate of banks and the Export-Import Bank of Korea ("KEXIM") for five newbuildings scheduled for delivery during 2020. The facility is divided into a commercial bank loan of $250 million (the "Commercial Loan"); a KEXIM guaranteed loan, funded by commercial banks, of $189.1 million (the "KEXIM Guaranteed Loan"); and a KEXIM direct loan of $189.9 million (the "KEXIM Direct Loan").The facility includes an accordion option of up to $10 million per vessel subject acceptable long-term employment, which was utilized to increase the Commercial Loan on the Flex Artemis by $10 million in July 2020.
The Commercial Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.35% per annum and has a final maturity date of November 30, 2025. The KEXIM Guaranteed Loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.20% per annum and the KEXIM Direct Loan at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum. The KEXIM Guaranteed Loan has a term of 6 years from delivery of each vessel and the KEXIM Direct Loan a term of 12 years from delivery of each vessel, provided however that these loans will mature at the same time as the Commercial Loan if the Commercial Loan has not been refinanced at terms acceptable to the lenders. The facility includes various financial covenants, as described below.
As of March 31, 2022, the net outstanding balance under the facility was $586.8 million (December 31, 2021: $602.1 million).
Flex Amber Sale and Leaseback
In June 2020, the Company, through one of its vessel owning subsidiaries, entered into a sale and leaseback transaction (the "Flex Amber Sale and Leaseback") with an Asian based leasing house for the newbuilding Flex Amber, which is scheduled for delivery in 2020. Under the terms of the transaction, the vessel will be sold for a gross consideration of $206.5 million, with a net consideration of $156.4 million adjusted for an advance hire of $50.1 million. The vessel will be chartered back on a bareboat basis for a period of 10 years. The agreement includes fixed price purchase options, whereby the Company has options to re-purchase the vessel at or after the first anniversary of the agreement, and on each anniversary thereafter. At the end of the lease period, the Company has an obligation to purchase the vessel for $69.5 million. The bareboat rate payable under the lease has a fixed element, treated as principal repayment, and a variable element based on LIBOR plus a margin of 3.20% per annum calculated on the principal outstanding under the lease. The facility includes various financial covenants, as described below.
As of March 31, 2022, the net outstanding balance under the facility was $143.9 million (December 31, 2021: $146.0 million).
Flex Volunteer Sale and Leaseback
In November 2021, the Company, through one of its vessel owning subsidiaries, entered into a sale and leaseback agreement with a Japanese based lessor for the vessel, Flex Volunteer (the "Flex Volunteer Sale and Leaseback"). The transaction was executed in December 2021, whereby the vessel was sold for a gross consideration of $215.0 million , with a net consideration to the Company of $160.0 million adjusted for a Charterers' down payment of $55.0 million. The agreement is treated as a financing arrangement for accounting purposes, whereby the net consideration received is considered the financed amount. The vessel has been chartered back on a bareboat charter basis for a period of 10 years with a fixed daily rate of hire rate, split as interest and principal repayments. At the end of the ten year bareboat charter period, the Company has the right to buy and the lessor has the right to sell the vessel for a consideration of $80.0 million.
As of March 31, 2022, the net outstanding balance under the facility was $155.9 million (December 31, 2021: $157.4 million).
$375 Million Facility
In March 2022, the Company, through its vessel owning subsidiaries, signed a $375 million term and revolving credit facility (the "$375 Million Facility") with a syndicate of banks with a term of approximately 6 years. The facility will be used to re-finance the existing facilities for Flex Endeavour, Flex Ranger and Flex Rainbow. The facility is comprised of a $125 million term loan facility with a 6 years repayment profile and a non-amortizing $250 million revolving credit facility, resulting in an average age adjusted repayment profile of 22 years. The facility has an accordion option to add an additional $125 million by adding an additional vessel as nominated by the Company within 36 months from the closing date of the agreement. The facility has an interest rate of SOFR plus a margin of 210 basis points. Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR"), is a benchmark interest rate for dollar-denominated derivatives and loans that is replacing the London interbank offered rate ("LIBOR").
The commitments under both the term loan Facility and the revolving Facility shall be split with 1/3 allocated to each respective borrower after the initial utilization phase. During the initial utilization phase, the following adjustments will apply: all commitments in respect of Flex Ranger and Flex Rainbow shall be made available under the revolving facility until the earlier of a) utilization in respect of Flex Endeavour and b) 30 August 2022, following which 1/3 of all commitments for all Vessels shall constitute the term loan facility.
The facility contains financial covenants which require the Company on a consolidated basis to maintain: a book equity ratio of minimum 0.25 to 1.0; positive working capital; and minimum liquidity of the higher of $25 million and 5% of our total interest bearing financial indebtedness net of cash and cash equivalents. The facility also contains a collateral maintenance test, necessary to maintain the fair market value of the vessel securing the loan facility at not less than specified percentages of the principal amount outstanding under the loan facility.
