CBL International Limited (CBL), the listed vehicle of the Banle Group, a leading marine fuel logistics company in the Asia-Pacific region, today released its annual financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, showcasing strong revenue growth and significant operational expansion amid a challenging global economic and geopolitical climate.
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Financial Performance Highlights
CBL reported consolidated revenue of $592.52 million for FY2024, representing a 35.9% increase from $435.90 million in 2023. The growth was primarily driven by a 38.1% rise in sales volume, fueled by:
- The acquisition of new customers;
- Expansion of its supply network to cover more global ports;
- A broadened customer base now including bulk carriers and oil and gas tankers, in addition to its traditional clientele of container liner operators.
Despite the strong revenue performance, the Company recorded a net loss of $3.87 million in 2024, compared to a net income of $1.13 million in 2023. This reversal was attributed to a combination of:
- A 25.5% drop in gross profit (from $7.21 million to $5.37 million);
- A 56.8% surge in operating expenses (from $5.55 million to $8.70 million).
CBL’s volume-driven pricing strategy, aimed at gaining market share during a competitive and margin-pressured year, led to tighter margins. Operating expenses increased due to business development, biofuel operation costs, enhanced ESG initiatives, and a rise in interest expenses—partially offset by reduced income tax obligations.
The result was a decline in earnings per share (EPS) to $(0.136) in 2024 from $0.045 in 2023. Nonetheless, the company ended the year with a cash balance of $8.02 million, up 8.3% from $7.40 million a year prior.
Operational Growth Amid Global Headwinds
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including the Red Sea crisis and Middle East instability, CBL prioritized expanding its global service reach. In 2024, it grew its port coverage from 36 at IPO (March 2023) to over 60 ports across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa, and Central America.
Key regional highlights:
- Strong revenue contributions from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea;
- Expansion into strategic new ports such as Mauritius, Panama, and India;
- Strengthening of Euro–Asia trade routes, particularly in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region;
- Opening of a new office in Ireland in late 2023, enhancing local sourcing and customer service.
CBL also reported a decline in revenue concentration among its top five customers, signaling improved client diversification. Notably, it now services 9 of the world’s top 12 container shipping lines, covering nearly 60% of global container fleet capacity.
Sustainability and Technological Advancements
A significant milestone in 2024 was the Group’s sustainability transformation. Biofuel sales jumped by 628.8% and biofuel volume rose by 603.0%, underlining its push towards green energy solutions.
- CBL introduced B24 biofuel (76% fossil, 24% used cooking oil methyl ester) in Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia;
- Achieved an estimated 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions;
- Operations were ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certified, reinforcing its environmental credibility.
On the technological front, CBL upgraded its IT systems to include:
- Real-time order tracking;
- Workflow automation;
- Advanced data analytics.
The company also strengthened credit risk management and improved working capital efficiency through enhanced factoring facilities and diversified capital sources, including private placement financing.
Outlook and Strategic Focus
Despite reporting a net loss, management is bullish about the future. Chairman and CEO Dr. Teck Lim Chia expressed confidence in the company’s strategy, stating:
“We are confident in our strategy to expand our service network, maximize sales volume and explore sustainable offerings, even in these challenging times. Our investments in new ports, diversified clients, and sustainable fuels are building a foundation for future growth.”
Dr. Chia emphasized that CBL’s broad port network and focus on intra-Asia and Euro–Asia trade help insulate it from potential impacts of U.S. tariffs and macroeconomic volatility, especially since the company currently has no operations in U.S. ports.
Strategic Goals Moving Forward
CBL aims to:
- Continue expanding its port network and global footprint;
- Accelerate growth in the biofuel segment;
- Deepen relationships with key shipping clients to ensure long-term loyalty;
- Enhance operational efficiency and financial flexibility to weather market uncertainties and emerge stronger.
About Banle Group / CBL International Limited
Established in 2015, Banle Group operates through CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL), offering one-stop bunkering facilitation services in over 60 major ports across Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. The Group champions sustainable fuel solutions and has received ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications.
Source Banle Group