COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Nov. 4, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 11 - 2010
Expectations to the freight rate development in the fourth quarter of 2010 leads to a revised forecast for the result before tax for 2010
As a result of the expectations for the freight rate development for product tankers in the fourth quarter of 2010, TORM revises its forecast for 2010 from an expected loss before tax of USD 40-60 million to an expected loss before tax of USD 75-85 million.
"The rates for product tankers continue to be weak, and the signs of recovery we experienced during the summer months of 2010 have not materialised into better rates. However, this does not change our long-term view of the product tanker market, and we remain positive on the future prospects of this segment," CEO Jacob Meldgaard says.
As planned, TORM will release its interim financial statements for the first nine months of 2010 on 18 November 2010.
About TORM
TORM is one of the world's leading carriers of refined oil products as well as a significant player in the dry bulk market. The Company runs a fleet of approximately 140 modern vessels in cooperation with other respected shipping companies sharing TORM's commitment to safety, environmental responsibility and customer service.
TORM was founded in 1889. The Company conducts business worldwide and is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. TORM's shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen (Copenhagen:TORM) and on NASDAQ in New York (Nasdaq:TRMD). For further information, please visit www.torm.com.
Safe Harbor Forward Looking Statements
Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, Management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although TORM believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, TORM cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.
Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand for "tonne miles" of oil carried by oil tankers, the effect of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled dry-docking, changes in TORM's operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations including requirements for double hull tankers or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents and political events or acts by terrorists. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by TORM with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the TORM Annual Report on Form 20-F and its reports on Form 6-K.
Forward looking statements are based on management's current evaluation, and TORM is only under obligation to update and change the listed expectations to the extent required by law.
CONTACT: TORM A/S Jacob Meldgaard, CEO +45 39 17 92 00 Roland M. Andersen, CFO +45 39 17 92 00