olivlawolivlaw

olivLaw · US equity research

Nordic American Tankers Ltd NAT

Water Transportation · SIC 4400 · Vertical: Water Transportation (SIC 4400)

6.53USD−6.98% · 1 dayClose 05 Nov 2026

Nordic American Tankers runs an all-Suezmax crude tanker fleet of 20 vessels as of December 31, 2025, carrying crude oil on long-haul routes. Voyage revenues fell 16.60% in fiscal 2025 amid a volatile market, while early 2026 spot rates rose sharply, making rate direction the key factor for the company now.

The AI analysis may be outdated: new filings came after its sources (see the «AI analysis» section).

At the close of 05 Nov 2026, Nordic American Tankers Ltd (NAT) stock was 6.53 USD (−6.98% on the day), with market capitalisation 1.4 bn USD, P/E 108.8 on diluted EPS of 0.06 USD over the last 12 months, dividend yield 5.51%, beta 0.32, 52-week range 3.37–8.79 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
1.4 bn USD
shares as of 31 Dec 2025
P/E (TTM)
108.8
Diluted EPS TTM 0.06 · TTM to 31 Dec 2025
E/P (TTM)
0.92%
TTM to 31 Dec 2025
Dividend yield
5.51%
DPS 12m 0.36
Beta (2y)
0.32
Volatility (1y) 42%
52-week range
3.378.79

Price history

Loading chart…

Technical reading

RSI (14)
31.3
weak (30–45)
Bollinger (20, 2)
6.72 – 8.85
below the lower band · %B -0.09 · band width 27.4%
SMA 50 / 200
7.71 / 6.14
mixed trend
MACD (12, 26, 9)
-0.19 / -0.04
MACD below signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month−20.6%−1.1%−19.5 pp—
3 months+2.0%−0.5%+2.5 pp—
6 months+11.4%+4.4%+7.0 pp—
Year to date+89.8%+12.3%+77.5 pp—
1 year+82.9%+13.5%+69.4 pp+15.2%
3 years+39.8%+76.4%−36.6 pp+56.7%
5 years+179.1%+63.7%+115.4 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−25.7%
12 Oct 2026 → 05 Nov 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−53.7%
27 Oct 2023 → 04 Apr 2025
Compound annual growth (5y)
+22.8%
S&P 500 +10.4%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

ESEF annual reports carry no quarters: the results are annual (below).

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 100 percentile of its own 5-quarter history (min 8.7, median 11.4, max 57.3; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year20182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue289.0 m317.2 m354.6 m191.1 m339.3 m391.7 m349.7 m291.7 m
Revenue YoY−2.7%+9.8%+11.8%−46.1%+77.6%+15.4%−10.7%−16.6%
Net income-95.3 m-10.4 m50.0 m-171.3 m15.1 m98.7 m46.6 m12.3 m
Net income YoYunavailableunavailableunavailable−442.4%unavailable+553.7%−52.7%−73.7%
Diluted EPS-0.67-0.070.34-1.050.070.470.220.06
Diluted EPS YoYunavailableunavailableunavailable−408.8%unavailable+571.4%−53.2%−72.7%
net %-33.0%-3.3%14.1%-89.7%4.5%25.2%13.3%4.2%
Free cash flowunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable

Reported results vs expectations

Loading…

Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
45.9 m USD
Financial debt
424.1 m USD
Net debt
378.3 m USD
Equity
445.5 m USD
Total assets
902.2 m USD
Debt / equity
0.95x
Current ratio
2.24x
ROE
2.6%
ROA
1.4%
FCF margin
unavailable

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Margins

Income statement · USD

Revenue
2023
391.7 m
2024
349.7 m
2025
291.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Cost of revenue
2023
129.5 m
2024
124.6 m
2025
109.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Gross profit
2023
262.2 m ≈
2024
225.1 m ≈
2025
181.8 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026derived

Operating income
2023
127.9 m
2024
77.3 m
2025
46.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Interest expense
2023
30.5 m
2024
30.7 m
2025
35.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
98.8 m
2024
46.6 m
2025
12.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Income tax
2023
120.0 k
2024
-10.0 k
2025
48.0 k

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Net income
2023
98.7 m
2024
46.6 m
2025
12.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
0.47
2024
0.22
2025
0.06

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
208.8 m
2024
209.9 m
2025
211.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Dividend per share
2023
0.43
2024
0.40
2025
0.36

