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SFL Corporation (SFL)
NYSE:SFL

SFL Corporation (SFL) AI Stock Analysis

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SFL

SFL Corporation

(NYSE:SFL)

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Neutral 59 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:59Neutral
Price Target:
$10.50
▼(-2.23% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/13/26
The score is held back primarily by volatile profitability and a highly leveraged balance sheet, despite resilient operating cash flow. Technicals are supportive but overextended, and valuation is helped by the very high dividend yield while a negative P/E reflects the recent loss. Earnings-call commentary adds support via backlog-driven cash-flow visibility, but meaningful financing and asset-employment risks remain.
Positive Factors
Charter backlog & counterparty quality
A multi-billion charter backlog with two‑thirds tied to investment‑grade counterparties provides durable multi-quarter cash‑flow visibility and lowers counterparty risk. This structural contracted revenue backbone supports predictable cash generation and underpins dividend capacity through cycles.
High fleet utilization & diversified fleet
Very high utilization across a diversified fleet (containers, tankers, car carriers, drybulk, rigs) signals steady earnings potential and operational resilience. Diversification reduces exposure to any single market segment and supports stable charter revenues and cash generation over the medium term.
Consistent operating cash flow & shareholder returns
SFL has a long track record of returning capital and produced positive operating cash flow and strong adjusted EBITDA in recent periods. Persistent cash generation and a disciplined payout history indicate durable free‑cash‑flow focus and corporate commitment to shareholder returns.
Negative Factors
High leverage / reduced equity cushion
Sustained leverage at ~2.5–2.8x equity and a modest equity ratio constrains financial flexibility in a cyclical shipping industry. Elevated debt increases refinancing and covenant risk, limits the ability to absorb downturns, and raises the likelihood that capital returns or growth investments must be rebalanced under stress.
Substantial remaining newbuild capex and financing need
An ~$850m financing need for 5.1 newbuilds is a material near‑term funding requirement. Even with lender interest, execution risk, timing mismatches, and potential incremental leverage could strain liquidity, alter capital allocation, and amplify vulnerability to market swings during the build and delivery phases.
Volatile profitability and asset employment risk
Earnings show meaningful volatility driven by one‑offs and accounting recognition, and the Hercules rig’s warm stacking removes a prior cash contributor. Such swings and idle high‑capex assets increase earnings unpredictability and may pressure cash coverage metrics if re‑employment or disruption resolution is delayed.

SFL Corporation (SFL) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

SFL Corporation Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSFL Corporation Ltd., a maritime and offshore asset owning and chartering company, engages in the ownership, operation, and chartering out of vessels and offshore related assets on medium and long-term charters. The company is also involved in the charter, purchase, and sale of assets. In addition, it operates in various sectors of the maritime, and shipping and offshore industries, including oil, chemical, oil product, container, and car transportation, as well as dry bulk shipments and drilling rigs. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned six crude oil tankers, 15 dry bulk carriers, 35 container vessels, two car carriers, one jack-up drilling rig, one ultra-deepwater drilling unit, two chemical tankers, and four oil product tankers. It primarily operates in Bermuda, Cyprus, Liberia, Norway, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Marshall Islands. The company was formerly known as Ship Finance International Limited and changed its name to SFL Corporation Ltd. in September 2019. SFL Corporation Ltd. was incorporated in 2003 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.
How the Company Makes MoneySFL generates revenue primarily through long-term leasing agreements and contracts for its fleet of vessels and offshore units. The company earns money by charging its clients for the use of its vessels, which are often leased on fixed-rate contracts that provide stable income over extended periods. Key revenue streams include charter hire from tankers and bulk carriers, as well as income from offshore support vessels used in oil and gas exploration and production. SFL also benefits from partnerships with major industry players and contracts with leading oil companies, which contribute to its earnings stability and growth potential. Additionally, the company's focus on maintaining a diversified fleet helps mitigate risks associated with fluctuations in demand and market conditions.

