DHT 20-F DEF-14A Report Dec. 31, 2016 | Alphaminr
ALPHAMINR

DHT 20-F Report ended Dec. 31, 2016

Balance Sheet
Cash Flow
Income Statement
Debt
20-F 1 form20f.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 20-F

(Mark One)
o
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________________ to _________________

OR
o
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report ________________

Commission file number: 001-32640

DHT HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
Republic of the Marshall Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Clarendon House
2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices)
Eirik Ubøe
Tel:  +1 (441) 299-4912
Clarendon House
2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11
Bermuda
(Insert name, telephone, e-mail and/or facsimile number and address of company contact person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
New York Stock Exchange
4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2019
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:  None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

93,433,804 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes x
No o

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes o
No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes x
No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.  See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer x
Non-accelerated Filer o

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the
U.S. GAAP o
International Accounting Standards Board x
Other o

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

Item 17 o
Item 18 o

If this report is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o
No x

TABLE OF CONTENTS






INTRODUCTION AND USE OF CERTAIN TERMS
Explanatory Note

Unless we specify otherwise, all references in this report to “we,” “our,” “us,” “company”, “DHT” and “DHT Holdings” refer to DHT Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and references to DHT Holdings, Inc. “common stock” are to our common registered shares and references to DHT Holdings, Inc.  All references in this report to “DHT Maritime” or “Maritime” refer to DHT Maritime, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings.  All references in this report to “convertible senior notes” are to our 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019, of which there was $123,000,000 in aggregate principal amount outstanding as of December 31, 2016.  All references in this report to “Samco Shipholding” or “Samco” refer to Samco Shipholding Pte. Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings.  Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar.  All of our revenues and most of our operating costs are in U.S. dollars.  All references in this report to “$” and “dollars” refer to U.S. dollars.

Presentation of Financial Information

DHT Holdings prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or “IFRS,” as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or “IASB.”

Certain Industry Terms

The following are definitions of certain terms that are commonly used in the tanker industry and in this report:

Term
Definition
ABS
American Bureau of Shipping, an American classification society.
Aframax
A medium size crude oil tanker of approximately 80,000 to 120,000 dwt.  Aframaxes operate on many different trade routes, including in the Caribbean, the Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean.  They are also used in ship-to-ship transfer of cargo in the U.S. Gulf, typically from VLCCs for discharge in ports from which the larger tankers are restricted.  Modern Aframaxes can generally transport from 500,000 to 800,000 barrels of crude oil.
annual survey
The inspection of a vessel pursuant to international conventions by a classification society surveyor, on behalf of the flag state, that takes place every year.
bareboat charter
A charter under which a charterer pays a fixed daily or monthly rate for a fixed period of time for use of the vessel.  The charterer pays all voyage and vessel operating expenses, including vessel insurance.  Bareboat charters are usually for a long term.  Also referred to as a “demise charter.”
Bunker
Fuel oil used to operate a vessel’s engines, generators and boilers.
Charter
Contract for the use of a vessel, generally consisting of either a voyage, time or bareboat charter.
Charterer
The company that hires a vessel pursuant to a charter.
charter hire
Money paid by a charterer to the ship-owner for the use of a vessel under a time charter or bareboat charter.
classification society
An independent society that certifies that a vessel has been built and maintained according to the society’s rules for that type of vessel and complies with the applicable rules and regulations of the country in which the vessel is registered, as well as the international conventions which that country has ratified.  A vessel that receives its certification is referred to as being “in class” as of the date of issuance.



Term
Definition
Contract of Affreightment
A contract of affreightment, or “COA,” is an agreement between an owner and a charterer that obligates the owner to provide a vessel to the charterer to move specific quantities of cargo over a stated time period, but without designating specific vessels or voyage schedules, thereby providing the owner greater operating flexibility than with voyage charters alone.
double hull
A hull construction design in which a vessel has an inner and outer side and bottom separated by void space, usually two meters in width.
drydocking
The removal of a vessel from the water for inspection or repair of those parts of a vessel which are below the water line.  During drydockings, which are required to be carried out periodically, certain mandatory classification society inspections are carried out and relevant certifications issued.  Drydockings are generally required once every 30 to 60 months.
dwt
Deadweight tons, which refers to the carrying capacity of a vessel by weight.
freight revenue
Money paid by a charterer to the ship-owner for the use of a vessel under a voyage charter.
hull
Shell or body of a ship.
IMO
International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency that issues international regulations and standards for shipping.
interim survey
An inspection of a vessel by classification society surveyors that must be completed at least once during each five-year period.  Interim surveys performed after a vessel has reached the age of 15 years require a vessel to be drydocked.
lightering
Partially discharging a tanker’s cargo onto another tanker or barge.
LOOP
Louisiana Offshore Oil Port, Inc.
Lloyds
Lloyds Register, a U.K. classification society.
metric ton
A metric ton of 1,000 kilograms.
newbuilding
A new vessel under construction or just completed.
off hire
The period a vessel is unable to perform the services for which it is required under a time charter.  Off hire periods typically include days spent undergoing repairs and drydocking, whether or not scheduled.
OPA
U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended.
OPEC
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, an international organization of oil-exporting developing nations that coordinates and unifies the petroleum policies of its member countries.
petroleum products
Refined crude oil products, such as fuel oils, gasoline and jet fuel.



Term
Definition
Protection and Indemnity
(or “P&I”) Insurance
Insurance obtained through mutual associations, or “clubs,” formed by ship-owners to provide liability insurance protection against a large financial loss by one member through contribution towards that loss by all members.  To a great extent, the risks are reinsured.
scrapping
The disposal of vessels by demolition for scrap metal.
special survey
An extensive inspection of a vessel by classification society surveyors that must be completed at least once during each five-year period.  Special surveys require a vessel to be drydocked.
spot market
The market for immediate chartering of a vessel, usually for single voyages.
Suezmax
A crude oil tanker of approximately 130,000 to 170,000 dwt.  Modern Suezmaxes can generally transport about one million barrels of crude oil and operate on many different trade routes, including from West Africa to the United States.
tanker
A ship designed for the carriage of liquid cargoes in bulk with cargo space consisting of many tanks.  Tankers carry a variety of products including crude oil, refined petroleum products, liquid chemicals and liquefied gas.
TCE
Time charter equivalent, a standard industry measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel.  The TCE rate achieved on a given voyage is expressed in $/day and is generally calculated by subtracting voyage expenses, including bunker and port charges, from voyage revenue and dividing the net amount (time charter equivalent revenues) by the round-trip voyage duration.
time charter
A charter under which a customer pays a fixed daily or monthly rate for a fixed period of time for use of the vessel.  Subject to any restrictions in the charter, the customer decides the type and quantity of cargo to be carried and the ports of loading and unloading.  The customer pays the voyage expenses such as fuel, canal tolls, and port charges.  The ship-owner pays all vessel operating expenses such as the management expenses, crew costs and vessel insurance.
time charterer
The company that hires a vessel pursuant to a time charter.
vessel operating expenses
The costs of operating a vessel that are incurred during a charter, primarily consisting of crew wages and associated costs, insurance premiums, lubricants and spare parts, and repair and maintenance costs.  Vessel operating expenses exclude fuel and port charges, which are known as “voyage expenses.” For a time charter, the ship-owner pays vessel operating expenses.  For a bareboat charter, the charterer pays vessel operating expenses.
VLCC
VLCC is the abbreviation for “very large crude carrier,” a large crude oil tanker of approximately 200,000 to 320,000 dwt.  Modern VLCCs can generally transport two million barrels or more of crude oil.  These vessels are mainly used on the longest (long haul) routes from the Arabian Gulf to North America, Europe, and Asia, and from West Africa to the United States and Far Eastern destinations.
voyage charter
A charter under which a ship-owner hires out a ship for a specific voyage between the loading port and the discharging port.  The ship-owner is responsible for paying both ship operating expenses and voyage expenses. Typically, the customer is responsible for any delay at the loading or discharging ports.  The ship-owner is paid freight on the basis of the cargo movement between ports.  Also referred to as a spot charter.



Term
Definition
voyage charterer
The company that hires a vessel pursuant to a voyage charter.
voyage expenses
Expenses incurred due to a vessel traveling to a destination, such as fuel cost and port charges.
Worldscale
Industry name for the Worldwide Tanker Nominal Freight Scale, which is published annually by the Worldscale Association as a rate reference for shipping companies, brokers and their customers engaged in the bulk shipping of oil in the international markets.  Worldscale is a list of calculated rates for specific voyage itineraries for a standard vessel, as defined, using defined voyage cost assumptions such as vessel speed, fuel consumption and port costs.  Actual market rates for voyage charters are usually quoted in terms of a percentage of Worldscale.
Worldscale Flat Rate
Base rates expressed in U.S. dollars per ton which apply to specific sea transportation routes, calculated to give the same return as Worldscale 100.
Worldscale Points
The freight rate negotiated for spot voyages expressed as a percentage of the Worldscale Flat Rate.


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us, in particular under the headings “Item 4.  Information on the Company” and “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”When used in this report, words such as “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” “should” and “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.  These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties.  Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  We discuss many of these risks in this report in greater detail under the subheadings “Item 3.  Key Information─Risk Factors” and “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects─Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results.  Factors that might cause future results to differ include, but are not limited to, the following:

●
future payments of dividends and the availability of cash for payment of dividends;
●
future operating or financial results, including with respect to the amount of charter hire and freight revenue that we may receive from operating our vessels;
●
statements about future, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy, areas of possible expansion and expected capital spending or operating expenses;
●
statements about tanker industry trends, including charter rates and vessel values and factors affecting vessel supply and demand;
●
expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase, the time which it may take to construct new vessels or vessels’ useful lives;
●
expectations about the availability of insurance on commercially reasonable terms;
●
DHT’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to comply with operating and financial covenants and to repay their debt under the secured credit facilities;
●
our ability to obtain additional financing and to obtain replacement charters for our vessels;
●
assumptions regarding interest rates;
●
changes in production of or demand for oil and petroleum products, either globally or in particular regions;
●
greater than anticipated levels of newbuilding orders or less than anticipated rates of scrapping of older vessels;
●
changes in trading patterns for particular commodities significantly impacting overall tonnage requirements;
●
changes in the rate of growth of the world and various regional economies;
●
risks incident to vessel operation, including discharge of pollutants;
●
unanticipated changes in laws and regulations;
●
delays and cost overruns in construction projects;
●
corruption, piracy, militant activities, political instability, terrorism, ethnic unrest and regionalism in countries where we may operate; and
●
any non-compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or other applicable regulations relating to bribery.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.  In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur, and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

PART I
ITEM 1.
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION

A.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated financial and other data summarize historical financial and other information for DHT Holdings for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012.  This information should be read in conjunction with other information presented in this report, including “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Statements of operations data:
Shipping revenues
$
356,010
$
365,114
$
150,789
$
87,012
$
97,194
Voyage expenses
65,349
68,864
49,333
25,400
10,822
Total operating expenses excl. Voyage expenses (1)
250,147
160,907
74,047
60,605
175,876
Operating income/(loss)
40,514
135,343
27,408
1,007
(89,504)
Profit/(loss) for the year
9,260
105,302
12,887
(4,126)
(94,054)
Profit/(loss) per share - basic (2)
$
0.10
$
1.13
$
0.18
$
(0.24)
$
(7.83)
Profit/(loss) per share - diluted (2)
$
0.10
$
1.04
$
0.18
$
(0.24)
$
(7.83)
Statements of financial position data (at end of year):
Vessels and time charter contracts
1,177,521
986,597
988,168
263,142
310,023
Total assets
1,403,737
1,423,805
1,378,095
446,599
399,759
Total current liabilities
74,310
52,835
67,906
5,800
16,125
Total non-current liabilities
644,416
633,077
635,339
156,046
202,637
Stock
934
929
925
290
91
Total stockholders' equity
685,011
737,893
674,851
284,753
180,997
Weighted average number of shares - basic (2)
93,382,757
92,793,154
73,147,668
17,541,310
12,012,133
Weighted average number of shares - diluted (2)
93,389,610
112,098,221
73,210,337
17,555,110
12,012,133
Dividends paid per share (3)
$
0.71
$
0.53
$
0.08
$
0.08
$
0.86
Cash flow data:
Net cash provided by operating activities
194,008
181,526
30,621
23,902
21,192
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities
(213,033)
(125,907)
(551,347)
(16,945)
9,820
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
(38,454)
(55,528)
561,344
48,577
(2,333)
Fleet data:
Number of tankers owned and charteres in (at end of period)
21
18
18
8
9
Revenue days (4)
7,020
6,596
4,488
2,986
3,772

(1)
2016 and 2012 include a non-cash impairment charge of $84.7 million and $100.5 million, respectively. 2016 includes a gain from sale of vessel of $0.1 million. 2015, 2013 and 2012 include loss from sale of vessels of $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively.  2014 includes a reversal of prior impairment charges of $31.9 million.
(2)
Number of shares for 2012 has been adjusted for the reverse stock split at a ratio of 12-for-1 that became effective after the close of trading on July 16, 2012 and the number of shares for 2012 assumes the full exchange of all issued and outstanding shares of our Series A Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, into common stock.



(3)
Dividend per common stock.  For 2013 and 2012, we also paid a dividend of $0.78 and $7.08 per share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock, respectively.
(4)
Revenue days consist of the aggregate number of calendar days in a period in which our vessels are owned by us or chartered in by us less days on which a vessel is off hire.  Off hire days are days a vessel is unable to perform the services for which it is required under a time charter or according to pool rules.  Off hire days include days spent undergoing repairs and drydockings, whether or not scheduled.

B.
CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not applicable.

C.
REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF THE PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

D.
RISK FACTORS

If the events discussed in these Risk Factors occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.   In such a case, the market price of our common stock could decline.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMPANY

A renewed contraction or worsening of the global credit markets and the resulting volatility in the financial markets could have a material adverse impact on credit availability, world oil demand and demand for our vessels, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Since 2008, a number of major financial institutions have experienced serious financial difficulties and, in some cases, have entered into restructurings, bankruptcy proceedings or are in regulatory enforcement actions.  These difficulties have resulted, in part, from declining markets for assets held by such institutions, particularly the reduction in the value of their mortgage and asset-backed securities portfolios.  These difficulties have been compounded by a general decline in the willingness by banks and other financial institutions to extend credit due to historically volatile asset values of vessels.  While we have seen improvement in the health of financial institutions and the willingness of financial institutions to extend credit to companies in the shipping industry, there is no guarantee that credit will be available to us going forward.  As the shipping industry is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance and expand operations, we may be adversely affected by such decline.

There is still considerable instability in the world economy that could initiate a new economic downturn and result in tightening in the credit markets, low levels of liquidity in financial markets and volatility in credit and equity markets.  A renewal of the financial crisis that affected the banking system and the financial markets over the past eight years may adversely impact our business and financial condition in ways that we cannot predict.  In addition, the uncertainty about current and future global economic conditions caused by a renewed financial crisis may cause our customers to defer projects in response to tighter credit, decreased cash availability and declining confidence, which may negatively impact the demand for our vessels.

We are subject to certain risks with respect to our newbuilding agreements and failure of our counterparty to meet its obligations could cause us to suffer losses or otherwise adversely affect our business.

In 2013 and 2014 we entered into agreements with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (“HHI”) to construct six VLCC newbuildings.  These were all delivered with one being delivered in 2015, four in 2016 and one in 2017.  In 2017, we entered into agreements with HHI to construct two VLCC newbuildings (“HHI Agreements”) scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2018.  Our newbuilding agreements subject us to counterparty risk with HHI.  The ability of HHI to perform its obligations under the newbuilding agreements will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the overall financial condition of the counterparty and various expenses.  Should HHI fail to honor its obligations under its agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  Also, if we are unable to enforce certain refund guarantees related to the newbuilding agreements with HHI with third party banks for any reason, we may lose all or part of our advance deposits in the newbuildings, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.



We may not pay dividends in the future.

The timing and amount of future dividends for our common stock or preferred stock, if any, could be affected by various factors, including our earnings, financial condition and anticipated cash requirements, the loss of a vessel, the acquisition of one or more vessels, required capital expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, including insurance premiums, a change in our dividend policy, increased borrowings, increased interest payments to service our borrowings, prepayments under credit agreements in order to stay in compliance with covenants in the secured credit facilities, repurchases of our convertible senior notes or any other security that may be outstanding from time to time, future issuances of securities or the other risks described in this section of this report, many of which may be beyond our control.  In addition, any shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible senior notes and any new shares of common stock issued otherwise will increase the cash required to pay future dividends.  Any common or preferred stock that may be issued in the future to finance acquisitions, upon exercise of stock options or other equity incentives, would have a similar effect, and may reduce our ability to pay future dividends.

In addition, our dividends are subject to change at any time at the discretion of our board of directors and our board of directors may elect to change our dividends by establishing a reserve for, among other things, the repayment of the secured credit facilities, repurchases of our convertible senior notes or any other security that may be outstanding from time to time or to help fund the acquisition of a vessel.  Our board of directors may also decide to establish a reserve to repay indebtedness if, as the maturity dates of our indebtedness approach, we are no longer able to generate cash flows from our operating activities in amounts sufficient to meet our debt obligations and it becomes clear that refinancing terms, or the terms of a vessel sale, are unacceptable or inadequate.  If our board of directors were to establish such a reserve, the amount of cash available for dividend payments would decrease.  In addition, our ability to pay dividends is limited by Marshall Islands law.  Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus and while a company is insolvent or if a company would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such dividends.

Restrictive covenants in the secured credit facilities may impose financial and other restrictions on us and our subsidiaries.

We are a holding company and have no significant assets other than cash and the equity interests in our subsidiaries except that as of December 31, 2016, DHT Holdings had made total payments of $43.6 million related to advances for one vessel under construction and not yet delivered.  The vessel was delivered in January 2017.  In March 2017 DHT made total payments of $16.5 million related to advances for two newbuildings ordered in January 2017 and scheduled for delivery in the second half of 2018.  Our subsidiaries own all of our vessels.  As of March 21, 2017, our subsidiaries have entered into six secured credit facilities (the “secured credit facilities”), each secured by mortgages over certain vessels owned by our subsidiaries.  The secured credit facilities impose certain operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries.  These restrictions may limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things: pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, change the management of vessels, permit liens on their assets, sell vessels, merge or consolidate with, or transfer all or substantially all of their assets to, another person, enter into certain types of charters and enter into a line of business.

Therefore, we may need to seek permission from the lenders under the respective secured credit facilities in order to engage in certain corporate actions.  The lenders’ interests may be different from ours and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain their permission when needed.



If we fail to comply with certain covenants, including as a result of declining vessel values, or are unable to meet our debt obligations under the secured credit facilities, our lenders could declare their debt to be immediately due and payable and foreclose on our vessels.

Our obligations under the secured credit facilities include financial and operating covenants, including requirements to maintain specified “value-to-loan” ratios.  Our credit facilities generally require that the fair market value of the vessels pledged as collateral never be less than between 130% and 135%, depending on the applicable credit facility, of the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the loan.  Though we are currently compliant with such ratios under the secured credit facilities, vessel values have generally experienced significant volatility over the last few years.  If vessel values decline meaningfully from current levels, we could be required to make repayments under certain of the secured credit facilities in order to remain in compliance with the value-to-loan ratios.

If we breach these or other covenants contained in the secured credit facilities or we are otherwise unable to meet our debt obligations for any reason, our lenders could declare their debt, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable and foreclose on those of our vessels securing the applicable facility, which could result in the acceleration of other indebtedness we may have at such time and the commencement of similar foreclosure proceedings by other lenders.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance our indebtedness incurred under the secured credit facilities.

In the event that we are unable to service our debt obligations out of our operating activities, we may need to refinance our indebtedness and we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so on terms that are acceptable to us or at all.  The actual or perceived tanker market rate environment and prospects and the market value of our fleet, among other things, may materially affect our ability to obtain new debt financing.  If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness, we may choose to issue securities or sell certain of our assets in order to satisfy our debt obligations.

We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to meet our payment obligations under the convertible senior notes.

Our convertible senior notes bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2015.  In addition, upon the occurrence of specific events, referred to as a “fundamental change”, we must offer to purchase the convertible senior notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.  If we fail to pay interest on the convertible senior notes or to purchase the convertible senior notes upon a fundamental change, we will be in default under the indenture which governs the convertible senior notes.

In addition, any future credit agreements or other agreements relating to our indebtedness may contain provisions prohibiting purchase of the convertible senior notes under some circumstances or expressly prohibiting our purchase of the convertible senior notes upon a fundamental change or may provide that a fundamental change constitutes an event of default under that agreement.  If a fundamental change occurs at a time when we are prohibited from purchasing the convertible senior notes, we could seek the consent of our lenders to purchase the convertible senior notes or attempt to refinance this debt.  If we do not obtain any required consent, we would not be permitted to purchase the convertible senior notes.  Our failure to purchase tendered notes would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the convertible senior notes, which could constitute an event of default under our senior indebtedness then outstanding, if any, and might constitute a default under the terms of our other indebtedness then outstanding, if any.

We are dependent on performance by our charterers.

As of December 31, 2016, nine of our twenty-one vessels currently in operation are on fixed rate charters for periods of up to 4 ½ years.  In the past, a greater percentage of our vessels have been on charter.  We are dependent on the performance by the charterers of their obligations under the charters.  Any failure by the charterers to perform their obligations could materially and adversely effect our business, financial position and cash available for the payment of dividends.  Our stockholders do not have any direct recourse against our charterers.



The indexes used to calculate the earnings for vessels on index-based charters may in the future no longer correctly reasonably reflect the earnings potential of the vessels.

The indexes used to calculate the earnings for vessels on index based charters may in the future no longer reasonably reflect the earnings potential of the vessels due to changing trading patterns or other factors not controlled by us.  If an index used to calculate the earnings for a vessel on an index-based charter incorrectly reflect the earnings potential of a vessel on such charter, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.  As of December 31, 2016, we did not have any vessels on index-based charters.

We may have difficulty managing growth.

We may grow our fleet by acquiring additional vessels, fleets of vessels, companies owning vessels or entering into joint ventures in the future.  Such future growth will primarily depend on:

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identifying and acquiring vessels , fleets of vessels or companies owning vessels or entering into joint ventures that meet our requirements, including, but not limited to, price, specification and technical condition;
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consummating acquisitions of vessels, fleets of vessels, companies owning vessels or acquisitions of companies or joint ventures; and
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obtaining required financing through equity or debt financing on acceptable terms.

Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks, such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, the possibility that indemnification agreements will be unenforceable or insufficient to cover potential losses and difficulties associated with imposing common standards, controls, procedures and policies, obtaining additional qualified personnel, managing relationships with customers and integrating newly acquired assets and operations into existing infrastructure.  We cannot give any assurance that we will be successful in executing any growth plans or that we will not incur significant expenses and losses in connection with any future growth.

We may not be able to re-charter or employ our vessels profitably.

As of December 31, 2016, nine of our vessels are currently on charters with five different charterers for periods of up to 4 ½ years.  At the expiry of these charters, we may not be able to re-charter our vessels on terms similar to the terms of our charters.  We may also employ the vessels on the spot charter market, which is subject to greater rate volatility than the long-term time charter market.  If we receive lower charter rates under replacement charters or are unable to re-charter our vessels, the amounts that we have available, if any, to pay distributions to our stockholders may be significantly reduced or eliminated.

Under the ship management agreements for our vessels, our operating costs could materially increase.

The technical management of our vessels is handled by Goodwood Ship Management Pte. Ltd. (of  which DHT owns 50%) and V.Ships France SAS (which manages our three French Flag vessels).  Under our ship management agreements, we pay the actual cost related to the technical management of our vessels, plus an additional management fee.  The amounts that we have available, if any, to pay distributions to our stockholders could be significantly impacted by changes in the cost of operating our vessels.

When a tanker changes ownership or technical management, it may lose customer approvals.

Most users of seaborne oil transportation services will require vetting of a vessel before it is approved to service their account.  This represents a risk to our company as it may be difficult to efficiently employ the vessel until such vettings are in place.  Most users of seaborne oil transportation services conduct inspection and assessment of vessels on request from owners and technical managers.  Such inspections must be carried out regularly for a vessel to have valid approvals from such users of seaborne oil transportation services.  Whenever a vessel changes ownership or its technical manager, it loses its approval status and must be re-inspected and re-assessed by such users of seaborne oil transportation services.


We are a holding company and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial and other obligations.
We are a holding company and have no significant assets other than cash and the share holdings in our subsidiaries.  Our ability to pay dividends depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us.  Our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to make these distributions are subject to restrictions contained in our subsidiaries’ financing agreements and could be affected by a claim or other action by a third party, including a creditor, or by Cayman Island, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands or Singapore law which regulates the payment of dividends by companies.  If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, we may not be able to pay dividends.

Certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could arise for U.S. stockholders.

A non-U.S. corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income” or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation’s assets are “passive assets”, or assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income”.  “Passive income” includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business.  For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income”.

We believe it is more likely than not that the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities is properly treated as services income, rather than rental income.  Assuming this is correct, our income from our time chartering activities would not constitute “passive income”, and the assets we own and operate in connection with the production of that income would not constitute passive assets.  Consequently, based on our actual and projected income, assets and activities, we believe that it is more likely than not that we are not currently a PFIC and will not become a PFIC in the foreseeable future.

We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting the position that we are not a PFIC consisting of case law and U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters as services income for other tax purposes.  Nonetheless, it should be noted that there is legal uncertainty in this regard because the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has held that, for purposes of a different set of rules under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), income derived from certain time chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income.  However, the IRS has stated that it disagrees with the holding of this Fifth Circuit case, and that income derived from time chartering activities should be treated as services income.  We have not sought, and we do not expect to seek, an IRS ruling on this matter.  Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept this position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC.  No assurance can be given that this result will not occur.  In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, no assurance can be given that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, or that we will be able to avoid PFIC status in the future.

If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S. stockholders will face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.  In particular, U.S. stockholders who are individuals would not be eligible for the maximum 20% preferential tax rate on qualified dividends.  In addition, under the PFIC rules, unless U.S. stockholders make certain elections available under the Code, such stockholders would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then prevailing income tax rates on ordinary income upon the receipt of excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of our common stock, with interest payable on such tax liability as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the stockholder’s holding period of such stock.  The maximum 20% preferential tax rate for individuals would not be available for this calculation.

Our operating income could fail to qualify for an exemption from U.S. federal income taxation, which will reduce our cash flow.

Under the Code, 50% of our gross income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source gross transportation income and is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for any deductions, unless we qualify for exemption from such tax under Section 883 of the Code.  Based on our review of the applicable Securities and Exchange Commission documents, we believe that we qualified for this statutory tax exemption in 2016 and we will take this position for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes.

However, there are factual circumstances that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption in the future, and there is a risk that those factual circumstances could arise in 2017 or future years.  For instance, we might not qualify for this exemption if our common stock no longer represents more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote or of the total value of our outstanding stock.  In addition, we might not qualify if holders of our common stock owning a 5% or greater interest in our stock were to collectively own 50% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock on more than half the days during the taxable year.

If we are not entitled to this exemption for a taxable year, we would be subject in that year to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source gross transportation income.  This could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our stockholders.

We may be subject to taxation in Norway, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and would subject dividends paid by us to Norwegian withholding taxes .

If we were considered to be a resident of Norway or to have a permanent establishment in Norway, all or a part of our profits could be subject to Norwegian corporate tax.  We operate in a manner so that we do not have a permanent establishment in Norway and so that we are not deemed to reside in Norway, including by having our principal place of business outside Norway.  Material decisions regarding our business or affairs are made, and our board of directors meetings are held, outside Norway and at our principal place of business (including telephonically, in the case of board meetings).  However, because one of our directors resides in Norway and we have entered into a management agreement with our Norwegian subsidiary, DHT Management AS, the Norwegian tax authorities may contend that we are subject to Norwegian corporate tax.  If the Norwegian tax authorities make such a contention, we could incur substantial legal costs defending our position and, if we were unsuccessful in our defense, our results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.  In addition, if we are unsuccessful in our defense against such a contention, dividends paid to you would be subject to Norwegian withholding taxes.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR INDUSTRY

Vessel values and charter rates are volatile.  Significant decreases in values or rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The tanker industry historically has been highly cyclical.  If the tanker industry is depressed at a time when we may want to charter or sell a vessel, our earnings and available cash flow may decrease.  Our ability to charter our vessels and the charter rates payable under any new charters will depend upon, among other things, the conditions in the tanker market at that time.  Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for tanker capacity and changes in the supply and demand for oil and oil products.

The highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry may lead to volatile changes in charter rates from time to time, which may adversely affect our earnings.

Factors affecting the supply and demand for tankers are outside of our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable and may adversely affect the values of our vessels and result in significant fluctuations in the amount of revenue we earn, which could result in significant fluctuations in our quarterly or annual results.  The factors that influence the demand for tanker capacity include:

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demand for oil and oil products, which affect the need for tanker capacity;
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global and regional economic and political conditions which, among other things, could impact the supply of oil as well as trading patterns and the demand for various types of vessels;
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changes in the production of crude oil, particularly by OPEC and other key producers, which impact the need for tanker capacity;
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developments in international trade;
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changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns, including changes in the distances that cargoes are transported;
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environmental concerns and regulations;
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international sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, nationalizations and wars;
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weather; and
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competition from alternative sources of energy.

The factors that influence the supply of tanker capacity include:

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the number of newbuilding deliveries;
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the scrapping rate of older vessels;
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the number of vessels that are out of service; and
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environmental and maritime regulations.

An oversupply of new vessels may adversely affect charter rates and vessel values.

If the capacity of new ships delivered exceeds the capacity of tankers being scrapped and lost, tanker capacity will increase.  As of March 1, 2017, the newbuilding order book for VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax vessels equaled approximately 13.7% of the existing world tanker fleet for these classes of vessels measured in dwt.  We cannot assure you that the order book will not increase further in proportion to the existing fleet.  If the supply of tanker capacity increases and the demand for tanker capacity does not increase correspondingly, charter rates could decline and the value of our vessels could be adversely affected.

Terrorist attacks and international hostilities can affect the tanker industry, which could adversely affect our business.

Terrorist attacks, the outbreak of war or the existence of international hostilities could damage the world economy, adversely affect the availability of and demand for crude oil and petroleum products and adversely affect our ability to re-charter our vessels on the expiration or termination of the charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters.  We conduct our operations internationally, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by changing economic, political and government conditions in the countries and regions where our vessels are employed.  Moreover, we operate in a sector of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities.

Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia and the South China Sea.  For example, in November 2008, the M/V Sirius Star, a tanker not affiliated with us, was captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean while carrying crude oil estimated to be worth $100 million at the time of its capture.  If these pirate attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being characterized as “war risk” zones by insurers, as the Gulf of Aden temporarily was categorized in May 2008, premiums payable for insurance coverage could increase significantly and such coverage may be more difficult to obtain.  In addition, crew costs, including costs in connection with employing onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances.  We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, including the payment of any ransom we may be forced to make, which could have a material adverse effect on us.  In addition, any of these events may result in a loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters.

Our vessels may call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the governments of the U.S., UN or UE , which could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.

From time to time on charterers’ instructions, our vessels have called and may again call on ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the UN or the EU and countries identified by the U.S. government, the UN or the EU as state sponsors of terrorism.  The U.S., UN and EU sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or strengthened over time.  For example, in 2010, the United States enacted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act, or “CISADA,” which expanded the scope of the Iran Sanctions Act (as amended, the “ISA”) by amending existing sanctions under the ISA and creating new sanctions.  Among other things, CISADA introduced additional prohibitions and limits on the ability of companies (both U.S. and non-U.S.) and persons to do business or trade with Iran when such activities relate to the investment, supply or export of refined petroleum or petroleum products.  In 2011, the President of the United States issued Executive Order 13590, which expanded on the existing energy-related sanctions available under the ISA.  In 2012, the President signed additional relevant executive orders, including Executive Order 13608, which prohibits foreign persons from violating or attempting to violate, or causing a violation of, any sanctions in effect against Iran or facilitating any deceptive transactions for or on behalf of any person subject to U.S. sanctions.  The Secretary of the Treasury may prohibit any transactions or dealings, including any U.S. capital markets financing, involving any person found to be in violation of Executive Order 13608.  Also in 2012, the U.S. enacted the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (the “ITRA”) which again created new sanctions and strengthened existing sanctions under the ISA.  Among other things, the ITRA intensifies existing sanctions regarding the provision of goods, services, infrastructure or technology to Iran’s petroleum or petrochemical sector.  The ITRA also includes a provision requiring the President of the United States to impose five or more sanctions from Section 6(a) of the ISA on a person the President determines is a controlling beneficial owner of, or otherwise owns, operates, or controls or insures a vessel that was used to transport crude oil from Iran to another country and (1) if the person is a controlling beneficial owner of the vessel, the person had actual knowledge the vessel was so used or (2) if the person otherwise owns, operates, or controls, or insures the vessel, the person knew or should have known the vessel was so used.  Such a person could be subject to a variety of sanctions, including exclusion from U.S. capital markets, exclusion from financial transactions subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and exclusion of that person’s vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years.  The ITRA also includes a requirement that issuers of securities must disclose to the SEC in their annual and quarterly reports filed after February 6, 2013 if the issuer or “any affiliate” has “knowingly” engaged in certain sanctioned activities involving Iran during the time frame covered by the report.  At this time, we are not aware of any such sanctionable activity, conducted by ourselves or by any affiliate, that is likely to prompt an SEC disclosure requirement. In January 2013, the U.S. enacted the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (the “IFCPA”) which expanded the scope of U.S. sanctions on any person that is part of Iran’s energy, shipping or shipbuilding sector and operators of ports in Iran, and imposes penalties on any person who facilitates or otherwise knowingly provides significant financial, material, technological or other support to these entities.  On November 24, 2013, the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China) entered into an interim agreement with Iran entitled the “Joint Plan of Action” (the “JPOA”).  Under the JPOA it was agreed that, in exchange for Iran taking certain voluntary measures to ensure that its nuclear program is used only for peaceful purposes, the U.S. and EU would voluntarily suspend certain sanctions for a period of six months.  On January 20, 2014, the U.S. and EU indicated that they would begin implementing the temporary relief measures provided for under the JPOA.  These measures include, among other things, the suspension of certain sanctions on the Iranian petrochemicals, precious metals, and automotive industries from January 20, 2014 until July 20, 2014.  At the end of the six-month period, when no agreement between Iran and the P5+1 could be reached, the measures were extended for a further six months to November 24, 2014, on which date the parties affirmed that they would continue to implement the measures through June 30, 2015.  On July 14, 2015, the parties affirmed that they would continue to implement the measures provided for under the JPOA through January 16, 2016.  Additionally, on July 14, 2015, the P5+1 and EU entered into a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”) with Iran.  Under the JCPOA it was agreed that, in exchange for Iran taking certain voluntary measures to ensure that its nuclear program is used only for peaceful purposes, certain sanctions would be lifted on the Iranian petrochemicals, precious metals, and automotive industries.  On October 18, 2015, the JCPOA came into effect and participants began taking steps necessary to implement their JCPOA commitments starting on January 16, 2016 (“Implementation Day”).  On Implementation Day, the parties lifted the (1) U.S. nuclear-related sanctions described in sections 17.1 to 17.2 of Annex V of the JCPOA, (2) EU nuclear-related sanctions described in section 16 of Annex V of the JCPOA and (3) the UN Security Council Resolutions 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, 1929 and 2224.  While the lifting of these sanctions allow non-U.S. companies to engage in certain business or trade with Iran that was previously prohibited, the U.S. has the ability to reimpose sanctions against Iran if, in the future, Iran does not comply with its requirements under the JCPOA.  Additionally, on Implementation Day, the JPOA ceased to be in effect.  Finally, certain or future counterparties of ours may be affiliated with persons or entities that are the subject of sanctions imposed by the Obama administration, and EU or other international bodies as a result of the annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014.

During 2016, vessels in our fleet made a total of three calls to ports in Iran, representing approximately 0.48% of our approximately 629 calls on worldwide ports during the same period.  Prior to 2016, the last call to a port in Iran made by a vessel in our fleet was in January 2012.  The three port calls made to ports in Iran in 2016 were made at the direction of the time charterer of the vessels.  Prior to making port calls to Iran the charterer is required to conduct a due diligence to ensure that the port calls are in compliance with the JCPOA.  To our knowledge, none of our vessels made port calls to Syria, Sudan or Cuba during the period from 2011 to 2016.