$320 Million Sale and Leaseback
In February 2022, the Company, through its vessel owning subsidiaries, received credit approved term sheets with an Asian based lease provider for an aggregate of $320 million for two separate sale and bareboat leaseback agreements to re-finance the existing facility for Flex Constellation and Flex Courageous. Under the terms of the two sale and leaseback agreements, the vessels will be sold for gross consideration equivalent to the market value of each vessel and net consideration to the Company of $160 million per vessel, adjusted for an advance hire per vessel. The term of each lease is 10 years and the Company has options to repurchase the vessels after 3 years. At the expiry of the 10 year charter period the Company has an obligation to repurchase the vessels for $66.5 million per vessel reflecting an age adjusted repayment profile of 20 years. The agreement has an interest rate of SOFR plus 250 basis points. The facility contains a collateral maintenance test, necessary to maintain the fair market value of the vessel securing the loan facility at not less than specified percentages of the principal amount outstanding under the loan facility. The agreements were signed in April 2022 and were completed in May 2022, for more information see Note 16: Subsequent events.
Loan covenants
Certain of our financing agreements discussed above, have, amongst other things, the following financial covenants, as
amended or waived, which are tested quarterly, the most stringent of which require us (on a consolidated basis) to maintain:
• a book equity ratio of minimum 0.25 to 1.0;
• a positive working capital;
• minimum liquidity, including undrawn credit lines with a remaining term of at least six months, being the higher of:
(i) $25 million; and (ii) an amount equal to five percent (5%) of our total interest bearing financial indebtedness net
of any cash and cash equivalents; and
•collateral maintenance test, ensuring that the aggregate value of the vessels making up the facility in question exceeds the aggregate value of the debt commitment outstanding.
As of March 31, 2022, all financial covenants have been met accordingly.
11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Derivative instruments that economically hedge exposures are used for risk management purposes, but these instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.
Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative instrument. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is positive, the counterparty owes the Company, which creates credit risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is negative, the Company owes the counterparty, and, therefore, the Company is not exposed to the counterparty's credit risk in those circumstances. The Company minimizes counterparty credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with major banking and financial institutions. The derivative instruments entered into by the Company do not contain credit risk-related contingent features. The Company has not entered into master netting agreements with the counterparties to its derivative financial instrument contracts.
Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a derivative instrument that results from a change in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices. The market risk associated with interest rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.
The Company assesses interest rate risk by monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating economical hedging opportunities.
In order to reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates, the Company has entered into a total of 20 interest rate swap transactions, whereby LIBOR on amortized notional amounts of $876.3 million as per March 31, 2022 (December 31, 2021: $677.8 million), has been swapped to a fixed rate.
In March 2022, the Company entered into three new interest rate swap agreements, swapping a variable rate of interest based on SOFR to a fixed rate of interest. Whereby, notional amounts of $50.0 million, $50.0 million and $100.0 million, were swapped to fixed interest rates of 1.77%, 1.75% and 1.26% respectively, each with a duration of ten years. The $100 million interest swap agreement has a four year forward start.
Our interest rate swap contracts as of March 31, 2022, of which none are designated as hedging instruments, are summarized as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | Notional principal | | Effective date | | Maturity date | | Floating rate benchmark | | Fixed Interest Rate |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 50,000 | | | June 2019 | | June 2024 | | LIBOR | | 2.15 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 50,000 | | | June 2019 | | June 2024 | | LIBOR | | 2.15 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 25,000 | | | September 2019 | | June 2024 | | LIBOR | | 1.38 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 25,000 | | | September 2019 | | June 2024 | | LIBOR | | 1.40 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 75,000 | | | June 2020 | | June 2025 | | LIBOR | | 1.39 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 50,000 | | | July 2020 | | July 2025 | | LIBOR | | 1.38 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 25,000 | | | July 2020 | | July 2025 | | LIBOR | | 1.38 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 75,000 | | | July 2020 | | July 2025 | | LIBOR | | 1.43 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 46,250 | | | August 2020 | | August 2025 | | LIBOR | | 0.35 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 23,125 | | | August 2020 | | August 2025 | | LIBOR | | 0.35 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 35,000 | | | September 2020 | | September 2025 | | LIBOR | | 1.03 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 25,000 | | | September 2020 | | September 2025 | | LIBOR | | 1.22 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 25,000 | | | September 2020 | | September 2025 | | LIBOR | | 1.22 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 25,000 | | | September 2020 | | September 2025 | | LIBOR | | 0.37 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 46,875 | | | October 2020 | | October 2025 | | LIBOR | | 0.41 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 25,000 | | | March 2021 | | June 2024 | | LIBOR | | 0.35 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 50,000 | | | June 2021 | | November 2025 | | LIBOR | | 0.74 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 50,000 | | | February 2022 | | February 2032 | | SOFR | | 1.77 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 50,000 | | | March 2022 | | March 2032 | | SOFR | | 1.75 | % |
| Receiving floating, pay fixed | | 100,000 | | | March 2026 | | March 2032 | | SOFR | | 1.26 | % |
| | 876,250 | | | | | | | | | |
At March 31, 2022, the Company recorded a derivative instrument liability of $— million (December 31, 2021: $4.8 million) and a derivative instrument asset of $34.5 million (December 31, 2021: $5.9 million) in relation to these interest rate swaps.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (figures in thousands of $) | | | |
| | Three months ended |
| | March 31, |
| | | 2022 | 2021 |
| Change in fair value of derivative instruments | | 33,375 | | 14,552 | |
| Realized gain/(loss) on derivative instruments | | (1,511) | | (1,617) | |
| Gain/(loss) on derivatives | | 31,864 | | 12,935 | |
12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The principal financial assets of the Company at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, other current assets, receivables due from related parties and derivative instruments receivable amongst other less significant items. The principal financial liabilities of the Company consist of payables due to related parties, accounts payable, other current liabilities, derivative instruments payable and secured long-term debt.