SFL Corporation Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 11, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 19, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call highlights strong operational performance and cash generation (high fleet utilization, $109M adjusted EBITDA, $3.7B charter backlog, successful Suezmax dispositions with >25% annualized ROE), robust shareholder returns (88th consecutive dividend, ~9% yield), and meaningful sustainability/upgrade progress (LNG dual-fuel utilization). Key challenges are primarily accounting-driven (a $23M settlement expense and resulting US GAAP net loss of ~$4.7M), spot-related P&L volatility, an idle Hercules rig with uncertain re-employment timing, and substantial remaining newbuilding capex (~$850M) that requires financing. On balance the operational and strategic positives (backlog quality, utilization, profitable asset sales, strong liquidity initiatives) outweigh the quarter-specific accounting and timing headwinds.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Consecutive Dividend and Shareholder Returns
Declared the 88th consecutive cash dividend of $0.10 per share; company has returned more than $2.9 billion to shareholders over 88 quarters. Dividend yield is around 9% based on the most recent share price.
Quarterly Revenues and Cash Flow
Reported Q4 operating revenues of $176 million and an EBITDA-equivalent cash flow (adjusted EBITDA) of $109 million. Trailing twelve-month EBITDA amounted to $450 million.
Strong Charter Backlog and Counterparty Quality
Charter backlog stands at approximately $3.7 billion, with roughly two-thirds contracted to investment-grade counterparties, providing multi-quarter cash flow visibility.
High Fleet Utilization and Fleet Composition
Overall shipping-fleet utilization was ~98.6% for Q4 and ~99.8% when adjusted for unscheduled technical off-hire. Post-Q4 fleet comprises 57 maritime assets (2 dry bulk, 30 container, 14 large tankers, 2 chemical tankers, 7 car carriers, 2 drilling rigs).
Profitable Suezmax Transactions
Sold two 2015-built Suezmax tankers acquired in 2022 for ~$47M each, agreeing sale prices of ~ $57M per vessel; recorded a book gain of $11.3M on one vessel in Q4 and net cash effects after debt and profit share of approximately $26M. Management cites an annualized return on equity above 25% for the transaction. Sale price was ~21% above the 2022 acquisition price.
Retained Modern Suezmaxes with Attractive Upside
Released charters on two 2020-built, Korean-built, fuel-efficient Suezmaxes against compensation of $11.5M per vessel and kept the vessels on the balance sheet at $55M each; broker charter-free values reported in excess of $80M (broker five-year guide up to ~$85M), implying >50% upside versus book value.
Energy/Offshore Performance and Contracts
Energy assets generated ~ $23 million in Q4, primarily from the Linus rig under a long-term contract with ConocoPhillips through May 2029; offshore sector dynamics improving with recent industry consolidation and new contract awards (e.g., Noble Great White 3-year contract).
Sustainability and Operational Upgrades
All six LNG dual-fuel vessels operating on LNG; company invested in efficiency upgrades and LNG dual-fuel retrofits (chemical tanker upgrades in Q4 and additional sister vessel scheduled in Q1) to reduce emissions and enable utilization of dual-fuel capabilities.
Liquidity and Financing Position
Quarter-end cash and cash equivalents of approximately $151 million plus $46 million undrawn on credit facilities. Hercules rig debt repaid at year-end (rig debt-free at quarter-end). Strong lender interest reported for financing remaining newbuilding capex (~$850 million).
Stable Operating Costs
Net operating and G&A expenses were approximately $67 million in the quarter, broadly in line with the prior quarter, supporting adjusted EBITDA stability (Q4 adjusted EBITDA in line with Q3).
Negative Updates
US GAAP Net Loss in the Quarter
Reported a US GAAP net loss of approximately $4.7 million (about $0.04 per share) for the quarter, driven by non-recurring and non-cash items despite strong cash flow metrics.
Large One-Time Settlement Expense
Quarter impacted by a $23 million settlement compensation expense relating to two Suezmax tankers (expensed in Q4 under US GAAP), which turned an otherwise profitable quarter into a net loss on the P&L.
Volatile P&L Recognition for Spot-Traded Vessels
Revenue for spot-traded tankers is recognized on a load-to-discharge basis under US GAAP, causing quarter-to-quarter earnings volatility dependent on vessel positioning (e.g., ballast vs loaded days).
Idle Hercules Rig and Employment Uncertainty
The Hercules drilling rig remained warm stacked/idle since November 2024, foregoing prior cash flow contribution. Management is seeking new employment; market signs are improving but timing and contract visibility remain uncertain.
Ongoing Capital Requirements for Newbuildings
Remaining capital expenditures for 5.1 newbuildings total approximately $850 million and will require pre- and post-delivery financing; although lender interest is strong, this represents material near-term funding needs and execution risk.
Slight Sequential Revenue Decline
Total operating revenues were approximately $176 million versus $178 million in the prior quarter — a small sequential decline, partly due to scheduled drydock activity reducing tanker charter hire (tankers $42M vs $44M prior quarter).
Relatively Moderate Equity Ratio
Book equity ratio stood at approximately 26% at quarter-end, which may indicate leverage and capital structure considerations relative to balance-sheet growth and newbuilding financing needs.
Company Guidance
Management reiterated strong cash-flow visibility and capital-return priorities, citing a declared 88th consecutive cash dividend of $0.10 per share (CEO also referenced 20¢), ~9% yield and >$2.9bn returned over 88 quarters; Q4 operating revenues of ~$176m and adjusted EBITDA/cash-flow of ~$109m (LTM EBITDA ~$450m); a reported net loss of ~$4.7m (~$0.04/share) after non-recurring items including an $11.3m book gain on a Suezmax sale and ~$23m in settlement compensation. Key balance-sheet and portfolio metrics: charter backlog ~$3.7bn (≈2/3 to investment‑grade counterparties), fleet of 57 assets (30 containerships, 14 large tankers, 7 car carriers, 2 dry bulk, 2 chemical tankers, 2 rigs), cash ~$151m + $46m undrawn facilities, book equity ratio ~26%, remaining newbuild capex ~$850m (5.1 vessels). Operational stats: 4,808 operating days, utilization 98.6% (99.8% excl. unscheduled off‑hire), two drydocks cost ~$4.2m, container charter hire ~$81m, tankers ~$42m, car carriers ~$26m, dry bulk ~$2.7m (~$15k/day/vessel), energy assets ~$23m; two Suezmaxes bought at ~$47m (2022) sold at ~$57m (net cash ~ $26m, ROE >25%); broker indicators: one‑year Suezmax TC ~ $47.5k/day, TD20 index up ~20% (implying >$60k/day); new Hercules facility ~$100m expected.