We monitor compliance of our vessels with applicable restrictions through, among other things, communication with our charterers and administrators regarding such legal and regulatory developments as they arise.  Although we believe that we are in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations.  Any such violation could result in fines or other penalties and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company.  Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company simply because we do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries.  Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation.  Investor perception of the value of our common stock may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest or governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.

Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery legislation in other jurisdictions could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.

We operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including some countries known to have a reputation for corruption.  We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or the “FCPA”.  We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA.  Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil or criminal penalties, curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.  In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business.  Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and can consume significant time and attention of our management.

Political decisions may affect the vessel’s trading patterns and could adversely affect our business and operation results.

Our vessels are trading globally, and the operation of our vessels is therefore exposed to political risks.  The political disturbances in Egypt, Iran and the Middle East in general may potentially result in a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz or a closure of the Suez Canal.  Geopolitical risks are outside of our control, and could potentially limit or disrupt our access to markets and operations and may have an adverse effect on our business.


The value of our vessels may be depressed at a time when and in the event that we sell a vessel.
Tanker values have generally experienced high volatility.  Investors can expect the fair market value of our tankers to fluctuate, depending on general economic and market conditions affecting the tanker industry and competition from other shipping companies, types and sizes of vessels and other modes of transportation.  In addition, as vessels age, they generally decline in value.  These factors will affect the value of our vessels for purposes of covenant compliance under the secured credit facilities and at the time of any vessel sale.  If for any reason we sell a tanker at a time when tanker prices have fallen, the sale may be at less than the tanker’s carrying amount on our financial statements, with the result that we would also incur a loss on the sale and a reduction in earnings and surplus, which could reduce our ability to pay dividends.

The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their charter-free market value at any point in time.  The carrying values of our vessels held and used by us are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a particular vessel may not be fully recoverable.

Vessel values may be depressed at a time when our subsidiaries are required to make a repayment under the secured credit facilities or when the secured credit facilities mature, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to refinance the secured credit facilities.

In the event of the sale or loss of a vessel, each of the secured credit facilities requires us and our subsidiaries to prepay the facility in an amount proportionate to the market value of the sold or lost vessel compared with the total market value of all of our vessels financed under such credit facility before such sale or loss.  If vessel values are depressed at such a time, our liquidity could be adversely affected as the amount that we and our subsidiaries are required to repay could be greater than the proceeds we receive from a sale.  In addition, declining tanker values could adversely affect our ability to refinance our secured credit facilities as they mature, as the amount that a new lender would be willing to lend on the same terms may be less than the amount we owe under the expiring secured credit facilities.

We operate in the highly competitive international tanker market, which could affect our financial position.

The operation of tankers and transportation of crude oil are extremely competitive.  Competition arises primarily from other tanker owners, including major oil companies, as well as independent tanker companies, some of whom have substantially larger fleets and substantially greater resources than we do.  Competition for the transportation of oil and oil products can be intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the tanker and its operators to charterers.  We will have to compete with other tanker owners, including major oil companies and independent tanker companies, for charters.  Due in part to the fragmented tanker market, competitors with greater resources may be able to offer better prices than us, which could result in our achieving lower revenues from our vessels.

Compliance with environmental laws or regulations may adversely affect our business.

Our operations are affected by extensive and changing international, national and local environmental protection laws, regulations, treaties, conventions and standards in force in international waters, the jurisdictional waters of the countries in which our vessels operate, as well as the countries of our vessels’ registration.  Many of these requirements are designed to reduce the risk of oil spills and other pollution, and our compliance with these requirements can be costly.

These requirements can affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels, require a reduction in carrying capacity, ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions, lead to decreased availability of insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in, certain ports.  Under local, national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including cleanup obligations, in the event that there is a release of petroleum or other hazardous substances from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations.  We could also become subject to personal injury or property damage claims relating to the release of or exposure to hazardous materials associated with our current or historic operations, as well as natural resource damages.  Violations of or liabilities under environmental requirements also can result in substantial penalties, fines and other sanctions, including in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels.  For example, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended, or the “OPA”, affects all vessel owners shipping oil to, from or within the United States.  The OPA allows for potentially unlimited liability without regard to fault for owners, operators and bareboat charterers of vessels for oil pollution in U.S. waters.  Similarly, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969, as amended, which has been adopted by most countries outside of the United States, imposes liability for oil pollution in international waters.  The OPA expressly permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to hazardous materials and oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries.  Coastal states in the United States have enacted pollution prevention liability and response laws, many providing for unlimited liability.

In addition, in complying with the OPA, International Maritime Organization, or “IMO”,  regulations, EU directives and other existing laws and regulations and those that may be adopted, ship-owners may incur significant additional costs in meeting new maintenance and inspection requirements, developing contingency arrangements for potential spills and obtaining insurance coverage.  Government regulation of vessels, particularly in the areas of safety and environmental requirements, can be expected to become more strict in the future and require us to incur significant capital expenditures on our vessels to keep them in compliance, or even to scrap or sell certain vessels altogether.  For example, various jurisdictions are considering imposing more stringent requirements on air emissions, including greenhouse gases, and on the management of ballast waters to prevent the introduction of non-indigenous species that are considered to be invasive.  In recent years, the IMO and EU have both accelerated their existing non-double-hull phase-out schedules in response to highly publicized oil spills and other shipping incidents involving companies unrelated to us.  Although all of our tankers are double-hulled, future accidents can be expected in the industry, and such accidents or other events could be expected to result in the adoption of even stricter laws and regulations, which could limit our operations or our ability to do business and which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

The shipping industry has inherent operational risks, which could impair the ability of charterers to make payments to us.

Our tankers and their cargoes are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather, mechanical failures, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, environmental accidents and other circumstances or events.  In addition, transporting crude oil across a wide variety of international jurisdictions creates a risk of business interruptions due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities, labor strikes and boycotts, the potential for changes in tax rates or policies, and the potential for government expropriation of our vessels.  Any of these events could impair the ability of charterers of our vessels to make payments to us under our charters.

Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to make us whole in the event of a casualty to a vessel or other catastrophic event, or fail to cover all of the inherent operational risks associated with the tanker industry.

In the event of a casualty to a vessel or other catastrophic event, we will rely on our insurance to pay the insured value of the vessel or the damages incurred, less the agreed deductible that may apply.  Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte., Ltd., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ours, will be responsible for arranging insurance against those risks that we believe the shipping industry commonly insures against, and we are responsible for the premium payments on such insurance.  This insurance includes marine hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes pollution risks and crew insurance, and war risk insurance.  We may also enter into loss of hire insurance, in which case each of DHT Management AS or DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte., Ltd. is responsible for arranging such loss of hire insurance, and we are responsible for the premium payments on such insurance.  This insurance generally provides coverage against business interruption for periods of more than 60 days per incident (up to a maximum of 180 days per incident) per year, following any loss under our hull and machinery policy.  We will not be reimbursed under the loss of hire insurance policies, on a per incident basis, for the first 60 days of off hire.  Currently, the amount of coverage for liability for pollution, spillage and leakage available to us on commercially reasonable terms through protection and indemnity associations and providers of excess coverage is $1 billion per vessel per occurrence.  We cannot assure you that we will be adequately insured against all risks.  If insurance premiums increase, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for our fleet.  Additionally, our insurers may refuse to pay particular claims.  Any significant loss or liability for which we are not insured could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.  In addition, the loss of a vessel would adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations.


Maritime claimants could arrest our tankers, which could interrupt charterers’ or our cash flow.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages.  In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien-holder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings.  The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt the charterers’ or our cash flow and require us to pay a significant amount of money to have the arrest lifted.  In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the “sister ship” theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel that is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner.  Claimants could try to assert “sister ship” liability against one vessel in our fleet for claims relating to another vessel in our fleet.

Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency without adequate compensation.

A government could requisition one or more of our vessels for title or for hire.  Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes her owner, while requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes her charterer at dictated charter rates.  Generally, requisitions occur during periods of war or emergency, although governments may elect to requisition vessels in other circumstances.  Although we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of payment would be uncertain.  Government requisition of one or more of our vessels may negatively impact our revenues and reduce the amount of cash we have available for distribution as dividends to our stockholders.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR CAPITAL STOCK

The market price of our common stock may be unpredictable and volatile.

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate due to factors such as actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our industry, mergers and strategic alliances in the tanker industry, market conditions in the tanker industry, changes in government regulation, shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts, announcements concerning us or our competitors and the general state of the securities market.  The tanker industry has been unpredictable and volatile.  The market for common stock in this industry may be equally volatile.  Therefore, we cannot assure you that you will be able to sell any of our common stock you may have purchased at a price greater than or equal to the original purchase price.

Future sales of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

The market price of our common stock could decline due to sales of our shares in the market or the perception that such sales could occur.  This could depress the market price of our common stock and make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate, or at all.

We have shares of common stock that are available for resale.

In November 2013 and February 2014, we issued 53,457,900 shares of our common stock (including shares issued upon the mandatory exchange of our Series B Participating Preferred Stock) and in September 2014 we issued an additional 23,076,924 shares of our common stock.  We placed these shares directly to institutional investors that we believe, based upon representations and statements to us, have a long-term investment horizon and who acquired our stock without an intention to distribute.  Nevertheless, these shares, taken together with the shares we issued in 2012 to an institutional investor, may create an excess supply of our stock if any significant resale were to occur.

Conversion of our convertible senior notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders.

In September 2014, we closed a private placement of approximately $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 to institutional accredited investors.  In 2016 we repurchased a total of $27,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the convertible senior notes and as of March 21, 2017, $123,000,000 in aggregate principal amount remains outstanding. The convertible senior notes are convertible into our common stock at any time until one business day prior to their maturity. The initial conversion price for the convertible senior notes is $8.125 per share of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of 123.0769 shares of common stock per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes).  The conversion price is subject to adjustment based on cash dividends paid on our common stock and as of March 21, 2017, the conversion price is $6.5097.  The conversion of some or all of the convertible senior notes may dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders and any sales in the public market of the shares of our common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.  In addition, the existence of the convertible senior notes may encourage short selling by market participants because the conversion of the convertible senior notes could depress the market price of our common stock.

Holders of our convertible senior notes may have to pay tax with respect to distributions on our capital stock that they do not receive.

The terms of our convertible senior notes allow for changes in the conversion rate of the notes in certain circumstances.  A change in conversion rate that allows holders of our convertible senior notes to receive more shares of capital stock on conversion may increase those note holders’ proportionate interests in our earnings and profits or assets.  In that case, U.S. Holders (as defined under “Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences”) could be treated as though they received a dividend in the form of our capital stock under United States tax laws.  Such a constructive stock dividend could be taxable to those note holders, although they would not actually receive any cash or other property.

We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law or a bankruptcy act.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or the “BCA.”The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States.  However, there have been few judicial cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA, and the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the laws of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in the United States.  Therefore, the rights of stockholders of the Marshall Islands may differ from the rights of stockholders of companies incorporated in the United States.  While the BCA provides that it is to be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, there have been few, if any, court cases interpreting the BCA in the Marshall Islands and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions that any particular U.S. court would reach or has reached.  Thus, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling stockholders than would stockholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction which has developed a relatively more substantial body of case law.

In addition, the Marshall Islands has no established bankruptcy act, and as a result, any bankruptcy action involving our company would have to be initiated outside the Marshall Islands, and our public stockholders may find it difficult or impossible to pursue their claims in such other jurisdictions.

Our amended and restated bylaws restrict stockholders from bringing certain legal action against our officers and directors.

Our amended and restated bylaws contain a broad waiver by our stockholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on our behalf, against any of our officers or directors.  The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director.  This waiver limits the right of stockholders to assert claims against our officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty.

The anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated bylaws, certain provisions in our convertible senior notes and our shareholder rights plan may discourage a change of control.

Our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors.  These provisions provide for:

●
a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms, elected without cumulative voting;
●
directors only to be removed for cause and only with the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the common stock issued and outstanding;
●
advance notice for nominations of directors by stockholders and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at annual meetings;
●
a limited ability for stockholders to call special stockholder meetings; and
●
our board of directors to determine the powers, preferences and rights of our preferred stock and to issue the preferred stock without stockholder approval.

In addition, if a fundamental change occurs under the terms of our convertible senior notes, we must offer to purchase the convertible senior notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.

Finally, we have adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”), expiring January 28, 2018, pursuant to which our board of directors may cause the substantial dilution of the holdings of any person that attempts to acquire us without the approval of our board of directors.

These provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if the third party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many stockholders.  As a result, stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares.

ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

General Information

The company was incorporated under the name of Double Hull Tankers, Inc., or “Double Hull,” in April 2005 under the laws of the Marshall Islands.  In June 2008, Double Hull’s stockholders voted to approve an amendment to Double Hull’s articles of incorporation to change its name to DHT Maritime, Inc.  On February 12, 2010, DHT Holdings, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands, and DHT Maritime became a wholly-owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings in March 2010.  Shares of DHT Holdings, Inc. common stock trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “DHT.”

In February 2013, we relocated our principal executive offices from Jersey, Channel Islands to Bermuda.  Our principal executive offices are currently located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda and our telephone number at that address is +1 (441) 299-4912.  Our website address is www.dhtankers.com .  The information on our website is not a part of this report.  We own each of the vessels in our fleet through wholly-owned subsidiaries incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands or the Cayman Islands.  Additionally, we wholly-own a subsidiary incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Singapore that does not own any vessels. We operate our vessels through our wholly owned management companies in Oslo, Norway and Singapore.

B.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We operate a fleet of crude oil tankers.  As of March 21, 2017, our fleet consisted of twentyone crude oil tankers currently in operation, of which all are wholly-owned by the company.  The fleet in operation consists of 19 very large crude carriers or “VLCCs,” which are tankers ranging in size from 200,000 to 320,000 deadweight tons and two Aframax tankers or “Aframaxes,” which are tankers ranging in size from 80,000 to 120,000 dwt.  Eight of our twentyone vessels currently in operation are on fixed rate charters for periods of up to 4½ years.  Our fleet principally operates on international routes and our fleet currently in operation had a combined carrying capacity of 6,087,095 dwt and an average age of approximately 7.4 years as of the date of this report.

We have agreements for two newbuilding VLCCs to be constructed at HHI, of which all will be wholly-owned by the company.  Each of the newbuilding VLCCs to be delivered will have a carrying capacity of approximately 318,000 dwt.  The contract price for each of the newbuildings is $79.99 million, including certain additions and upgrades to the standard specification but excluding optional scrubbers.

Our principal capital expenditures during the last three fiscal years and through the date of this report comprise the acquisition of 15 VLCCs (including the acquisition of Samco and the delivery of six newbuildings) and pre-delivery installments related to the two newbuildings ordered in January 2017 for a total of $1,074 million.  Our principal divestitures during the same period comprise the sale of two Suezmax tankers and one VLCC tanker for a total of $71.5 million.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Shareholder Rights Plan

In January 2017, we received a non-binding, highly conditional proposal from Frontline Ltd. (“Frontline”) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of DHT in a stock-for-stock transaction.   Frontline proposed an exchange ratio of 0.725 of a Frontline share for each share of DHT.

In response to this proposal our board of directors adopted a Rights Plan and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT to purchase from DHT one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT at a price of $22.00 per one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2017 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Rights Agreement”), between DHT and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent.  The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement. Our board of directors also unanimously rejected Frontline's proposal citing that the proposal was wholly inadequate and not in the best interests of DHT or its shareholders.

In February 2017, we received a revised proposal from Frontline to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of DHT at an exchange ratio of 0.8 Frontline shares for each DHT share. Our board of directors unanimously rejected Frontline's revised proposal citing that it was wholly inadequate and not in the best interests of DHT or its shareholders.

Newbuilding VLCCs

In 2013 and 2014 we entered into agreements for six newbuilding VLCCs to be constructed at HHI, of which all will be wholly-owned by the company.  As of March 21, 2017, all six newbuilding VLCCs have been delivered, one in November 2015, one in January 2016, one in March 2016, two in August 2016 and one in January 2017.

In January 2017, we entered into an agreement with HHI for the construction of two VLCCs of 318,000 dwt scheduled for delivery in July and September 2018. The contract price for each of the newbuildings is $79.99 million, including certain additions and upgrades to the standard specification but excluding optional scrubbers.

Sale of vessels

In May 2016, we sold the DHT Target, a 2001 built Suezmax, for $22.5 million.  The entire net proceeds were applied to repay debt under the RBS Credit Facility (as defined below).

In January 2017, we sold the DHT Chris, a 2001 built VLCC, for $23.7 million.  $12.0 million of the net proceeds were applied to repay debt under the Nordea/DNB facility (as defined below).

In February 2017, we agreed to the sale of DHT Phoenix for a price $19.1 million.  The vessel is expected to be delivered to the buyers in the second quarter of 2017.  The vessel is debt free and we will record a book loss of about $3.5 million in the first quarter 2017 in connection with the sale.
In March 2017, we agreed to the sale of the DHT Ann, a 2001 built VLCC, for $24.8 million. The vessel is expected to be delivered to the buyers in the second quarter of 2017.  About $13.0 million of the net proceeds will be applied to repay debt under the Nordea/DNB facility (as defined below), and we will record a book loss of about $4.0 million in the first quarter 2017 in connection with the sale.


Financing of newbuilding VLCCs

In February 2017, we obtained a financing commitment to fund the acquisition of the two VLCC newbuildings ordered from HHI in January 2017 through a secured credit facility (the “DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility”) that will be between and among DNB and Nordea, as lenders, two special purpose companies (direct wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, the “DNB/Nordea Borrowers”), and us, as guarantor.  The DNB/Nordea Borrowers will be permitted to borrow up to $82.5 million under the DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility.  The DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility, which is divided 50/50 between a term loan and a revolving credit facility, will be for a five-year term.  Borrowings will bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 250 basis points.

Refinancing of RBS Credit Facility

In September 2016, the Company refinanced the $40.0 million RBS credit facility which would have matured in July 2017 by entering into a term loan facility agreement with DNB and Nordea. The refinancing is structured as a separate tranche of the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility financing entered into in December 2015.  This new financing for the DHT Ann (2001 VLCC), DHT Chris (2001 VLCC), DHT Cathy (2004 Aframax) and DHT Sophie (2003 Aframax) totals $40.0 million, bears interest at a rate equal to Libor + 2.75% and is repayable in quarterly installments of $2.1 million commencing in December 2016 with a final payment of $17.3 million in August 2019. Subsequent to the sale of DHT Chris, the credit facility is repayable in quarterly installments of $1.3 million with a final payment of $13.6 million in August 2019.

Repurchase of convertible senior notes and common stock

In 2016, the company repurchased $27.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019 in the open market at an average price of 91.7% and 359,831 shares of DHT common stock in the open market at an average price of $5.64 per share.

$50 million revolving credit facility

In 2016 the Company entered into a five year revolving credit facility with ABN Amro totaling $50.0 million to be used for general corporate purposes including security repurchases and acquisitions of ships. The financing bears interest at a rate equal to Libor + 2.50% (the “ABN Amro Revolving Credit Facility”).

Capital allocation policy

In November 2016, the Company revised its capital allocation policy. DHT intends to return at least 60% of its ordinary net income (adjusted for exceptional items) to shareholders in the form of quarterly cash dividends and/or through security repurchases, including the repurchase of its 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019 . Further, DHT intends to allocate surplus cash flow, after dividends and/or security repurchases, to acquire ships or to be used for general corporate purposes. The extent of and allocation of capital will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations (refer to “Item 3. Risk Factors–we may not pay dividends in the future”).

CHARTER ARRANGEMENTS

The following summary of the material terms of the employment of our vessels does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the charters.  Because the following is only a summary, it does not contain all information that you may find useful.

Vessel employment

The following table presents certain features of our vessel employment as of March 21, 2017:

Vessel
Type of Employment
Expiry
VLCC
DHT Ann
Spot
DHT Eagle
Spot
DHT Phoenix
Spot
DHT Falcon
Spot
DHT Hawk
Spot
DHT Condor
Time Charter
Q3 2017
DHT Scandinavia
Spot
DHT Europe
Time Charter
Q1 2018
DHT China
Time Charter
Q2 2021
DHT Amazon
Time Charter
Q4 2017
DHT Redwood
Time Charter
Q1 2018
DHT Sundarbans
Spot
DHT Taiga
Time Charter
Q4 2017
DHT Jaguar
Spot
DHT Leopard
Spot
DHT Lion
Spot
DHT Panther
Spot
DHT Puma
Spot
DHT Tiger
Spot
Aframax
DHT Cathy
Time Charter
Q2 2017
DHT Sophie
Time Charter
Q1 2017

SHIP MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

The following summary of the material terms of our ship management agreements does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the ship management agreements.

During 2016, we used two technical management providers:Goodwood and V.Ships France SAS (“V.Ships”) (together, the “Technical Managers”).  Under the current ship management agreements with Goodwood and V.Ships, the Technical Managers are responsible for the technical operation and upkeep of the vessels, including crewing, maintenance, repairs and dry-dockings, maintaining required vetting approvals and relevant inspections, and to ensure our fleet complies with the requirements of classification societies as well as relevant governments, flag states, environmental and other regulations and each vessel subsidiary pays the actual cost associated with the technical management and an annual management fee for the relevant vessel.

We may obtain loss of hire insurance that will generally provide coverage against business interruption for periods of more than 60 days per incident (up to a maximum of 180 days per incident per year) following any loss under our hull and machinery policy (mechanical breakdown, grounding, collision or other incidence of damage that does not result in a total loss or constructive total loss of the vessel).

Each ship management agreement with the Technical Managers is cancelable by us or the Technical Managers for any reason at any time upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the other.  Upon termination we are required to cover actual crew support cost and severance cost and pay a management fee for a further three months.  We will be required to obtain the consent of any applicable charterer and our lenders before we appoint a new manager; however, such consent may not be unreasonably withheld.

We place the insurance requirements related to the fleet with mutual clubs and underwriters through insurance brokers.  Such requirements are, but not limited to, marine hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance (including pollution risks and crew insurances), war risk insurance, and when viewed as appropriate, loss of hire insurance.  Each vessel subsidiary pays the actual cost associated with the insurance placed for the relevant vessel.

OUR FLEET

The following chart summarizes certain information about the vessels in our fleet as of December 31, 2016:

Vessel
Year Built
Dwt
Flag*
Yard**
Classification Society
Percent of Ownership
VLCC
DHT Puma(8)
2016
299,900
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Panther (8)
2016
299,900
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Lion(8)
2016
299,900
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Leopard(8)
2016
299,900
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Jaguar(8)
2015
299,900
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Sundarbans(7)
2012
314,240
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Taiga(7)
2012
314,240
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Amazon(7)
2011
314,240
RIF
HHI
DNV
100%
DHT Redwood(7)
2011
314,240
HK
HHI
DNV
100%
DHT China(7)
2007
317,794
RIF
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Europe(7)
2007
317,260
RIF
HHI
DNV
100%
DHT Hawk(5)
2007
298, 923
HK
NACKS
Lloyds
100%
DHT Scandinavia(7)
2006
317,826
HK
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Falcon(5)
2006
298,971
HK
NACKS
Lloyds
100%
DHT Condor(6)
2004
320,050
HK
Daewoo
ABS
100%
DHT Eagle(4)
2002
309,064
HK
Samsung Heavy
Industries
ABS
100%
DHT Ann(1)
2001
309,327
HK
HHI
Lloyds
100%
DHT Chris(1)
2001
309,285
HK
HHI
Lloyds
100%
DHT Phoenix(3)
1999
307,151
HK
Daewoo
Lloyds
100%
Aframax
DHT Cathy(1)
2004
115,000
MI
HHI
ABS
100%
DHT Sophie(1)
2003
115,000
MI
HHI
ABS
100%


*
MI: Marshall Islands, HK: Hong Kong, RIF: French International Registry
**
HHI: Hyundai Heavy Industries, NACKS: Nantong Cosco KHI Engineering Co. Ltd

(1)
Acquired on October 18, 2005.
(2)
Acquired on December 4, 2007.  Formerly named Overseas Newcastle .
(3)
Acquired on March 2, 2011.
(4)
Acquired on May 27, 2011.
(5)
Acquired on February 17, 2014.
(6)
Acquired on May 30, 2014.
(7)
Acquired on September 17, 2014.
(8)
Delivery dates from HHI for six newbuildings: DHT Jaguar on November 23, 2015, DHT Leopard on January 4, 2016, DHT Lion on March 15, 2016, DHT Panther on August 5, 2016 and DHT Puma on August 31, 2016.

In January 2014, we entered into agreements for the construction of three VLCCs at an average contract price of $97.3 million each.  The last of the three vessels was delivered on January 16, 2017.

In January 2017, we entered into an agreement with HHI for the construction of two VLCCs of 318,000 dwt that are scheduled for delivery in July and September 2018. As of March 21, 2017, we have made $16.5 million in predelivery payments related to the two newbuilding contracts. The remaining predelivery payments will be $16.5 million in both 2017 and in 2018.  The final payments at delivery of the two vessels assume we exercise the options for the scrubbers will be $115.5 million, of which about $82.5 million we plan to fund with debt.

In February 2017, we have obtained a financing commitment to fund the acquisition of the two VLCC newbuildings ordered from HHI in January 2017 through a secured credit facility (the “DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility”) that will be between and among DNB and Nordea, as lenders, two special purpose companies (direct wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, the “DNB/Nordea Borrowers”), and us, as guarantor.  The DNB/Nordea Borrowers will be permitted to borrow up to $82.5 million under the DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility.  The DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility, which is divided 50/50 between a term loan and a revolving credit facility, will be for a five-year term.  Borrowings will bear interest at a rate equal to a margin of 250 basis points plus LIBOR.

RISK OF LOSS AND INSURANCE

Our operations may be affected by a number of risks, including mechanical failure of the vessels, collisions, property loss to the vessels, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities and labor strikes.  In addition, the operation of any ocean-going vessel is subject to the inherent possibility of catastrophic marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade.

Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is responsible for arranging the insurance of our vessels on terms in line with standard industry practice.  We are responsible for the payment of premiums.  Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte., Ltd. has arranged for marine hull and machinery and war risks insurance, which includes the risk of actual or constructive total loss, and protection and indemnity insurance with mutual assurance associations.  Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte., Ltd. may also arrange for loss of hire insurance in respect of each of our vessels, subject to the availability of such coverage at commercially reasonable terms.  Loss of hire insurance generally provides coverage against business interruption following any loss under our hull and machinery policy.  Currently, we have obtained loss of hire insurance that generally provides coverage against business interruption for periods of more than 60 days (up to a maximum of 180 days) following any loss under our hull and machinery policy (mechanical breakdown, grounding, collision or other incidence of damage that does not result in a total loss of the vessel).  Currently, the amount of coverage for liability for pollution, spillage and leakage available to us on commercially reasonable terms through protection and indemnity associations and providers of excess coverage is $1 billion per vessel per occurrence.  Protection and indemnity associations are mutual marine indemnity associations formed by ship-owners to provide protection from large financial loss to one member by contribution towards that loss by all members.

We believe that our anticipated insurance coverage will be adequate to protect us against the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business and that we will maintain appropriate levels of environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage, consistent with standard industry practice.  However, there is no assurance that all risks are adequately insured against, that any particular claims will be paid or that we will be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future following termination of the ship management agreements and bareboat charters.

INSPECTION BY A CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY

Every commercial vessel’s hull and machinery is evaluated by a classification society authorized by its country of registry.  The classification society certifies that the vessel has been built and maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society and complies with applicable rules and regulations of the vessel’s country of registry and the international conventions of which that country is a member.  Each vessel is inspected by a surveyor of the classification society in three surveys of varying frequency and thoroughness:every year for the annual survey, every two to three years for intermediate surveys and every four to five years for special surveys.  Should any defects be found, the classification surveyor will issue a “recommendation” for appropriate repairs which have to be made by the ship-owner within the time limit prescribed.  Vessels may be required, as part of the annual and intermediate survey process, to be drydocked for inspection of the underwater portions of the vessel and for necessary repair stemming from the inspection.  Special surveys always require drydocking.

Each of our vessels has been certified as being “in class” by a member society of the International Association of Classification Societies, indicated in the table on page 23 of this report.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

Government regulation significantly affects the ownership and operation of our tankers.  They are subject to international conventions, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our tankers operate or are registered.  Under our ship management agreements, the Technical Managers have assumed technical management responsibility for the vessels in our fleet, including compliance with all government and other regulations.  If our ship management agreements with the Technical Managers terminate, we would attempt to hire another party to assume this responsibility, including compliance with the regulations described herein and any costs associated with such compliance.  However, in such event, we may be unable to hire another party to perform these and other services, and we may incur substantial costs to comply with environmental requirements.

A variety of governmental and private entities subject our tankers to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections.  These entities include the local port authorities (U.S. Coast Guard, harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administration (country of registry) and charterers, particularly terminal operators and oil companies.  Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses and certificates for the operation of our tankers.  Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or temporarily suspend operation of one or more of our tankers.

We believe that the heightened level of environmental and quality concerns among insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers is leading to greater inspection and safety requirements on all tankers and may accelerate the scrapping of older tankers throughout the industry.  Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for tankers that conform to the stricter environmental standards.  Under our ship management agreements, the Technical Managers are required to maintain operating standards for our tankers emphasizing operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with U.S. and international regulations.  We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; however, because such laws and regulations are frequently changed and may impose increasingly stringent requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our tankers.  In addition, a future serious marine incident that results in significant oil pollution or otherwise causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.

INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION

Under IMO regulations and subject to limited exceptions, a tanker must be of double-hull construction, be of a mid-deck design with double-side construction or be of another approved design ensuring the same level of protection against oil pollution.  In September 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships to address air pollution from ships.  Annex VI, which became effective in May 2005, sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons.  Annex VI also includes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas, known as emission control areas, or “ECAs”, to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions.  Currently, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, certain coastal areas of North America and the U.S. Caribbean Sea are designated ECAs.  We believe that all of our vessels are currently compliant with these regulations.  In July 2010, the IMO amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide particulate matter and ozone depleting substances came into effect.  These standards seek to reduce air pollution from vessels by, among other things, establishing a series of progressive standards to further limit the sulfur content of fuel oil, which are to be phased in by 2020, and by establishing new standards to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide, with a more stringent “Tier III” emission limit applicable to engines installed on or after January 1, 2016.  The United States ratified these Annex VI amendments in 2008, thereby rendering its emissions standards equivalent to IMO requirements.  Please see the discussion of the U.S. Clean Air Act under “U.S. Requirements” below for information on the ECA designated in North America and the Hawaiian Islands.

Under the International Safety Management Code, or “ISM Code,” promulgated by the IMO, the party with operational control of a vessel is required to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies.  The Technical Managers will rely upon their respective safety management systems.

The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate.  This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with code requirements for a safety management system.  No vessel can obtain a certificate unless its operator has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code.  All requisite documents of compliance have been obtained with respect to the operators of all our vessels and safety management certificates have been issued for all our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO.  These documents of compliance and safety management certificates are renewed as required.

Noncompliance with the ISM Code and other IMO regulations may subject the ship-owner or charterer to increased liability, lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports.  For example, the U.S. Coast Guard and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports.

Many countries have ratified and follow the liability plan adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, or the “1969 Convention.”  Some of these countries have also adopted the 1992 Protocol to the 1969 Convention, or the “1992 Protocol.”Under both the 1969 Convention and the 1992 Protocol, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable, subject to certain affirmative defenses, for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain complete defenses.  These conventions also limit the liability of the shipowner under certain circumstances to specified amounts that have been revised from time to time and are subject to exchange rates.

In addition, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or BWM Convention, in February 2004.  The BWM Convention provides for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits.  The BWM Convention was ratified in September 2016 and will come into force in September 2017. The cost of compliance with such ballast water treatment requirements, including the installation of ballast water treatment systems, could increase for ocean carriers, and these costs may be material.  Although a number of our vessels already include ballast water treatment systems, our other vessels will require installation of such systems at a future drydocking.

The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Damage (the “Bunker Convention”), which became effective in November 2008, imposes strict liability on vessel owners for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel.  The Bunker Convention also requires registered owners of vessels over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance in specified amounts to cover liability for bunker fuel pollution damage.  Each of our vessels has been issued a certificate attesting that insurance is in force in accordance with the Bunker Convention.

IMO regulations also require owners and operators of vessels to adopt Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans, or “SOPEPs.”Periodic training and drills for response personnel and for vessels and their crews are required.  In addition to SOPEPs, the Technical Managers have adopted Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plans for our vessels, which cover potential releases not only of oil but of any noxious liquid substances.

U.S. REQUIREMENTS

The United States regulates the tanker industry with an extensive regulatory and liability regime for environmental protection and cleanup of oil spills, consisting primarily of the OPA, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or “CERCLA.”OPA affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade with the United States or its territories or possessions, or whose vessels operate in the waters of the United States, which include the U.S. territorial sea and the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the United States.  CERCLA applies to the discharge of hazardous substances (other than oil) whether on land or at sea.  Both OPA and CERCLA impact our business operations.

Under OPA, vessel owners, operators and bareboat or demise charterers are “responsible parties” who are liable, without regard to fault, for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages, including property and natural resource damages and economic loss without physical damage to property, arising from oil spills and pollution from their vessels.

Per U.S. Coast Guard regulation, limits of liability under OPA are equal to the greater of $2,000 per gross ton or $17.088 million for any double-hull tanker, such as our vessels, that is over 3,000 gross tons (subject to periodic adjustment for inflation).  CERCLA, which applies to owners and operators of vessels, contains a similar liability regime and provides for cleanup, removal and natural resource damages.  Liability under CERCLA for a release or incident involving a release of hazardous substances is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $0.5 million for any other vessel.  These OPA and CERCLA limits of liability do not apply if an incident was directly caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulations or by a responsible party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, refusal to report the incident or refusal to cooperate and assist in connection with oil removal activities.

OPA specifically permits individual U.S. coastal states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills.

OPA also requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the limit of their potential strict liability under the Act.  The U.S. Coast Guard has enacted regulations requiring evidence of financial responsibility consistent with the aggregate limits of liability described above for OPA and CERCLA.  Under the regulations, evidence of financial responsibility may be demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, self-insurance, guaranty or an alternative method subject to approval by the Director of the U.S. Coast Guard National Pollution Funds Center.  Under OPA regulations, an owner or operator of more than one tanker is required to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for the entire fleet in an amount equal only to the financial responsibility requirement of the tanker having the greatest maximum strict liability under OPA and CERCLA.  The Technical Managers have provided the requisite guarantees and received certificates of financial responsibility from the U.S. Coast Guard for each of our tankers required to have one.

We have arranged insurance for each of our tankers with pollution liability insurance in the amount of $1 billion.  However, a catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage available, in which event there could be a material adverse effect on our business and on the Technical Managers’ business, which could impair the Technical Managers’ ability to manage our vessels.

OPA also amended the federal Water Pollution Control Act, or “Clean Water Act,” to require owners and operators of vessels to adopt vessel response plans for reporting and responding to oil spill scenarios up to a “worst case” scenario and to identify and ensure, through contracts or other approved means, the availability of necessary private response resources to respond to a “worst case discharge.”In addition, periodic training programs and drills for shore and response personnel and for vessels and their crews are required.  Vessel response plans for our tankers operating in the waters of the United States have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.  In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard has proposed similar regulations requiring certain vessels to prepare response plans for the release of hazardous substances.

The U.S. Clean Water Act, or CWA, prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges.  The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal and remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA.  Furthermore, most U.S. states that border a navigable waterway have enacted laws that impose strict liability for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance.  These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law.

