The Positives
+ Plans to monetize vessels. Valuations for 2nd hand vessels remain stable. Uni-Asia sold a 49% joint venture vessel in March 2023. We estimate the gain on sale is US$3-4mn. Vessel owners are hesitant to order new vessels. There is uncertainty over the fuel type that meets future emission standards. Larger bulk carrier orders are gravitating towards methanol as the dual fuel with fossil fuel. However, Handysize vessels are too small to accommodate both fuel types.
+ Alero pipeline refreshed. Uni-Asia’s pipeline of residential projects in Tokyo (called Alero) in 1Q23 is improving to 13 ongoing or new sites. This compares with 9 ongoing sites a year ago. The number of projects sold has declined from 4 to 2.
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The Negative
– Weakening freight rates. The Baltic Exchange Handysize Index is down 27% this year. Despite the re-opening in China, the rebound has been slower than expected. In 1Q23, industry data pointed to increased volumes for iron ore post emission controls in China during the Beijing Winter Olympics last year. Coal volumes also performed better after the Indonesia export ban in 2022. Minor bulk and grain loading have been weak.
Paul has 20 years of experience as a fund manager and sell-side analyst. During his time as fund manager, he has managed multiple funds and mandates including capital guaranteed, dividend income, renewable energy, single country and regionally focused funds.
He graduated from Monash University and had completed both his Chartered Financial Analyst and Australian CPA programme.