SFL Corporation Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals: operating cash flow has stayed positive and free cash flow rebounded in 2025, but revenue turned negative and net income swung to a loss. The balance sheet is the main constraint, with persistently high leverage (~2.5–2.8x debt-to-equity) and a reduced equity cushion in a cyclical industry.
Income Statement
56
Neutral
Revenue growth has turned negative in 2025 (down ~7.0% after a strong 2024), and profitability deteriorated sharply with net income swinging to a loss in 2025 despite still-healthy gross and EBITDA margins. The company has shown it can generate solid profits in prior years (2021–2024), but results appear volatile and more cyclical than stable, with meaningful year-to-year swings (including a large loss in 2020 and again in 2025).
Balance Sheet
42
Neutral
Leverage is high and persistent, with debt running around ~2.5–2.8x equity across the period, which elevates financial risk in a cyclical shipping environment. Equity has also stepped down from 2024 to 2025, and returns on equity turned negative in 2025, reflecting the earnings downturn. While the asset base is sizable, the balance sheet profile is still debt-heavy and leaves less cushion if operating conditions weaken.
Cash Flow
61
Positive
Operating cash flow has been consistently positive, supporting liquidity through the cycle, and free cash flow rebounded strongly to a solid positive level in 2025 after heavy negative free cash flow in 2024 and 2022. That said, free cash flow has been uneven year-to-year, and operating cash flow covers less than half of revenue in recent years (roughly ~0.35–0.45), suggesting cash generation can fluctuate with working capital and investment needs.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue719.75M891.62M738.13M655.65M494.70M
Gross Profit417.98M309.14M230.32M262.68M199.64M
EBITDA421.39M560.09M466.23M507.93M393.06M
Net Income-26.43M130.65M83.94M202.77M164.34M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.64B4.11B3.73B3.86B3.46B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments154.97M138.29M170.60M195.65M166.83M
Total Debt2.57B2.84B2.57B2.67B2.41B
Total Liabilities2.68B2.98B2.69B2.77B2.48B
Stockholders Equity960.86M1.13B1.04B1.09B982.33M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow219.66M-275.00M78.67M-247.37M-288.03M
Operating Cash Flow290.14M369.86M343.09M355.13M293.60M
Investing Cash Flow165.09M-617.50M-103.89M-499.09M-389.05M
Financing Cash Flow-438.96M216.70M-262.06M178.37M25.02M