The EPA regulates the discharge of ballast water and other substances in U.S. waters under the CWA.  Effective February 6, 2009, EPA regulations require vessels 79 feet in length or longer (other than commercial fishing and recreational vessels) to comply with a Vessel General Permit authorizing ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the operation of vessels.  The original Vessel General Permit requirements, which remained in effect until December 2013, imposed technology and water-quality based effluent limits for certain types of discharges and establishes specific inspection, monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements to ensure the effluent limits are met.  The EPA has since issued a new Vessel General Permit, which became effective in December 2013, that contains more stringent requirements, including numeric ballast water discharge limits (that generally align with the most recent U.S. Coast Guard standards issued in 2012), requirements to ensure ballast water treatment systems are functioning correctly, and more stringent limits for oil to sea interfaces and exhaust gas scrubber wastewater.  U.S. Coast Guard regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act, or NISA, also impose mandatory ballast water management practices for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks entering or operating in U.S. waters, including limits regarding ballast water releases.  Compliance with the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard regulations could require the installation of equipment on our vessels to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port facility disposal arrangements or procedures at potentially substantial cost, or otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. waters.

The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 and 1990, or the CAA, requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants.  Our vessels are subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and conducting other operations in regulated port areas and emission standards for so-called “Category 3” marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters.  The marine diesel engine emission standards are currently limited to engines beginning with the 2004 model year.  In April 2010, the EPA adopted new emission standards for Category 3 marine diesel engines equivalent to those adopted in the amendments to Annex VI to MARPOL.  The emission standards apply in two stages:near-term standards apply to engines constructed on or after January 1, 2011, and long-term standards, requiring an 80% reduction in nitrogen dioxides (NOx), apply to engines constructed on or after January 1, 2016.  Compliance with these standards may cause us to incur costs to install control equipment on our vessels.

The CAA also requires states to draft State Implementation Plans, or SIPs, designed to attain national health-based air quality standards.  Several SIPs regulate emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations by requiring the installation of vapor control equipment.  As indicated above, our vessels operating in covered port areas are already equipped with vapor recovery systems that satisfy these existing requirements.  Under regulations that became effective in July 2009, vessels sailing within 24 miles of the California coastline whose itineraries call for them to enter any California ports, terminal facilities, or internal or estuarine waters must use marine gas oil with a sulfur content equal to or less than 1.5% and marine diesel oil with a sulfur content equal to or less than 0.5%.  Effective January 1, 2014, all marine fuels must have sulfur content equal to or less than 0.1% (1,000 ppm).

The MEPC has designated the area extending 200 miles from the United States and Canadian territorial sea baseline adjacent to the Atlantic/Gulf and Pacific coasts and the eight main Hawaiian Islands as an ECA under the MARPOL Annex VI amendments.  The new ECA entered into force in August 2012, whereupon fuel used by all vessels operating in the ECA could not exceed 1.0% sulfur, dropping to 0.1% sulfur in 2015.  Effective January 1, 2016, NOx after-treatment requirements also apply.  Additional ECAs include the Baltic Sea, North Sea and Caribbean Sea.  If other ECAs are approved by the IMO or other new or more stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the EPA or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.

EUROPEAN UNION TANKER RESTRICTIONS

The European Union has adopted legislation that will:(1) ban manifestly sub-standard vessels (defined as those over 15 years old that have been detained by port authorities at least twice in a six-month period) from European waters and create an obligation of port states to inspect vessels posing a high risk to maritime safety or the marine environment; and (2) provide the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, including the ability to seek to suspend or revoke the authority of negligent societies.  In addition, European Union regulations enacted in 2003 now prohibit all single hull tankers from entering into its ports or offshore terminals.

The European Union has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines.  The EU Directive 2005/EC/33 (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced parallel requirements in the European Union to those in MARPOL Annex VI in respect of the sulfur content of marine fuels.  In addition, it has introduced a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports, effective January 1, 2010.

The sinking of the oil tanker Prestige in 2002 has led to the adoption of other environmental regulations by certain European Union Member States.  It is difficult to accurately predict what legislation or additional regulations, if any, may be promulgated by the European Union in the future.

GREENHOUSE GAS REGULATION

Concerns surrounding climate change may lead certain international, or multinational bodies or individual countries to propose and/or adopt new climate change initiatives. For example, in 2015 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, adopted the Paris Agreement, a new international framework with the intent of reducing global GHG emissions, which is set to take effect by 2020. In October 2016, the EU formally ratified the Paris Agreement, thus establishing its entry into force on November 4, 2016.  Although the Paris Agreement does not require parties to the agreement to adopt emissions controls for the shipping industry, a new treaty or other applicable requirements could be adopted in the future that includes such restrictions.

The MEPC of IMO adopted two new sets of mandatory requirements to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships at its July 2011 meeting.  The Energy Efficiency Design Index requires a minimum energy efficiency level per capacity mile and will be applicable to new vessels, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan applies to currently operating vessels.  The requirements entered into force in January 2013.  In addition, the IMO is evaluating mandatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, which may include market-based instruments or a carbon tax.  The European Union is considering an expansion of the existing European Union emissions trading scheme to include emissions of greenhouse gases from marine vessels.

In the United States, the EPA promulgated regulations in May 2010 that regulate certain emissions of greenhouse gases.  Although these regulations do not cover greenhouse gas emissions from vessels, the EPA may decide in the future to regulate such emissions and has already been petitioned by the California Attorney General and a coalition of environmental groups to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from ocean going vessels.  Other federal and state regulations relating to the control of greenhouse gas emissions may follow.  Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, EU, the U.S. or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.

VESSEL SECURITY REGULATIONS

As of July 1, 2004, all ships involved in international commerce and the port facilities that interface with those ships must comply with the new International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities, or “ISPS Code.”  The ISPS Code, which was adopted by the IMO in December 2002, provides a set of measures and procedures to prevent acts of terrorism, which threaten the security of passengers and crew and the safety of ships and port facilities.  All of our vessels have obtained an International Ship Security Certificate, or “ISSC,” from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel’s flag state and each vessel has developed and implemented an approved Ship Security Plan.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The nature of our business, which involves the acquisition, chartering and ownership of our vessels, exposes us to the risk of lawsuits for damages or penalties relating to, among other things, personal injury, property casualty and environmental contamination.  Under rules related to maritime proceedings, certain claimants may be entitled to attach charter hire payable to us in certain circumstances.  There are no actions or claims pending against us as of the date of this report.

C.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The following table sets forth our significant subsidiaries and the vessels owned or operated by each of those subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, except as otherwise noted.

Subsidiary
Vessel
State of Jurisdiction  or Incorporation
Percent of  Ownership
Ann Tanker Corporation
DHT Ann
Marshall Islands
100%
Cathy Tanker Corporation
DHT Cathy
Marshall Islands
100%
Chris Tanker Corporation
DHT Chris
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Chartering, Inc.
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Eagle, Inc.
DHT Eagle
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Management AS
Norway
100%
DHT Maritime, Inc.
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Phoenix, Inc.
DHT Phoenix
Marshall Islands
100%
Newcastle Tanker Corporation
Marshall Islands
100%
Sophie Tanker Corporation
DHT Sophie
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Hawk, Inc.
DHT Hawk
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Falcon, Inc.
DHT Falcon
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Condor, Inc.
DHT Condor
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
100%
Samco Shipholding Pte. Ltd.
Singapore
100%
Samco Gamma Ltd
DHT Scandinavia
Cayman Islands
100%
Samco Delta Ltd
DHT Europe
Cayman Islands
100%
Samco Epsilon Ltd
DHT China
Cayman Islands
100%
Samco Eta Ltd
DHT Amazon
Cayman Islands
100%
Samco Kappa Ltd
DHT Redwood
Cayman Islands
100%
Samco Theta Ltd
DHT Sundarbans
Cayman Islands
100%
Samco Iota Ltd
DHT Taiga
Cayman Islands
100%
DHT Jaguar Limited
DHT Jaguar
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Leopard Limited
DHT Leopard
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Lion Limited
DHT Lion
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Panther Limited
DHT Panther
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Puma Limited
DHT Puma
Marshall Islands
100%
DHT Tiger Limited
DHT Tiger(1)
Marshall Islands
100%


(1)
Vessel not yet delivered as of December 31, 2016.  The DHT Tiger was delivered on January 16, 2017.

D.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Refer to “Item 4. Information on the Company─Business Overview─Our Fleet” above for a discussion of our property, plant and equipment.

ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.  This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions about our future business.  Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to these statements.  Our actual results may differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements and such differences may be material.

BUSINESS

We currently operate a fleet of 21 crude oil tankers, all of which are wholly-owned by DHT Holdings.  The fleet consists of 19 VLCCs and two Aframax tankers.  VLCCs are tankers ranging in size from 200,000 to 320,000 deadweight tons, or “dwt” and Aframaxes are tankers ranging in size from 80,000 to 120,000 dwt.  As of the date of this report, eight of the vessels are on fixed-rate time charters for periods of up to 4½ years.  Thirteen vessels are operating in the spot market.  The fleet operates on international routes and has a combined carrying capacity of 6,087,095 dwt and an average age of approximately 7.4 years.  In 2013 and 2014, we entered into agreements for six newbuilding VLCCs to be constructed at HHI with a combined carrying capacity of approximately 1,799,400 dwt.  The last of the six newbuildings was delivered on January 16, 2017.

In January 2017, we entered into an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the construction of two VLCCs of 318,000 dwt scheduled for delivery in July and September 2018.

We have entered into ship management agreements with two technical managers: Goodwood Ship Management Pte. Ltd. and V.Ships (France).  Goodwood Ship Management is owned 50% by DHT and manages our vessels flying the Marshall Islands and Hong Kong flags.  V. Ships (France) manages the three vessels flying the French flag.  The technical managers are generally responsible for the technical operation and upkeep of our vessels, including crewing, maintenance, repairs and dry-dockings, maintaining required vetting approvals and relevant inspections, and to ensure our fleet complies with the requirements of classification societies as well as relevant governments, flag states, environmental and other regulations.  Under the ship management agreements, each vessel subsidiary pays the actual cost associated with the technical management and an annual management fee for the relevant vessel.  For vessels chartered on a bareboat basis, the charterer generally is responsible for paying all operating costs.

FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

The principal factors that affect our results of operations and financial condition include:

●
with respect to vessels on charter, the charter rate that we are paid;
●
with respect to the vessels operating in the spot market, the revenues earned by such vessels and cost of bunkers;
●
our vessels’ operating expenses;
●
our insurance premiums and vessel taxes;
●
the required maintenance capital expenditures related to our vessels;
●
the required capital expenditures related to newbuilding orders;
●
our ability to access capital markets to finance our fleet;
●
our vessels’ depreciation and potential impairment charges;
●
our general and administrative and other expenses;
●
our interest expense including any interest swaps;
●
general market conditions when charters expire; and
●
prepayments under our credit facilities to remain in compliance with covenants.


Our revenues are principally derived from time charter hire and by vessels operating in the spot market.  Freight rates are sensitive to patterns of supply and demand.  Rates for the transportation of crude oil are determined by market forces, such as the supply and demand for oil, the distance that cargoes must be transported and the number of vessels available at the time such cargoes need to be transported.  The demand for oil shipments is affected by the state of the global economy and commercial and strategic stock building, among other things.  The number of vessels is affected by the construction of new vessels and by the retirement of existing vessels from service.  The tanker industry has historically been cyclical, experiencing volatility in freight rates, profitability and vessel values (Refer to “Item 3. Risks Relating to Our Industry”).

Our expenses consist primarily of cost of bunkers, vessel operating expenses, interest expense, depreciation expense, impairment charges, insurance premium expenses, vessel taxes, financing expenses and general and administrative expenses.

With respect to vessels on time charters, the charterers generally pay us charter hire monthly, fully or partly, in advance.  .  With respect to vessels operating in the spot market, our customers typically pay us the freight upon discharge of the cargo.  We fund daily vessel operating expenses under our ship management agreements monthly in advance.  We are required to pay interest under our secured credit facilities quarterly or semiannually in arrears, insurance premiums either annually or more frequently (depending on the policy) and our vessel taxes, registration dues and classification expenses annually.

OUTLOOK FOR 2017

The limited fleet growth in 2013, 2014 and 2015 combined with demand growth for oil transportation and longer transportation distances primarily drove a market recovery through 2016. In particular, the market in 2015 was boosted by OPEC’s decision in November 2014 to increase their market share and thereby increase the production and supply of oil to the market. Despite a strong earnings environment, asset values dropped some 25-30% during 2016 and are now close to the trough levels we saw in 2013. We think we have reached a period of attractive asset prices whereby we will gradually focus on investment and fleet renewal. We expect the freight market in 2017 to be choppy as a result of the combination of deliveries of new ships in 2017 and OPEC’s oil supply cut planned for the first half of 2017. We will continue to focus on prudent capital management and robust cash break-even levels for our fleet in combination with quality operations and a mixture of time charter contracts and spot based freight contracts. As of March 1, 2017, 30% of our total revenue days for 2017 were covered by time charter contracts. We expect the freight market to continue to be cyclical, volatile and seasonal and with part of our fleet with spot market exposure, it could impact our results through volatility in our revenues.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our financial statements for the fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or “IFRS,” as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or the “IASB,” which require us to make estimates in the application of our accounting policies based on the best assumptions, judgments and opinions of management.  Following is a discussion of the accounting policies that involve a higher degree of judgment and the methods of their application.  For a complete description of all of our material accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for December 31, 2016, included as Item 18 of this report.

Revenue Recognition

During 2016, our vessels generated revenues from time charters and by operating in the spot market (voyage charters).  In prior years, some of our vessels have also generated revenues from operating in pools.  Revenues from time charters are accounted for as operating leases and are recognized on a straight line basis over the periods of such charters, as service is performed.

For vessels operating in prior years in commercial pools, revenues and voyage expenses are pooled and the resulting net pool revenues, calculated on a time charter equivalent basis, are allocated to the pool participants according to an agreed formula.  Formulae used to allocate net pool revenues allocate net revenues to pool participants on the basis of the number of days a vessel operates in the pool with weighting adjustments made to reflect differing capacities and performance capabilities.  Revenues generated from pools are recorded based on the net method.  These pools generate a majority of their revenue from voyage charters.

Within the shipping industry, there are two methods used to account for voyage revenues:  (i) ratably over the estimated length of each voyage and (ii) completed voyage.  The recognition of voyage revenues ratably over the estimated length of each voyage is the most prevalent method of accounting for voyage revenues and the method used by the pools in which we have participated.  Under each method, voyages may be calculated on either a load-to-load or discharge-to-discharge basis.  In applying its revenue recognition method, management believes that the discharge-to-discharge basis of calculating voyages more accurately estimates voyage results than the load-to-load basis.  We do not begin recognizing voyage revenue until a charter has been agreed to with the customer, even if the vessel has discharged its cargo and is sailing to the anticipated load port on its next voyage.

Vessel Lives

The company estimates the average useful life of a vessel to be 20 years.  The actual life of a vessel may be different and the useful lives of the vessels are reviewed at fiscal year end, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.  New regulations, market deterioration or other future events could reduce the economic lives assigned to our vessels and result in higher depreciation expense and impairment losses in future periods.

The carrying value of each vessel represents its original cost at the time it was delivered from the shipyard less depreciation calculated using an estimated useful life of 20 years from the date such vessel was originally delivered from the shipyard plus the cost of drydocking less impairment, if any, or, as is the case with ships acquired in the second hand market, its acquisition cost less depreciation calculated using an estimated useful life of 20 years.  The depreciation per day is calculated based on the vessel’s original cost less a residual value which is equal to the product of the vessel’s lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate per ton.  Capitalized drydocking costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis from the completion of a drydocking to the estimated completion of the next drydocking.  The vessels are required by their respective classification societies to go through a dry dock at regular intervals.  In general, vessels below the age of 15 years are docked every 5 years and vessels older than 15 years are docked every 2½ years.

Carrying Value and Impairment

The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of constructing new vessels.  Historically, both charter rates and vessel values have been cyclical.  The carrying amounts of vessels held and used by us are reviewed for potential impairment or reversal of prior impairment charges whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a particular vessel may not accurately reflect the recoverable amount of a particular vessel.  In instances where a vessel is considered impaired it is written down to its recoverable amount.  In instances where a vessel’s recoverable amount is above its carrying value and the vessel has been subject to impairment charges in prior years, the vessel’s carrying value is adjusted to its recoverable amount, though not to an extent higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment charges been recognized in prior years.  In evaluating impairment or reversal of prior impairment charges under IFRS, we consider the higher of (i) fair market value less cost of disposal and (ii) the present value of the future cash flows of a vessel, or “value in use.” The fair market value of our vessels is monitored by obtaining charter-free broker valuations as of specific dates.  This assessment has been made at the individual vessel level.

In developing estimates of future cash flows, we must make significant assumptions about future charter rates, future use of vessels, ship operating expenses, drydocking expenditures, utilization rate, fixed commercial and technical management fees, residual value of vessels, the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels and the discount rate.  These assumptions, and in particular for estimating future charter rates, are based on historical trends and current market conditions, as well as future expectations.  Estimated outflows for ship operating expenses and drydocking expenditures are based on a combination of historical and budgeted costs and are adjusted for assumed inflation.  Utilization, including estimated off-hire time, is based on historical experience.

The more significant factors that could impact management’s assumptions regarding time charter equivalent rates include (i) unanticipated changes in demand for transportation of crude oil cargoes, (ii) changes in production or supply of or demand for oil, generally or in specific geographical regions, (iii) the anticipated levels of tanker newbuilding orders or the anticipated levels of tanker scrappings and (iv) changes in rules and regulations applicable to the tanker industry, including legislation adopted by international organizations such as the IMO or by individual countries and vessels’ flag states.  Please see our risk factors under the headings “Vessel values and charter rates are volatile.  Significant decreases in values or rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations” and “The highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry may lead to volatile changes in spot or time charter rates from time to time, which may adversely affect our earnings” in Item 3.D of this report for a discussion of additional risks relating to the volatility of charter rates.

Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment or reversal of prior impairment charges are reasonable and appropriate at the time they were made, such assumptions are highly subjective and likely to change, possibly materially, in the future.  Reasonable changes in the assumptions for the discount rate or future charter rates could lead to a value in use for some of our vessels that is higher than, equal to or less than the carrying amount for such vessels.  There can be no assurance as to how long charter rates and vessel values will remain at their current levels or whether or when they will change by any significant degree.  Charter rates may decline significantly from current levels, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability, and future assessments of vessel impairment.

When calculating the charter rate to use for a particular vessel class in its impairment testing, we rely on the contractual rates currently in effect for the remaining term of existing charters and estimated daily time charter equivalent rates for each vessel class for the unfixed days over the estimated remaining useful lives of each of the vessels.  The estimated daily time charter equivalent rates used for unfixed days are based on (i) the current one-year time charter rate for the first three years estimated by brokers and (ii) the 10-year historical average one-year time charter rate thereafter with both (i) and (ii) reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.

In the third quarter of 2016 we adjusted the carrying value of our fleet through a non-cash impairment charge totaling $76.6 million due to the decline in values for second hand tankers.The impairment test was performed on each individual vessel using an estimated weighted average cost of capital, or “WACC,” of 8.26%. As DHT operates in a non-taxable environment, the WACC is the same on a before- and after-tax basis.If the estimated WACC had been 1% higher, the impairment charge for that quarter would have been $136.3 million and if the estimated WACC had been 1% lower, the impairment charge for that quarter would have been $34.2 million.If the estimated future net cash flows after the expiry of fixed charter periods had been 10% lower, the impairment charge would have been $178.9 million.

In the first quarter of 2016 we recorded an impairment charge of $8.1 million related to the DHT Target which was agreed sold.  The impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value of the vessel and the estimated net sales price. The vessel was delivered to the buyers in May 2016.

In 2015, we did not perform an impairment test because we concluded that there were no indicators of impairment or reversal of prior impairment.  .

In 2014, the impairment tests performed did not result in any impairment charge.  However, with respect to the six vessels with prior recorded impairment charges we recorded a reversal of prior impairment charges totaling $31.9 million.  The impairment test as of December 31, 2014 was performed using an estimated WACC of 7.87% (2013: 8.83%).  As DHT operates in a non-taxable environment, the WACC is the same on a before- and after-tax basis.  The time charter equivalent rates used for the impairment test as of December 31, 2014 for the first three years were $38,000 per day, $32,000 per day and $23,000 per day (being the current one-year time charter rate estimated by brokers), for VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax, respectively, and reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  Thereafter the time charter equivalent rates used were $41,842 per day, $31,299 per day and $23,598 per day (being the 10-year historical average one-year time charter rate), for VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax, respectively and reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  For vessels on charter we assumed the contractual rate for the remaining term of the charter.  If the estimated WACC had been 1% higher, the reversal of prior impairment charges as of December 31, 2014 would have been $30.0 million and we would have recorded an impairment charge related to some of our vessels of $12.7 million as of December 31, 2014.  If the estimated future net cash flows after the expiry of fixed charter periods had been 10% lower, the reversal of prior impairment charges would have been $22.3 million and we would have recorded an impairment charge related to some of our vessels totaling $41.8 million.  Also, had we used the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year historical average for the one-year time charter rates instead, the reversal of prior impairment charges as of December 31, 2014 would have been $4.5 million, $0 million, $0.4 million and $30.7 million, respectively and the impairment charge would have been $25.0 million, $62.7 million, $35.7 million and $0, respectively.

The following chart sets forth our fleet information, purchase prices, carrying values and estimated charter free fair market values as of December 31, 2016.

Vessel
Built
Vessel Type
Purchase Month
Purchase Price
Carrying Value
(12/31/2016)
Estimated
Charter Free Fair
Market Value*
(12/31/2016)
(Dollars in thousands)
DHT Ann**
2001
VLCC
Oct. 2005
124,829
29,174
26,500
DHT Cathy**
2004
Aframax
Oct. 2005
70,833
19,447
17,500
DHT Chris**
2001
VLCC
Oct. 2005
124,829
23,216
23,216
DHT Sophie**
2003
Aframax
Oct. 2005
68,511
17,523
16,000
DHT Phoenix
1999
VLCC
Mar. 2011
55,000
23,653
22,000
DHT Eable
2002
VLCC
May 2011
67,000
31,381
29,000
DHT Falcon
2006
VLCC
Feb. 2014
47,500
42,158
39,500
DHT Hawk
2007
VLCC
Feb. 2014
50,500
42,542
43,000
DHT Condor
2004
VLCC
May 2014
49,000
42,076
34,000
DHT Europe
2007
VLCC
Sept. 2014
67,700
55,417
44,500
DHT China***
2007
VLCC
Sept. 2014
67,700
57,059
44,500
DHT Amazon***
2011
VLCC
Sept. 2014
90,540
75,833
61,000
DHT Scandinavia
2006
VLCC
Sept. 2014
62,950
52,026
44,000
DHT Taiga***
2012
VLCC
Sept. 2014
95,300
78,505
65,000
DHT Redwood***
2011
VLCC
Sept. 2014
90,540
78,001
61,000
DHT Suburbans***
2012
VLCC
Sept. 2014
95,300
72,406
65,000
DHT Jaguar
2015
VLCC
Nov. 2015
101,700
89,887
79,000
DHT Leopard
2016
VLCC
Jan. 2016
100,524
****
90,757
84,500
DHT Lion
2016
VLCC
Mar. 2016
95,049
****
91,087
84,500
DHT Panther
2016
VLCC
Aug. 2016
95,306
****
92,055
84,500
DHT Puma
2016
VLCC
Aug. 2016
95,106
****
92,169
84,500

*
Estimated charter free fair market value is provided for informational purposes only.  These estimates are based solely on third-party broker valuations as of the reporting date and may not represent the price we would receive upon sale of the vessel.  They have been provided as a third party’s indicative estimate of the sales price less cost to sell which we could expect, if we decide to sell one of our vessels, free of any charter arrangement. Management use these broker valuations in calculating compliance with debt covenants. Management also use them as one consideration point in determining if there are indicators of impairment, however management does not believe that a broker value lower than book value in itself is an indicator of impairment. Management calculates recoverable amounts, using the value in use model, only when indicators of impairment exists.  In connection with the vessels’ increasing age and market development, a decline in vessel values could take place in 2017.
**
Purchase price is pro rata share of en bloc purchase price paid for vessels in connection with our initial public offering (“IPO”) in October 2005. Charter free fair market value for DHT Chris is equal to agreed net sales price.
***
Carrying value does not include value of time charter contracts.
****
Includes pre-delivery expenses  including supervision, upstoring and bank financing commitment fee.

With respect to some of our vessels, we believe the charter-free fair market value was less than their carrying value as of December 31, 2016 and with respect to some of our vessels, the charter-free fair market value was above their carrying value as of December 31, 2016.  In aggregate, the the carrying value of our vessels (not including the value of time charter contracts) as of December 31, 2016 was above the charter free fair market value by approximately $143.7 million.  Please see our risk factor under the heading “The value of our vessels may be depressed at a time when and in the event that we sell a vessel” in Item 3.D of this report for a discussion of additional risks relating to fair market value in assessing the value of our vessels. However, except for the vessel impairments described above, we concluded that no other vessels had indicators of impairment or reversal of prior impairment during 2016. Refer to Note 6 for additional information.

Stock Compensation

Management of the company receive, amongst others, remuneration in the form of restricted common stock that is subject to vesting conditions.  Equity-settled share based payment is measured at the fair value of the equity instrument at the grant date and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  For the year 2016, a total of 900,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors vesting with equal amounts in February 2017, February 2018 and February 2019 subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.

For the year 2015, a total of 824,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors vesting with equal amounts in February 2016, February 2017 and February 2018 subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.

For the year 2014, a total of 850,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors vesting with equal amounts in January 2016, January 2017 and January 2018 subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.  In January 2016, the vesting dates in January 2017 and January 2018 were changed to February 2017 and February 2018.

For the year 2013, a total of 750,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors vesting with equal amounts in February 2015, February 2016 and February 2017.  375,000 of the shares vest subject to continued employment or office, as applicable and the calculated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.  375,000 of the shares vest subject to continued employment and market conditions, as applicable.

In January 2015, the vesting criteria for the restricted shares that vest subject to continued employment or office, as applicable, and certain market conditions were changed to be subject to continued employment or office, as applicable, only.

For the year 2012, a total of 155,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management vesting with equal amounts in December 2015, 2016 and 2017 subject to continued employment.  The calculated fair value at grant date was 95.0% of the share price at grant date.  Also, for the year 2012, a total of 310,000 stock options were awarded to management vesting subject to continued employment on the exercise date.  The calculated fair value at grant date was 30.0% of the share price at grant date for 155,000 of the stock options and 22.3% of the share price at grant date for 155,000 of the stock options, respectively, calculated using a Black & Scholes option pricing model.  The main inputs to the model were as follows: share price of $4.37, exercise price of $7.75 and $10.70, respectively, expected volatility of 59% based on historical volatility, option life of 5 years and risk free rate of 0.83%.  Expected dividends are not included as the strike price is adjusted for dividends paid.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Income from Vessel Operations

Shipping revenues declined by $9.1 million, or 2.5%, to $356.0 million in 2016 from $365.1 million in 2015.  The decline from 2015 to 2016 is due to lower rates and an increase in scheduled drydockings in 2016 offset by an increase in the fleet due to the delivery of newbuildings (partly offset by the sale of the Suezmaxes DHT Trader in December 2015 and DHT Target in May 2016). Total revenue days increased from 6,596 in 2015 to 7,020 in 2016 as a result of an increase in the fleet. Shipping revenues increased by $214.3 million, or 142%, to $365.1 million in 2015 from $150.8 million in 2014.  The increase was due to a larger fleet including the addition of seven vessels through the Samco acquisition in September 2014 and a stronger market.  In connection with the acquisition of the seven Samco vessels in September 2014, total revenue days increasing from 4,484 in 2014 to 6,596 in 2015.

Voyage expenses declined by $3.5 million to $65.3 million in 2016 from $68.9 million in 2015. The decrease was mainly due to lower bunker prices for the vessels in the spot market partly offset by an increase in the fleet and more vessels operating in the spot market in 2016. Voyage expenses increased by $19.6 million to $68.9 million in 2015 from $49.3 million in 2014. The increase was mainly due to an increase in the fleet and more vessels operating in the spot market offset by lower bunker prices in 2015.

Vessel operating expenses increased by $2.1 million to $61.9 million in 2016 from $59.8 million in 2015.  The increase is mainly due to an increase in the fleet. Vessel operating expenses increased by $17.0 million to $59.8 million in 2015 from $42.8 million in 2014.  The increase is mainly due to an increase in the fleet.

Depreciation and amortization expenses, including depreciation of capitalized dry docking costs, increased by $5.6 million to $84.3 million in 2016 from $78.7 million in 2015. The increase was mainly due to the delivery of newbuildings partly offset by the sale of the Suezmaxes DHT Trader in December 2015 and DHT Target in May 2016. Depreciation and amortization expenses, including depreciation of capitalized dry docking costs, increased by $33.6 million to $78.7 million in 2015 from $45.1 million in 2014.  The increase was due to an increase in the fleet and the reversal of prior impairment charge of $31.9 million in 2014, which increased the depreciable amount.    We had a loss on sale of vessels of $0.8 million in 2015.

Impairment charges totaled $84.7 million in 2016 due to the decline in values for second hand tankers.  There were no impairment charges or reversals of prior impairment charges in 2015.  In connection with the improvement in the tanker markets and the increase in vessel values, the carrying value of the fleet was adjusted in the fourth quarter of 2014 through a reversal of prior impairment charges totaling $31.9 million.    Please refer to Item 5 – “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Critical Accounting Policies – Carrying Value and Impairment” for a discussion of the key reasons for the impairment charges in 2016 and the reversal of prior impairment charges in 2014.

General and administrative expenses in 2016 was $19.4 million (of which $6.9 million was non-cash cost related to restricted share agreements for our management and board of directors).  General and administrative expenses in 2015 was $21.6 million (of which $7.4 million was non-cash cost related to restricted share agreements for our management and board of directors), compared to $18.1 million in 2014 (of which $3.2 million was non-cash).  The increase reflects the addition of the Samco organization from September 2014 and building up DHT’s in-house commercial department, partly offset by lower expensed transaction fees in 2015.

General and administrative expenses for 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 include directors’ fees and expenses, the salary and benefits of our executive officers, legal fees, fees of independent auditors and advisors, directors and officers insurance, rent and miscellaneous fees and expenses.

Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost

Net financial expenses were $31.2 million in 2016 compared to $29.9 million in 2015. The increase was mainly due to an increase in debt used to finance to the newbuildings delivered. Net financial expenses were $29.9 million in 2015 compared to $14.4 million in 2014. The increase is mainly due to an increase in debt related to the vessels acquired in September 2014 as part of the Samco acquisition, the issue of the $150 million convertible senior notes in September 2014 and the expense related to previously unamortized upfront fees related to the financing of the Samco Scandinavia that was refinanced in the second quarter of 2015, partly offset by fair value gain on derivative financial instruments of $3.6 million in 2015 compared to $0.5 million in 2014.

LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL

We operate in a capital-intensive industry.  Our use of cash relates to our voyage expenses, operating expenses, charter hire expenses, payments of interest, payments of insurance premiums, payments of vessel taxes, the payment of principal under our secured credit facilities, capital expenses related to periodic maintenance of our vessels, payment of dividends, securities repurchases and investment in vessels including newbuilding contracts.  In addition to investing cash generated from operations in vessels including newbuilding contracts, we also finance our vessel acquisitions with a combination of debt secured by our vessels, the issuance of convertible senior notes and the sale of equity.  We fund our working capital requirements with cash from operations.  We collect our time charter hire from our vessels on charters monthly in advance and fund our estimated vessel operating costs monthly in advance.  With respect to vessels operating in the spot market, the charterers typically pay us upon discharge of the cargo.

In February 2016, our board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The repurchase program has been authorized through February 2017 and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Any shares of DHT common stock acquired by DHT will be available for reissuance. In 2016, the company repurchased $27.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019 in the open market at an average price of 91.7% of the face amount and also repurchased 359,831 shares of DHT common stock in the open market at an average price of $5.64 per share.  In January 2017, our board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The repurchase program has been authorized through March 2018 and may be suspended or discontinued at any time .

Since 2014, we have paid the dividends set forth in the table below.  The aggregate and per share dividend amounts set forth in the table below are not expressed in thousands.  While dividends are subject to the discretion of our board of directors, with the timing and amount potentially being affected by various factors, including our cash earnings, financial condition and cash requirements, the loss of a vessel, the acquisition of one or more vessels, required capital expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, a change in our dividend policy, additional borrowings or future issuances of securities, many of which will be beyond our control, in July 2015 our board of directors approved a dividend policy to pay stockholders of record an intended dividend of at least 60% of ordinary net income per share (adjusted for extraordinary items) commencing with the second quarter of 2015. In November 2016, our board of directors revised the dividend and capital allocation policy to return at least 60% of its ordinary net income (adjusted for exceptional items) to shareholders in the form of quarterly cash dividends and/or through repurchases of securities, including repurchases of the 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019 (refer to “Item 3. Risk Factors–we may not pay dividends in the future”).

Operating period
Total Payment
Per common
share
Record date
Payment date
Jan. 1-March 31, 2014
$
1.4 million
$
0.02
May 14, 2014
May 22, 2014
April 1-June 30, 2014
$
1.4 million
$
0.02
Sept. 9, 2014
Sept. 17, 2014
July 1-Sept. 30, 2014
$
1.9 million
$
0.02
Nov. 20, 2014
Nov. 26, 2014
Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2014
$
4.6 million
$
0.05
Feb. 10, 2015
Feb. 19, 2015
Jan. 1-March 31, 2015
$
13.9 million
$
0.15
May 13, 2015
May 22, 2015
April 1-June 30, 2015
$
13.9 million
$
0.15
Aug. 12, 2015
Aug. 20, 2015
July 1-Sept. 30, 2015
$
16.7 million
$
0.18
Nov. 17, 2015
Nov. 25, 2015
Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2015
$
19.7 million
$
0.21
Feb. 16, 2016
Feb. 24, 2016
Jan. 1-March 31, 2016
$
23.3 million
$
0.25
May 16, 2016
May 25, 2016
April 1-June 30, 2016
$
21.5 million
$
0.23
Aug. 24, 2016
Aug. 31, 2016
July 1-Sept. 30, 2016
$
1.9 million
$
0.02
Nov. 16, 2016
Nov. 23, 2016
Oct. 1-Dec. 31, 2016
$
7.5 million
$
0.08
Feb. 14, 2017
Feb. 22, 2017

Although market conditions have remained strong recently, the cash flow from the operations of our vessels in 2017 may not be sufficient to fund the vessel operating expenses, interest payments and possible prepayments under our secured credit facilities.

Working capital, defined as total current assets less total current liabilities, was $104.2 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $165.4 million at December 31, 2015.  The decrease in working capital in 2016 was mainly due to a reduction in the cash balance as a result of paying pre-delivery newbuilding installments and also due to an increase in the current portion of long term debt offset by an increase in assets held for sale. We believe that our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements. The cash and cash equivalents was $109.3 million at December 31, 2016 and $166.8 million at December 31, 2015.  In 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was 194.0 million, net cash used in investing activities was $213.0 million (mainly related to investment in vessels under construction of $222.1 million and investment in vessels of $13.3 million offset by proceeds from sale of vessels of $22.2 million) and net cash used in financing activities was $38.5 million (mainly related to cash dividends paid of $66.4 million, repayment of long-term debt of $164.0 million and purchase of treasury shares and convertible bonds totaling $27.4 offset by the issuance of long-term debt of $219.3 million).  As of December 31, 2016, we had commitments for capital expenditures (other than for mandatory interim and special surveys) totaling $48.7 million related to one newbuilding.  The cash balance as of December 31, 2016 and issuance of long term debt in 2016 includes $48.7 million relating to the financing for one of the VLCC newbuildings, which was drawn in 2016 in advance of the delivery of the vessel on January 16, 2017.

Working capital, defined as total current assets less total current liabilities, was $165.4 million at December 31, 2015 compared with $144.4 million at December 31, 2014.  The increase in working capital in 2015 was mainly due to an increase in accounts receivables and accrued revenues and a decrease in accounts payables and accrued expenses offset by a decrease in bunkers, lube oils and consumables.  The cash and cash equivalents was $166.8 million at December 31, 2015 and $166.7 million at December 31, 2014.  In 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was 181.5 million, net cash used in investing activities was $125.9 million mainly related to investment in vessels under construction of $142.6 million and investment in subsidiaries of $7.6 million offset by proceeds from sale of vessels of $26.5 million and net cash used in financing activities was $55.5 million mainly related to cash dividends paid of $49.2 million, repayment of long-term debt of $105.7 million offset issuance of long-term debt of $99.4 million.  As of December 31, 2015, we had commitments for capital expenditures (other than for mandatory interim and special surveys) totaling $266.2 million related to the five newbuildings.  The cash balance as of December 31, 2015 and issuance of long term debt in 2015 includes $50.0 million relating to the financing for one of the VLCC newbuildings, which was drawn on December 29, 2015 in advance of the delivery of the vessel on January 4, 2016.

