This article first appeared on GuruFocus .
Release Date: August 19, 2026
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript .
Positive Points
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Record quarterly EBITDA of $238 million, up 11% year-over-year, excluding non-recurring items.
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Backlog reached a record $7.2 billion, providing 92% coverage for 2026 and 68% for 2027.
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Strong market outlook with increasing demand for high-end anchor handlers and project work, supported by a growing floater market.
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Strategic fleet high-grading: selling non-core PSVs and acquiring high-end vessels, expected to be cash-neutral or positive.
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Increased dividend due to strong visibility and confidence in sustained market strength.
Negative Points
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EBITDA guidance for 2026 was lowered by $25 million due to vessel sales, the Amazonas loss, and a docking schedule change.
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The Amazonas total loss resulted in a one-time EBITDA impact of $110 million, which is non-recurring and distorts quarterly comparisons.
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High leverage on the Norskan segment, though expected to improve with new contracts starting next year.
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Potential oversupply of new CSV builds could pressure rates in the subsea segment, though DOF sees limited direct impact.
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Uncertainty in project activity for 2027, with management relying on 'gut feeling' rather than concrete data for an expected uptick.
Q & A Highlights
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Q: What is the reason for the high EBITDA margin in Norskan, and are these margins sustainable? A: CFO Martin Lund explained that the high margin is primarily due to the one-time recognition of $110 million in EBITDA from the Scandi Amazonas total loss insurance settlement, which is not a recurring event. The underlying EBITDA margin in Norskan is similar to historical levels, reflecting its high-asset segment with long-term contracts. CEO Mons Aase added that adjusted numbers should improve next year as several vessels commence new contracts.
Q: Will Petrobras seek to replace the Scandi Amazonas vessel, and how will they do that? A: CEO Mons Aase stated he cannot answer what Petrobras will do, but confirmed that DOF will not replace the vessel itself. The company will focus on its remaining fleet and project pipeline rather than directly substituting this lost capacity.
Q: How do you translate the increase in floaters into demand for anchor handlers, and can you quantify the scope? A: CEO Mons Aase explained that each floater project typically involves a pre-lay phase using one large anchor handler with a crane, followed by a hookup phase requiring three to four additional vessels for anchor control. A typical project duration is about one month per phase, plus nearly one month of sailing time each way for distant locations like West Africa, meaning a hookup can utilize four to five vessels for around 90 days.
Q: Do you have enough anchor handling capacity to meet the booming demand for 2027, and could sourcing third-party vessels become an issue? A: CEO Mons Aase confirmed that DOF has the core fleet and necessary high-end vessels, and it is common practice to charter in third-party vessels for projects. He cited the upcoming Qlean project as an example, where DOF will use three of its own vessels and one chartered-in vessel, indicating no concern about sourcing additional capacity.
Q: What is the Scandi Amazonas's accounting effect on net profit for the quarter? A: CFO Martin Lund detailed that the EBITDA effect of $110 million, less the vessel's book value of $42 million, results in a gain of $68 million. After accounting for a tax effect of roughly $20 million, the net profit impact is approximately $50 million for the quarter.
Q: There is a wave of new builds coming on the CSV side. Does that affect your contracting strategy and potentially rates? A: CEO Mons Aase stated that DOF's strategy remains focused on long-term contracts, and the company competes on full-service offerings rather than just vessels. He noted that DOF often charters in vessels from these new-build owners, positioning them as clients rather than competitors. He doubts new builds will significantly impact rates, suggesting they may achieve $75,000-$80,000 per day rather than the $90,000 they might expect.
Q: On the Heijer contract in Suriname, what will the vessel do, and do you expect to put additional vessels to work there? A: CEO Mons Aase explained that the vessel will be used for mooring jobs, supply duties, IRM (inspection, repair, and maintenance), and construction work, including installing Christmas trees. It is a field support contract with anchor handling duties, and DOF expects more opportunities in Suriname as the market develops.
Q: How do you see project activity developing from 2026 into 2027? A: CEO Mons Aase indicated that while he expects activity to be up on the CSV side, his overall feeling is that 2027 will see higher activity compared to 2026. He based this on the overall project pipeline, backlog, and opportunities, though he acknowledged it is a gut feeling rather than a guaranteed projection.
Q: For the two new CSVs, what would be your preference: using them on projects or long-term field support contracts? A: CEO Mons Aase stated that DOF aims to maintain a balanced mix between long-term and short-term contracts across its fleet. While the company is actively chasing more long-term work to secure backlog and reduce risk, it is too early to say where the two new vessels will be deployed. There are opportunities in Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions.
Q: Where do you see DOF as strongest relative to the competition, both on types of jobs and locations? A: CEO Mons Aase identified DOF's strengths in high-end anchor handling, FSV IRM, and smaller subsea projects. Geographically, the company holds strong positions in Canada, the Caribbean, Brazil, and APAC (especially Australia). He acknowledged a desire for a higher market share in the North Sea and noted a strong foothold in West Africa with growth potential.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript .
