OMI’s 4th quarter profits up 4%

OMI’s 4th quarter profits up 4%    Stamford, Conn.-based tanker operator OMI Corp., Monday reported fourth quarter net income of $112.6 million, up 3.8 percent compared to $108.5 million it posted in the same quarter 2004.
   The fourth quarter results included a $55.1 million gain from the sale of two 1998 built Suezmax vessels and a $1.9 million gain from the extinguishment of notes.
   The fourth quarter time charter equivalent average rate for OMI’s “Suezmax” fleet was $56,555 per day, a 37 percent decline from an average rate of $90,062 per day in the same quarter 2004.
   OMI’s quarterly operating income improved 3.1 percent to $122.1 million from $118.4 million. Revenue dropped 9 percent to $188.8 million from $207.6 million.
   For the full year, OMI’s net income jumped 12 percent to $275.2 million from $245.7 million in 2004. Operating income increased 10.4 percent to $311.6 million, compared to $282.4 million a year before. OMI’s revenue was up 15.4 percent to $650.8 million from $563.8 million.
   “We are pleased to report our third consecutive year of record earnings. While tanker rates declined during 2005 from the exceptional levels of 2004, they remained very strong and have continued that strength into 2006,” said Craig H. Stevenson Jr., OMI’s chairman and chief executive officer.