In 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $194.0 million compared to $181.5 million in 2015. This increase is mainly due to the positive change in working capital in 2016 offset by lower net income (after adjusting for the impairment charge) in 2016 . In 2015, net cash provided by operating activities was $181.5 million compared to $30.6 million in 2014.  The increase was mainly due to an increase in net income offset by changes in working capital (mainly related to an increase in accounts receivables and accrued revenues and a decrease in accounts payables and accrued expenses offset by a decrease in bunkers, lube oils and consumables).   Net cash used in investing activities was $213.0 million in 2016 compared to $125.9 million in 2015.  In 2016, investing activities mainly related to investment in vessels under construction of $222.1 million and vessels undergoing special survey and drydocking totalling of $13.3 million offset by proceeds from sale of vessels of $22.2 million. Net cash used in investing activities was $125.9 million in 2015 compared to $551.3 million in 2014.  In 2015, investing activities mainly related to investment in vessels under construction of $142.6 million offset by proceeds from sale of vessels of $26.5 million.   Net cash used by financing activities in 2016 was $38.5 million, compared to $55.5 million in 2015.  Net cash used by financing activities in 2016 mainly related to cash dividends paid of $66.4 million, purchase of treasury shares of $2.0 million, purchase of convertible bonds of $25.3 million and repayment of long term debt of $164.0 million partly offset by $219.3 million related to issuance of long term debt. Net cash used by financing activities in 2015 was $55.5 million, compared to $561.3 million in 2014.  Net cash used by financing activities in 2015 mainly related to cash dividends paid of $49.2 million, repayment of long-term debt of $105.7 million offset by issuance of long-term debt of $99.4 million.    We had $701.5 million of total debt outstanding at December 31, 2016, compared to $662.5 million at December 31, 2015 and $661.3 million at December 31, 2014.

During 2017, five of our vessels are required to be drydocked, three VLCCs in the second quarter and two VLCCs in the third quarter.  Each vessel is expected to have an estimated 25-30 days off hire and an estimated total cost per vessel from $1.7 to $2.5 million depending on the vessel.  The total drydocking costs estimated to the $10.2 million will be financed through our financial resources. Including the pre-delivery payments related to the DHT Tiger which was delivered on January 16, 2017 and the two vessels to be constructed pursuant to the agreements with HHI, we estimate our capital expenditures for 2017 will be approximately $44.7 million.  The final payment at delivery of the DHT Tiger in January 2016 was funded with debt financing.

For additional information on events in 2017, please refer to “Item 4.B.  Recent Developments.”

Secured Credit Facilities and Convertible Senior Notes

The following summary of the material terms of our secured credit facilities does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of our secured credit facilities.  Because the following is only a summary, it does not contain all information that you may find useful.

The RBS Credit Facility

In October 2005, DHT Maritime and its subsidiaries entered into a $401.0 million secured credit facility with RBS for a term of ten years, with no principal amortization for the first five years (the “RBS Credit Facility”).  The RBS Credit Facility consisted of a $236.0 million term loan, a $150.0 million vessel acquisition facility and a $15.0 million working capital facility.  DHT Maritime was the borrower under the RBS Credit Facility and its vessel-owning subsidiaries were the sole guarantors of its performance thereunder.  The RBS Credit Facility was secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage and assignment of earnings on each of the vessels that were owned by DHT Maritime’s subsidiaries and a pledge of the balances in certain bank accounts on each of the vessels that was owned by DHT Maritime’s subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2015, DHT Maritime’s borrowings under the RBS Credit Facility were $80.5 million. The RBS Credit Facility was repaid in full in September 2016 in connection with the amendment of the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility (discussed below).

The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility

In February 2011, DHT Phoenix, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings, entered into a $27.5 million secured credit facility with DVB for a term of five years (the “DHT Phoenix Credit Facility”).  The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility is guaranteed by DHT Holdings.  Borrowings under the DHT Phoenix Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%.

The full amount of the DHT Phoenix Credit Facility was borrowed on March 1, 2011 and was repayable in 19 quarterly installments of $0.6 million from June 1, 2011 to December 1, 2015, and a final payment of $15.9 million on March 1, 2016.  The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility was repaid in full in June 2015.

The DHT Eagle Credit Facility

In May 2011, DHT Eagle, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings, entered into a $33.5 million secured credit facility with DNB for a term of five years (the “DHT Eagle Credit Facility”).  The DHT Eagle Credit Facility is guaranteed by DHT Holdings.  Borrowings under the DHT Eagle Credit Facility bear interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 2.50%.

The full amount of the DHT Eagle Credit Facility was borrowed on May 27, 2011 and was repayable in 19 quarterly installments of $0.625 million from August 27, 2011 to February 27, 2016 and a final payment of $21.6 million on May 27, 2016.  The DHT Eagle Credit Facility was repaid in full in October 2015.

The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility

In February 2014, two wholly-owned subsidiaries of DHT Holdings, DHT Falcon Limited and DHT Hawk Limited (the “Borrowers”) entered into a credit facility (the “DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility”) for up to $50.0 million with DNB, as lender, and us as guarantor.  In connection with the delivery of the DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk in February 2014, the Borrowers borrowed $49.0 million under the credit facility.  Borrowings bear interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 3.25%.The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility was repayable in 20 quarterly installments of $1.0.million from May 2014 to February 2019 and a final payment of $29.0 million in February 2019.

The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility is guaranteed by DHT Holdings and DHT Holdings covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT on a consolidated basis shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $150 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least $20 million.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by two approved brokers).  In June 2015, the interest was amended to a rate equal to a margin of 2.50% plus LIBOR.  The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility was repaid in full in February 2016.

The Credit Agricole Credit Facility/The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility

In October 2006, Samco Gamma Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a $49.0 million secured credit facility with Credit Agricole for the financing of the Samco Scandinavia (the “Credit Agricole Credit Facility”).  In connection with DHT’s acquisition of Samco in September 2014, we entered into an agreement with Credit Agricole to amend the Credit Agricole Credit Facility whereby, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, borrowings under the agreement bear interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 1.60% and the financial obligations under the credit facility are guaranteed by us.

As of December 31, 2014, the total outstanding under the Credit Agricole Credit Facility was $40.7 million and was repayable in seven quarterly installments of approximately $1.0 million each from March 2015 to September 2016 and a final payment of $33.9 million in December 2016.

On June 22, 2015 we entered into an agreement with Credit Agricole to refinance the outstanding amounts under the Credit Agricole Credit Facility that financed the Samco Scandinavia as well as a financing commitment of up to $50 million to fund the acquisition of one VLCC from HHI through a secured term loan facility (the “New Credit Agricole Credit Facility”) that will be between and among Credit Agricole as lender, two special purpose companies (Samco Gamma Ltd. and DHT Tiger Limited which  are direct wholly-owned subsidiary of us, the “Credit Agricole Borrowers”), and us, as guarantor.  Samco Gamma Ltd. was permitted to borrow the full amount of the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility in June 2015 (“Tranche A”) and DHT Tiger Limited will be permitted to borrow up to $50.0 million under the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility in connection with the delivery of the DHT Tiger from HHI (“Tranche B”).  $48.7 million was drawn under Tranche B in 2016 in advance of the delivery of the DHT Tiger on January 16, 2017.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.1875%.  Tranche A was repayable in 34 consecutive quarterly installments of $1.1 million from September 2015 to December 2023.  Subsequent to a voluntary prepayment of $5.0 million in June 2016, Tranche A is repayable with 30 quarterly installments of $0.97 million each. Tranche B is repayable in 28 quarterly installments of $0.7 million from March 2017 to December 2023 and a final payment of $30.6 million in December 2023.

The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the Samco Scandinavia and the DHT Tiger, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of the Borrowers’ bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in the Borrowers.  The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the Borrowers, among other things, from incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.

The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt and DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

The Nordea Credit Facility

In December 2014, we entered into a credit facility (the “Nordea Credit Facility”) in the amount of $302.0 million with Nordea, DNB and DVB as lenders, and DHT Holdings, Inc. as guarantor for the re-financing of the Samco Europe , Samco China , Samco Amazon , Samco Redwood , Samco Sundarbans and Samco Taiga as well as the financing of the DHT Condor .  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.50% and are repayable in 20 quarterly installments of $5.1 million from March 2015 to December 2019 and a final payment of $199.8 million in December 2019.

The Nordea Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the credit facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers.  The Nordea Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.

The Nordea Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, we covenant that, throughout the term of the Credit Facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by two approved brokers).

In July 2016, the credit facility was amended whereby the DHT Amazon (renamed from Samco Amazon) and the DHT Europe (renamed from Samco Europe) was replaced by DHT Hawk, DHT Falcon and DHT Eagle and the quarterly installments changed to $5.8 million and a final payment of $190.4 million due in December 2019.

The ABN AMRO Credit Facility

In July 2014, we obtained a secured term loan facility totaling $141.0 million (across all three tranches) to fund the acquisition of three VLCCs from HHI (the “ABN AMRO Credit Facility”) between and among ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Oslo Branch (“ABN AMRO”), DVB and Nordea or any of their affiliates, each as lenders, three special purpose companies (each, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of us, collectively, the “Borrowers”), and us, as guarantor. The first vessel was to be delivered on March 15, 2016, the second on August 5, 2016 and the third on August 31, 2016.  The ABN AMRO Credit Facility will be for a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown, but in any event the final maturity date shall be no later than December 31, 2021, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances. Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to Libor + 2.60% and the loan is repayable in quarterly installments of $2.0 million through Q3 2021 and final payments of $33.2 million in the first quarter of 2021 and $62.7 million in the third quarter of 2021 at final maturity (assuming no additional repayments discussed below). In addition to the scheduled instalments, each borrower shall in the first three years make additional repayments of a variable amount equal to free cash flow in the prior quarter capped at $0.3 million per quarter to be applied against the balloon payment. Free cash flow is defined as an amount calculated as of the last day of each quarter equal to the positive difference, if any, between (a) the sum of the earnings of the vessels during the quarter and (b) the sum of ship operating expenses, voyage expenses, estimated capital expenses for the following two quarters, general & administrative expenses, interest expenses and change in working capital.

The ABN AMRO Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the ABN AMRO Credit Facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers.  The ABN AMRO Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.

The credit facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility be no less than 135% of borrowings. Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $100 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt and the borrower and DHT, on a consolidated basis shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

As of December 31, 2016, all three vessels financed by the ABN AMRO Credit Facility had been delivered by HHI and all three tranches had been drawn.

The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility

In November 2014, we executed a credit facility (the “Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility”) to fund the acquisition of one of the VLCCs to be constructed at HHI through a secured term loan facility between and among Danish Ship Finance A/S as lender, a vessel-owning company, as borrower, and us as guarantor.  The full amount of the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility was borrowed in November 2015.  The borrower is permitted to borrow up to $49.4 million under the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility.  The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility is for a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown in November 2015, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.25% and are repayable in 10 semiannual installments of $1.3 million each commencing six months after drawdown and a final payment of $36.4 million at final maturity.

The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessel financed by the credit facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in the borrower.  The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of its assets to another person.

The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessel that secures the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility be no less than 130% of borrowings.  Also, we covenant that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility

In October 2015, we executed a credit facility (the “Nordea/DNB Credit Facility”) totaling $50.0 million to fund the acquisition of one of the VLCCs to be constructed at HHI through a secured term loan facility between and among Nordea Bank Norge ASA and DNB Bank ASA, as lenders, a vessel-owning company, as borrower, and us, as guarantor.  The full amount of the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility was borrowed in December 2015.  The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility has a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.25% and are repayable in 10 semiannual installments of $0.6 million each commencing three months after drawdown and a final payment of $37.5 million at final maturity.

The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessel financed by the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in the borrower.  The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of its assets to another person.

The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessel that secures the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, we covenant that, throughout the term of the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt and the borrower and DHT, on a consolidated basis shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

In September 2016, the remaining four vessels financed under the RBS Credit Facility (DHT Ann, DHT Chris, DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie) were included in the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility as a separate tranche totaling $40.0 million.  Borrowings under the $40.0 million tranche bear interest at a rate equal to Libor + 2.75% and are repayable in 11 quarterly installments of $2.1 million from December 2016 to June 2019 and a final payment of $17.3 million in August 2019. Subsequent to the sale of DHT Chris (which was delivered to the buyers in January 2017), the credit facility became repayable in quarterly installments of $1.3 million with a final payment of $13.1 million due in August 2019.

The ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility

In November 2016, the Company entered into a secured five year revolving credit facility with ABN Amro totaling $50.0 million to be used for general corporate purposes, including security repurchases and the acquisition of ships (the “ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility”), between and among ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Oslo Branch (“ABN AMRO”) or any of their affiliates, as lender, Samco Delta Ltd. and Samco Eta Ltd. as borrowers (each, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of us, collectively, the “Borrowers”), and us, as guarantor. The financing bears interest at a rate equal to Libor + 2.50%.  As of December 31, 2016 there were no amounts outstanding under the ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility.  Availability under the facility is reduced by $1.3 million quarterly. The credit facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility be no less than 135% of borrowings. Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt and the Borrowers and DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

Convertible Senior Notes

In September 2014, in connection with the acquisition of the shares in Samco, we issued $150 million principal amount of convertible senior notes in a private placement. We funded the acquisition of the shares in Samco with the net proceeds of the September 2014 Registered Direct Offering of common stock and concurrent private placement of convertible senior notes due 2019 to institutional accredited investors, plus cash on hand. We pay interest at a fixed rate of 4.50% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears.  The convertible senior notes are convertible into common stock of DHT at any time until one business day prior to their maturity.  The initial conversion price for the convertible senior notes is $8.125 per share of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of 123.0769 shares of common stock per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes), subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.  We received net proceeds of approximately $145.5 million (after placement agent expenses, but before other transaction expenses).  The conversion price is subject to adjustment based on cash dividends paid on our common stock and as of March 15, 2017 the conversion price is $6.5097.  In 2016 we acquired in the open market $27 million in aggregate principal amount of our convertible senior notes at an average price of 91.7% of par.  The subsequent outstanding amount is then $123 million.



AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

As of December 31, 2016, our long-term contractual obligations were as follows:
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter
Total
Long-term debt (1)
$
87,174
$
71,928
$
390,318
$
101,066
$
108,839
$
106,533
$
865,858
Vessels to be constructed (2)
$
32,941
$
131,765
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
164,705
Total
$
120,115
$
203,693
$
390,318
$
101,066
$
108,839
$
106,533
$
1,030,564

(1)
Amounts shown include contractual installment and interest obligations on $259.8 million under the Nordea Credit Facility, $76.0 million under the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, $46.8 million under the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, $85.4 million under the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, $130.7 million under the ABN AMRO Credit Facility and $123.0 million under the convertible senior notes.  The interest obligations have been determined using a LIBOR of 1.00% per annum plus margin.  The interest on $259.8 million is LIBOR + 2.50%, the interest on $76.0 million is LIBOR + 2.19%, the interest on $46.8 million is LIBOR + 2.25%, the interest on $47.5 million is LIBOR + 2.25%, the interest on $37.9 million is LIBOR + 2.75%, the interest on $130.7 million is LIBOR + 2.60% and the interest on $123.0 million is 4.50%.  Also, the five floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional amount totaling $127.6 million pursuant to which we pay a fixed rate ranging from 2.43% to 3.57% plus the applicable margin and receive a floating rate based on LIBOR have been included.  The interest on the balance outstanding is generally payable quarterly and in some cases semiannually.  With regards to the ABN AMRO Credit Facility each of the three borrowers shall, in the first three years, make additional repayments of a variable amount equal to free cash flow in the prior quarter capped at $0.3 million per quarter to be applied against the balloon. Free cash flow is defined as an amount calculated as of the last day of each quarter equal to the positive difference, if any, between (a) the sum of the earnings of the vessels during the quarter and (b) the sum of ship operating expenses, voyage expenses, estimated capital expenses for the following two quarters, general & administrative expenses, interest expenses and change in working capital. The above table does not include an estimate for any such amounts.
(2)
These are estimates only and are subject to change as construction progresses.

Due to the uncertainty related to the market conditions for oil tankers we can provide no assurances that our cash flow from the operations of our vessels will be sufficient to cover our vessel operating expenses, vessel capital expenditures including installments on our newbuildings ordered, interest payments and contractual installments under our secured credit facilities, insurance premiums, vessel taxes, general and administrative expenses and other costs and any other working capital requirements for the short term.  Our longer term liquidity requirements include increased repayment of the principal balance of our secured credit facilities.  We may require new borrowings or issuances of equity or other securities to meet this repayment obligation.  Alternatively, we can sell assets and use the proceeds to pay down debt.

MARKET RISKS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, which could affect our results of operation and financial position.  Borrowings under our secured credit facilities contain interest rates that fluctuate with the financial markets.  Our interest expense is affected by changes in the general level of interest rates, particularly LIBOR.  As an indication of the extent of our sensitivity to interest rate changes, a one percentage point increase in LIBOR would have increased our interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 by approximately $4.7 million based upon our debt level as of December 31, 2016.  There are no material changes in market risk exposures from 2015 to 2016.  The notional amount as of December 31, 2016 includes the $123.0 million principal amount of the convertible senior notes which have a fixed interest rate of 4.50%.

As of December 31, 2016, we were party to five floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional amount totaling $127.6 million pursuant to which we pay a fixed rate ranging from 2.43% to 3.57% plus the applicable margin and receive a floating rate based on LIBOR.  As of December 31, 2016, we recorded a liability of $2.7 million relating to the fair value of the swaps.  The change in fair value of the swaps in 2016 has been recognized in our income statement.  The fair value of the interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that we would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the reporting date.  We used swaps as a risk management tool and not for speculative or trading purposes.  For a complete description of all of our material accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for December 31, 2016, included as Item 18 of this report.

Like most of the shipping industry our functional currency is the U.S. dollar.  All of our revenues and most of our operating costs are in U.S. dollars.  The limited number of transactions in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of each transaction.  Differences in exchange rates during the period between the date a transaction denominated in a foreign currency is consummated and the date on which it is either settled or translated, are recognized.  Expenses incurred in foreign currencies against which the U.S. dollar falls in value can increase, thereby decreasing our income or vice versa if the U.S. dollar increases in value.

We hold cash and cash equivalents mainly in U.S. dollars.

Our management does not consider inflation to be a significant risk to direct expenses in the current and foreseeable economic environment.

EFFECTS OF COST INCREASES

Our future results will be impacted by cost increases related to, among other things, vessel operating expenses, insurance, bunkers, lubes, administrative costs, salaries and maintenance capital expenses.  Our expenses might be impacted by any future vessel sales and acquisitions.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not currently have any liabilities, contingent or otherwise, that we would consider to be off-balance sheet arrangements.

SAFE HARBOR

Applicable to the extent the disclosures required by this Item 5.of Form 20-F require the statutory safe harbor protections provided to forward-looking statements.

ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A.
DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors:

Name
Age
Position
Erik A. Lind
62
Class III Director and Chairman
Einar Michael Steimler
69
Class II Director
Robert N. Cowen
69
Class I Director
Joseph H. Pyne
69
Class II Director
Svein Moxnes Harfjeld
52
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Trygve P. Munthe
55
Co-Chief Executive Officer
Eirik Ubøe
56
Chief Financial Officer

Set forth below is a brief description of the business experience of our current directors and executive officers.

Erik A. Lind—Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Erik A. Lind has more than 37 years’ experience in corporate banking, global shipping and specialized and structured asset financing . Mr. Lind is currently group Chief Executive Officer and a director of Tufton Oceanic Finance Group Limited and all its principal subsidiaries (including Tufton Oceanic (Isle of Man) Limited) . Prior to this he served two years as Managing Director of GATX Capital and six years as Executive Vice President at IM Skaugen ASA . Mr. Lind has also held senior and executive positions with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and Oslobanken . Mr. Lind currently serves on the boards of Gram Car Carriers Holding Pte. Limited, and on the advisory board of A.M. Nomikos . Mr. Lind holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Denver.  Mr. Lind is a resident of Cyprus and a citizen of Norway.

Einar Michael Steimler—Director. Mr. Einar Michael Steimler has over 43 years’ experience in the shipping industry . From 2008 to 2011 he served as chairman of Tanker (UK) Agencies, the commercial agent to Tankers International . He was instrumental in the formation of Tanker (UK) Agencies in 2000 and served as its CEO until the end of 2007 . Mr. Steimler serves as a non-executive director on the board of Scorpio Bulkers, Inc . From 1998 to 2010, Mr. Steimler served as a Director of Euronav . He has been involved in both sale and purchase and chartering brokerage in the tanker, gas and chemical sectors and was a founder of Stemoco, a Norwegian ship brokerage firm . He graduated from the Norwegian School of Business Management in 1973 with a degree in Economics . Mr. Steimler is a resident and citizen of Norway.

Robert N. Cowen—Director. Mr. Robert N. Cowen has over 25 years of senior level executive experience in the shipping industry . Since March 2012, he has served as consultant and then Senior Vice President Finance and Administration of Chemlube International LLC, a company engaged in the trading and distribution of base oils and the blending and distribution of lubricants . From February 2010 to January 2012, he served as a Managing Director of Lincoln Vale LLC, an alternative investment management firm with a focus on investing in dry bulk shipping . From February 2007 to December 2007, he served as Chief Executive Officer of OceanFreight, Inc . From October 2005 to December 2006, Mr. Cowen was a partner in Venable LLP . Prior to this, Mr. Cowen worked for 25 years at OSG where he served as Chief Operating Officer from 1999 until 2005 . Mr. Cowen holds an A.B. degree from Cornell University and a J.D. degree from the Cornell Law School.  Mr. Cowen is a resident and citizen of the United States.

Joseph H. Pyne—Director. Mr. Joseph H. Pyne is the Executive Chairman of Kirby Corporation and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Kirby from 1995 to April 29, 2014.  Mr. Pyne served as Executive Vice President from 1992 to 1995 and also served as President of Kirby Inland Marine, LP, Kirby Corp.’s principal transportation subsidiary, from 1984 to November 1999.  He served at Northrop Services, Inc. and served as an Officer in the Navy.  He has been Executive Chairman of Kirby Corporation since April 2013 and its Director since 1988.  He served as a Member of the Advisory Board at Ocean Energy Institute.  Mr. Pyne holds a degree in Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina.  Mr. Pyne is a resident and citizen of the US.

Svein Moxnes Harfjeld—Co-Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Harfjeld joined DHT on September 1, 2010.  Mr. Harfjeld has over 25 years of experience in the shipping industry.  He was most recently with the BW Group, where he held senior management positions including Group Executive Director, CEO of BW Offshore, Director of Bergesen dy and Director of World-Wide Shipping.  Previously he held senior management positions at Andhika Maritime, Coeclerici and Mitsui O.S.K.  He started his shipping career with The Torvald Klaveness Group.  Mr. Harfjeld is a citizen of Norway.

Trygve P. Munthe— Co-Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Munthe joined DHT on September 1, 2010.  Mr. Munthe has over 25 years of experience in the shipping industry.  He was previously CEO of Western Bulk, President of Skaugen Petrotrans, Director of Arne Blystad AS and CFO of I.M. Skaugen.  Mr. Munthe currently serves as chairman of the board of Ness, Risan & Partners AS.  Mr. Munthe is a citizen of Norway.

Eirik Ubøe—Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Ub ø e joined DHT in 2005.  Mr. Ubøe has been involved in international accounting and finance for more than 25 years including as finance director of the Schibsted Group and a vice president in the corporate finance and ship finance departments of various predecessors to JPMorgan Chase.  Mr. Ubøe holds an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Oregon.  Mr. Ubøe is a citizen of Norway.

B.
COMPENSATION

DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION

In 2016, each member of our board of directors was paid an annual fee of $75,000, plus reimbursement for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as members of our board of directors.  We paid the chairman of the board an additional $65,000 to compensate for the extra duties incident to that office.  We paid the chairpersons of each of our compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees an additional $15,000 and we paid the chairperson of the audit committee an additional $20,000.  We paid an additional $6,000 to each of the other members of each committee.

For the year 2016, Mr. Lind, Mr. Steimler, Mr. Cowen and Mr. Pyne were each awarded 45,000 shares of restricted stock that vest in three equal amounts in February 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to each such member of our board of directors remaining a member of our board of directors.  For the year 2015, Mr. Lind, Mr. Steimler, Mr. Cowen and Mr. Pyne were each awarded 40,000 shares of restricted stock that vest in three equal amounts in February 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject to each such member of our board of directors remaining a member of our board of directors.  For the year 2014, Mr. Lind, Mr. Steimler and Mr. Cowen were each awarded 42,500 shares of restricted stock that vest in three equal amounts in January 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject to each such member of our board of directors remaining a member of our board of directors.  In January 2016, the vesting dates in January 2017 and January 2018 were changed to February 2017 and February 2018.  We have no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION, EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

In 2016 our co-chief executive officer, Mr. Svein Moxnes Harfjeld, received an annual salary of USD 474,329 and a cash bonus of USD 1,150,00 and our co-chief executive officer, Mr. Trygve P. Munthe, received an annual salary of USD 465,117 and a cash bonus of USD 1,150,00.  Our chief financial officer, Mr. Eirik Ubøe, received an annual salary of USD 229,009 and a cash bonus of USD 125,000.  In addition, each executive officer participates in a defined benefit pension plan under which USD 60, 907, USD 66,648 and USD 30,411 was set aside for each of the executives, respectively.  Also, each executive is reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of his duties as our executive officer and receives the equity-based compensation described below. The amounts above related to annual salary and pensions have been translated from NOK at an exchange rate of USD/NOK of 8.3987.

Executive Officer Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe that set forth their rights and obligations as our co-chief executive officers, in the case of Mr. Harfjeld and Mr. Munthe, and chief financial officer, in the case of Mr. Ubøe.  Either the executive or we may terminate the employment agreements for any reason and at any time, subject to certain provisions of the employment agreements described below.

For the year 2015, Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe were each awarded 235,000, 235,000 and 40,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, which vest in three equal amounts in February 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject to continued employment with us. For the year 2014, Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe were each awarded 255,000, 255,000 and 85,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, which vest in three equal amounts in January 2016, 2017 and 2018, subject to continued employment with us.  In January 2016, the vesting dates in January 2017 and January 2018 were changed to February 2017 and February 2018.  For the year 2013, Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe were each awarded 51,000, 51,000 and 20,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, of which 50% of the shares of restricted stock vest in three equal amounts in February 2015, 2016 and 2017, subject to continued employment with us.  The remaining 50% of the shares of restricted stock vest in three equal amounts in February 2015, 2016 and 2017, subject to continued employment with us and certain market conditions.  For the year 2013, Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe were each awarded 174,000, 174,000 and 55,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, of which 50% of the shares of restricted stock vest in three equal amounts in February 2015, 2016 and 2017, subject to continued employment with us.  The remaining 50% of the shares of restricted stock conditionally awarded vest in three equal amounts in February 2015, 2016 and 2017, subject to continued employment with us and certain market conditions.  In January 2015, the vesting criteria for all restricted shares awarded in 2014 that vest subject to continued employment with us and certain market conditions was changed to be subject to continued employment only.  For the year 2016, Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe were each awarded 255,000, 255,000 and 60,000 shares of restricted stock, respectively, which vest in three equal amounts in February 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to continued employment with us.

In the event that we terminate Mr. Ubøe’s employment other than for “cause” (as such term is defined in the employment agreement), subject to Mr. Ubøe’s execution and delivery of an irrevocable waiver and general release of claims in favor of the company and his compliance with the restrictive covenants described below, we will continue to pay his base salary through the first anniversary of such date of termination and all of his equity-based compensation shall immediately vest and become exercisable.  In the event that Mr. Ubøe terminates his employment for good reason (as such term is defined in the employment agreement) within six months following a change of control (as such term is defined in the employment agreement), he will be awarded a cash compensation of 100% his annual base salary upon the effective date of such termination.  In the event that Mr. Ubøe terminates his employment for good reason within six months following a change of control, he may, at the board of directors’ discretion, be entitled to an additional payment equal to 100% his annual base salary if the board of directors determines he made a significant contribution to the transaction that resulted in the change of control and any unvested equity awards will become fully vested.  If Mr. Ubøe’s employment is terminated due to death or disability (as such latter term is defined in the employment agreement), we will continue to pay his base salary through the first anniversary of such date of termination.  In the event that Mr. Ubøe’s employment is terminated for cause, we are only obligated to pay his salary through the effective date of termination that remains unpaid as of such date and pay any unreimbursed expenses incurred by Mr. Uboe prior to the effective date of termination.

In the event that we terminate either Mr. Harfjeld’s or Mr. Munthe’s employment other than for “cause” (as such term is defined in their employment agreements), subject to their execution of employment termination agreements that include waivers of all claims in favor of the company and their compliance with certain requests from us related to termination as well as with the restrictive covenants described below, we will continue to pay his base monthly salary in arrears on a monthly basis for 18 months from the month immediately following the expiration of the notice period (as provided for in their employment agreements).  In the event that either Mr. Harfjeld or Mr. Munthe terminates his employment within six months following a change of control (as such term is defined in their employment agreements) for good reason (as such term is defined in their employment agreements), then we will continue to pay such executive officer his base monthly salary in arrears on a monthly basis for 18 months from the month immediately following the expiration of the notice period (as provided for in their employment agreements).  In addition, in the event that either Mr. Harfjeld or Mr. Munthe terminates his employment within six months following a change of control for good reason, such executive will be entitled to 100% of his bonus (as provided for in the employment agreement), prorated for the actual period he has worked during the year of termination, and all of his granted but not yet vested shares will vest immediately and become exercisable.  In the event that Mr. Harfjeld and Mr. Munthe’s employment is terminated for cause, we are only obligated to pay salary and unreimbursed expenses through the termination date.

Pursuant to their employment agreements, each of Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe has agreed to protect our confidential information.  Each of Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe has agreed during the term of the agreements, and for a period of one year following their termination, not to (i) engage in any business in any location that is involved in the voyage chartering or time chartering of crude oil tankers, (ii) solicit any business from a person that is a customer or client of ours or any of our affiliates, (iii) interfere with or damage any relationship between us or any of our affiliates and any employee, customer, client, vendor or supplier or (iv) form, or acquire a two percent or greater equity ownership, voting or profit participation in, any of our competitors.  Mr. Ubøe has additionally agreed, pursuant to his employment agreement, not to criticize or disparage us, our affiliates or any related persons, including customers, clients, suppliers or vendors, whether in writing or orally.  Mr. Harfjeld and Mr. Munthe have also agreed, pursuant to their employment agreements, that all intellectual property that they respectively create or develop during the course of their employment shall fully and wholly be given to us.

We have also entered into an indemnification agreement with each of Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify them substantially in accordance with the indemnification provisions related to our officers and directors in our bylaws.

Incentive Compensation Plans

We currently maintain five equity compensation plans, the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended from time to time, the “2005 Plan”), the 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2011 Plan”), the 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2012 Plan”), the 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2014 Plan”) and the 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2016 Plan”) (together, the “Plans”).  The 2016 Plan was approved by our stockholders at our annual meeting on June 1, 2016.  The 2014 Plan was discontinued and replaced by the 2016 Plan.  Previously issued awards granted under the 2014 Plan, the 2012 Plan, the 2011 Plan and the 2005 Plan remain outstanding, but awards may no longer be granted under such Plans.

The Plans were established to promote the interests of the company and our stockholders by (i) attracting and retaining exceptional directors, officers, employees, consultants and independent contractors (including prospective directors, officers, employees, consultants and independent contractors) and (ii) enabling such individuals to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of our company.  The Plans are identical in all material respects, except that the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2016 Plan is 2,900,000.

The following description of the Plans is qualified by reference to the full texts thereof, copies of which are filed as exhibits to this report.

Awards

The Plans provide for the grant of options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, or “ISOs,” under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and non-statutory stock options, or “NSOs,” restricted share awards, restricted stock units, or “RSUs,” cash incentive awards, dividend equivalents and other equity-based or equity-related awards.

Plan administration

The Plans are administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors or such other committee as our board of directors may designate to administer the Plans.  Subject to the terms of the Plans and applicable law, the compensation committee has sole and plenary authority to administer the Plans, including, but not limited to, the authority to (i) designate participants, (ii) determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant, (iii) determine the number of shares of our common stock to be covered by awards, (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any awards, including vesting schedules and performance criteria, (v) amend or replace an outstanding award in response to changes in tax law or unforeseen tax consequences of such awards and (vi) make any other determination and take any other action that the compensation committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plans.

Shares available for awards

Subject to adjustment as provided below, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2016 Plan is 2,900,000.  If an award granted under the Plans is forfeited, or otherwise expires, terminates or is canceled without the delivery of shares, then the shares covered by such award will again be available to be delivered pursuant to awards under the Plans.  However, no additional awards can be granted under the 2014 Plan, the 2012 Plan, the 2011 Plan and the 2005 Plan.

In the event of any corporate event affecting the shares of our common stock, the compensation committee in its discretion may make such adjustments and other substitutions to the Plans and awards under the Plans as it deems equitable or desirable in its sole discretion.

Stock options

The compensation committee may grant (or, in the case of the 2014 Plan, the 2012 Plan, the 2011 Plan and the 2005 Plan, was able to grant) both ISOs and NSOs under the Plans.  Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee in an award agreement, the exercise price for options cannot be less than the fair market value (as defined in the Plans) of our common stock on the date of grant.  In the case of ISOs granted to an employee who, at the time of the grant of an option, owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes or our stock or the stock of any of our affiliates, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant.  All options granted under the 2016 Plan will be NSOs unless the applicable award agreement expressly states that the option is intended to be an ISO.  All options granted under the the 2014 Plan, 2012 Plan, the 2011 Plan and the 2005 Plan were NSOs unless the applicable award agreement expressly stated that the option was intended to be an ISO.

Subject to any applicable award agreement, options shall vest and become exercisable on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.  The term of each option will be determined by the compensation committee; provided that no option will be exercisable after the tenth anniversary of the date the option is granted.  The exercise price may be paid with cash (or its equivalent) or by other methods as permitted by the compensation committee.

Restricted shares and restricted stock units

Restricted shares and RSUs may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered except as provided in the Plans or the applicable award agreement; provided, however, that the compensation committee may determine that restricted shares and RSUs may be transferred by the participant.  Upon the grant of a restricted share, certificates will be issued and registered in the name of the participant and deposited by the participant, together with a stock power endorsed in blank, with us or a custodian designated by the compensation committee or us.  Upon lapse of the restrictions applicable to such restricted shares, we or the custodian, as applicable, will deliver such certificates to the participant or his or her legal representative.  Except as otherwise specified by the compensation committee in any award agreement, restrictions applicable to awards of restricted shares shall lapse, and such restricted shares will become vested with respect to one-fourth of such restricted shares on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.

An RSU will have a value equal to the fair market value of a share of our common stock.  RSUs may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock, other securities, other awards or other property, as determined by the compensation committee, upon the lapse of restrictions applicable to such RSU or in accordance with the applicable award agreement.

The compensation committee may provide a participant who holds restricted shares or RSUs with dividends or dividend equivalents, respectively, payable in cash, shares of our common stock or other property.

Cash incentive awards

Subject to the provisions of the 2016 Plan, the compensation committee may grant cash incentive awards payable upon the attainment of one or more individual, business or other performance goals or similar criteria.

Other stock-based awards

Subject to the provisions of the 2016 Plan, the compensation committee may grant to participants other equity-based or equity-related awards.  The compensation committee may determine the amounts and terms and conditions of any such awards provided that they comply with applicable laws.