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
31.1 m
2024
39.2 m
2025
45.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Receivables
2023
26.3 m
2024
16.2 m
2025
19.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Current assets
2023
108.9 m
2024
98.8 m
2025
150.9 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Property, plant & equipment, net
2023
969.0 k
2024
749.0 k
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2025verified

Total assets
2023
879.2 m
2024
817.6 m
2025
902.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Accounts payable
2023
3.4 m
2024
4.3 m
2025
2.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Short-term debt
2023
31.9 m
2024
21.6 m
2025
35.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Long-term debt
2023
269.7 m
2024
248.1 m
2025
388.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Current liabilities
2023
70.5 m
2024
59.8 m
2025
67.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Equity
2023
538.3 m †
2024
508.8 m †
2025
445.5 m †

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Shares outstanding at year end
2023
208.8 m
2024
211.8 m
2025
211.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Operating cash flow
2023
139.4 m
2024
128.2 m
2025
19.8 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Investing cash flow
2023
-73.7 m
2024
-2.6 m
2025
-87.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Financing cash flow
2023
-95.7 m
2024
-115.1 m
2025
69.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Dividends paid
2023
89.8 m
2024
75.1 m
2025
76.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 29 Apr 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
-16.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue CAGR 3Y
-4.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Revenue CAGR 5Y
-3.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EBIT growth (YoY)
-40.1%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income growth (YoY)
-73.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income CAGR 3Y
-6.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Net income CAGR 5Y
-24.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EPS growth (YoY)
-72.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
-5.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
EPS CAGR 5Y
-29.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
FCF growth (YoY)
unavailable
input data missing

Profitability

Gross margin
62.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EBITDA margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBIT margin
15.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net margin
4.2%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
FCF margin
unavailable
input data missing

Returns

ROE
2.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
ROA
1.4%
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
ROIC
5.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
ROCE
5.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Payout ratio (EPS)
600.0%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Payout ratio (FCF)
unavailable
input data missing

Balance sheet

Net debt
378.3 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Net debt / EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
Debt / equity
1.0x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Interest coverage
1.3x
computed by olivLawFY 2025

Liquidity

Current ratio
2.2x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Quick ratio
unavailable
input data missing
Cash ratio
0.7x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025

Cash

Operating cash flow
19.8 m USD
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Capital expenditure
unavailable
input data missing
Free cash flow
unavailable
input data missing
FCF conversion
unavailable
input data missing
Cash conversion
unavailable
input data missing

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
22 days
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Days inventory outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Days payables outstanding
11 days
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Cash conversion cycle
unavailable
input data missing

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
1.4 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Enterprise value
1.8 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Market cap / net income TTM
112.7x
computed by olivLawFY 2025
P/E (TTM)
108.8x
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Earnings yield
0.9%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
P/B
3.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
P/S
4.7x
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
EV/EBIT
38.0x
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
EV/Sales
6.0x
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
P/FCF
unavailable
input data missing
FCF yield
unavailable
input data missing
Dividend yield
5.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Shareholder yield (distributions)
5.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025

1 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Unattractive profile

Score: 22 / 100

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

score < 40

Closing price

6.53 USD

05 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 1.4 bn USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
1.4 bn USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
P/E (TTM)
108.8x
computed by olivLawFY 2025
P/B
3.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
ROE
2.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025 · balance sheet at 31 Dec 2025
Net margin
4.2%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue growth (YoY)
-16.6%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Dividend yield
5.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2025

Coverage and freshness

26/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 31 Dec 2025
Latest balance sheet date: 31 Dec 2025
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 31 Dec 2025
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 29 Apr 2026
verified 464derived 4

Score by group

  • Balance sheet40
  • Returns79
  • Quality27
  • Growth0
  • Valuation0

Estimated value range

Low
2.62
USD per share
Mid
3.13
USD per share
High
3.74
USD per share
Price: 6.53 USD
The price is above the range
Potential to the central value: -52.1% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: -108.7% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: low · 2 methods used · 2 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 0.51 – 6.36 USD.