SFL Corporation Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price10.74
Price Trends
50DMA
8.55
Positive
100DMA
8.00
Positive
200DMA
8.08
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.60
Negative
RSI
85.17
Negative
STOCH
96.37
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SFL, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 10.74 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 9.36, above the 50-day MA of 8.55, and above the 200-day MA of 8.08, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.60 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 85.17 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 96.37 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SFL.

SFL Corporation Risk Analysis

SFL Corporation disclosed 61 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. SFL Corporation reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

SFL Corporation Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (63)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
81
Outperform
$1.40B3.5126.18%6.16%7.13%23.37%
76
Outperform
$2.06B6.0016.57%2.94%-29.82%-16.77%
76
Outperform
$1.86B6.738.81%0.39%-1.33%-33.66%
71
Outperform
$1.73B18.606.50%-12.47%-34.41%
69
Neutral
$1.01B-217.45-0.48%4.04%-24.58%-110.22%
63
Neutral
$10.79B15.437.44%2.01%2.89%-14.66%
59
Neutral
$1.44B-51.57-2.53%12.24%-11.10%-101.57%
* Industrials Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SFL
SFL Corporation
10.74
2.38
28.41%
CMRE
Costamare
17.19
9.88
135.22%
GNK
Genco Shipping
23.96
10.66
80.10%
GSL
Global Ship Lease
40.26
19.24
91.53%
NMM
Navios Maritime Partners
68.26
25.22
58.59%
ECO
Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.
49.20
28.76
140.70%

SFL Corporation Corporate Events

SFL Corporation Posts Q4 2025 Preliminary Results, Maintains Dividend and Reshapes Tanker Portfolio
Feb 11, 2026

SFL Corporation Ltd., a Bermuda-based shipowner with a diversified fleet in container shipping, car carriers, tankers, bulkers and energy assets, derives most of its operating revenues from shipping and secures long-term, fixed-rate charters with predominantly investment-grade customers. The company has also committed substantial capital to retrofits, upgrades and LNG dual-fuel capable vessels to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, reflecting a strategic focus on sustainability and operational resilience.

On February 11, 2026 SFL reported preliminary results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, highlighting its 88th consecutive quarterly dividend at $0.20 per share despite a U.S. GAAP net loss of $4.7 million, or $0.04 per share. Fourth-quarter operating revenues reached $176 million, supported by a $3.7 billion fixed-rate charter backlog with a 6.5-year average term, portfolio optimization moves including the sale of two 2015-built Suezmax tankers for $52 million in net proceeds, compensation-backed charter releases on two 2020-built Suezmaxes to capture a strong spot market, and ongoing investment in fleet upgrades alongside a cash position of $151 million and access to additional undrawn credit lines.

The most recent analyst rating on (SFL) stock is a Hold with a $9.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SFL Corporation stock, see the SFL Stock Forecast page.

SFL Corporation Sells Two Suezmax Tankers and Reshapes Charter Portfolio
Dec 19, 2025

On December 19, 2025, SFL Corporation announced it has agreed to sell two 2015-built Suezmax tankers, SFL Thelon and SFL Ottawa, currently on charter to a trading house, for a gross price of about $57 million per vessel, expecting net proceeds of roughly $26 million per ship after debt repayment and termination fees. The vessels, to be delivered in the fourth and first quarters, are projected to generate a combined book gain of approximately $23 million, while SFL has also mutually agreed with the same charterer to terminate charters for two 2020-built Suezmax tankers, SFL Albany and SFL Fraser, which it will retain and initially deploy in the spot market before seeking longer-term employment; management frames the move as crystallizing embedded value in older assets and redeploying capital into younger, more fuel-efficient ships positioned to benefit from a strong charter market and higher prevailing rates than existing fixed charters.

The most recent analyst rating on (SFL) stock is a Hold with a $8.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on SFL Corporation stock, see the SFL Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 13, 2026