Amendment and termination of the Plans

Subject to any government regulation and to the rules of the NYSE or any successor exchange or quotation system on which shares of our common stock may be listed or quoted, the Plans may be amended, modified or terminated by our board of directors without the approval of our stockholders, except that stockholder approval shall be required for any amendment that would (i) increase the maximum number of shares of our common stock available for awards under the Plans or increase the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to ISOs granted under the Plans or (ii) modify the requirements for participation under the Plans.  No modification, amendment or termination of the Plans that is adverse to a participant will be effective without the consent of the affected participant, unless otherwise provided by the compensation committee in the applicable award agreement.

The compensation committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate any award previously granted, prospectively or retroactively; provided, however, that, unless otherwise provided in the Plans or by the compensation committee in the applicable award agreement, any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would materially and adversely impair the rights of any participant to any award previously granted will not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected participant, holder or beneficiary.

Change of control

The Plans provide that, unless otherwise provided in an award agreement, in the event we experience a change of control (as defined in the Plans), unless provision is made in connection with the change of control for assumption for, or substitution of, awards previously granted:

●
all options outstanding as of the date the change of control is determined to have occurred will become fully exercisable and vested, as of immediately prior to the change of control;
●
all outstanding restricted shares that are still subject to restrictions on forfeiture will become fully vested and all restrictions and forfeiture provisions related thereto will lapse as of immediately prior to the change in control;
●
all cash incentive awards will be paid out as if the date of the change of control were the last day of the applicable performance period and “target” performance levels had been attained; and
●
all other outstanding awards will automatically be deemed exercisable or vested and all restrictions and forfeiture provisions related thereto will lapse as of immediately prior to such change of control.
Unless otherwise provided pursuant to an award agreement, a “change of control” is defined to mean any of the following events, generally:

●
the consummation of a merger, reorganization or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets;
●
the approval by our stockholders of a plan of our complete liquidation or dissolution; or
●
an acquisition by any individual, entity or group of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of either the then outstanding shares of our common stock or the combined voting power of our then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

Term of the 2016 Plan

No award may be granted under the 2016 Plan after June 11, 2019, the third anniversary of the date the 2016 Plan was approved by our stockholders.  The 2014 Plan, the 2012 Plan, the 2011 Plan and the 2005 Plan have been discontinued, and therefore awards may no longer be granted under such Plans.

C.
BOARD PRACTICES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors.  Our board is currently composed of four directors, all of whom are independent under the applicable rules of the NYSE.  We have no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.

Our board of directors is elected annually on a staggered basis and each director elected holds office for a three-year term.  Mr. Erik Lind was initially elected in July 2005.  Mr. Einar Michael Steimler was initially appointed in March 2010.  Mr. Robert N. Cowen was initially appointed in May 2010.  Mr. Joseph H. Pyne was initially appointed in September 2015.  The term of our Class III director, Mr. Lind, expires in 2018, the term of our Class I director, Mr. Cowen, expires in 2017 and the term of our Class II directors, Mr. Steimler and Mr. Pyne, expire in 2019.  Mr. Steimler and Mr. Pyne were re-elected as our Class II directors at our annual stockholders meeting on June 1, 2016, Mr. Lind was re-elected as our Class III director at our annual stockholders meeting on May 29, 2015, and Mr. Cowen was re-elected as our Class I director at our annual stockholders meeting on June 11, 2014.  On March 3, 2015, we announced that Rolf Wikborg resigned from our board of directors, having most recently served as a Class III director.

BOARD COMMITTEES

Our board of directors, which is entirely composed of independent directors under the applicable rules of the NYSE, performs the functions of our audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.

The purpose of our audit committee is to oversee (i) management’s conduct of our financial reporting process (including the development and maintenance of systems of internal accounting and financial controls), (ii) the integrity of our financial statements, (iii) our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and ethical standards, (iv) significant financial transactions and financial policy and strategy, (v) the qualifications and independence of our outside auditors, (vi) the performance of our internal audit function and (vii) the outside auditors’ annual audit of our financial statements.  Mr. Erik Lind is our “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.  The members of the audit committee are Mr. Cowen (chairperson), Mr. Lind, Mr. Steimler and Mr. Pyne.

The purpose of our compensation committee is to (i) discharge the board of director’s responsibilities relating to the evaluation and compensation of our executives, (ii) oversee the administration of our compensation plans, (iii) review and determine director compensation and (iv) prepare any report on executive compensation required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.  The members of the compensation committee are Mr. Steimler (chairperson), Mr. Lind and Mr. Pyne.

The purpose of our nominating and corporate governance committee is to (i) identify individuals qualified to become members of board of directors and recommend such individuals to the board of directors for nomination for election to the board of directors, (ii) make recommendations to the board of directors concerning committee appointments, (iii) review and make recommendations for executive management appointments, (iv) develop, recommend and annually review our corporate governance guidelines and oversee corporate governance matters and (v) coordinate an annual evaluation of the board of directors and its chairman.  The members of the nominating and corporate governance committee are Mr. Lind (chairperson), Mr. Steimler and Mr. Cowen.

DIRECTORS

Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote.  There is no provision for cumulative voting.

Section 5.01 of our amended and restated articles of incorporation provides that our board of directors must consist of not less than three nor more than twelve members, the exact number of directors comprising the entire board of directors as determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors.  Stockholders may change the number of directors only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock.

D.
EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 2016, we had 15 employees.  Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreements and we have never experienced a work stoppage.

E.
SHARE OWNERSHIP

See “Item 7.A Major Stockholders.”  See “Item 6.B Compensation” for a description of the company’s Incentive Compensation Plans under which employees of the company can be awarded restricted shares of the company.

ITEM 7.
MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A.
MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding (i) the owners of more than 5% of our common stock that we are aware of based on 13G and 13D filings and (ii) the total amount of common stock owned by all of our officers and directors, individually and as a group, as of March 21, 2017.  We have one class of common stock outstanding with each outstanding share entitled to one vote.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC based on voting and investment power with respect to such shares of common stock.  Shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options, warrants, convertible notes or other similar convertible or derivative securities that are currently exercisable or exercisable or convertible within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options, warrants or notes for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
Persons owning more than 5% of a class of our
equity securities
Number of
Shares of
Common
Stock(1)
Percentage of
Shares of
Common
Stock(2)
Frontline Ltd. (3)
15,356,009
16.4%
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (4)
7,666,037
8.1%
LSV Asset Management (5)
5,512,097
5.9%
Directors
Erik A. Lind (6)
214,754
*
Einar Michael Steimler (6)
211,264
*
Robert Cowen (6)
207,132
*
Joseph H. Pyne (7)
101,424
*
Executive Officers
Svein Moxnes Harfjeld (8)
922,585
1.0%
Trygve P. Munthe (8)
1,013,250
1.1%
Eirik Ubøe (9)
252,087
*
Directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons) (10)
2,922,497
3.1%
*
Less than 1%
(1)
Assumes conversion of all of the holder’s convertible senior notes at a conversion price of $6.5097 per share of common stock.  The conversion price of the convertible senior notes is subject to adjustments.  As a result, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible senior notes may increase or decrease in the future.
(2)
Calculated based on Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Exchange Act, using 94,622,903 shares of common stock issued and outstanding on March 21, 2017.
(3)
Based upon a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on January 30, 2017 by Frontline, who, together with other entities over which John Fredriksen has indirect influence, including GHL World Ltd (“GHL”), Hemen Holding Limited (“Hemen”), Greenwich Holdings Limited (“Greenwich”) and C.K Limited, may be deemed to beneficially own 15,356,009 shares of DHT constituting 16.4% of the common shares of DHT.  All shares beneficially owned are shares of common stock. Based upon a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on January 30, 2017 by Frontline, Hemen is the largest shareholder in Frontline, holding approximately 48.4% of Frontline's issued and outstanding shares. Greenwich is the sole shareholder of Hemen and GHL. The principal business of C.K. Limited is acting as trustees of various trusts established by John Fredriksen for the benefit of his immediate family members (the “Trusts”). The Trusts are the sole shareholders of Greenwich and indirect owners of Hemen and GHL. As a result of the foregoing, the total common shares reported as beneficially owned by each of Frontline, GHL, Hemen, Greenwich and C.K. Limited is reported as beneficially owned by Mr. Fredriksen.
(4)
Based upon a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 09, 2017, by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”), who, as investment manager, possesses the power to direct investments or power to vote shares owned by various investment companies, commingled group trusts and separate accounts.  For purposes of the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, Dimensional is deemed to be a beneficial owner of such shares; however, Dimensional expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, the beneficial owner of such shares.  Dimensional possesses the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 7,442,657 shares of DHT Holdings, Inc. and the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 7,666,037 shares of DHT Holdings, Inc.  All shares beneficially owned are shares of common stock.
(5)
Based upon a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 06, 2016, by LSV Asset Management, who, as an investment advisor, possesses the sole power to direct the disposition of all shares of DHT Holdings, Inc. beneficially owned by LSV Asset Management and the sole power to vote 3,232,307 shares of DHT Holdings, Inc and the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 5,512,097 shares of DHT Holdings, Inc.  All shares beneficially owned are shares of common stock.
(6)
Includes 57,500 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting conditions.
(7)
Includes 43,333 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting conditions.
(8)
Does not include 62,500 options with an exercise price of $7.75 per share and expiring on June 13, 2018 and 62,500 options with an exercise price of $10.70 per share and expiring on June 13, 2018 with the exercise prices to be adjusted for dividends declared and paid subsequent to the grant date.  Includes 354,166 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting conditions.
(9)
Does not include 5,000 options with an exercise price of $7.75 per share and expiring on June 13, 2018 and 5,000 options with an exercise price of $10.70 per share and expiring on June 13, 2018 with the exercise prices to be adjusted for dividends declared and paid subsequent to the grant date.  Includes 83,335 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting conditions.
(10)
Includes 1,007,501 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting conditions.

Our major stockholders generally have the same voting rights as our other stockholders.  To our knowledge, no corporation or foreign government or other natural or legal person(s) owns more than 50% of our outstanding stock.  We are not aware of any arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control.  As of March 2, 2017, we had 27 shareholders of record, 24 of which were located in the United States and held an aggregate of 93,815,349 of our common shares, representing 99.2% of our outstanding common shares.  However, one of the U.S. shareholders of record is CEDE & CO., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which held 93,759,803 of our common shares as of March 2, 2017.  Accordingly, we believe that the shares held by CEDE & CO. include common shares beneficially owned by both holders in the United States and non-U.S. beneficial owners.

B.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Subsequent to DHT’s acquisition of the shares in Samco, the Company owns 50% of Goodwood.  As of December 31, 2016, Goodwood is the technical manager for 19 of the Company’s vessels.  In 2016, total technical management fees paid to Goodwood were $2,234 thousand. In 2015, total technical management fees paid to Goodwood were $1,943 thousand.

In connection with the sale in November 2013 of approximately $110 million of our equity to institutional investors pursuant to a private placement (the “Private Placement”), on November 24, 2013, we entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”) with certain investors.  Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, each investor agreed, among other things, to vote all of the shares of our common stock that such investor held in favor of an amendment to our articles of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock and capital stock.  The aggregate number of shares of our common stock subject to the voting arrangements set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement was 18,372,058, or approximately 63% of our outstanding common stock as of December 13, 2013, the record date for the special meeting called for purposes of considering the Amendment.  Additionally, an affiliate of Anchorage purchased 2,105 shares of our Series B Participating Preferred Stock in the Private Placement, and affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited purchased 1,827,000 shares of our common stock and 13,305 shares of our Series B Participating Preferred Stock in the Private Placement.  Erik A. Lind, the chairman of our board of directors, is the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Tufton Oceanic Limited.  In connection with the February 2014 Registered Direct Offering, we sold 1,352,800 shares of common stock to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited.  In connection with the September 2014 Registered Direct Offering, we sold 769,000 shares of common stock to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited and in connection with the private placement of $150 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes in September 2014, we sold convertible senior notes amounting to $11,380,000 to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited.

Further, we have issued certain guarantees for certain of our subsidiaries.  This mainly relates to our credit facilities: the Nordea Credit Facility, the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, the ABN Amro Credit Facility and the ABN Amro Revolving Credit Facility which are all guaranteed by DHT Holdings.

C.
INTEREST OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

Not applicable.

ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION

A.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1.
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 18.
2.
THREE YEARS COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 18.
3.
AUDIT REPORTS
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on pages F-2 and F-3.
4.
LATEST AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY BE NO OLDER THAN 15 MONTHS
We have complied with this requirement.
5.
INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IF DOCUMENT IS MORE THAN NINE MONTHS SINCE LAST AUDITED FINANCIAL YEAR
Not applicable.
6.
EXPORT SALES IF SIGNIFICANT
See Item 18.
7.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The nature of our business, i.e., the acquisition, chartering and ownership of our vessels, exposes us to risk of lawsuits for damages or penalties relating to, among other things, personal injury, property casualty and environmental contamination.  Under rules related to maritime proceedings, certain claimants may be entitled to attach charter hire payable to us in certain circumstances.  There are no actions or claims pending against us as of the date of this report.

8.
DIVIDENDS

In July 2012, we effected a 12-for-1 reverse stock split whereby each twelve (12) shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of close of trading on July 16, 2012, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders, was converted into one (1) share of common stock.  The reverse stock split affected all issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, as well as common stock underlying stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split.  In connection with the reverse stock split, pursuant to the Certificate of Designation governing the terms of DHT’s Series A Participating Preferred Stock, immediately following the opening of business on July 17, 2012 and automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders, the Dividend Factor (as defined in the Certificate of Designation) for each share of the Series A Participating Preferred Stock was proportionately reduced by a factor of 12 and thereby adjusted to (i) 14.1667 (for periods prior to January 1, 2013) and (ii) 12.5000 (for periods commencing January 1, 2013).  The following historical dividend information has been adjusted to account for the reverse stock split.

In January 2008, our board of directors approved a dividend policy to provide stockholders of record with an intended fixed quarterly dividend.  Commencing with the first dividend payment attributable to the 2008 fiscal year, the dividend was $3.00 per share.  The dividend paid related to the first quarter of 2009 was $3.00 per share.  For the last three quarters related to 2009, we did not pay any dividends.  For each of the four quarters related to 2010, we paid a dividend of $1.20 per share.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2011 amounted to $1.20, $1.20, $0.36 and $0.36 per share, respectively.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2012 amounted to $0.24, $0.24, $0.02 and $0.02 per common share, respectively.  With respect to the Series A Participating Preferred Stock issued in May 2012, the dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2012 amounted to $3.40, $3.40, $0.28 and $0.28 per common share, respectively.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2013 amounted to $0.02, $0.02, $0.02 and $0.02 per common share, respectively.  With respect to the Series A Participating Preferred Stock issued in May 2012, the dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2013 amounted to $0.25, $0.00, $0.00 and $0.00 per common share, respectively.  No dividends related to the four quarters of 2013 were paid on Series B Participating Preferred Stock.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2014 amounted to $0.02, $0.02, $0.02 and $0.05 per common share, respectively. The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2015 amounted to $0.15, $0.15, $0.18 and $0.21 per share of common stock, respectively.

In November 2016, the company revised its capital allocation policy.  DHT intends to return at least 60% of its ordinary net income (adjusted for extraordinary items) to shareholders in the form of quarterly cash dividends and/or through repurchases of its securities. Further, DHT intends to allocate surplus cash flow, after dividends and/or repurchases, to acquire ships or to be used for general corporate purposes. The extent and allocation will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations (refer to “Item 3. Risk Factors–we may not pay dividends in the future”) . DHT will apply its updated capital allocation policy starting with the fourth quarter of 2016.

The timing and amount of dividend payments will be determined by our board of directors and could be affected by various factors, including our cash earnings, financial condition and cash requirements, the loss of a vessel, the acquisition of one or more vessels, required capital expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, a change in our dividend policy, additional borrowings or future issuances of securities, many of which will be beyond our control.  As described above in reference to the capital allocation policy announced on July 22, 2015, our board of directors approved a dividend policy to pay stockholders of record an intended dividend of at least 60% of ordinary net income per share (adjusted for extraordinary items) commencing with the second quarter of 2015.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2016 amounted to $0.25, $0.23, $0.02 and $0.08 per share of common stock, respectively.

Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such a dividend.  We do not expect to pay any income taxes in the Marshall Islands.  We also do not expect to pay any income taxes in the United States.  Please see the sections of this report entitled “Item 10.  Additional Information—Taxation.”

B.
SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

None.

ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING

A.
OFFER AND LISTING DETAILS

1.
EXPECTED PRICE
Not applicable.
2.
METHOD TO DETERMINE EXPECTED PRICE
Not applicable.
3.
PRE-EMPTIVE EXERCISE RIGHTS
Not applicable.
4.
STOCK PRICE HISTORY
12-for-1 Reverse Stock Split

The 12-for-1 reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock became effective after the close of trading on July 16, 2012.  The common stock began trading on a split-adjusted basis on the NYSE at the opening of trading on July 17, 2012 and continued trading under the symbol “DHT” but under a new CUSIP number.

Upon effectiveness of the reverse stock split, each twelve (12) shares of common stock issued and outstanding, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, was converted into one (1) share of common stock.  The reverse stock split affected all issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, as well as common stock underlying stock options and restricted stock awards outstanding prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split.

No fractional shares were issued pursuant to the reverse stock split and, in lieu thereof, any holder of less than one share of common stock received cash for such holder’s fractional share in an amount per share equal to $7.6536, which was calculated by determining the average closing price for the common stock for the five-day period ending July 13, 2012 ($0.6378 per share) and multiplying by twelve (12).

The following table lists the high and low sales prices for our common stock for the periods indicated as reported:

High
Low
Year ended:
December 31, 2012*
18.36
3.54
December 31, 2013
6.95
3.99
December 31, 2014
8.57
5.20
December 31, 2015
9.31
6.05
December 31, 2016
8.06
3.29
Quarter ended:
March 31, 2015
9.31
6.38
June 30, 2015
8.56
6.88
September 30, 2015
8.99
6.05
December 31, 2015
8.52
7.01
March 31, 2016
8.06
4.88
June 30, 2016
6.10
4.95
September 30, 2016
5.47
4.00
December 31, 2016
4.62
3.29
March 31, 2017 (1)
5.20
3.92
Month ended:
August 31, 2016
5.47
4.30
September 30, 2016
4.57
4.00
October 31, 2016
4.62
4.01
November 30, 2016
4.40
3.29
December 31, 2016
4.20
3.44
January 31, 2017
4.86
3.92
February 28, 2017
5.02
4.62
March 31, 2017 (2)
5.20
4.57

*
Share prices adjusted to account for 12-for-1 reverse stock split that became effective after the close of trading on July 16, 2012.
(1)
For the period of January 1, 2017 through March 21, 2017.
(2)
For the period of March 1, 2017 through March 21, 2017.

5.
TYPE AND CLASS OF SECURITIES
Not applicable.
6.
LIMITATIONS OF SECURITIES
Not applicable.
7.
RIGHTS CONVEYED BY SECURITIES ISSUED
Not applicable.

B.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Not applicable.

C.
MARKETS FOR STOCK

Our common stock is listed for trading on the NYSE and is traded under the symbol “DHT.”

D.
SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

Not applicable.

E.
DILUTION FROM OFFERING

Not applicable.

F.
EXPENSES OF OFFERING

Not applicable.

ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A.
SHARE CAPITAL

Not applicable.

B.
MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION

The following is a description of the material terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws that are currently in effect.  Because the following is only a summary, it does not contain all information that you may find useful.  For more complete information you should read our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, each listed as an exhibit to this report.

PURPOSE

Our purpose, as stated in Article II of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the BCA.  Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our stockholders.

We are registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Registrar of Corporations for non-resident corporations, under registration number 39572.

AUTHORIZED CAPITALIZATION

Under our amended and restated articles of incorporation, our authorized capital stock consists of 150,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.  As of December 31, 2016, we had outstanding 93,433,804 shares of common stock.  As of March 21, 2017, we had 94,622,903 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of any class of preferred stock.  Additionally, 15,000 shares of preferred stock have been designated Series C Preferred Stock in connection with our adoption of the Rights Plan as described below under “Shareholder Rights Plan”. All of our shares of stock are in registered form, and as of December 31, 2016, neither we nor our subsidiaries hold any shares of common stock or any shares of any series of preferred stock.

In February 2016, our board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The repurchase program has been authorized through February 2017 and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Any shares of DHT common stock acquired by DHT will be available for reissuance. In 2016, the company repurchased $27.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019 in the open market at an average price of 91.7% of the face amount and 359,831 shares of DHT common stock in the open market at an average price of $5.64 per share.  In January 2017, our board of directors approved the repurchase of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The repurchase program has been authorized through March 2018.

Description of Common Stock

Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.  Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends.  Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all or our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.  Holders of common stock do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities.  The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock which we have issued or may issue in the future.

Description of Preferred Stock

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series, including:

●
the designation of the series;
●
the number of shares of the series;
●
the preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series; and
●
the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.

Series A Participating Preferred Stock

In connection with our backstopped equity offering and concurrent private placement that closed in May 2012, we designated and issued 442,666 shares of a new series of preferred stock, Series A Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series A Participating Preferred Stock”).  On June 30, 2013, all outstanding shares of Series A Participating Preferred Stock were mandatorily exchanged for shares of our common stock at a 1:17 ratio.

Series B Participating Preferred Stock

In connection with the Private Placement, we designated and issued 97,579 shares of a new series of preferred stock, the Series B Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Series B Participating Preferred Stock”).  On February 4, 2014, all outstanding shares of Series B Participating Preferred Stock were mandatorily exchanged into shares of our common stock at a 1:100 ratio.

Series C Participating Preferred Stock

In connection with the Rights Plan adopted in January 2017, we designated and issued 15,000 shares of a new series of preferred stock, Series C Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share.  The terms of the Series C Participating Preferred Stock are governed by a Certificate of Designation attached as Exhibit 3.1 to the Report on 6-K filed with the SEC in January 2017, which is incorporated by reference to this report.

Shareholder Rights Plan

In January 2017, DHT’s board of directors adopted the Rights Plan and declared a dividend of one Right for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT to purchase from DHT one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT at a price of $22.00 per one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement.  The dividend was payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 9, 2017 (the “Record Date”).  The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement.

We have summarized the material terms and conditions of the Rights Agreement and the Rights below. For a complete description of the Rights, we encourage you to read the Rights Agreement, which we have incorporated by reference to this report.

Detachment of Rights

The Rights are attached to all certificates representing our outstanding common stock and will attach to all common stock certificates we issue prior to the rights distribution date that we describe below. The Rights are not exercisable until after the rights distribution date (defined below) and will expire on January 28, 2018, unless we redeem or exchange them earlier or upon the occurrence of certain transactions. The Rights will separate from the common stock and a rights distribution date will occur, subject to specified exceptions, on the earlier of the following two dates (the “Distribution Date”):

10 days following the first public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons or an “Acquiring Person” has acquired or obtained the right to acquire beneficial ownership of 10% (15% in the case of a passive institutional investor) or more of our outstanding common stock; or
such date (prior to such time as any person or group of affiliated persons becomes an Acquiring Person), if any, as may be determined by action of the board of directors following the commencement of, or public announcement of an intention to commence, a tender or exchange offer the consummation of which would result in any person or group of affiliated or associated persons becoming an Acquiring Person.

The Rights Agreement provides that, until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), the Rights will be transferred with and only with the common stock. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or expiration of the Rights), new common stock certificates issued after the Record Date upon transfer or new issuances of common stock will contain a legend incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference (and notice of such legend will be furnished to holders of book entry shares).

As soon as practicable following the Distribution Date, separate certificates evidencing the Rights (“Right Certificates”) will be mailed to holders of record of the common stock as of the close of business on the Distribution Date and such separate Right Certificates alone will evidence the Rights.
Flip-in Trigger

A “flip-in trigger” will occur under the Rights Agreement when a person becomes an Acquiring Person. If a flip-in event occurs, each holder of a Right (other than Rights beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person, affiliates and associates of the Acquiring Person and certain transferees thereof which will thereupon become null and void) will thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise of a Right that number of shares of common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the Right.

Flip-Over Trigger

A “flip-over trigger” will occur under the Rights Agreement when, at any time after a person has become an Acquiring Person:

we are acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction; or
50% or more of our consolidated assets or earning power is sold or transferred.

If a flip-over event occurs, each holder of a Right will have the right to receive the number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company having a current market price equal to two times the exercise price of such Right.

Exchange Provision

At any time after any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person and prior to the earlier of one of the events described in the previous paragraph or the acquisition by such Acquiring Person of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock, the board of directors may exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such Acquiring Person, affiliates and associates of the Acquiring Person and certain transferees thereof which will have become null and void), in whole or in part, for shares of common stock or preferred stock (or a series of our preferred stock having equivalent rights, preferences and privileges), at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock, or a fractional share of any preferred stock equivalent in value thereto, per Right.

Anti-Dilution Provisions

The purchase price payable, and the number of shares of preferred stock or other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights is subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the preferred stock, (ii) upon the grant to holders of the preferred stock of certain rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase preferred stock at a price, or securities convertible into preferred stock with a conversion price, less than the then-current market price of the preferred stock or (iii) upon the distribution to holders of the preferred stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets (other than regular periodic cash dividends or dividends payable in preferred stock) or of subscription rights or warrants (other than those referred to above).

The number of outstanding Rights is subject to adjustment in the event of a stock dividend on the common stock payable in shares of common stock or subdivisions, consolidations or combinations of the common stock occurring, in any such case, prior to the Distribution Date.

Redemption of Rights

At any time prior to the time any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, the board of directors may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $0.0001 per Right (the “Redemption Price”) payable, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or such other form of consideration as the board of directors shall determine.  The redemption of the Rights may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as the board of directors in its sole discretion may establish.  Immediately upon any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of Rights will be to receive the Redemption Price.

Amendment of Terms of Rights

For so long as the Rights are then redeemable, then we may, except with respect to the Redemption Price, amend the Rights Agreement in any manner.  After the Rights are no longer redeemable, we may, except with respect to the Redemption Price, amend the Rights Agreement in any manner that does not adversely affect the interests of holders of the Rights (other than an Acquiring Person, affiliates and associates of an Acquiring Person and certain transferees thereof).

DIRECTORS

Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote.  There is no provision for cumulative voting.

Section 5.01 of our amended and restated articles of incorporation provides that our board of directors must consist of not less than three nor more than twelve members, the exact number of directors comprising the entire board of directors as determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors.  Stockholders may change the number of directors only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock.

Our bylaws provide that no contract or transaction between us and a director, or one in which a director has a financial interest, is void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director is present at or participates in a board of directors meeting or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or her vote is counted for such purpose, if:(i) the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of directors or the committee and the board of directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, or, if the votes of the disinterested directors are insufficient to constitute an act of the board of directors as defined in Section 55 of the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, by unanimous vote of the disinterested directors, (ii) the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to us as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the board of directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders.  Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS

Under our bylaws, annual stockholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our board of directors.  The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands.  Special meetings may be called by stockholders holding not less than one-fifth of all the outstanding shares entitled to vote at such meeting.  Our board of directors may set a record date between 15 and 60 days before the date of any meeting to determine the stockholders that will be eligible to receive notice and vote at the meeting.

DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL AND PAYMENT

Under the BCA, our stockholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including any merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares.  In the event of any further amendment of our articles of incorporation, a stockholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares.  The dissenting stockholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment.  In the event that we and any dissenting stockholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the high court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which our shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange.

STOCKHOLDERS’ DERIVATIVE ACTIONS

Under the BCA, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.

LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The BCA authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties.  Our bylaws include a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent permitted by law.  In February 2013, we amended our bylaws to clarify the scope of indemnification rights provided to directors and officers.

Our bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by law.  We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and court costs) to our directors and offices and carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities.  We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty.  These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.  In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

Several provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects.  These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize stockholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us.  However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a stockholder may consider in its best interest or (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Issuance of Capital Stock

Under the terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, our board of directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our stockholders, to issue any remaining authorized shares of blank check preferred stock and any remaining authorized shares of our common stock.  Our board of directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or the removal of our management.

Classified Board of Directors

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide for the division of our board of directors into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered, three-year terms.  Approximately one-third of our board of directors will be elected each year.  This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of us.  It could also delay stockholders who do not agree with the policies of our board of directors from removing a majority of our board of directors for two years.

Election and Removal of Directors

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors.  Our bylaws require parties other than the board of directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors.  Our amended and restated articles of incorporation also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors.  These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Our bylaws provide that stockholders are required to give us advance notice of any person they wish to propose for election as a director if that person is not proposed by our board of directors.  These advance notice provisions provide that the stockholder must have given written notice of such proposal not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting.  In the event the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder must be given not later than 10 days following the earlier of the date on which notice of the annual general meeting was mailed to stockholders or the date on which public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting was made.

In the case of a special general meeting called for the purpose of electing directors, notice by the stockholder must be given not later than 10 days following the earlier of the date on which notice of the special general meeting was mailed to stockholders or the date on which public disclosure of the date of the special general meeting was made.  Any nomination not properly made will be disregarded.

A director may be removed only for cause by the stockholders, provided notice is given to the director of the stockholders meeting convened to remove the director and provided such removal is approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors.  The notice must contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and must be served on the director not less than fourteen days before the meeting.  The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal.

Limited Actions by Stockholders

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or by the unanimous written consent of our stockholders.  Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our bylaws provide that, subject to certain exceptions, our chairman or co-chief executive officers, at the direction of the board of directors or holders of not less than one-fifth of all outstanding shares, may call special meetings of our stockholders and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice.  Accordingly, a stockholder may be prevented from calling a special meeting for stockholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our board of directors and stockholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.

Shareholder Rights Plan

In Janaury 2017, we adopted the Rights Plan that provides for one Right for each of our outstanding common shares. The Rights may have anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire us without the approval of our board of directors. As a result, the overall effect of the rights may be to render more difficult or discourage any attempt to acquire us. Because our board of directors can approve a redemption of the rights for a permitted offer, the rights should not interfere with a merger or other business combination approved by our board of directors.

TRANSFER AGENT

The registrar and transfer agent for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

LISTING

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DHT.”

COMPARISON OF MARSHALL ISLANDS CORPORATE LAW TO DELAWARE CORPORATE LAW

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws and by the BCA.  The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States.  For example, the BCA allows the adoption of various anti-takeover measures such as stockholder “rights” plans.  While the BCA also provides that it is to be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, there have been few, if any, court cases interpreting the BCA in the Marshall Islands and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as United States courts.  Thus, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling stockholders than would stockholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction which has developed a substantial body of case law.  The following table provides a comparison between the statutory provisions of the BCA and the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to stockholders’ rights.
Marshall Islands
Delaware
Stockholder Meetings
Held at a time and place as designated in the bylaws
May be held at such time or place as designated in the certificate of incorporation or the bylaws, or if not so designated, as determined by the board of directors
May be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands
May be held in or outside of Delaware
Notice:
Notice:
–> Whenever stockholders are required to take action at a meeting, written notice shall state the place, date and hour of the meeting and indicate that it is being issued by or at the direction of the person calling the meeting
–> Whenever stockholders are required to take action at a meeting, a written notice of the meeting shall state the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, and the means of remote communication, if any
–> A copy of the notice of any meeting shall be given personally or sent by mail not less than 15 nor more than 60 days before meeting
–> Written notice shall be given not less than 10 nor more than 60 days before the meeting
Stockholder’s Voting Rights
Any action required to be taken by a meeting of stockholders may be taken without a meeting if consent is in writing and is signed by all the stockholders entitled to vote
Stockholders may act by written consent to elect directors by all the stockholders entitled to vote
Any person authorized to vote may authorize another person or persons to act for him by proxy
Any person authorized to vote may authorize another person to act for him by proxy
Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, majority of shares entitled to vote constitutes a quorum.  In no event shall a quorum consist of fewer than one third of the shares entitled to vote at a meeting
For non-stock companies, a certificate of incorporation or bylaws may specify the number of members to constitute a quorum.
No provision for cumulative voting
For stock corporations, a certificate of incorporation or bylaws may specify the number to constitute a quorum but in no event shall a quorum consist of less than one-third of shares entitled to vote at a meeting.  In the absence of such specifications, a majority of shares entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum
The certificate of incorporation may provide for cumulative voting
Directors
The board of directors must consist of at least one member
The board of directors must consist of at least one member
Number of members can be changed by an amendment to the bylaws, by the stockholders, or by action of the board
Number of board members shall be fixed by the bylaws, unless the certificate of incorporation fixes the number of directors, in which case a change in the number shall be made only by amendment of the certificate of incorporation.
If the board of directors is authorized to change the number of directors, it can only do so by an absolute majority (majority of the entire board)
Dissenter’s Rights of Appraisal
Stockholders have a right to dissent from a merger or sale of all or substantially all assets not made in the usual course of business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares
Appraisal rights shall be available for the shares of any class or series of stock of a corporation in a merger or consolidation
A holder of any adversely affected shares who does not vote on or consent in writing to an amendment to the articles of incorporation has the right to dissent and to receive payment for such shares if the amendment:
Marshall Islands
Delaware
–> Alters or abolishes any preferential right of any outstanding shares having preference; or
–> Creates, alters, or abolishes any provision or right in respect to the redemption of any outstanding shares; or
–> Alters or abolishes any preemptive right of such holder to acquire shares or other securities; or
–> Excludes or limits the right of such holder to vote on any matter, except as such right may be limited by the voting rights given to new shares then being authorized of any existing or new class
Stockholder’s Derivative Actions
An action may be brought in the right of a corporation to procure a judgment in its favor, by a holder of shares or of voting trust certificates or of a beneficial interest in such shares or certificates.  It shall be made to appear that the plaintiff is such a holder at the time of bringing the action and that he was such a holder at the time of the transaction of which he complains, or that his shares or his interest therein devolved upon him by operation of law
In any derivative suit instituted by a stockholder or a corporation, it shall be averred in the complaint that the plaintiff was a stockholder of the corporation at the time of the transaction of which he complains or that such stockholder’s stock thereafter devolved upon such stockholder by operation of law
Complaint shall set forth with particularity the efforts of the plaintiff to secure the initiation of such action by the board or the reasons for not making such effort
Such action shall not be discontinued, compromised or settled without the approval of the High Court of the Republic
Attorney’s fees may be awarded if the action is successful
Corporation may require a plaintiff bringing a derivative suit to give security for reasonable expenses if the plaintiff owns less than 5% of any class of stock and the shares have a value of less than $50,000
C.
MATERIAL CONTRACTS

Other than the Executive Officer Employment Agreements (identified below), our charters, our ship management agreements with Goodwood and V.Ships, our guarantees for certain of our subsidiaries, the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, the Nordea Credit Facility, the ABN AMRO Credit Facility, the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, the ABN Amro Revolving Credit Facility, the Share Purchase Agreement and the HHI Agreements, we have not entered into any material contracts other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business.

Executive Officer Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Mr. Ubøe that set forth their rights and obligations as our co-chief executive officers and chief financial officer, respectively.  Either the executive or we may terminate the employment agreements for any reason and at any time.  For additional information on these agreements see “Item 6.  Directors, Senior Management and Employees─Executive Compensation, Employment Agreements.”


D.
EXCHANGE CONTROLS

None.

E.
TAXATION

The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands and U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to an investment decision with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock and preferred stock.  This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences to all categories of investors, some of which (such as financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, persons holding our common stock or preferred stock as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, persons liable for alternative minimum tax, persons who are investors in pass-through entities, dealers in securities or currencies and investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar) may be subject to special rules.

The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands and U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to an investment decision with respect to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of our common stock and preferred stock.  This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences to all categories of investors, some of which (such as financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, persons holding our common stock or preferred stock as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, persons liable for alternative minimum tax, persons who are investors in pass-through entities, dealers in securities or currencies and investors whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar) may be subject to special rules.

MARSHALL ISLANDS TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following are the material Marshall Islands tax consequences of our activities to us and holders of our common stock or preferred stock.  We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands.  Under current Marshall Islands law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains, and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by us to holders of our common stock or preferred stock.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN TAX ADVISORS CONCERNING THE OVERALL TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING IN YOUR OWN PARTICULAR SITUATION UNDER U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN LAW OF THE OWNERSHIP OR DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND CONVERTIBLE SENIOR NOTES.