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · input data missing
  • Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · input data missing
  • Peers: P/E0.51 – 1.12 (Mid 0.83)
    14 companies used · median multiple 13.9x · quartiles 8.5x – 18.7x
    BIP, CCL, DLNG, FLNG, INSW, KEX, KNOP, MATX, NCLH, RCL, RUBI, TDW, TNK, VIK
  • Dividend discount (DDM)4.73 – 6.36 (Mid 5.43)
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Water Transportation (SIC 4400)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Unattractive profile · Score 22/100

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROIC · Quality5.9%27 (vs peers)17%
Net margin · Quality4.2%26 (vs peers)10%
FCF conversion · Qualityunavailableunavailable—
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth-4.9%0 (on a fixed band)14%
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth-5.0%0 (on a fixed band)14%
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheetunavailableunavailable—
Interest coverage · Balance sheet1.3x0 (on a fixed band)10%
Current ratio · Balance sheet2.2x100 (on a fixed band)7%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation108.8x0 (vs peers)17%
EV/EBITDA · Valuationunavailableunavailable—
FCF yield · Valuationunavailableunavailable—
Shareholder yield (distributions) · Returns5.5%79 (on a fixed band)10%
Payout ratio (FCF) · Returnsunavailableunavailable—

Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.

Score groups

  • Balance sheet40/100 · 2/3 factors with a value
  • Growth0/100 · 2/2 factors with a value
  • Quality27/100 · 2/3 factors with a value
  • Returns· partial79/100 · 1/2 factors with a value
  • Valuation· partial0/100 · 1/3 factors with a value

A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.

Memo

NORDIC AMERICAN TANKERS Ltd (NAT). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2025-12-31.

Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 291.7 m USD in 2025; YoY growth -16.6%; net margin 4.2%; ROE 2.6%.

The estimated value range is 2.62–3.74 USD per share (median of 2 methods, agreement: low); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 3.13 USD, the price of 6.53 USD leaves a potential of -52.1% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of -108.7% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

olivLaw score 22/100, methodological classification: unattractive profile (score, margin of safety and method agreement together; not a judgement of the right price). Groups assessed only in part: returns, valuation. Not investment advice.

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • Current ratio: 2.2x
  • Shareholder yield (distributions): 5.5%

What contradicts it

  • ROIC: 5.9%
  • Net margin: 4.2%
  • Revenue CAGR 3Y: -4.9%
  • EPS CAGR 3Y: -5.0%
  • Interest coverage: 1.3x
  • P/E (TTM): 108.8x
  • The price is above the estimated value range
  • The valuation methods diverge

Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): FCF conversion, Net debt / EBITDA, EV/EBITDA, FCF yield, Payout ratio (FCF).

Versus the vertical median

Water Transportation (SIC 4400) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 21 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
108.8x
vertical median 14.2x
above median (+668.0%)
EV/EBITDA
—
vertical median 9.2x
P/S
4.7x
vertical median 1.8x
above median (+156.4%)
P/B
3.1x
vertical median 2.0x
above median (+59.1%)
ROE
2.6%
vertical median 11.6%
below median (−77.9%)
Net margin
4.2%
vertical median 11.2%
below median (−62.6%)
EBIT margin
15.9%
vertical median 20.5%
below median (−22.7%)
Revenue YoY
-16.6%
vertical median -0.9%
below median
Net debt/EBITDA
—
vertical median 0.9x
Dividend yield
5.5%
vertical median 3.4%
above median (+64.3%)

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
RCLRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd89.1 bn19.741.7%23.8%+8.8%+25% / +210%
CCLCarnival Corp Ltd.42.1 bn13.724.0%11.4%+6.4%+21% / +108%
BIPBrookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P.11.2 bn42.07.7%11.0%+9.8%+5% / +44%
NCLHNorwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.8.2 bn9.831.2%8.2%+3.7%−4% / +16%
MATXMatson, Inc.6.4 bn14.317.2%13.4%−2.3%+96% / +123%
KEXKirby Corporation6.3 bn18.410.4%10.2%+3.0%+5% / +56%
INSWInternational Seaways, Inc.4.7 bn6.037.4%62.0%−11.4%+78% / +107%
GLNGGolar Lng Limited4.3 bn65.73.4%16.7%+51.1%+15% / +98%
TDWTidewater Inc3.4 bn14.019.5%18.3%+0.5%+28% / +15%
SEAL-PASeapeak LLC2.0 bn76.8—4.1%−10.4%−2% / −2%
FLNGFLEX LNG Ltd.1.4 bn18.89.8%21.5%−2.4%+2% / −11%
NATNORDIC AMERICAN TANKERS Ltd1.4 bn108.82.6%4.2%−16.6%+83% / +40%
GLOP-PAGasLog Partners LP1.2 bn—-1.7%-7.2%−21.9%−2% / +5%
CMDBCostamare Bulkers Holdings Limited430.2 m—-11.2%-6.3%unavailable+8% / unavailable
KNOPKNOT Offshore Partners LP288.4 m12.4—6.4%+14.4%−15% / +58%
EDRYEurodry Ltd.102.6 m—-4.0%—+8.9%+173% / +79%
OMEXOdyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.26.0 m——-13,366.3%−54.0%+437% / +200%
USEAUnited Maritime Corp22.2 m—-11.0%-16.4%−16.8%+40% / −4%
RUBIRubico Inc.682.3 k0.06.6%11.2%−2.8%−100% / unavailable
VIKViking Holdings Ltd—33.5263.5%17.7%+21.9%+29% / unavailable
DLNGDynagas Lng Partners LP—2.212.9%—−100.0%−16% / +16%
TNKTeekay Tankers Ltd.—8.118.5%36.9%−22.6%+42% / +65%