The fair value measurements requirement applies to all assets and liabilities that are being measured and reported on a fair value basis. The assets and liabilities carried at fair value should be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories based on the inputs used to determine its fair value:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data;
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
The fair value of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash approximates their carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The fair value of other current assets, receivables from related parties, payables due to related parties, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate their carrying amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The fair value of floating rate debt has been determined using Level 2 inputs and is considered to be equal to the carrying value since it bears variable interest rates, which are reset on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. Carrying value of the floating rate debt is shown net deduction of debt issuance cost, while fair value of floating rate debt is shown gross.
The fixed rate debt has been determined using Level 2 inputs being the discounted expected cash flows of the outstanding debt.
The following table includes the estimated fair value and carrying value of those assets and liabilities.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Fair value hierarchy level | | Carrying value of asset (liability) | Fair value
asset (liability) | | Carrying value of asset (liability) | Fair value asset
(liability) |
| Cash, cash equivalents | Level 1 | | 174,053 | | 174,053 | | | 200,652 | | 200,652 | |
| Restricted cash | Level 1 | | 455 | | 455 | | | 518 | | 518 | |
| Derivative instruments receivable | Level 2 | | 34,473 | | 34,473 | | | 5,862 | | 5,862 | |
| Derivative instruments payable | Level 2 | | — | | — | | | (4,764) | | (4,764) | |
| Floating rate long-term debt | Level 2 | | (1,182,954) | | (1,197,083) | | | (1,206,522) | | (1,221,603) | |
| Fixed rate long- term debt | Level 2 | | (422,309) | | (440,050) | | | (426,897) | | (465,287) | |
There have been no transfers between different levels in the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The fair value (Level 2) of interest rate swap derivative agreements is the present value of the estimated future cash flows that we would receive or pay to terminate the agreements at the balance sheet date, taking into account, as applicable, fixed interest rates on interest rate swaps, current interest rates, forward rate curves and the credit worthiness of both us and the derivative counterparty.
Concentration of Risk
There is a concentration of credit risk with respect to cash and cash equivalents to the extent that substantially all of the amounts are carried with SEB (S&P Global rating: A+), Nordea (S&P Global rating: AA-), Danske Bank (S&P Global rating: A) and DNB (S&P Global rating: AA-).
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Balances
A summary of balances due from related parties at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| | | | |
| Seatankers Management Norway AS | | — | | | 18 | |
| Frontline Ltd | | — | | | 162 | |
| Frontline Management (Bermuda) Limited | | 33 | | | — | |
| | | | |
| Frontline Management AS | | 32 | | | 1 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Northern Ocean Limited | | 56 | | | 47 | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Avance Gas Trading Ltd | | 2 | | | — | |
| Sloane Square Capital Holdings Ltd | | 6 | | | — | |
| Receivables due from related parties | | 129 | | | 228 | |
A summary of balances due to related parties at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | March 31, | | December 31, |
| | 2022 | | 2021 |
| Seatankers Management Co. Ltd | | (45) | | | — | |
| | | | |
| Frontline Management (Bermuda) Limited | | — | | | (85) | |
| Frontline Corporate Services Ltd | | (26) | | | (30) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Flex LNG Fleet Management AS | | (357) | | | (232) | |
| SFL Corporation Ltd | | (1) | | | (1) | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Payables due to related parties | | (429) | | | (348) | |
Related Party Transactions
A summary of (expenses)/income incurred from related parties is as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in thousands of $) | | Three months ended | | |
| | March 31, | | |
| | 2022 | 2021 | | |
| Seatankers Management Co Ltd | | 23 | | 39 | | | |
| Seatankers Management Norway AS | | (15) | | (22) | | | |
| | | | | |
| Frontline Management (Bermuda) Limited | | (64) | | (57) | | | |
| Frontline Management AS | | 11 | | (68) | | | |
| Flex LNG Fleet Management AS | | (1,015) | | (911) | | | |
| | | | | |
| FS Maritime SARL | | (32) | | (90) | | | |
| Northern Ocean Limited | | 2 | | 1 | | | |
| | | | | |
| Front Ocean Management AS | | (53) | | — | | | |
| | | | | |
| Sloane Square Capital Holdings Ltd | | 4 | | — | | | |
| Avance Gas Trading Ltd | | 2 | | — | | | |
| Total related party transactions | | (1,137) | | (1,108) | | | |
General Management Agreements
We have a service level agreement with Front Ocean Management AS ("Front Ocean"), under which they provide certain advisory and support services including human resources, shared office costs, administrative support, IT systems and services, compliance, insurance and legal assistance. In the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded an expense with Front Ocean of $0.1 million for these services.