This discussion is based on the Code,the Treasury regulations issued thereunder, published administrative interpretations of the IRS and judicial decisions as of the date hereof, all of which are subject to change at any time, possibly on a retroactive basis.

Taxation of Our Operating Income

Our subsidiaries have elected to be treated as disregarded entities for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  As a result, for purposes of the discussion below, our subsidiaries are treated as branches rather than as separate corporations.

U.S. Taxation of Our Shipping Income

For purposes of the following discussion, “shipping income” means any income that is derived from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint operating agreement, code sharing arrangement or other joint venture we directly or indirectly own or participate in that generates such income, or from the performance of services directly related to those uses.

“U.S. source gross transportation income” includes 50% of shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States.  Except as discussed below, our U.S. source gross transportation income would be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax imposed without allowance for deductions.  Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. ports generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax.

Under Section 883 of the Code and the regulations thereunder, we will be exempt from the 4% U.S. federal income tax if:

1.
we are organized in a foreign country (the “country of organization”) that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States; and
2.
either:

(A) more than 50% of the value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are “residents” of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States, referred to as the “50% Ownership Test,” or
(B) our stock is “primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market” in our country of organization, in another country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to U.S. corporations or in the United States, referred to as the “Publicly-Traded Test.”

The Marshall Islands, the jurisdiction where we are incorporated, grants an “equivalent exemption” to U.S. corporations.  Therefore, we will be eligible for the exemption under Section 883 of the Code if either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test is met.  Because our common stock is traded on the NYSE and our stock is widely held, it would be difficult or impossible for us to establish that we satisfy the 50% Ownership Test.

As to the Publicly-Traded Test, the regulations under Section 883 of the Code provide, in pertinent part, that stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market in a country if the number of shares of each class of stock that is traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that is traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country.  We believe that our common stock, is, and will continue to be, “primarily traded” on the NYSE, which is an established securities market for these purposes.

The Publicly-Traded Test also requires our common stock to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market.  Because our common stock is listed on the NYSE, and because our preferred stock is not listed for trading on any exchange, our common stock is the only class of our outstanding stock traded on an established securities market.  Our common stock will be treated as “regularly traded” on the NYSE for purposes of the Publicly-Traded Test if:

(i)
our common stock represents more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote and of the total value of all of our outstanding stock, referred to as the “trading threshold test”;
(ii)
our common stock is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or 1/6 of the days in a short taxable year, referred to as the “trading frequency test”; and
(iii)
the aggregate number of shares of our common stock traded on such market during the taxable year is at least 10% of the average number of shares of our common stock outstanding during such year (as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year), referred to as the “trading volume test.”

We believe we satisfy the trading threshold test.  We also believe we satisfy, and will continue to satisfy, the trading frequency and trading volume tests.  However, even if we do not satisfy these tests in the future, both tests are deemed satisfied if our common stock is traded on an established securities market in the United States and is regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such stock.  Because our common stock is listed on the NYSE, we believe this is and will continue to be the case.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, our common stock will not be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or more of the vote and value of such stock is owned, actually or constructively under certain stock attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of such stock, referred to as the “5 Percent Override Rule”.

In order to determine the persons who actually or constructively own 5% or more of the vote and value of our common stock (“5% Stockholders”) we are permitted to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as having a 5% or more beneficial interest in our common stock.  In addition, an investment company identified on a Schedule 13G or Schedule 13D filing which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Stockholder for such purposes.

We believe that the 5 Percent Override Rule has not been triggered with respect to our common stock.  However, the 5 Percent Override Rule might be triggered in the future as a result of factual circumstances beyond our control, for example, if one or more stockholders became a 5% Stockholder.  In this case, the 5 Percent Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if we can establish that among the closely-held group of 5% Stockholders, there are sufficient 5% Stockholders that are considered to be “qualified stockholders” for purposes of Section 883 of the Code to preclude non-qualified 5% Stockholders in the closely-held group from owning 50% or more of the value of our common stock for more than half the number of days during the taxable year.

In any year that the 5 Percent Override Rule is triggered with respect to our common stock, we will be eligible for the exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code only if (i) we can nevertheless satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test, which would require us to show that the exception to the 5 Percent Override Rule applies, as described above, or if (ii) we can satisfy the 50% Ownership Test.  In either case, we would have to satisfy certain substantiation requirements regarding the identity and certain other aspects of our stockholders which generally would require that we receive certain statements from certain of our direct and indirect stockholders.  These requirements are onerous and there is no assurance that we would be able to satisfy them.

Based on the foregoing, we believe we satisfy, and will continue to satisfy, the Publicly-Traded Test, and therefore we qualify for the exemption under Section 883 of the Code.  However, if at any time in the future, including in 2017, we fail to qualify for these benefits, our U.S. source gross transportation income, to the extent not considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below, would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions.  Since 50% of our gross shipping income for transportation that begins or ends in the United States would be treated as U.S. source gross transportation income, the effective rate of U.S. federal income tax on such gross shipping income would be 2%.

If the benefits of Section 883 of the Code become unavailable to us in the future, any of our U.S. source gross transportation income that is considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to the U.S. federal corporate income tax at rates of up to 35%.  In addition, we may be subject to the 30% “branch profits tax” on such earnings, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of our U.S. trade or business.

We believe that none of our U.S. source gross transportation income will be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.  Such income would be “effectively connected” only if:

●
we had, or were considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of U.S. source gross transportation income, and
●
substantially all of our U.S. source gross transportation income was attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that followed a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.

We believe that we will not meet these conditions because we do not have, and we do not intend to have or permit circumstances that would result in our having, such a fixed place of business in the United States or any vessel sailing to or from the United States on a regularly scheduled basis.

Income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is not subject to the tax rules described above.  Such income is subject to either a 30% gross-basis tax or to a U.S. federal corporate income tax on net income at rates of up to 35% (and the branch profits tax described above).  Although there can be no assurance, we do not expect to engage in transportation that produces shipping income of this type.

U.S. Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels

Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided that the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under U.S. federal income tax principles.  In general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States.  We expect that any sale of a vessel will be so structured that it will be considered to occur outside of the United States.

U.S. Federal Income Taxation of “U.S. Holders”

The following section applies to you only if you are a “U.S. Holder”.  For this purpose, a “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of shares of our convertible senior notes or our common stock (other than an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

●
is an individual who is a U.S. citizen or resident, a U.S. corporation, an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or if the trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. trust,
●
owns our convertible senior notes or our common stock as a capital asset, and
●
owns actually and constructively less than 10% of our common stock by vote and value.

If an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner, the tax treatment of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level.  A partner in a partnership holding our common stock is urged to consult its own tax advisor.

Interest on our Convertible Senior Notes

Interest on a note generally will be taxable to a U.S. Holder as ordinary income at the time such interest is received or accrued, in accordance with such U.S. Holder’s method of tax accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Constructive Distributions

A U.S. holder of exchangeable debt instruments such as the convertible senior notes may, in certain circumstances, be deemed to have received distributions of stock as a result of adjustments (or failures to make adjustments) to the exchange price of such instruments.  Adjustments to the exchange price made pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula which has the effect of preventing the dilution of the interest of the holders of the debt instruments, however, generally will not be deemed to result in a constructive distribution of stock.  Certain of the possible adjustments provided in the convertible senior notes, including adjustments in respect of cash dividends to Parent’s stockholders, may not qualify as being pursuant to a bona fide reasonable adjustment formula.  In addition, an adjustment to the exchange rate in connection with a “make-whole adjustment event” may be treated as a constructive distribution.  If such adjustments are made, a U.S. Holder will be deemed to have received constructive distributions includible in such holder’s income in the manner described under “—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of ‘U.S. Holders’—Distributions on our Common Stock” below even though such holder has not received any cash or property as a result of such adjustments; provided, however, that it is not clear whether a constructive dividend deemed paid to a U.S. Holder would be eligible for the preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax applicable in respect of certain dividends received.  In certain circumstances, the failure to provide for such an adjustment may also result in a constructive distribution to a U.S. Holder.  Because a constructive distribution deemed received by a U.S. Holder would not give rise to any cash from which any applicable withholding could be satisfied, if backup withholding is paid on behalf of a U.S. Holder (because such holder failed to establish an exemption from backup withholding), such backup withholding may be set off against subsequent payments on the convertible senior notes, including any payment of interest or of cash or stock upon retirement or exchange of the convertible senior notes.

Sale, Exchange, or Other Disposition of our Convertible Senior Notes

A U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our convertible senior notes in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such convertible senior notes.  Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition.  Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.  Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders are generally eligible for a maximum 20% preferential tax rate.  A U.S. Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses against income is subject to certain limitations.

Treatment of the Conversion

A U.S. Holder of the convertible senior notes will not recognize any income, gain or loss in respect of the receipt of common stock upon the conversion of our convertible senior notes, except that (1) the amount of stock received by the U.S. Holder in respect of accrued and unpaid interest will generally be taxable as described under “— Interest on our Convertible senior notes” above and (2) the receipt of cash by the U.S. Holder in lieu of a fractional share of common stock will generally be treated as if the U.S. Holder received the fractional share and then received such cash in redemption of such fractional share.  Such redemption will generally result in capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash received and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common stock that is allocable to the fractional share.  You should consult your own tax advisor to determine the specific tax treatment of the receipt of stock in respect of accrued and unpaid interest or cash in lieu of a fractional share in your particular circumstances.

The tax basis in the common stock received by a U.S. Holder upon a conversion of our convertible senior notes (including any basis allocable to a fractional share) will generally equal the tax basis of the convertible senior notes that were converted.  The tax basis in a fractional share will be determined by allocating the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common stock between the common stock received by the U.S. Holder upon conversion and the fractional share, in accordance with their respective fair market values.  The holding period for the common stock received by a U.S. Holder (other than common stock received in respect of accrued and unpaid interest) will include the U.S. Holder’s holding period for converted notes.  The basis of common stock received in respect of accrued and unpaid interest will equal its fair market value at the time it is distributed and its holding period will begin on the day of the conversion.

Distributions on our Common Stock

Subject to the discussion of PFICs below, any distributions made by us with respect to our common stock to a U.S. Holder will generally constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary income or “qualified dividend income” as described below, to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles (“E&P”).  Distributions in excess of such E&P will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its common stock (determined separately for each share) on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain.  Because we are not a U.S. corporation, U.S. Holders that are corporations will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us.  Dividends paid with respect to our common stock will generally be treated as “passive income” for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

Dividends paid on our common stock to a U.S. Holder who is an individual, trust or estate (a “U.S. Non-Corporate Holder”) will generally be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is taxable to such U.S. Non-Corporate Holder at a maximum preferential tax rate of 20% provided that (i) our common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NYSE), which we expect to be the case; (ii) we are not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (see the discussion below); (iii) the U.S. Non-Corporate Holder has owned the common stock for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which such common stock becomes ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such common stock); and (iv) the U.S. Non-Corporate Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.  Any dividends we pay out of E&P which are not eligible for the preferential tax rates will be taxed at ordinary income rates in the hands of a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder.  Special rules may apply to any “extraordinary dividend”—generally, a dividend in an amount which is equal to or in excess of 10% of a stockholder’s adjusted basis (or fair market value in certain circumstances) in a share of our common stock—paid by us.  If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on our common stock that is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss derived by a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder from the subsequent sale or exchange of such stock will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.  There is no assurance that any dividends paid on our common stock will be eligible for these preferential tax rates in the hands of a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder, although we believe that they will be so eligible provided that we are not a PFIC, as discussed below.

Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Our Common Stock

Provided that we are not a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in such stock.  Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder’s holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition.  Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.  Long-term capital gains of U.S. Non-Corporate Holders are generally eligible for a maximum 20% preferential tax rate.  A U.S. Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses against income is subject to certain limitations.

PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences

Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that holds stock in a non-U.S. corporation classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  In particular, U.S. Non-Corporate Holders would not be eligible for the maximum 20% preferential tax rate on qualified dividends.  In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which the U.S. Holder held our common stock, either

●
at least 75% of our gross income for such taxable year consists of “passive income” (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business), or
●
at least 50% of the average value of our assets during such taxable year consists of “passive assets” (i.e., assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income).

Income earned, or treated as earned (for U.S. federal income tax purposes), by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income.  By contrast, rental income would generally constitute “passive income” unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.

We believe that it is more likely than not that the gross income we derive, or are deemed to derive, from our time chartering activities is properly treated as services income rather than rental income.  Assuming this is correct, our income from time chartering activities would not constitute “passive income,” and the assets we own and operate in connection with the production of that income would not constitute passive assets.  Consequently, based upon our actual and projected income, assets and activities, we believe it is more likely than not that we are not currently a PFIC and will not become a PFIC in the foreseeable future.

There is substantial legal authority supporting the position that we are not a PFIC, consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time chartering activities as services income for other tax purposes.  Nonetheless, it should be noted that there is legal uncertainty in this regard because the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has held that, for purposes of a different set of rules under the Code, income derived from certain time chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income.  However, the IRS stated that it disagrees with the holding of this Fifth Circuit case, and that income from time chartering activities should be treated as services income.  We have not sought, and we do not expect to seek, an IRS ruling on this matter.  Accordingly, no assurance can be given the IRS or a court will accept this position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court could determine that we are a PFIC.  No assurance can be given that this result will not occur.  In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, or that we can avoid PFIC status in the future.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder owns our common stock, such U.S. Holder will, for any taxable year during which we are treated as a PFIC, be required to file IRS Form 8621 with his or her U.S. federal income tax return to report his or her ownership of our common stock if the total value of all PFIC stock that such U.S. Holder directly or indirectly owns exceeds certain thresholds.  U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the filing of IRS Form 8621.

In addition, as discussed more fully below, if we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder made an election to treat us as a “Qualified Electing Fund”, which election is referred to as a “QEF election”.  As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to our common stock as discussed below.

The PFIC rules are complex, and you are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the PFIC rules, including the annual PFIC reporting requirement.

Taxation of U.S. Holders of a PFIC Making a Timely QEF Election

If we were a PFIC for any taxable year and a U.S. Holder made a timely QEF election, which U.S. Holder is referred to as an “Electing Holder”, the Electing Holder would be required to report each year for U.S. federal income tax purposes the Electing Holder’s pro rata share of our ordinary earnings (as ordinary income) and our net capital gain (which gain shall not exceed our E&P for the taxable year and would be reported as long-term capital gain), if any, for our taxable year that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of whether or not distributions were received from us by the Electing Holder.  Any such income inclusions would not be eligible for the maximum 20% preferential tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income as discussed above.  The Electing Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our common stock would be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed E&P.  Distributions of E&P that had been previously taxed would, pursuant to this election, result in a corresponding reduction in the adjusted tax basis in such common stock and would not be taxed again once distributed.  An Electing Holder would not, however, be entitled to a deduction for its pro rata share of any losses that we incurred with respect to any year.  An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of such common stock.  A U.S. Holder would make a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with its U.S. federal income tax return.  If we were to become aware that we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we would notify all U.S. Holders of such treatment and provide each U.S. Holder with all necessary information in order to make the QEF election described above.  Even if a U.S. Holder makes a QEF election for one of our taxable years, if we were a PFIC for a prior taxable year during which the holder was a stockholder and for which the holder did not make a timely QEF election, the holder would also be subject to the different and more adverse tax consequences described below under “— Taxation of U.S. Holders of a PFIC not Making a Timely QEF or “Mark-to-Market” Election” .  If we are a PFIC during a year in which a U.S. Holder holds our convertible senior notes, and then the U.S. Holder makes a QEF election upon converting the convertible senior notes into shares, the U.S Holder may be treated for these purposes as holding our stock prior to the conversion, and accordingly, may be subject to the tax consequences described in that section.

A QEF election generally will not have any effect with respect to any taxable year for which we are not a PFIC, but will remain in effect with respect to any subsequent taxable year for which we are a PFIC.

Taxation of U.S. Holders of a PFIC Making a “Mark-to-Market” Election

Alternatively, if we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and our common stock is treated as “marketable stock”, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to such stock, provided that the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 with its U.S. federal income tax return.  We believe our common stock will be treated as “marketable stock” for this purpose.

If the mark-to-market election is made with respect to a U.S. Holder’s common stock, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of such common stock at the end of the taxable year over the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such common stock.  The U.S. Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such common stock over its fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election.  A U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its common stock would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount.  Gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common stock would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included by the U.S. Holder in income.

Taxation of U.S. Holders of a PFIC not Making a Timely QEF or “Mark-to-Market” Election

Finally, if we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF election or a “mark-to-market” election for that year, referred to as a “Non-Electing Holder”, would be subject to special rules with respect to (i) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common stock in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder’s holding period for such common stock or preferred stock), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock.  Under these special rules:

●
the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder’s aggregate holding period for the common stock,
●
the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC during the Non-Electing Holder’s holding period would be taxed as ordinary income, and
●
the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.

These penalties would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of our common stock.  If we were a PFIC and a Non-Electing Holder who was an individual died while owning our common stock, such holder’s successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to such stock.  Certain of these rules would apply to a U.S. Holder who made a QEF election for one of our taxable years if we were a PFIC in a prior taxable year during which the holder held our common stock and for which the holder did not make a QEF election.  A U.S. Holder of our convertible senior notes may be treated as holding common stock for purposes of these rules, and accordingly, may be subject to certain of these rules if the U.S. Holder makes a QEF or mark-to-market election after converting the convertible senior notes into common stock.

Medicare Tax

A U.S. Non-Corporate Holder (excluding certain trusts within a special class of trusts that is exempt from such tax) is subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) such U.S. Holder’s “net investment income” for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of such U.S. Holder’s modified gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and $250,000, depending on the individual’s circumstances).  Such a U.S. Holder’s net investment income will generally include such U.S. Holder’s gross interest income and dividend income and net gains from the disposition of our convertible senior notes or our common stock, unless such interest, dividends or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities).  A U.S. Non-Corporate Holder is urged to consult the holder’s own tax advisor regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to the holder’s ownership of our convertible senior notes or our common stock.

U.S. Federal Income Taxation of “Non-U.S. Holders”

The following section applies to you only if you are a “Non-U.S. Holder”.  For this purpose, a “Non-U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock (other than an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder.

Interest on our Convertible Senior Notes and Distributions on our Common Stock

Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on interest received from us with respect to our convertible senior notes or distributions received from us with respect to our common stock, unless that interest or dividend income is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States.  If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of an applicable U.S. income tax treaty with respect to those interest or dividends, that income is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States.  This paragraph also applies to any constructive distributions described under “—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of ‘U.S. Holders’—Constructive Distributions” above, and any stock you receive in respect of accrued and unpaid interest upon the conversion of our convertible senior notes.

Sale, Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of our Convertible Senior Notes or our Common Stock

Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our convertible senior notes or our common stock, unless:

●
the gain is effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of an applicable U.S. income tax treaty with respect to that gain, that gain is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States); or
●
the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of disposition and other conditions are met.

If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any income from the convertible senior notes or common stock, including interest, dividends and the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of such convertible senior notes or stock, that is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to regular U.S. federal income tax in the same manner as discussed in the previous section relating to the taxation of U.S. Holders.  In addition, if you are a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, your E&P that is attributable to the effectively connected income, which is subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty.

Tax Return Disclosure Requirements

Individual U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury regulations, certain individual Non-U.S. Holders and certain U.S. Holders that are entities) that hold certain specified foreign assets with values in excess of certain dollar thresholds are required to report such assets on IRS Form 8938 with their U.S. federal income tax return, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for foreign assets held in accounts maintained by U.S. financial institutions).  Stock and notes of a non-U.S. corporation, including our convertible senior notes and our common stock, are specified foreign assets for this purpose.  Substantial penalties apply for failure to properly complete and file Form 8938.  You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding the filing of this form.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

In general, interest and dividend payments (or other taxable distributions) and proceeds from the disposition of our convertible senior notes or our common stock made to you may be subject to information reporting requirements if you are a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder.  Such distributions may also be subject to backup withholding if you are a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder and you:

●
fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
●
are notified by the IRS that you have failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your U.S. federal income tax returns; or
●
in certain circumstances, fail to comply with applicable certification requirements.

Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI or W-8IMY, as applicable.

If you are a Non-U.S. Holder and you sell our convertible senior notes or our common stock to or through a U.S. office of a broker, the payment of the proceeds is subject to both U.S. backup withholding and information reporting unless you certify that you are a non-U.S. person, under penalties of perjury, or you otherwise establish an exemption.  If you sell our convertible senior notes or our common stock through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment.  However, U.S. information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made to you outside the United States, if you sell our convertible senior notes or our common stock through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is a U.S. person or has certain other contacts with the United States.  However, such information reporting requirements will not apply if the broker has documentary evidence in its records that you are a non-U.S. person and certain other conditions are met, or you otherwise establish an exemption.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax.  Rather, you generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed your income tax liability by timely filing a refund claim with the IRS.

F.
DIVIDENDS AND PAYING AGENTS

Not applicable.

G.
STATEMENT OF EXPERTS

Not applicable.

H.
DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY

The descriptions of each contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to this report are summaries only and do not purport to be complete.  Each such description is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibit for a more complete description of the matter involved.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and in accordance therewith will file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Such reports and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at its principal offices at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.  20549.  Copies of such information may be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.  20549 at prescribed rates.  The Securities and Exchange Commission also maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

As a foreign private issuer, we are not subject to the proxy rules under Section 14 of the Exchange Act and our officers, directors and principal stockholders are not subject to the insider short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to publish financial statements as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies; however, we intend to furnish holders of our common stock with reports annually containing consolidated financial statements audited by independent accountants.  We also intend to file quarterly unaudited financial statements under cover of Form 6-K.

I.
SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates related to the variable rate of the borrowings under our secured credit facilities.  Amounts borrowed under the credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin.  Increasing interest rates could affect our future profitability.  In certain situations, we may enter into financial instruments to reduce the risk associated with fluctuations in interest rates.  A one percentage point increase in LIBOR would have increased our interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 by approximately $x.x million based upon our debt level as of December 31, 2016 ($3.6 million in 2015).  We have only immaterial currency risk since all income and all vessel expenses are in US dollars.

We are exposed to credit risk from our operating activities (primarily for trade receivables) and from our financing activities, including deposits with banks and financial institutions.  We seek to diversify the credit risk on our cash deposits by spreading the risk among various financial institutions.  The majority of our cash is held by DNB, Nordea, HSBC, RBS and Credit Agricole.  Historically, the tanker markets have been volatile as a result of the many conditions and factors that can affect the price, supply and demand for tanker capacity.  Changes in demand for transportation of oil over longer distances and supply of tankers to carry that oil may materially affect our revenues, profitability and cash flows.  A significant part of our vessels are currently exposed to the spot market.

ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

Not applicable.


PART II
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders

We adopted a Rights Plan in January 2017 that authorizes the issuance of Rights to our existing shareholders and additional shares of common stock if any third party seeks to acquire control of a substantial block of our common stock. See “Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Shareholder Rights Plan” included in this annual report for a summary of the Rights Plan.

Use of Proceeds

Not applicable.

ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

A.
DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 (the “Evaluation Date”), we conducted an evaluation (under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the co-chief executive officers and the chief financial officer), pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)).  Based on this evaluation, our co-chief executive officers and chief financial officer concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Our management has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, income statement, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods presented.

B.
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER REPORTING

In accordance with Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, the management of DHT Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company.  Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.  Management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 based on the provisions of Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in 2013.  Based on our assessment, management has concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2016.

C.
ATTESTATION REPORT OF THE REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by Deloitte AS, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which appears in Item 18 on pages F-2 and F-3.

D.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER REPORTING

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16.
[RESERVED]

ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our board of directors has determined that Mr. Erik Lind is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined in paragraph (b) of Item 16A of Form 20-F.  Mr. Lind is “independent,” as determined in accordance with the rules of the NYSE.

ITEM 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees, including our Co-Chief Executive Officers (our principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (our principal accounting officer).  In November 2012, we revised our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to clarify our policy restricting relationships between employees, third party agents, and business partners with personnel of governmental entities.  We have posted this Code of Ethics to our website at www.dhtankers.com, where it is publicly available.  In addition, we will provide a printed copy of its Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to our stockholders upon request.

ITEM 16C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The following table shows the fees for professional services provided by Deloitte AS, our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Fees
2016
2015
Audit Fees (1)
$
387,936
$
555,393
Audit-Related Fees (2)
47,628
56,900
Tax Fees
9,538
—
All Other Fees
—
—
Total
$
445,102
$
612,293

(1)
Audit fees for 2016 and 2015 represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our consolidated financial statements as of and for the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
(2)
Audit-related fees for 2016 consisted of $37,044 in respect of quarterly limited reviews and $10,584 related to other services.  Audit-related fees for 2015 consisted of $37,341 in respect of quarterly limited reviews and $19,559 related to other services.

The Audit Committee has the authority to pre-approve permissible audit-related and non-audit services to be performed by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and associated fees.  Engagements for proposed services either may be separately pre-approved by the Audit Committee or entered into pursuant to detailed pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee, as long as the Audit Committee is informed on a timely basis of any engagement entered into on that basis.  The Audit Committee separately pre-approved all engagements and fees paid to our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Not applicable.

ITEM 16E.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

None.

ITEM 16F.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

Not applicable.

ITEM 16G.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

We are fully compliant with the listing standards of the NYSE applicable to foreign private issuers.  Except to the extent described in “Item 10.B. Additional Information─Memorandum and Articles of Association”, our corporate governance practices do not significantly differ from those followed by U.S. companies listed on the NYSE.  A general summary of the material differences between the Business Corporation Act of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the General Corporations Law of the State of Delaware are set forth under “Item 10.B. Additional Information─Memorandum and Articles of Association─Comparison of Marshall Islands Corporate Law to Delaware Corporate Law” above.

ITEM 16H.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.


PART III
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following financial statements, together with the related report of Deloitte AS, an independent registered public accounting firm, are filed as part of this Annual Report:

DHT Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte AS
F-2
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
F-4
Consolidated Income Statement for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-8


ITEM 19.
EXHIBITS

1.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of DHT Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
1.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of DHT Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
2.1
Form of Common Stock Certificate of DHT Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
2.2
Certificate of Designation of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock of DHT Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 6-K of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the month of January 2017, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1
Rights Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2017, between DHT Holdings, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Current Report on Form 6-K of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the month of January 2017, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.2
DNB Bank ASA Credit Agreement (DHT Falcon, DHT Hawk) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.6 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.3
Danish Ship Finance A/S Credit Agreement (Hull No. 2781) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.7 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.4
DVB Bank SE, Nordea Bank Norge ASA, ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Credit Agreement (Hull No. 2748, Hull No. 2749, Hull No. 2750) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.8 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.5
DNB Bank ASA, DVB Bank SE, Nordea Bank Norge ASA Credit Agreement (Samco China, Samco Europe, Samco Amazon, Samco Redwood, Samco Sundarbans, Samco Taiga, DHT Condor) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1.12 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.6
Nordea/DNB Credit Facility (DHT Leopard) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Current Report on Form 6-K of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the month of November 2015, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.7
Nordea/DNB Amended and Restated Credit Facility (DHT Leopard) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 6-K of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the month of August 2016, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.8
New Credit Agricole Credit Facility (Samco Scandinavia and DHT Tiger) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 6-K of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the month of November 2015, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.1.9
ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 6-K of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the month of February 2017, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.2.1
Base Indenture between DHT Holdings, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.1 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.2.2
First Supplemental Indenture to the Base Indenture between DHT Holdings, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2.2 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.3
Form of Ship Management Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.4
Form of Shipbuilding Contract (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.5
Share Purchase Agreement between the Various Shareholders of Samco Shipholding Pte. Ltd. and DHT Holdings, Inc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.6
Employment Agreement of Eirik Ubøe with Tankers Services AS (former name of DHT Management AS) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.7
Employment Agreement of Svein Moxnes Harfjeld with DHT Management AS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.8
Employment Agreement of Trygve P. Munthe with DHT Management AS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.9
Indemnification Agreement of Eirik Ubøe by DHT Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.10
2011 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.11
2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.12
First Amendment to 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.13
2014 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of the Annual Report on Form 20-F of DHT Holdings, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2014, Commission File Number 001-32640).
4.14
2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as exhibit 4.1 to our Registration Statement on Form S-8, File No 333-213686, and incorporated herein by reference).
8.1
List of Significant Subsidiaries.
12.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)) or Rule 15d-14(a) (17 CFR 240.15d-14(b)).
12.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)) or Rule 15d-14(a) (17 CFR 240.15d-14(b)).
13.1
Certification furnished pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) (17 CFR 240.13a-14(b)) or Rule 15d-14(b) (17 CFR 240.15d-14(b)) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18.
23.1
Consent of Deloitte AS.


SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.


DHT HOLDINGS, INC.
Date: March 23 , 2017
By:
/s/ Svein Moxnes Harfjeld
Name:
Svein Moxnes Harfjeld
Title:
Co-Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 23, 2017
By:
/s/ Trygve P. Munthe
Name:
Trygve P. Munthe
Title:
Co-Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DHT Holdings, Inc.

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements


DHT Holdings, Inc. Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Deloitte AS
F-2
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
F-4
Consolidated Income Statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December, 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
F-5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-8
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of DHT Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of DHT Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated income statements and consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of DHT Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 15, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Deloitte AS

Oslo, Norway, March 15, 2017


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of DHT Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of DHT Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s annual report on internal control over reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.  Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016 of the Company and our report dated March 15, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Deloitte AS

Oslo, Norway, March 15, 2017

DHT Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Note
2016
2015
ASSETS
Note
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
8,9
$
109,295
$
166,775
Accounts receivable and accrued revenues
8
34,461
40,093
Prepaid expenses
3,627
2,540
Bunkers, lube oils and consumables
7,906
8,844
Asset held for sale
6
23,216
-
Total current assets
$
178,505
$
218,251
Non-current assets
Vessels and time charter contracts
6
1,177,521
986,597
Advances for vessels under construction
6
43,638
215,401
Other property, plant and equipment
661
579
Investment in associate company
15
3,412
2,976
Total non-current assets
$
1,225,232
$
1,205,553
Total assets
$
1,403,737
$
1,423,805
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
7
12,378
13,935
Derivative financial liabilities
8
2,257
3,058
Current portion long term debt
8,9
57,521
32,267
Deferred shipping revenues
4
2,154
3,575
Total current liabilities
$
74,310
$
52,835
Non-current liabilities
Long term debt
8,9
643,974
630,201
Derivative financial liabilities
8
442
2,876
Total non-current liabilities
$
644,416
$
633,077
Total liabilities
$
718,726
$
685,912
Stockholders' equity
Common stock at par value
10
934
929
Additional paid-in capital
881,097
878,236
Accumulated deficit
(205,099
)
(147,945
)
Translation differences
(203
)
(232
)
Other reserves
8,283
6,904
Total stockholders equity
685,011
737,893
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
1,403,737
$
1,423,805
The footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

DHT Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Income Statements
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
December 31
December 31
December 31
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note
2016
2015
2014
Shipping revenues
4
$
356,010
$
365,114
$
150,789
Operating expenses
Voyage expenses
(65,349
)
(68,864
)
(49,333
)
Vessel operating  expenses
(61,855
)
(59,795
)
(42,761
)
Depreciation and amortization
6
(84,340
)
(78,698
)
(45,124
)
Reversal of impairment charges/(impairment charges)
6
(84,700
)
-
31,900
Profit/(loss), sale of vessel
138
(807
)
-
General and administrative expense
11
(19,391
)
(21,607
)
(18,062
)
Total operating expenses
$
(315,496
)
$
(229,771
)
(123,381
)
Operating income
$
40,514
$
135,343
27,408
Share of profit from associated companies
15
649
467
86
Interest income
66
141
409
Interest expense
(35,070
)
(33,637
)
(14,286
)
Fair value gain on derivative financial liabilities
3,235
3,603
507
Other financial expenses
(40
)
(487
)
(1,150
)
Profit before tax
$
9,354
$
105,430
12,973
Income tax expense
14
(95
)
(128
)
(86
)
Profit for the year
$
9,260
$
105,302
$
12,887
Attributable to the owners of parent
$
9,260
$
105,302
$
12,887
Basic net income per share
$
0.10
$
1.13
$
0.18
Diluted net income per share
$
0.10
$
1.04
$
0.18
Weighted average number of shares (basic)
5
93,382,757
92,793,154
73,147,668
Weighted average number of shares (diluted)
5
93,389,610
112,098,221
73,210,337
DHT Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Profit for the year
$
9,260
$
105,302
$
12,887
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation/(loss) net of tax
13
(49
)
(41
)
(204
)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange gain/(loss) on translation of foreign currency
denominated associate and subsidiary
28
64
(296
)
Total comprehensive income for the period net of tax
$
9,239
$
105,325
12,387
Attributable to the owners of parent
$
9,239
$
105,325
$
12,387
The footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
DHT Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Paid-in
Paid-in
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Additional
Additional
Accumulated
Translation
Other
Total
Shares
Amount
Capital
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Differences
Reserves*
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2014
29,040,975
$
290
$
447,393
97,579
$
1
$
44,634
$
(210,683
)
$
-
$
3,118
$
284,753
Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-
12,887
-
-
12,887
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
(204
)
(296
)
-
(500
)
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
12,683
(296
)
-
12,387
Cash dividends declared and paid
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
(6,012
)
-
-
(6,012
)
Issue of stock**
10
53,376,923
534
359,806
-
-
-
-
-
-
360,340
Exchange of preferred stock
9,757,900
98
44,537
(97,579
)
(1
)
(44,634
)
-
-
-
-
Convertible bonds
-
-
21,787
-
-
-
-
-
-
21,787
Compensation related to options and restricted stock
11
334,288
3
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,594
1,597
Balance at December 31, 2014
92,510,086
$
925
$
873,522
-
$
-
$
-
$
(204,011
)
$
(296
)
$
4,712
$
674,851
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Paid-in
Paid-in
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Additional
Additional
Accumulated
Translation
Other
Total
Shares
Amount
Capital
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Differences
Reserves*
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2015
92,510,086
$
925
$
873,522
-
$
-
$
-
$
(204,011
)
$
(296
)
$
4,712
$
674,851
Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-
105,302
-
-
105,302
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
(41
)
64
-
23
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
105,260
64
-
105,325
Cash dividends declared and paid
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
(49,194
)
-
-
(49,194
)
Compensation related to options and restricted stock
11
399,850
4
4,714
-
-
-
-
-
2,192
6,910
Balance at December 31, 2015
92,909,936
$
929
$
878,236
-
$
-
$
-
$
(147,945
)
$
(232
)
$
6,904
$
737,893
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Paid-in
Paid-in
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Additional
Additional
Accumulated
Translation
Other
Total
Shares
Amount
Capital
Shares
Amount
Capital
Deficit
Differences
Reserves*
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2016
92,909,936
$
929
$
878,236
-
$
-
$
-
$
(147,945
)
$
(232
)
$
6,904
$
737,893
Profit for the year
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,260
-
-
9,260
Other comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
(49
)
28
-
(20
)
Total comprehensive income
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,211
28
-
9,239
Cash dividends declared and paid
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
(66,365
)
-
-
(66,365
)
Purchase of treasury shares
(359,831
)
(4
)
(2,027
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(2,031
)
Purchase of convertible bonds
-
-
(1,090
)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,090
)
Compensation related to options and restricted stock
11
883,699
9
5,978
-
-
-
-
-
1,378
7,365
Balance at December 31, 2016
93,433,804
$
934
$
881,097
-
$
-
$
-
$
(205,099
)
$
(203
)
$
8,283
$
685,011
The footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
*Other reserves are related to share-based payments.
**Transaction costs on stock issues
The amount recognized as additional paid-in capital in 2014 is after the deduction of share issue cost of $16,907 thousand.