1- and 3-year price returns: for NAT from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.

Bear
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Base
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Bull
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Nothing is saved.

Estimated price (USD)

Estimated priceBearBaseBull
1 years
3.38
Total return -48% · Per year -48%
6.00
Total return -7% · Per year -7%
9.07
Total return 40% · Per year 40%
3 years
2.68
Total return -57% · Per year -25%
5.42
Total return -15% · Per year -5%
9.09
Total return 42% · Per year 12%
5 years
2.14
Total return -65% · Per year -19%
4.90
Total return -21% · Per year -5%
9.10
Total return 45% · Per year 8%
What moves the 3-year price the most
  • Exit P/E± 1.36
  • Net margin± 0.95
  • Annual revenue growth± 0.86
  • Annual dilution± 0.08

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 29 Apr 2026; since then the company filed 6-K (28 Sept 2026), 6-K (27 Aug 2026), 6-K (01 Jun 2026).

In brief

Nordic American Tankers runs an all-Suezmax crude tanker fleet of 20 vessels as of December 31, 2025, carrying crude oil on long-haul routes. Voyage revenues fell 16.60% in fiscal 2025 amid a volatile market, while early 2026 spot rates rose sharply, making rate direction the key factor for the company now.

SWOT

Strengths

  • The company has a homogenous, interchangeable fleet that simplifies maintenance and lowers operating costs 1.
  • Its cash break-even is considered low in the industry, which provides a margin of safety in periods of lower rates 1.
  • The company improved liquidity through refinancing and vessel sales, and its fleet is managed by established technical managers 1.

Weaknesses

  • Most vessels are employed in the spot market, which makes revenue highly sensitive to changes in tanker rates 1.
  • Interest expenses rose in 2025 and the company carries substantial debt that limits funds available for dividends 1.
  • Exclusive focus on Suezmax tankers means concentrated exposure to one segment of the shipping market 1.

Opportunities

  • Higher spot rates at the start of 2026 could improve results if the trend holds 1.
  • Selling older vessels and adding newbuildings could modernise the fleet and reduce maintenance costs over the long term 1.
  • Geopolitical instability could increase demand for tankers, especially on long-haul routes 1.

Threats

  • A large volume of new vessels under construction could push rates lower in the coming years 1.
  • Sanctions and environmental regulation could raise costs or restrict operations on certain routes 1.
  • A shift in oil demand toward other energy sources could reduce long-term demand for transport 1.

Risks

  • Cyclicality of the Suezmax markethigh

    The tanker market is cyclical and volatile, and a period of low rates could reduce revenue, cash flow and the ability to pay dividends 1.

  • Exposure to the spot markethigh

    Dependence on spot charters means any decline in rates feeds quickly into results, and the company could struggle to repay its debts if this persists 1.

  • Debt and refinancingmedium

    Debt service limits funds available for other purposes, and restrictive loan covenants could affect growth and dividend payments 1.

  • Geopolitical risk and sanctionsmedium

    Operations in certain jurisdictions and exposure to conflict zones could lead to sanctions, fines or lost earnings, and the company's reputation could suffer 1.

  • Fuel costs and regulationlow

    Higher fuel prices and emissions compliance costs could reduce profits if they cannot be passed on to customers 1.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • Spot tanker rates in the first quarter of 2026 were far above the fourth quarter of 2025 level, and if this recovery holds, results could benefit significantly 1.
  • A low operating cost base and a homogenous fleet could allow the company to stay profitable even in periods of lower rates 1.
  • Refinancing and vessel sales released liquidity, which could support investment plans and dividend payments 1.