We have an administrative services agreement with Frontline Management AS ("Frontline Management") under which they provide us with certain administrative support, technical supervision, purchase of goods and services within the ordinary course of business and other support services, for which we pay our allocation of the actual costs they incur on our behalf, plus a margin. Frontline Management may subcontract these services to other associated companies, including Frontline Management (Bermuda) Limited. In the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded an expense with Frontline Management and associated companies of $0.1 million for these services (March 31, 2021: $0.1 million).
We also have an agreement with Seatankers Management Co. Ltd. ("Seatankers") under which it provides us with certain advisory and support services, for which we pay our allocation of the actual costs they incur on our behalf, plus a margin. In the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded an expense with Seatankers of $0.0 million for such services (March 31, 2021: $0.0 million).
Technical Management and Support Services
Flex LNG Fleet Management AS is responsible for the provision of technical ship management of all of our vessels. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded an expense with Flex LNG Management AS of $1.0 million for these services (March 31, 2021: $0.9 million).
Consultancy Services
We held a consultancy agreement with FS Maritime SARL for the employment of our Chief Commercial Officer, which was terminated. The fee was set at a maximum of CHF437,995 per annum and was charged on a pro-rated basis for the time allocation of consultancy services incurred. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded an expense of $0.0 million with FS Maritime SARL for these services (March 31, 2021: $0.1 million).
14. SHARE CAPITAL
The Company had an issued share capital at March 31, 2022 of $5.4 million divided into 54,110,584 ordinary shares (December 31, 2021: $5.4 million divided into 54,110,584 ordinary shares) of $0.10 par value.
15. TREASURY SHARES
As of March 31, 2022, the Company holds an aggregate of 980,000 shares at a cost of $9.4 million, with a weighted average of $9.64 per share, pursuant to the buy-back program, which ceased in November 2021. (December 31, 2021: 980,000 shares).
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In April 2022, 15,000 share options, under the April 2020 Tranche, were exercised and settled by the Company through the transfer of 12,491 treasury shares. The number of shares transferred was calculated as the difference between the adjusted exercise price converted to NOK on the exercise date and the closing share price on OSE multiplied by the number of shares exercised. The adjusted exercise price at the date of exercise was $4.90 (or NOK 42.84), adjusted for $2.70 of dividends. The share price on the exercise date was NOK 256.20 on OSE.
In April 2022, the Company made a drawdown of $125 million under the revolving tranche of the $375 Million Facility. In connection with the drawdown, the Company prepaid the full amount outstanding of $106.8 million under the $100 Million Facility and prepaid the full amount outstanding of $128.0 million under the Flex Rainbow Sale and Leaseback. The remaining balance of $113.6 million, after deducting for financing costs, was paid from cash and the $125 million commitment under the revolving tranche of the $375 Million Facility remains available for general corporate purposes.
In April 2022, the Company, signed the $320 Million Sale and Leaseback. In May 2022, upon closing of the transaction, the Company received net consideration, after deducting for financing costs, of $317.1 million and used a portion of the proceeds to prepay the full amount outstanding of $217.2 million under the $250 Million Facility.
On May 10, 2022, the Company issued 50,000 share options to members of management. The share options have a five-year term and a three-year vesting schedule, whereby: 25% will vest after one year; 35% will vest after two years; and 40% will vest after three years. The options have an exercise price of $25.00. The exercise price will be adjusted for any distribution of dividends before the relevant options expire.
On May 10, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend for the first quarter of 2022 of $0.75 per share. The dividend will be paid on or around June 7, 2022, to shareholders on record as of May 25, 2022. The ex-dividend date will be May 24, 2022.
On May 11, 2022, the Company's fourth annual ESG report for 2021 was published and can be found on the Company's website. The report has been prepared in accordance with the Marine Transportation framework established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board in line with previous years.