DHT Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
December 31
December 31
December 31
(Dollars in thousands)
Note
2016
2015
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Profit for the year
$
9,260
$
105,302
$
12,887
Items included in net income not affecting cash flows:
Depreciation and amortization
6
84,340
78,698
45,124
Impairment charges/(reversal of impairment charges)
6
84,700
-
(31,900
)
Amortization of upfront fees
7,997
7,521
1,875
(Profit)/loss, sale of vessel
(138
)
807
-
Fair value gain on derivative financial liabilities
8
(3,235
)
(3,603
)
(507
)
Compensation related to options and restricted stock
11
7,365
6,910
1,597
Share of profit in associated companies
15
(649
)
(467
)
(86
)
Unrealized currency translation (gains)/losses
(255
)
98
-
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and accrued revenues
8
7,751
(11,385
)
1,535
Prepaid expenses
8
(1,087
)
(1,568
)
(742
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
7
(1,557
)
(8,998
)
7,577
Deferred shipping revenues
(1,422
)
1,147
156
Bunkers, lube oils and consumables
938
7,062
(6,895
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
194,008
$
181,526
30,621
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in vessels
6
(13,260
)
(1,987
)
(157,387
)
Investment in vessels under constuction
6
(222,104
)
(142,560
)
(137,401
)
Proceeds from sale of vessels
22,233
26,500
-
Investment in subsidiary, net of cash acquired
-
(7,562
)
(256,332
)
Dividend received from associated company
242
120
107
Investment in property, plant and equipment
(144
)
(419
)
(333
)
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(213,033
)
$
(125,907
)
(551,347
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of stock
10
-
-
360,340
Cash dividends paid
10
(66,365
)
(49,194
)
(6,012
)
Issuance of long term debt
8,9
219,248
99,400
342,992
Purchase of treasury shares
(2,031
)
-
-
Issuance of convertible bonds
9
-
-
145,862
Purchase of convertible bonds
(25,334
)
-
-
Repayment of long-term debt
8,9
(163,972
)
(105,734
)
(281,838
)
Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
$
(38,454
)
$
(55,528
)
561,344
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
(57,480
)
91
40,619
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
166,775
166,684
126,065
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
8,9
$
109,295
$
166,775
$
166,684
Specification of items included in operating activities:
Interest paid
27,539
26,505
9,907
Interest received
66
140
446
The footnotes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Note 1 - General information

DHT Holdings, Inc. (“DHT” or the “Company”) is a company incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands whose shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange.  The Company’s principal executive office is located at Clarendon House, 2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda.

DHT Maritime, Inc. (formerly Double Hull Tankers, Inc.) was incorporated on April 14, 2005 under the laws of the Marshall Islands as a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. (“OSG”).  In October 2005, DHT Maritime, Inc. completed its initial public offering.  During the first half of 2007, OSG sold all of its common stock of the DHT Maritime, Inc.  Subsequent to a corporate restructuring in March 2010, DHT Maritime, Inc. is now a wholly owned subsidiary of DHT.

The Company has 28 material wholly-owned subsidiaries of which eighteen are Marshall Island companies, seven are Cayman Islands companies, two are Singapore companies and one is a Norwegian company.  Sixteen of the Marshall Islands subsidiaries and the seven Cayman Island subsidiaries are vessel owning companies (the “Vessel Subsidiaries”).  The Marshall Island subsidiaries include one company established for the ownership of the the newbuilding to be delivered in January 2017.  The primary activity of each of the Vessel Subsidiaries is the ownership and operation of a vessel.

Our principal activity is the ownership and operation of a fleet of crude oil carriers.  As of December 31, 2016 our fleet of twentyone owned vessels consisted of nineteen very large crude carriers, or “VLCCs,” which are tankers ranging in size from 200,000 to 320,000 deadweight tons, or “dwt,” and two Aframax tankers, or “Aframaxes,” which are tankers ranging in size from 80,000 to 120,000 dwt.  Our fleet principally operates on international routes and had a combined carrying capacity of 6,069,480 dwt.

With regards to amounts in the financial statements, these are shown in USD thousands.

Note 2 - Significant accounting principles

Statement of compliance

The DHT Holdings, Inc. consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”).

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments that have been measured at fair value.  Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.

The principal accounting policies are set out below.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the Company (and its subsidiaries).  Unless otherwise specified, all subsequent references to the “Company” refer to DHT and its subsidiaries.  Control is achieved where the Company has power over the investee, is exposed or has the rights to variable returns from its investment with an entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed during the year are included in the consolidated financial statements from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

Acquisitions made by the Company which do not qualify as a business combination under IFRS 3, “Business Combinations”, are accounted for as asset acquisitions.

Business combinations

Acquisitions of businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method.  The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition-date fair values of the assets transferred by the Company, liabilities incurred by the Company to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interests issued by the Company in exchange for control of the acquiree.  Acquisition-related costs are generally recognized in profit or loss as incurred.

At the acquisition date, the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition are recognized at their fair value, except for non-current assets that are classified as held for sale and are recognized at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less cost to sell, and deferred tax assets and liabilities which are recognized at nominal value.

Goodwill arising on acquisition is recognized as an asset measured at the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the fair value of any previously held equity interest and the amount of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree over the net amounts of the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed.  If, after reassessment, the Company’s interest in the net fair value of the acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities exceed the total consideration of the business combination, the excess is recognized in the income statement immediately.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Company reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete.  Those provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period, or additional assets or liabilities are recognized, to reflect new information obtained about facts or circumstances that existed at the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognized at that date.

Investments in associates

An associated company is an entity over which the Company has significant influence and that is not a subsidiary or a joint arrangement.  Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee but without the ability to have control over those policies.  Significant influence normally exists when the Company has 20% to 50% of the voting rights unless other terms and conditions affect the Company’s influence.

The investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method.  Such investments are initially recognized at cost.  Cost includes the purchase price and other costs directly attributable to the acquisition such as professional fees and transaction costs.

Under the equity method the interest in the investment is based on the Company’s proportional share of the associate’s equity, including any excess value and goodwill.  The Company recognizes its share of net income, including depreciation and amortization of excess values and impairment losses, in “Share of profit from associated companies”.

The financial statements of the associate are prepared for the same reporting period as the Company.  When necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Company.

After application of the equity method, the Company determines whether it is necessary to recognize an impairment loss.
Cash and cash equivalents

Interest-bearing deposits that are highly liquid investments and have a maturity of three months or less when purchased are included in cash and cash equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents are recorded at their nominal amount on the statement of financial position.

Vessels

Vessels are stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses.  For vessels purchased, these costs include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of these vessels.  Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the vessels, taking residual values into consideration, and adjusted for impairment charges or reversal of prior impairment charges, if any.

The estimated useful lives and residual values are reviewed at least at each year end, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.  We assume an estimated useful life of 20 years.  Each vessel’s residual value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate per ton.

Capitalized drydocking costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis from the completion of a drydocking to the estimated completion of the next drydocking.

Vessels under construction - pre-delivery installments

The initial pre-delivery installments made for vessels ordered in 2014 and 2013 have been recorded in the statement of financial position as “Advances for vessels under construction” under Non-current assets.  No vessels were ordered in 2015 or 2016.  Vessels under construction are presented at cost less identified impairment losses, if any.  Costs relating to vessels under construction include pre-delivery installments to the shipyard and other vessel costs incurred during the construction period that are directly attributable to construction of the vessels, including borrowing costs, if any, incurred during the construction period.

Docking and survey expenditure

The Company’s vessels are required to be drydocked every 30 to 60 months.  The Company capitalizes drydocking costs as part of the relevant vessel and depreciates those costs on a straight-line basis from the completion of a drydocking to the estimated completion of the next drydocking.  The residual value of such capital expenses is estimated at nil.  Drydock costs include a variety of costs incurred during the drydock project, including expenses related to the drydock preparations, tank cleaning, gas freeing and re-inerting, purchase of spare parts, stores and services, port expenses at the drydock location, general shipyard expenses, expenses related to hull and outfitting, external surfaces and decks, cargo- and ballast tanks, engines, cargo systems, machinery, equipment and safety equipment on board the vessel as well as classification, Condition Assessment Programme (“CAP”) surveys and regulatory requirements.  Costs related to ordinary maintenance performed during drydocking are charged to the income statement as part of vessel operating expenses for the period which they are incurred.

Impairment of vessels

The carrying amounts of vessels held and used are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a particular asset may not be fully recoverable.  An asset’s recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s or cash generating unit’s (“CGU”) fair value less cost of disposal based on third-party broker valuations and its value in use and is determined for each individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash inflows that are largely independent of those other assets or groups of assets.  The Company views each vessel as a separate CGU.  Where the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount.  Such impairment is recognized in the income statement.  In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.

The Company assesses at each reporting date if there is any indication that an impairment recognized in prior period may no longer exist or may have decreased.  A previously recognized impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount, however, not to an extent higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined, had no impairment loss been recognized in prior years.  Such reversals are recognized in the income statement.

Property, plant and equipment other than vessels

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment charges.  Depreciations are calculated on a straight line basis over the assets expected useful life and adjusted for any impairment charges.  Expected useful life is 5 years for furniture and fixtures and 3 years for computer equipment and software.  Expected useful lives are reviewed annually.  Ordinary repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.  Major assets with different expected useful lives are reported as separate components.  Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount.  The difference between the assets carrying amount and its recoverable amount is recognized in the income statement as impairment.  Property, plant and equipment that suffered impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each reporting date.

Bunkers

Bunkers is stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Cost is determined using the FIFO method and includes expenditures incurred in acquiring the bunkers and delivery cost less discounts.

Leases

The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains a lease, is based on the substance of the arrangement at inception date: whether fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset.  Time charters and bareboat charter arrangements are assessed to involve lease arrangements.  Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of the ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating lease.  The charter arrangements whereby the Company’s vessels are leased are treated as operating leases.  Payments received under operating leases are further described in the paragraph discussing revenue.

Revenue and expense recognition

Revenues from time charters and bareboat charters are accounted for as operating leases and are thus recognized on a straight line basis over the rental periods of such charters.  Revenue is recognized from delivery of the vessel to the charterer until the end of the lease term.

For vessels operating in commercial pools, revenues and voyage expenses are pooled and the resulting net pool revenues are allocated to the pool participants according to an agreed formula.  The formula used to allocate net revenues to pool participants is done on the basis of the number of days a vessel operates in the pool with weighting adjustments made to reflect differing capacities and performance capabilities.  Revenues generated from pools are recorded based on a net basis.

For vessels operating on spot charters, voyage revenues are recognized ratably over the estimated length of each voyage, calculated on a discharge-to-discharge basis, and, therefore, are allocated between reporting periods based on the relative transit time in each period.  We do not begin recognizing voyage revenue until a voyage charter has been agreed to by both the Company and the customer, even if the vessel has discharged its cargo and is sailing to the anticipated load port on its next voyage.

Voyage expenses are expenses incurred due to a vessel travelling to a destination.  For example, port charges are expensed ratably over the estimated length of each voyage over the period from last discharge of cargo to the next estimated discharge of the current cargo.  The impact of recognizing voyage expenses ratably over the length of each voyage is not materially different on an annual basis from a method of recognizing such costs as incurred.  Bunkers’ expenses are expensed as incurred, based on remaining bunkers on board reported from the vessel using the FIFO method.

Charter hire expense is expensed as incurred based on the charter rate stipulated in the charter agreement.

Vessel expenses are expensed when incurred and include crew costs, vessel stores and supplies, lubricating oils, maintenance and repairs, insurance and communication costs.

The Company has entered into a time charter where the Company has the opportunity to earn additional hire when vessel earnings exceed the basic hire amounts set forth in the charter.  Additional hire, if any, is calculated and paid semi-annually in arrears and recognized as revenue in six-month period in which it was earned.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities “at fair value through profit or loss” (FVTPL) or “other financial liabilities”.  The FVTPL category comprises the Company’s derivatives.  Other financial liabilities of the Company are classified as “other financial liabilities”.

a) Other financial liabilities

Other financial liabilities, including debt, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.  Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognized on an effective yield basis.

The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period.  The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

b) Derivatives

The Company uses interest rate swaps to convert part of the interest-bearing debt from floating to fixed rate.

Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured to their fair value at each reporting date.  The resulting gain and loss is recognized in profit or loss immediately.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction in the principal (or most advantageous) market at the measurement date under current market conditions.  Fair value is an exit price regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique.

Financial assets – receivables

Trade receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.  Normally the interest element could be disregarded since the receivables are short term.  The Company regularly reviews its accounts receivables and estimates the amount of uncollectible receivables each period and establishes an allowance for uncollectible amounts.  The amount of the allowance is based on the age of unpaid amounts, information about the current financial strength of customers, and other relevant information.

Derecognition of financial assets and financial liabilities

The Company derecognizes a financial asset only when the contractual rights to cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all risks and reward of ownership of the asset to another entity.

The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when, and only when, the Company’s obligations are discharged, cancelled or expire.

Foreign currency

The functional currency of the Company and each of the Vessel Subsidiaries is the U.S. dollar.  This is because the Company’s vessels operate in international shipping markets, in which revenues and expenses are settled in U.S. dollars, and the Company’s most significant assets and liabilities in the form of vessels and related liabilities are denominated in U.S. dollars.  For the purposes of presenting these consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollar using exchange rates prevailing at the end of each reporting period.  Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during the period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of the transactions are used.  Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognized in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity.

Classification in the Statement of Financial Position

Current assets and current liabilities include items due less than one year from the reporting date, and items related to the operating cycle, if longer, and those primarily held for trading.  The current portion of long-term debt is included as current liabilities.  Other assets than those described above are classified as non-current assets.

Where the Company holds a derivative as an economic hedge (even if hedge accounting is not applied) for a period beyond 12 months after the reporting date, the derivative is classified as non-current (or separated into current and non-current).

Related parties

Parties are related if one party has the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions.  Parties are related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence.  Key management personnel of the Company are also related parties.  All transactions between the related parties are recorded at estimated market value.

Taxes

The Company is a foreign corporation that is not subject to United States federal income taxes.  Further, the Company is not subject to income taxes imposed by the Marshall Islands, the country in which it is incorporated.

The Norwegian management company is subject to taxation in Norway and the subsidiary in Singapore, DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is subject to taxation in Singapore. The subsidiary, Samco  Shipholding Pte. Ltd. (including its subsidiaries), have been organized in compliance with the Singaporean shipping tax regime (MSI-AIS), but was withdrawn from the MSI-AIS scheme effective December 31, 2016. The MSI-AIS scheme entails no tax on operating profits from the shipping activity.

Income tax expense represents the sum of the taxes currently payable and deferred tax.  Taxes payable are provided based on taxable profits at the current tax rate.  Deferred taxes are recognized on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit.  Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognized for all temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized.

Stock Compensation

Employees of the Company receive remuneration in the form of restricted common stock and stock options that are subject to vesting conditions.  Equity-settled share based payment is measured at the fair value of the equity instrument at the grant date.

The fair value determined at the grant date is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Company’s estimate of equity instruments that will eventually vest.

Pension

For defined benefit retirement plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at the end of each reporting period.  Remeasurement, comprising actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the changes to the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest), is reflected immediately in the statement of financial position with a charge or credit recognized in other comprehensive income in the period in which it occurs.  Remeasurement recognized in other comprehensive income is reflected immediately in retained earnings and will not be reclassified to profit or loss.  Past service cost is recognized in profit or loss in the period of a plan amendment.  Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate at the beginning of the period to the net defined benefit liability or asset.

The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position represents the actual deficit or surplus in the Group’s defined benefit plan.  Any surplus resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of any economic benefit available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.

Segment information

The Company has only one operating segment, and consequently does not provide segment information, except for the entity wide disclosures required.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Areas where significant estimates have been applied are:
●
Depreciation : As described above, the Company reviews estimated useful lives and residual values each year.  Estimated useful lives may change due to changed end user requirements, costs related to maintenance and upgrades, technological development and competition as well as industry, environmental and legal requirements.  In addition residual value may vary due to changes in market prices on scrap.
●
Drydock period : The drydock period impacts the depreciation rate applied to capitalized survey cost.  The vessels are required by their respective classification societies to go through a dry dock at regular intervals.  In general, vessels below the age of 15 years are docked every 5 years and vessels older than 15 years are docked every 2 1/2 years.
●
Value in use : As described in note 6, in assessing “value in use”, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value. In developing estimates of future cash flows, we must make significant assumptions about future charter rates, future use of vessels, ship operating expenses, drydocking expenditures, utilization rates, fixed commercial and technical management fees, residual value of vessels, the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels and the discount rate.
●
Stock based compensation : Expenditures related to certain stock based compensation grants prior to 2015 were calculated using either a Monte Carlo simulation model or an option pricing model which includes various assumptions including strike price, vesting period, risk free rate and volatility.

Use of judgment

In the process of applying the Company’s accounting policies, management has made the following judgments which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements:

(a)
Commercial Pools

A commercial pool is a joint marketing office through which several shipowners market their ships.  Each participating ship provides the commercial pool with its relative share of required working capital.  The contractual relationship between a commercial pool and each participating ship is structured as a time charter whereby the daily rate earned for the ship is based on actual earnings on a net revenue basis.  Net revenues are gross freight less voyage related expenses shared amongst all the participating ships in accordance with a pool point formula and administrative fees for the commercial pool.  The commercial pool is booking cargo, collecting gross freight, and paying voyage related expenses such as but not limited to bunkers, port charges and broker commissions.  The net revenues are distributed to each participating ship at irregular intervals in accordance with the pool point formula when funds are deemed available for distribution by the commercial pool.  The Company has considered it appropriate to present this type of arrangement on a net basis in the income statement.

(b)
Impairment

Each of the Company’s vessels has been treated as a separate Cash Generating Unit (CGU) as the vessels have cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets and therefore can be subject to a value in use analysis.

Judgment has been applied in connection with the assessment of indicators of impairment or reversal of prior impairment.

Application of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs)

(a) New and revised IFRSs, and interpretations mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning January 1, 2016. The adoption did not have any material effect on the financial statements.
Amendments to IFRS 10, IFRS 12 and IAS 28 Investments Entities: Applying the Consolidation Exception

The amendments clarify that the exemption from preparing consolidated financial statements is available to a parent entity that is a subsidiary of an investment entity, even if the investment entity measures all its subsidiaries at fair value in accordance with IFRS 10. The amendments also clarify that the requirement for an investment entity to consolidate a subsidiary providing services related to the former’s investment activities applies only to subsidiaries that are not investment entities themselves.

The application of these amendments has had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Amendments to IFRS 11 Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations

The amendments provide guidance on how to account for the acquisition of a joint operation that constitutes a business as defined in IFRS 3 Business Combinations. Specifically, the amendments state that the relevant principles on accounting for business combinations in IFRS 3 and other standards should be applied. The same requirements should be applied to the formation of a joint operation if and only if an existing business is contributed to the joint operation by one of the parties that participate in the joint operation.

A joint operator is also required to disclose the relevant information required by IFRS 3 and other standards for business combinations.

The application of these amendments has had no impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company did not have any such transactions in the current year.
Amendments to IAS 1 Disclosure Initiative

The amendments clarify that an entity need not provide a specific disclosure required by an IFRS if the information resulting from that disclosure is not material, and give guidance on the bases of aggregating and disaggregating information for disclosure purposes. However, the amendments reiterate that an entity should consider providing additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS is insufficient to enable users of financial statements to understand the impact of particular transactions, events and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial performance.

In addition, the amendments clarify that an entity’s share of the other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method should be presented separately from those arising from the Company, and should be separated into the share of items that, in accordance with other IFRSs: (i) will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss; and (ii) will be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss when specific conditions are met.

As regards the structure of the financial statements, the amendments provide examples of systematic ordering of grouping of the notes.

The application of these amendments has not resulted in any impact on the financial performance or financial position of the Company.

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle

The Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012-2014 Cycle include a number of amendments to various IFRSs, which are summarized below:
The amendments to IFRS 5 introduce specific guidance in IFRS 5 for when an entity reclassifies an asset (or disposal group) from held for sale to held for distribution to owners (or vice versa). The amendments clarify that such a change should be considered as a continuation of the original plan of disposal and hence requirements set out in IFRS 5 regarding the change of sale plan do not apply. The amendments also clarifies the guidance for when held-for-distribution accounting is discontinued.
The amendments to IFRS 7 provide additional guidance to clarify whether a servicing contract is continuing involvement in a transferred asset for the purpose of the disclosures required in relation to transferred assets.
The amendments to IAS 19 clarify that the rate used to discount post-employment benefit obligations should be determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on high quality corporate bonds. The assessment of the depth of a market for high quality corporate bonds should be at the currency level (i.e. the same currency as the benefits are to be paid). For currencies for which there is no deep market in such high quality corporate bonds, the market yields at the end of the reporting period on government bonds denominated in that currency should be used instead.
The application of these amendments has had no effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

(b) New and revised IFRSs that are not mandatorily effective (but allow early application) for the year ended December 31, 2016

The Company has not applied the following new and revised IFRSs that have been issued but are not yet effective:

IFRS 9
Financial Instruments
IFRS 15
IFRS 16
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (and the related Clarifications)
Leases
Amendments to IFRS 2
Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28
Sale of Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture
Amendments to IAS 7
Disclosure Initiative
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments

IFRS 9 issued in November 2009 introduced new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets. IFRS 9 was subsequently amended in October 2010 to include requirements for the classification and measurement of financial liabilities and for derecognition, and in November 2013 to include new requirements for general hedge accounting. Another revised version of IFRS 9 was issued in July 2014 mainly to include a) impairment requirements for financial assets and b) limited amendments to the classification and measurement requirements by introducing a ‘fair value through other comprehensive income’ (FVTOCI) measurement category for certain simple debt instruments.

Key requirements of IFRS 9:

○
all recognized financial assets that are within the scope of IFRS 9 are required to be subsequently measured at amortized cost or fair value. Specifically, debt investments that are held within a business model whose objective is to collect the contractual cash flows, and that have contractual cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal outstanding are generally measured at amortized cost at the end of subsequent accounting periods. Debt instruments that are held within a business model whose objective is achieved both by collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets, and that have contractual terms that give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding, are generally measured at FVTOCI. All other debt investments and equity investments are measured at their fair value at the end of subsequent accounting periods. In addition, under IFRS 9, entities may make an irrevocable election to present subsequent changes in the fair value of an equity investment (that is not held for trading nor contingent consideration recognized by an acquirer in a business combination to which IFRS 3 applies) in other comprehensive  income, with only dividend income generally recognized in profit or loss.
○
with regard to the measurement of financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss, IFRS 9 requires that the amount of change in the fair value of a financial liability that is attributable to changes in the credit risk of that liability is presented in other comprehensive income, unless the recognition of such changes in other comprehensive income would create or enlarge an accounting mismatch in profit or loss. Changes in fair value attributable to a financial liability's credit risk are not subsequently reclassified to profit or loss. Under IAS 39, the entire amount of the change in the fair value of the financial liability designated as fair value through profit or loss is presented in profit or loss.
○
in relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9 requires an expected credit loss model, as opposed to an incurred credit loss model under IAS 39. The expected credit loss model requires an entity to account for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition. In other words, it is no longer necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognized.
○
the new general hedge accounting requirements retain the three types of hedge accounting mechanisms currently available in IAS 39. Under IFRS 9, greater flexibility has been introduced to the types of transactions eligible for hedge accounting, specifically broadening the types of instruments that qualify for hedging instruments and the types of risk components of non-financial items that are eligible for hedge accounting. In addition, the effectiveness test has been overhauled and replaced with the principle of an 'economic relationship'. Retrospective assessment of hedge effectiveness is also no longer required. Enhanced disclosure requirements about an entity's risk management activities have also been introduced.

The Company does not anticipate that the application of the IFRS 9 hedge accounting requirements will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 9 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with earlier application permitted.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 15 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 will supersede the current revenue recognition guidance including IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and the related Interpretation when it becomes effective.

The core principles of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Specially, the Standard introduces a 5-step approach to revenue recognition:
○
Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer
○
Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
○
Step 3: Determine the transaction price
○
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
○
Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation

Under IFRS 15, an entity recognizes revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, i.e. when ‘control’ of the goods or services underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred to the customer.

Far more prescriptive guidance has been added in IFRS 15 to deal with specific scenarios. Furthermore, extensive disclosures are required by IFRS 15.

In April 2016, the IASB issued Clarifications to IFRS 15 in relation to the identification of performance obligations, principal versus agent considerations, as well as licensing application guidance.

We are undertaking a comprehensive approach to assess the impact of the guidance on our business by reviewing our current accounting policies and practices to identify any potential differences that may result from applying the new requirements to our consolidated financial statements. We do not anticipate that this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
We are consulting with other shipping companies on business assumptions, processes, systems and controls to fully determine revenue recognition and disclosure under the new standard. We continue to make significant progress on our review of the standard. Our initial assessment may change as we continue to refine these assumptions.

IFRS 15 is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with earlier application permitted.

IFRS 16 Leases

IFRS 16 introduces a comprehensive model for the identification of lease arrangements and accounting treatments for both lessors and lessees. IFRS 16 will supersede the current lease guidance including IAS 17 Leases and the related interpretations when it becomes effective.

IFRS 16 distinguishes leases and service contracts on the basis of whether an identified asset is controlled by
a customer. Distinctions of operating leases (off balance sheet) and finance leases (on balance sheet) are removed for lessee accounting, and is replaced by a model where a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability have to be recognized for all leases by lessees (i.e. all on balance sheet) except for short-term leases and leases of low value assets.

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost (subject to certain
exceptions) less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, adjusted for any remeasurement of the lease liability. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date. Subsequently, the lease liability is adjusted for interest and lease payments, as well as the impact of lease modifications, amongst others. Furthermore, the classification of cash flows will also be affected as operating lease payments under IAS 17 are presented as operating cash flows; whereas under the IFRS 16 model, the lease payments will be split into a principal and an interest portion which will be presented as financing and operating cash flows respectively.

In contrast to lessee accounting, IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in IAS 17, and continues to require a lessor to classify a lease either as an operating lease or a finance lease.

Furthermore, extensive disclosures are required by IFRS 16.

As at December 31, 2016 the Company does not have any bareboat charters or pool arrangements which will typically meet the new definition of a lease. Voyage charters are not likely to meet the new definition, as the charterer typically does not have the right to direct the use of the vessel and similarly, contracts of affreightment are unlikely to meet the definition of a lease, since they are contracts for the provision of a service rather than the use of an identified asset. Therefore the Company does not anticipate that the application of IFRS 16 will have significant impact on the amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

IFRS 16 is effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with earlier application permitted.


Amendments to IFRS 2 Classification and Measurement of Share-based Payment Transactions
The amendments clarify the following:

1.
In estimating the fair value of a cash-settled share-based payment, the accounting for the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions should follow the same approach as for equity-settled share-based payments.
2.
Where tax law or regulation requires an entity to withhold a specified number of equity instruments equal to the monetary value of the  employee’s tax obligation to meet the employee’s tax liability which is then remitted to the tax authority, i.e. the share-based payment arrangement has a “net settlement feature”, such an arrangement should be classified as equity-settled in its entirety, provided that the share-based payment would have been classified as equity-settled had it not included the net settlement feature.
3.
A modification of a share-based payment that changes the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled should be accounted for as follows:
i.
the original liability is derecognised;
ii.
the equity-settled share-based payment is recognised at the modification date fair value of the equity instrument granted to the extent that services have been rendered up to the modification date; and
iii.
any difference between the carrying amount of the liability at the modification date and the amount recognised in equity should be recognised in profit or loss immediately.

The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018 with earlier application permitted. Specific transition provisions apply. The Company does not anticipate that the application of the amendments in the future will have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements as the Company does not have any cash-sett led share-based payment arrangements or any arrangements with net settlement feature.
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture

The amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 deal with situations where there is a sale or contribution of assets between an investor and its associate or joint venture. Specifically, the amendments state that gains or losses resulting from the loss of control of a subsidiary that does not contain a business in a transaction with an associate or a joint venture that is accounted for using the equity method, are recognized in the parent's profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investors' interests in that associate or joint venture. Similarly, gains and losses resulting from the remeasurement of investments retained in any former subsidiary (that has become an associate or a joint venture that is accounted for using the equity method) to fair value are recognized in the former parent's profit or loss only to the extent of the unrelated investors' interests in the new associate or joint venture.

The effective date of the amendments has yet to be set by the IASB; however, earlier application of the amendments is permitted. The Company anticipate that these amendments may impact the financial statements for future periods.

Amendments to IAS 7 Disclosure Initiative

The amendments require an entity to provide disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities.

The amendments apply prospectively for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2017 with earlier application permitted. The Company does not anticipate that the application of these amendments will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 - Segment information

Operating Segments:

Since DHT’s business is limited to operating a fleet of crude oil tankers, management has organized and manages the entity as one segment based upon the service provided.  Consequently, the Company has one operating segment as defined in IFRS 8, Operating Segments.

Entity-wide disclosures:

Information about major customers:
As of December 31, 2016, the Company had 21 vessels in operation of which nine were on fixed rate time charters and twelve were vessels operating in the spot market.

For the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, five customers represented $69,521 thousand, $39,471 thousand, $35,209 thousand, $30,422 thousand and $25,685 thousand, respectively, of the Company’s revenues.
For the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015, five customers represented $83,929 thousand, $39,224 thousand, $30,745 thousand, $30,582 thousand and $25,916 thousand, respectively, of the Company’s revenues.
For the period from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014, five customers represented $22,200 thousand, $14,200 thousand, $13,900 thousand, $12,900 thousand and $12,600 thousand, respectively, of the Company’s revenues.

Note 4 - Charter arrangements

The below table details the Company’s shipping revenues:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Time charter revenues
$
118,997
$
122,882
$
67,309
Voyage charter revenues
234,646
241,679
76,267
Pool revenues
-
-
4,294
Other shipping revenues
2,366
553
2,919
Shipping revenues
$
356,010
$
365,114
$
150,789


The following summarizes the Company’s vessel employment as of December 31, 2016:
Vessel
Type of Employment
Expiry
VLCC
DHT Ann
Spot
DHT Chris
Spot
DHT Condor
Time Charter
Q1 2017
DHT Eagle
Spot
DHT Falcon
Spot
DHT Hawk
Spot
DHT Jaguar
Spot
DHT Leopard
Spot
DHT Lion
Spot
DHT Panther
Spot
DHT Phoenix
Time Charter
Q1 2017
DHT Puma
Spot
DHT Amazon
Time Charter
Q4 2017
DHT China
Time Charter
Q2 2021
DHT Europe
Time Charter
Q1 2018
DHT Redwood
Time Charter
Q1 2018
DHT Scandinavia
Spot
DHT Sundarbans
Spot
DHT Taiga
Time Charter
Q4 2017
Aframax
DHT Cathy
Time Charter
Q2 2017
DHT Sophie
Time Charter
Q1 2017
Tankers International Pool

One vessel was operated in the Tankers International Pool for the first seven months of 2014.  In pools, revenues allocated to the DHT vessels are based on the number of days a vessel operates in the pool with weighting adjustments made to reflect differing capacities and performance capabilities.  No vessels operated in the pool during 2015 or 2016.

Future charter payments:

The future revenues expected to be received from the fixed rate time charters (not including any potential profit sharing) for the Company’s vessels on existing charters as of the reporting date and the related revenue days (which represent calendar days, less estimated days that the time chartered vessels are not available for employment due to repairs or drydock) are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
Year
Amount
2017 80,188
2018 18,824
2019 14,974
2020 15,072
2021
3,689
Thereafter -
Net charter payments: $ 132,747



Any extension periods, unless already exercised as of December 31, 2016, are not included.  Revenues from a time charter are not received when a vessel is off-hire, including time required for normal periodic maintenance of the vessel.  In arriving at the minimum future charter revenues, an estimated time for off-hire to perform periodic maintenance on each vessel has been deducted, although there is no assurance that such estimate will be reflective of the actual off-hire in the future.

Deferred Shipping Revenues:

Relates to next month charter hire payment paid in advance amounting to $2,154 thousand as of December 31, 2016, $3,575 thousand as of December 31, 2015 and $2,428 thousand as of December 31, 2014, respectively.

Concentration of risk:

As of December 31, 2016, nine of the Company’s twentyone vessels were chartered to five different counterparties and twelve vessels were operated in the spot market. As of December 31, 2015, nine of the Company’s eighteen vessels were chartered to four different counterparties and nine vessels were operated in the spot market.  As of December 31, 2014, eight of the Company’s eighteen vessels were chartered to five different counterparties and ten vessels were operated in the spot market.  The Company believes that the concentration of risk is limited and can be adequately monitored.

Note 5 - Earnings per share (“EPS”)

The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The computation of diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of all dilutive stock options and restricted shares using the treasury stock method.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company had an increase in earnings per share resulting from the assumption that convertible instruments are converted, thus any effect of common stock equivalents outstanding would be antidilutive. Antidilutive potential common shares are disregarded in the calculation of diluted EPS. The following potential ordinary shares are antidilutive and therefore excluded from the weighted average number of ordinary shares for the purpose of diluted earnings per shares: convertible instruments: 20,647,555 shares.

The components of the calculation of basic EPS and diluted EPS are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Profit/(loss) for the period used for calculation of EPS - basic
$
9,260
$
105,302
$
12,887
Interest and amortization on the convertible notes
$
$
11,340
$
-
Profit/(loss) for the period used for calculation of EPS - dilutive
$
9,260
$
116,641
$
12,887
Basic earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
93,382,757
92,793,154
73,147,668
Diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic
93,382,757
92,793,154
73,147,668
Dilutive equity awards
6,853
92,827
62,669
Dilutive shares related to convertible notes
-
19,212,240
Weighted average shares outstanding - dilutive
93,389,610
112,098,221
73,210,337



Note 6 - Vessels and subsidiaries

The Vessels are owned by companies incorporated in the Marshall Islands or Cayman Islands.  The Vessel Subsidiaries are wholly owned directly by the Company or indirectly through the wholly owned subsidiary DHT Maritime. The primary activity of each of the Vessel Subsidiaries is the ownership and operation of a Vessel.  In addition the Company has a vessel chartering subsidiary and two subsidiaries, DHT Management AS (Norway) and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., which perform management services for DHT and its subsidiaries.  The following table sets out the details of the Vessel Subsidiaries included in these consolidated financial statements:
Company
Vessel name
Dwt
Flag State
Year Built
DHT Tiger Limited
DHT Tiger ***
299,900
Hong Kong
2017
DHT Puma Limited
DHT Puma
299,900
Hong Kong
2016
DHT Panther Limited
DHT Panther
299,900
Hong Kong
2016
DHT Lion Limited
DHT Lion
299,900
Hong Kong
2016
DHT Leopard Limited
DHT Leopard
299,900
Hong Kong
2016
DHT Jaguar Limited
DHT Jaguar
299,900
Hong Kong
2015
Samco Theta Ltd
DHT Sundarbans
314,240
Hong Kong
2012
Samco Iota Ltd
DHT Taiga
314,240
Hong Kong
2012
Samco Eta Ltd
DHT Amazon
314,240
RIF
2011
Samco Kappa Ltd
DHT Redwood
314,240
Hong Kong
2011
Samco Epsilon Ltd
DHT China
317,794
RIF
2007
Samco Delta Ltd
DHT Europe
317,260
RIF
2007
DHT Hawk Inc.
DHT Hawk
298,923
Hong Kong
2007
Samco Gamma Ltd
DHT Scandinavia
317,826
Hong Kong
2006
DHT Falcon Inc.
DHT Falcon
298,971
Hong Kong
2006
DHT Condor, Inc.
DHT Condor
320,050
Hong Kong
2004
DHT Eagle, Inc.
DHT Eagle
309,064
Hong Kong
2002
Chris Tanker Corporation
DHT Chris **
309,285
Hong Kong
2001
Ann Tanker Corporation
DHT Ann
309,327
Hong Kong
2001
Newcastle Tanker Corporation
DHT Target*
164,626
Marshall Islands
2001
London Tanker Corporation
DHT Trader*
152,923
Marshall Islands
2000
DHT Phoenix, Inc.
DHT Phoenix
307,151
Hong Kong
1999
Cathy Tanker Corporation
DHT Cathy
115,000
Marshall Islands
2004
Sophie Tanker Corporation
DHT Sophie
115,000
Marshall Islands
2003
* The DHT Trader was sold in December 2015, resulting in a total loss of $807 thousand and the DHT Target was sold in May 2016, resulting in a total profit of $138 thousand.
** The DHT Chris was sold and delivered to new owners on January 11, 2017. For further information please see note 17.
*** The DHT Tiger was delivered from Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.  (“HHI”) on January 16, 2017.