What would break the thesis

  • Large orders of new vessels could pressure rates if deliveries cluster in the coming period 1.
  • Higher interest expenses and existing debt could limit financial flexibility if the market weakens 1.

What to watch

  • Development of Suezmax spot rates and earnings per vesselQ2 2026
  • Completion of the Nordic Pollux sale and payment of the first newbuilding instalment2026
  • Dividend levels declared and liquidity trends after refinancingnext 10-K
  • Delivery of new Suezmax vessels and evolution of the orderbook2027

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 29 Apr 2026; since then the company filed 6-K (28 Sept 2026), 6-K (27 Aug 2026), 6-K (01 Jun 2026).

The business

Nordic American Tankers Limited, formed in Bermuda in 1995 and listed on the NYSE under NAT, is an international company that owns, operates and charters exclusively Suezmax tankers, each with a carrying capacity of one million barrels of oil 1. Its 'Nordic American System' strategy relies on a homogenous, interchangeable fleet, close relations with large oil companies and low costs, with an operating cash break-even of about $10,000 per day per vessel 1. The company presents itself as a dividend-focused business that has declared quarterly dividends for 114 consecutive quarters 1.

Segments

Spot charters

Most vessels operate in the spot market on single voyages, which exposes the company directly to changes in tanker rates 1. Voyage revenues were $291.7 million in fiscal 2025, down from $349.7 million in 2024, mainly because tanker rates were lower in 2025 1.

Time charters

A smaller number of vessels are chartered on longer time charter contracts that offer more predictable revenue 1. Two vessels are on six-year contracts expiring in 2028, and one on a five-year contract expiring in late 2029 1.

Fleet renewal and disposals

The company sold older vessels and added newer ones, which changed the fleet structure and produced a gain on vessel sales of $16.6 million in 2025 1. Two more vessels were sold after year-end 2025, which could reduce the fleet to 16 vessels excluding newbuildings 1.

Market context

According to the data cited in the report, Suezmax earnings averaged $51,800 per day in 2025, up from $38,100 per day in 2024 1. Global tanker fleet net growth was 2.1% in 2025, and the Suezmax orderbook stood at 19.9% of the fleet at the start of 2026, a level that could pressure rates later if deliveries accelerate 1. Spot earnings in the first quarter of 2026 were significantly higher than in the fourth quarter of 2025, pointing to a tighter short-term market 1.

Trends

  • Geopolitical tensions and trade routesmixed

    Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have disrupted energy flows and shipping, and a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to rerouting and higher insurance costs 1. Such events could support tanker demand while adding operating uncertainty 1.

  • Sanctions and shadow-fleet tonnagetailwind

    A significant share of the global fleet was sanctioned in 2025, which effectively reduced compliant fleet growth and supported rates for compliant vessels 1. If sanctions regimes change, this dynamic could shift.

  • Rising newbuilding ordersheadwind

    The Suezmax orderbook rose from 9.5% of the fleet a year earlier to 19.9% at the start of 2026, and scheduled 2026 deliveries imply sizeable gross fleet growth 1. If deliveries bunch up, pressure on rates could increase.

  • Environmental costs and regulationheadwind

    The EU Emissions Trading System and FuelEU Maritime have increased voyage costs, and carbon and ballast-water rules could add further expenses 1. These costs could compress margins, especially if they cannot be passed on to customers 1.

Competitive position

The tanker market is shared by captive fleets of oil companies and independent shipowners, who compete for the same spot and time charter contracts 1. Competition is intense, and the company acknowledges it may not succeed in competing effectively in the Suezmax market 1. Its stated advantage is low operating cost and a homogenous fleet 1.

The company operates as a specialist, focused solely on Suezmax tankers, which can bring operational advantages but also greater exposure to a single segment 1. The current portfolio has no diversification into other vessel types 1.

  • Oil company captive fleets

    Fleets owned or controlled by large oil companies compete directly in crude transport, including for third-party charterers 1.

  • Independent tanker shipowners

    Independent operators compete for the same spot and time charter contracts on Suezmax routes 1.

  • Other Suezmax operators

    Other Suezmax owners compete in the same segment, and competitive pressure depends on new orders entering the market 1.

  • Aframax and VLCC operators

    The Aframax and VLCC segments are correlated with the Suezmax market and can attract the same customers when rates change 1.

News & filings

Sources

  1. [1] Form 20-F, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / Nordic American Tankers Ltd · 29 Apr 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.