Vessels and time charter contracts
(Dollars in thousands)
Vessels
Drydock
Time charter
contracts
Total
Cost
As of January 1, 2016
1,312,363
19,516
9,700
1,341,581
Additions
11,093
-
11,093
Transferred from vessels under construction
376,751
8,500
-
385,251
Transferred to asset held for sale
(62,275
)
-
-
(62,275
)
Disposals
(92,344
)
(11,477
)
(3,100
)
(106,920
)
As of December 31, 2016
1,534,496
27,632
6,600
1,568,729
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
As of January 1, 2016
(343,403
)
(7,462
)
(4,118
)
(354,985
)
Charge for the period
(74,385
)
(8,465
)
(1,219
)
(84,069
)
Impairment charge
(78,200
)
-
-
(78,200
)
Transferred to asset held for sale
39,059
-
-
39,059
Disposals
72,409
11,477
3,100
86,985
As of December 31, 2016
(384,520
)
(4,451
)
(2,237
)
(391,209
)
Net book value
As of December 31, 2016
1,149,976
23,181
4,363
1,177,521
Cost
As of January 1, 2015
1,268,896
24,338
10,680
1,303,915
Additions
100,197
3,545
-
103,742
Disposals
(56,730
)
(8,367
)
(980
)
(66,077
)
As of December 31, 2015
1,312,363
19,516
9,700
1,341,581
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
As of January 1, 2015
(306,457
)
(7,663
)
(1,627
)
(315,746
)
Charge for the period
(68,587
)
(6,388
)
(3,471
)
(78,448
)
Disposals
31,641
6,588
980
39,209
As of December 31, 2015
(343,403
)
(7,462
)
(4,118
)
(354,985
)
Net book value
As of December 31, 2015
968,962
12,053
5,582
986,597
Vessels under construction
Cost
As of January 1, 2016
215,401
-
-
215,401
Additions
219,988
-
-
219,988
Impairment charge
(6,500
)
-
-
(6,500
)
Transferred to vessels
(385,251
)
-
-
(385,251
)
As of December 31, 2016
43,638
-
-
43,638
Cost
As of January 1, 2015
174,496
-
-
174,496
Additions
143,056
-
-
143,056
Transferred to vessels
(102,151
)
-
-
(102,151
)
As of December 31, 2015
215,401
-
-
215,401
Vessels under construction:

We had one VLCC under construction with HHI as of December 31, 2016, for a purchase price of $97.3 million, of which $48.65 million was paid as of that date. The final payment at delivery of the vessel totaling $48.65 million is due in 2017 are planned to be funded with debt financing which has been secured.  The initial pre-delivery installments have been recorded in the statement of financial position as “Advances for vessels under construction” under Non-current assets .  Costs relating to vessels under construction include pre-delivery installments to the shipyard and other vessel costs incurred during the construction period that are directly attributable to construction of the vessels, including borrowing costs incurred during the construction period.  In 2016 and in 2015 we capitalized $615 thousand and $712 thousand, respectively, in borrowing costs related to the vessel under construction.  In addition to installments and borrowing costs, $161 thousand is capitalized as other vessel costs related to the construction period.  The amount does not include start-up cost. With regards to two newbuildings ordered in January 2017, please refer to the note 17.


Depreciation:

We have assumed an estimated useful life of 20 years for our vessels.  Depreciation is calculated taking residual value into consideration.  Each vessel’s residual value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate per ton.  Estimated scrap rate used as a basis for depreciation is $300 per ton, unchanged from 2014.  Capitalized drydocking costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis from the completion of a drydocking to the estimated completion of the next drydocking.

Impairment:

A vessel’s recoverable amount is the higher of the vessel’s fair value less cost of disposal and its value in use.  The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of constructing new vessels.  Historically, both charter rates and vessel values have been cyclical.  The carrying amounts of vessels held and used by us are reviewed for potential impairment or reversal of prior impairment charges whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a particular vessel may not accurately reflect the recoverable amount of a particular vessel.  Each of the Company’s vessels have been viewed as a separate Cash Generating Unit (CGU) as the vessels have cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets and therefore can be subject to a value in use analysis.  In assessing “value in use”, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value. In developing estimates of future cash flows, we must make significant assumptions about future charter rates, future use of vessels, ship operating expenses, drydocking expenditures, utilization rate, fixed commercial and technical management fees, residual value of vessels, the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels and the discount rate.  These assumptions are based on current market conditions, historical trends as well as future expectations.  Estimated outflows for ship operating expenses and drydocking expenditures are based on a combination of historical and budgeted costs and are adjusted for assumed inflation.  Utilization, including estimated off-hire time, is based on historical experience.  Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such assumptions are subjective.

In the third quarter of 2016 we adjusted the carrying value of our fleet through a non-cash impairment charge totaling $76.6 million due to the decline in values for second hand tankers.The impairment test was performed on each individual vessel using an estimated weighted average cost of capital, or “WACC,” of 8.26%. As DHT operates in a non-taxable environment, the WACC is the same on a before- and after-tax basis. The rates used for the impairment testing are as follows:(a) the estimated current one-year time charter rate for the first three years and (b) the 10-year historical average one-year time charter rate thereafter with both (a) and (b) reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  The time charter equivalent rates used for the impairment test as of September 30, 2016 for the first three years were $31,000 per day and $16,000 per day (being the current one-year time charter rate estimated by brokers), for VLCC and Aframax, respectively, and reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  Thereafter the time charter equivalent rates used were $39,409 per day and $22,014 per day (being the 10-year historical average one-year time charter rate), for VLCC and Aframax, respectively and reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  For vessels on charter we assumed the contractual rate for the remaining term of the charter.  If the estimated WACC had been 1% higher, the impairment charge would have been $136,300 thousand. If the estimated future net cash flows after the expiry of fixed charter periods had been 10% lower, the impairment charge would have been $178,900 thousand. Also, had we used the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year historical average for the one-year time charter rates for the expected life of the vessels reduced by 20% (those vessels being above the age of 15 years), the impairment charge would have been $7,600 thousand, $70,400 thousand, $200,800 thousand and $20,800 thousand, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2016 we recorded an impairment charge of $8.1 million related to the DHT Target which was agreed to be sold.  The impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value of the vessel and the estimated net sales price. The vessel was delivered to the buyers in May 2016.


In 2015, we did not perform an impairment test because we concluded that there were no indicators of impairment or reversal of prior impairment.  The key factors evaluated included the development in estimated values for our tankers, market conditions (including time charter rates for tankers), our estimated WACC and the carrying amount of our net assets compared to our market capitalization as of December 31, 2015.

In 2014, the impairment tests performed did not result in any impairment charge.  However, with respect to the six vessels with prior recorded impairment charges we recorded a reversal of prior impairment charges totaling $31,900 thousand.  The impairment test as of December 31, 2014 was performed using an estimated WACC of 7.87% (2013: 8.83%).  As DHT operates in a non-taxable environment, the WACC is the same on a before- and after-tax basis.  The rates used for the impairment testing are as follows:(a) the estimated current one-year time charter rate for the first three years and (b) the 10-year historical average one-year time charter rate thereafter with both (a) and (b) reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  The time charter equivalent rates used for the impairment test as of December 31, 2014 for the first three years were $38,000 per day, $32,000 per day and $23,000 per day (being the current one-year time charter rate estimated by brokers), for VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax, respectively, and reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  Thereafter the time charter equivalent rates used were $41,842 per day, $31,299 per day and $23,598 per day (being the 10-year historical average one-year time charter rate), for VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax, respectively and reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  For vessels on charter we assumed the contractual rate for the remaining term of the charter.  If the estimated WACC had been 1% higher, the reversal of prior impairment charges as of December 31, 2014 would have been $30,000 thousand and we would have recorded an impairment charge related to some of our vessels of $12,700 thousand as of December 31, 2014.  If the estimated future net cash flows after the expiry of fixed charter periods had been 10% lower, the reversal of prior impairment charges would have been $14,400 thousand and we would have recorded an impairment charge related to some of our vessels totaling $12,600 thousand.  Also, had we used the one-, three-, five-, and ten-year historical average for the one-year time charter rates for the expected life of the vessels reduced by 20% (those vessels being above the age of 15 years), the reversal of prior impairment charges as of December 31, 2014 would have been $7,500 thousand, $7,500 thousand, $7,500 thousand and $30,700 thousand, respectively and the impairment charge would have been $24,700 thousand, $25,200 thousand, $28,200 thousand and $0, respectively.

Intangible assets:

Time charter contracts:
Carrying amount
Carrying amount
(Dollars in thousands)
Expected useful life
2016
2015
Samco Amazon charter
Finite
-
-
Samco Redwood charter
Finite
-
-
Samco Sundarbans charter
Finite
-
240
Samco China charter
Finite
4,363
5,342
Samco Taiga charter
Finite
-
-
Total
4,363
5,582
Intangible assets with a finite expected useful life are as a general rule amortized on a straight line basis over the expected useful life.  The amortization period of the intangible assets are 4.75 years.  Time charter contracts are presented on the same line as vessels in the statement of financial position.

Pledged assets:

20 of the Company’s 21 vessels have been pledged as collateral under the Company’s secured credit facilities.




Technical Management Agreements:

The Company has entered into agreements with technical managers which are responsible for the technical operation and upkeep of the vessels, including crewing, maintenance, repairs and dry-dockings, maintaining required vetting approvals and relevant inspections, and to ensure DHT’s fleet complies with the requirements of classification societies as well as relevant governments, flag states, environmental and other regulations.  Under the ship management agreements, each vessel subsidiary pays the actual cost associated with the technical management and an annual management fee for the relevant vessel.

Note 7 - Accounts payable and accrued expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
Accounts payable
$
3,565
$
1,888
Accrued interest
2,942
3,192
Accrued voyage expenses
224
1,207
Accrued employee compensation
4,812
5,340
Other
835
2,309
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
12,378
$
13,935
Note 8 - Financial instruments
Classes of financial instruments
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying amount
Financial assets
2016
2015
Cash and cash equivalents*
109,295
166,775
Accounts receivable and accrued revenues
34,461
40,093
Total
$
143,756
$
206,868
* Cash and cash equivalents include $48,936 thousand in restricted cash in 2016 and $50,830 thousand in 2015, including employee withholding tax. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2016 also includes $48,650 thousand relating to the financing of DHT Tiger which was drawn on the Credit Agricole credit facility in advance of the delivery of the DHT Tiger on January 16, 2016. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015 also includes $50.6 million relating to the financing of DHT Leopard which was drawn on the Nordea/DNB credit facility on December 29, 2015 in advance of the delivery of the DHT Leopard on January 4, 2016.
(Dollars in thousands)
Financial liabilities
2016
2015
Accounts payables and accrued expenses
$
12,378
$
13,935
Derivative financial liabilities, current
2,257
3,058
Current portion long term debt
57,521
32,267
Long term debt
643,974
630,201
Derivative financial liabilities, non-current
442
2,876
Total financial liabilities
$
716,572
$
682,337

Categories of financial instruments
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying amount
Financial assets
2016
2015
Cash and cash equivalents
109,295
166,775
Loans and receivables
34,461
40,093
Total
$
143,756
$
206,868
(Dollars in thousands)
Financial liabilities
2016
2015
Fair value through profit or loss
$
2,699
$
5,934
Financial liabilities at amortized cost
713,873
676,403
Total
716,572
682,337
Fair value of financial instruments :

It is assumed that fair value of financial instruments is equal to the nominal amount for all financial assets and liabilities.  With regards to trade receivables the credit risk is not viewed as significant.  With regards to the credit facilities, these are  floating rate with terms and conditions considered to be according to market terms and no material change in credit risk; consequently it is assumed that carrying value has no material deviation from fair value.

Measurement of fair value:

It is only derivatives that are classified within a fair value measurement category and recognized at fair value in the statement of financial position.  Fair value measurement is based on Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as defined in IFRS 13.  Such measurement is based on techniques for which all inputs that have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable.  Future cash flows are estimated based on forward interest rates (from observable yield curves at the end of the reporting period) and contract interest rates, discounted at a rate that reflects the credit risk of various counterparties.

Derivatives - interest rate swaps
Notional amount
Fair value
(Dollars in thousands)
Expires
2016
2015
2016
2015
Swap pays 4.31%, receive floating
May 11, 2015
$
-
-
-
-
Swap pays 2.43%, receive floating
Nov. 25, 2016
$
-
44,917
-
646
Swap pays 2.7775%, receive floating
Jun. 16, 2017
$
21,438
23,479
171
1,081
Swap pays 3.0275%, receive floating
Oct. 24, 2017
$
22,458
24,500
340
1,255
Swap pays 3.315%, receive floating
Jun. 29, 2018
$
21,438
23,479
608
586
Swap pays 3.565%, receive floating
Jun. 29, 2018
$
22,458
24,500
708
798
Swap pays 2.865%, receive floating
Jun. 29, 2018
$
39,813
43,896
872
1,567
Total carrying amount
$
127,604
184,771
2,699
5,934



Interest bearing debt
Remaining
Carrying amount
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest
notional
2016
2015
RBS Credit Facility
LIBOR + 1.75%
-
-
80,500
DHT Hawk/Falcon Credit Facility
LIBOR + 2.50 %
-
-
41,017
Nordea Credit Facility
LIBOR + 2.50 %
259,757
256,166
276,730
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
LIBOR + 2.19 %
75,912
75,601
36,082
Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility
LIBOR + 2.25 %
46,800
46,432
48,960
Nordea/DNB Credit Facility
LIBOR + 2.25 %
47,500
47,012
50,000
Nordea/DNB Credit Facility
LIBOR + 2.75 %
37,936
37,579
-
ABN Amro Credit Facility
LIBOR + 2.60 %
130,713
128,790
-
Convertible Senior Notes
4.50 %
123,000
109,916
129,179
Total carrying amount
721,619
701,495
662,468
Interest on all our credit facilities is payable quarterly in arrears except the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility and the Convertible Notes which have interest payable semi-annual in arrears.

The credit facilities are principally secured by the first priority mortgages on the vessels financed by the credit facility, assignments of earnings, pledge of shares in the borrower, insurances and the borrowers’ rights under charters for the vessels, if any, as well as a pledge of the borrowers’ bank account balances.

Note 9 - Financial risk management, objectives and policies

Financial risk management

The Company’s principal financial liabilities consist of long term debt, and when applicable current portion of long term debt and derivatives.  The main purpose of these financial liabilities is to finance the Company’s operations.  The Company’s financial assets mainly comprise cash.

The Company is exposed to market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.  The Company’s senior management oversees the management of these risks.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices.  Market prices comprise four types of risk: interest rate risk, currency risk, commodity price risk and other price risk.  Financial instruments affected by market risk are debt, deposits and derivative financial instruments.

a) Interest rate risk

Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates.  The Company’s exposure to the risk of changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s long-term debt with floating interest rates.  To manage this risk, the Company has at times entered into interest rate swaps in which the Company agrees to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and variable rate interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount.  As of December 31, 2016, the Company had five interest rate swaps with a total aggregate notional amount of $127,604 thousand as discussed in Note 8.

Interest rate risk sensitivity:

The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for both derivatives and floating rate long term debt.  For floating rate long term debt, the analysis is prepared assuming the amount of liability outstanding at the reporting date was outstanding for the whole year.

2016: If interest rates had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Company’s:

●
profit for the year ended December 31, 2016 would decrease/increase by $2,355 thousand.
●
other comprehensive income would not be affected.

2015: If interest rates had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Company’s:

●
profit for the year ended December 31, 2015 would decrease/increase by $1,824 thousand.
●
other comprehensive income would not be affected.

2014: If interest rates had been 50 basis points higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, the Company’s:

●
profit for the year ended December 31, 2014 would decrease/increase by $1,631 thousand.
●
other comprehensive income would not be affected.


b) Foreign currency risk

Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates.  The Company has only immaterial currency risk since all revenue and major expenses, including all vessel expenses and financial expenses are in US dollar. Consequently, no sensitivity analysis is prepared.

Credit risk

Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Company.  The Company is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (primarily for trade receivables) and from its financing activities, including deposits with banks and financial institutions.

Credit risks related to receivables

During 2016, the Company’s vessels were either trading in the spot market or on short to medium term time charters to different counterparties.  As of December 31, 2016, nine of the Company’s twentyone vessels are chartered to five different counterparties and twelve vessels are operated in the spot market.

During 2015, the Company’s vessels were either trading in the spot market, on short to medium term time charters to different counterparties.  As of December 31, 2015, nine of the Company’s eighteen vessels are chartered to four different counterparties and nine vessels are operated in the spot market.

During 2014, the Company’s vessels were either trading in the spot market, on short to medium term time charters to different counterparties or being operated in Tankers International Pool. As of December 31, 2014, eight of the Company’s eighteen vessels are chartered to five different counterparties and ten vessels are operated in the spot market.

See Note 5 for further details on employment of the Company’s vessels.  Time charter hire is paid to DHT monthly in advance.

Credit risk related to cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivables

The Company seeks to diversify credit risks on cash by holding the majority of the cash in five financial institutions, namely, DNB, Nordea, Credit Agricole, ABN Amro and RBS.



As of December 31, 2016, five customers represented $5,194 thousand, $4,071 thousand, $3,727 thousand, $3,434 thousand and $2,684 thousand, respectively, of the Company’s accounts receivables.

The carrying amount of financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure.  The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting dates was:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
Cash and cash equivalents
$
109,295
$
166,775
Accounts receivable and accrued revenues
34,461
40,093
Maximum credit exposure
$
143,756
$
206,868
Liquidity risk

The Company manages its risk of a shortage of funds by continuously monitoring maturity of financial assets and liabilities, and projected cash flows from operations such as charter hire, voyage revenues and vessel operating expenses.  Certain of our credit agreements contain financial covenants requiring that at all times the borrowings under the credit facilities plus the actual or notional cost of terminating any of their interest rates swaps not exceed a certain percentage of the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure each of the credit facilities.  Vessel values are volatile and decline in vessels values could result in prepayments under the Company’s credit facilities.

The following are contractual maturities of financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments on an undiscounted basis.  Swap payments are the net effect from paying fixed rate/ receive LIBOR.  The LIBOR interest spot rate at December 31, 2016 (and spot rate at December 31, 2015 for comparatives) is used as a basis for preparation.
As of December 31, 2016
2 to 5
More than
(Dollars in thousands)
1 year
years
5 years
Total
Interest bearing loans
$
84,866
$
671,939
$
45,121
$
801,926
Interest rate swaps
2,308
803
-
3,111
Total
$
87,174
$
672,742
$
45,121
$
805,037
As of December 31, 2015
2 to 5
More than
(Dollars in thousands)
1 year
years
5 years
Total
Interest bearing loans
$
56,195
$
693,799
$
14,306
$
764,300
Interest rate swaps
4,063
3,687
-
7,750
Total
$
60,258
$
697,486
$
14,306
$
772,050
Capital management
A key objective in relation to capital management is to ensure that the Company maintains a strong capital structure in order to support its business.  The Company evaluates its capital structure in light of current and projected cash flow, the relative strength of the shipping markets, new business opportunities and the Company’s financial commitments.  In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust or eliminate the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Company is within its financial covenants stipulated in its credit agreements.



RBS Credit Facility

The RBS Credit Facility was repaid in full in September 2016. We entered into the RBS Credit Facility in October 2005.  The RBS Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the credit facility, a first priority assignment of the insurance proceeds, earnings, charter rights and requisition compensation, a first priority pledge of bank balances and a first priority pledge of all the issued shares of the borrower.  The RBS Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or substantially all of their assets to another person.  The RBS Credit Facility also provides that DHT Maritime, Inc. may not pay dividends to its parent DHT (1) if the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility is less than 135% of DHT Maritime’s borrowings under the facility plus the actual or notional cost of terminating any outstanding interest rate swaps, (2)there is a continuing default under the credit facility or (3)the payment of the dividend would result in a default or breach of a loan covenant.  In April 2013, we entered into an agreement to amend and restate the RBS Credit Facility whereby, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, including (i) the prepayment of $25,000 thousand, (ii) the payment of an amendment fee and (iii) the provision of an unconditional guarantee by DHT on the financial obligations of DHT Maritime under the credit facility, the RBS Credit Facility removed, in its entirety, the financial covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure DHT Maritime’s and its subsidiaries’ obligations under the RBS Credit Facility be no less than 120% of their borrowings under the credit facility.  Additionally, as part of the amendment, borrowings under the RBS Credit Facility will bear interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 1.75% and beginning in the first quarter of 2016 until the expected maturity of the loan in July 2017, DHT Maritime will apply the aggregate quarterly free cash flow of DHT Maritime and its subsidiaries (on a consolidated basis) towards prepayment of the loan, less ship operating and voyage expenses for such quarter, the estimated capital expenses for the next two fiscal quarters, general and administrative expenses for such quarter, interest charges for such quarter and changes in working capital for such quarter, up to an aggregate amount of $7,500 thousand for each such quarter.  Under the terms of the guarantee, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT on a consolidated basis shall maintain unencumbered cash of at least $20,000 thousand and that DHT will not voluntarily prepay any of its or its subsidiaries’ indebtedness unless, concurrently, with such prepayment, a proportionate amount of the outstanding loan under the RBS Credit Facility is also prepaid.  DHT’s ability to pay dividends is not restricted by the financial covenants stipulated in the RBS Credit Facility.

Prior to the amendment in April 2013 the RBS Credit Facility contained a financial covenant requiring that at all times charter-free market value of the vessels that secured the obligations under the credit agreement be no less than 120% of DHT Maritime’s borrowings under the facility plus the actual or notional cost of terminating any interest rate swaps that the Company enters.  In 2012, DHT Maritime made prepayments totaling $37,100 thousand under the RBS Credit Facility and made a further prepayment of $9,000 thousand in the first quarter of 2013 in order to remain in compliance with the 120% minimum value covenant.  In connection with the sale of one vessel in the second quarter of 2013 and two vessels in the second quarter of 2012, we made total payments under the RBS Credit Facility of $22,300 thousand and $17,300 thousand, respectively.   In June and October 2015, we repaid $2,900 thousand and $3,900 thousand, respectively, being the proportionate amount of the outstanding loan under the RBS Credit Facility in connection with voluntary prepayment under two of our subsidiaries’ indebtedness.  In connection with the sale of the DHT Trader in December 2015, we repaid $26,000 thousand. In May and June 2016 we repaid $5,500 thousand and $7,500 thousand, respectively, under the cash sweep. In February and June 2016, we repaid $4,900 thousand and $350 thousand, respectively, being the proportionate amount of the outstanding loan under the RBS Credit Facility in connection with voluntary prepayment under our subsidiaries’ indebtedness. In connection with the sale of the DHT Target in May 2016, we repaid $22,275 thousand. The RBS Credit Facility was repaid in full in September 2016 in an amount of $39,975 thousand.

The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility and the DHT Eagle Credit Facility

The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility and the DHT Eagle Credit Facility with DVB and DNB, respectively, are secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the DHT Phoenix and DHT Eagle, respectively, a first priority assignment of the insurance proceeds, earnings, charter rights and requisition compensation, a first priority pledge of bank balances, a first priority pledge of all the issued shares of the borrower and a guarantee and indemnity granted by DHT.  The credit facilities contain covenants that inter alia prohibit the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or substantially all of their assets to another person.



The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility and the DHT Eagle Credit Facility also contain a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessel that secures the borrowers’ obligations under the credit facility be no less than 130% of the borrowings under the credit facility.

The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility and the DHT Eagle Credit Facility are guaranteed by DHT and DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the DHT Phoenix Credit Facility and the DHT Eagle Credit Facility, DHT on a consolidated basis shall maintain unencumbered cash of at least $20,000 thousand, value adjusted tangible net worth of at least $100,000 thousand and value adjusted tangible net worth of no less than 25% of the value adjusted total assets.

The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility and the DHT Eagle Credit Facility were prepaid in full in June and October 2015, respectively.

DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility

We entered into the DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility in 2014 in connection with the acquisition of the DHT Falcon and the DHT Hawk.  The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the DHT Falcon and the DHT Hawk, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of DHT Falcon Limited’s and DHT Hawk Limited’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in the borrowers.  The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.  The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility also contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the borrowers’ obligations under the credit facility be no less than 135% of the borrowings under the credit facility.

The DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility is guaranteed by DHT and DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility, DHT on a consolidated basis shall maintain the value adjusted tangible net worth of $150,000, the value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of the value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20,000 thousand and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt with value adjusted defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the Company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

The DHT Falcon and Hawk Credit Facility was prepaid in full in February 2016.

Credit Agricole Credit Facility

On October 17, 2006, Samco Gamma Ltd entered into a $49,000 thousand secured credit facility with Credit Agricole for the financing of the Samco Scandinavia.  In connection with DHT’s acquisition of Samco in September 2014, we entered into an agreement with Credit Agricole to amend the Credit Agricole Credit Facility whereby, upon satisfaction of certain conditions, borrowings under the credit facility bear interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus a margin of 1.60% and the financial obligations under the credit facility being guaranteed by DHT.

On June 22, 2015, we entered into the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility with Credit Agricole to refinance the outstanding amount under the Credit Agricole Credit Facility that financed the Samco Scandinavia (“Tranche A”) as well as a financing commitment of up to $50 million to fund the acquisition of one VLCC from HHI (“Tranche B”).  The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility is between and among Credit Agricole, as lender, the Credit Agricole Borrowers, and us, as guarantor.  Samco Gamma Ltd. was permitted to borrow the full amount of Tranche A. In 2016, in advance of the delivery of the DHT Tiger from HHI on January 16, 2017, we borrowed $48.7 million under Tranche B.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.1875%.  Tranche A is repayable in 34 consecutive quarterly installments of $1.1 million from September 2015 to December 2023.  Subsequent to a voluntary prepayment of $5.0 million in June 2016, Tranche A is repayable with quarterly installments of $1.0 million each. Tranche B is repayable in 28 quarterly installments of $1.0 million from March 2017 to December 2023 and a final payment of $30.6 million in December 2023.  The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, the value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of the value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt and DHT, on a consolidated basis shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the Company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).  The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the Samco Scandinavia and the DHT Tiger, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of the Borrowers’ bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in the Borrowers.  The New Credit Agricole Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the Borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.



Nordea Credit Facility

In December 2014, we entered into a credit facility in the amount of $302,000 thousand with Nordea, DNB and DVB as lenders, and DHT Holdings, Inc. as guarantor for the re-financing of the Samco Europe, Samco China, Samco Amazon, Samco Redwood, Samco Sundarbans and Samco Taiga as well as the financing of the DHT Condor.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.50% and are repayable in 20 quarterly installments of $5,100 thousand from March 2015 to December 2019 and a final payment of $199,800 thousand in December 2019.  The Nordea Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the Nordea Credit Facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers.  The Nordea Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.

The Nordea Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the Nordea Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, we covenant that, throughout the term of the Nordea Credit Facility, DHT on a consolidated basis shall maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $200,000 thousand, the value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of the value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20,000 thousand and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the Company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by two approved brokers).

In July 2016, the credit facility was amended whereby the DHT Amazon (renamed from Samco Amazon) and the DHT Europe (renamed from Samco Europe) was replaced by DHT Hawk, DHT Falcon and DHT Eagle and the quarterly installments changed to $5.8 million with a final payment of $190.4 million in December 2019.

The ABN AMRO Credit Facility

In July 2014, we executed a credit facility to fund the acquisition of three VLCCs to be constructed at HHI through a secured term loan facility between and among ABN AMRO, DVB and Nordea as lenders, three vessel-owning companies as borrowers, and us as guarantor.  The borrowers are permitted to borrow up to $141.0 million across three tranches under the ABN AMRO Credit Facility.  The ABN AMRO Credit Facility will be for a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown, but in any event the final maturity date shall be no later than December 31, 2021, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Borrowings will bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.60% and each tranche is repayable in 20 quarterly installments totaling approximately $2.0 million and a final payment of $33.2 million in the first quarter of 2021 and $62.7 million in the third quarter of 2021 (assuming no additional repayments discussed below). In addition each of the three borrowers shall the first three years make additional repayments of a variable amount equal to free cash flow in the prior quarter capped at $0.3 million per quarter to be applied against the balloon. Free cash flow is defined as an amount calculated as of the last day of each quarter equal to the positive difference, if any, between (a) the sum of the earnings of the vessels during the quarter and (b) the sum of ship operating expenses, voyage expenses, estimated capital expenses for the following two quarters, general & administrative expenses, interest expenses and change in working capital.



The ABN AMRO Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the ABN AMRO Credit Facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers.  The ABN AMRO Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.

The ABN AMRO Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the ABN AMRO Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, we covenant that, throughout the term of the ABN AMRO Credit Facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $100 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

As of December 31, 2016, all three vessels financed by the ABN AMRO Credit Facility had been delivered from HHI and the all three tranches had been drawn.

The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility

In November 2014, we entered into a credit facility to fund the acquisition of one of the VLCCs to be constructed at HHI through a secured term loan facility between and among Danish Ship Finance A/S, as lender, a vessel-owning company, as borrower, and us, as guarantor.  The borrower is permitted to borrow up to $49.4 million under the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility.  The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility is for a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown in November 2015, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.25% and are repayable in 10 semiannual installments of $1.3 million each commencing six months after drawdown and a final payment of $36.4 million at final maturity.

The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessel financed by the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in the borrower.  The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of its assets to another person.

The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessel that secures the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility be no less than 130% of borrowings.  Also, we covenant that, throughout the term of the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the Company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility

In October 2015, we entered into the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, which allowed borrowings up to $50.0 million to fund the acquisition of one of the VLCCs to be constructed at HHI.  The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility is between and among Nordea Bank Norge ASA and DNB Bank ASA, as lenders, a vessel-owning company, as borrower, and us, as guarantor.  The full amount of the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility was borrowed in December 2015.  The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility has a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.25% and are repayable in 10 semiannual installments of $0.6 million each commencing three months after drawdown and a final payment of $37.5 million at final maturity.



The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first priority mortgage on the vessel financed by the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first priority pledge of the balances of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first priority pledge over the shares in the borrower.  The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of its assets to another person.

The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessel that secures the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, we covenant that, throughout the term of the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt and the borrower and DHT, on a consolidated basis shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the Company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

In September 2016, the remaining four vessels financed under the RBS Credit Facility (DHT Ann, DHT Chris, DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie) were included in the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility as a separate tranche totaling $40.0 million.  Borrowings under the $40.0 million tranche bear interest at a rate equal to Libor + 2.75% and are repayable in 11 quarterly installments of $2.1 million from December 2016 to June 2019 and a final payment of $17.3 million in August 2019. Subsequent to the sale of DHT Chris which was delivered to the buyers in January 2017, the credit facility is repayable in quarterly installments of $1.3 million with a final payment of $13.1 million in August 2019.
The ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility
In November 2016 the Company entered into a secured five year revolving credit facility with ABN Amro totaling $50.0 million to be used for general corporate purposes including security repurchases and acquisition of ships (the “ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility”) between and among ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Oslo Branch (“ABN AMRO”) or any of their affiliates, as lender, Samco Delta Ltd. and Samco Eta Ltd. as borrowers (each, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of us, collectively, the “Borrowers”), and us, as guarantor. The financing bears interest at a rate equal to Libor + 2.50%.  As of December 31, 2016 there were no amounts outstanding under the ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility.  The facility reduces by $1.3 million quarterly. The credit facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility be no less than 135% of borrowings. Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt and the borrower and DHT, on a consolidated basis shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

Convertible Senior Notes

In September 2014, in connection with the acquisition of the shares in Samco, we issued $150,000 thousand principal amount of convertible senior notes in a private placement.  We pay interest at a fixed rate of 4.50% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears.  The convertible senior notes are convertible into common stock of DHT at any time until one business day prior to their maturity.  The initial conversion price for the convertible senior notes is $8.125 per share of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of 123.0769 shares of common stock per $1,000 thousand aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes), subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.  The conversion price is subject to adjustment based on cash dividends paid on our common stock and as of December 31, 2016 the conversion price was $6.6570.  We received net proceeds of approximately $145,500 thousand (after placement agent expenses, but before other transaction expenses).  The convertible senior notes were initially recognized at fair value, but are carried at amortized cost. The value of the conversion option is being calculated using a Black & Scholes model.  Fees related to the issue of the convertible senior notes are amortized over the life of the convertible senior notes. In 2016 we acquired in the open market $27.0 million of our convertible senior notes at an average price of 91.7% of par.  The outstanding amount subsequent to the repurchases is $123.0 million.



Note 10 - Stockholders’ equity and dividend payment

Stockholders’ equity:
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Common stock
Preferred stock
Issued at December 31, 2014
92,510,086
-
Restricted stock issued
399,850
-
Issued at December 31, 2015
92,909,936
-
Restricted stock issued
883,699
Purchase of treasury shares
359,831
Issued at December 31, 2016
93,433,804
Par value
$
0.01
$ 0.01
Shares to be issued assuming conversion of convertible notes*
23,223,632
Number of shares authorized for issue at December 31, 2016
150,000,000
* Assuming the maximum fundamental change conversion rate.
Common stock

Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.
.
Convertible Notes Offering

Please see note 9 for information on the convertible senior notes.

Preferred stock:

Terms and rights of preferred shares will be established by the board when or if such shares would be issued.

Series B Participating Preferred stock

Under the terms of the Private Placement that closed in November 2013, 97,579 shares of Series B Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were designated and issued by the Company.  The Series B Participating Preferred Stock participated with the common stock in all dividend payments and distributions in respect of the common stock (other than dividends and distributions of common stock or subdivisions of the outstanding common stock) pro rata, based on each share of the Series B Participating Preferred Stock equaling 100 shares of common stock.  In addition, one share of issued and outstanding Series B Participating Preferred Stock equaled 100 shares of common stock for purposes of voting rights.  On February 4, 2014, all issued and outstanding shares of our Series B Participating Preferred Stock were mandatorily exchanged into shares of common stock at a 1:100 ratio.  The full terms of the Series B Participating Preferred Stock are governed by a Certificate of Designation.

With regards to the one-year shareholder rights plan adopted by DHT’s Board in January 2017, please refer to the note 17 (“Subsequent Events”).


Dividend payment:
Dividend payment as of December 31, 2016:
Per share
Payment date:
Total payment
Common
February 24, 2016
$ 19.7 million
$
0.21
May 25, 2016
$ 23.3 million
$
0.25
August 31, 2016
$ 21.5 million
$
0.23
November 23, 2016
$ 1.9 million
$
0.02
Total payment as of December 31, 2016:
$ 66.4 million
$
0.71
Dividend payment as of December 31, 2015:
Per share
Payment date:
Total payment
Common
February 19, 2015
$ 4.6 million
$
0.05
May 22, 2015
$ 13.9 million
$
0.15
August 20, 2015
$ 13.9 million
$
0.15
November 25, 2015
$ 16.7 million
$
0.18
Total payment as of December 31, 2015:
$ 49.2 million
$
0.53
Dividend payment as of December 31, 2014:
Per share
Payment date:
Total payment
Common
February 13, 2014
$ 1.4 million
$
0.02
May 22, 2014
$ 1.4 million
$
0.02
September 17, 2014
$ 1.4 million
$
0.02
November 26, 2014
$ 1.9 million
$
0.02
Total payment as of December 31, 2014:
$ 6.0 million
$
0.08
On February 22, 2017, DHT paid a dividend of $0.08 per common share to shareholders of record as of February 14, 2017, resulting in a total dividend payment of approximately $7.5 million.
Note 11 - General & Administrative Expenses

General and Administrative Expenses:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Total Compensation to Employees and Directors
$
15,998
$
17,626
$
12,962
Office and Administrative Expenses
2,213
2,407
1,797
Audit, Legal and Consultancy
1,180
1,573
3,303
Total General and Administrative Expenses
$
19,391
$
21,607
$
18,062
Stock Compensation

The Company has an Incentive Compensation Plan (“Plan”) for the benefit of Directors and senior management.  Different awards may be granted under this Plan, including stock options, restricted shares / restricted stock units and cash incentive awards.


Stock Options

The exercise price for options cannot be less than the fair market value of a common stock on the date of grant.

Restricted shares

Restricted shares can neither be transferred nor assigned by the participant.

Vesting conditions

Awards issued vest subject to continued employment/office.  The awards have graded vesting.  For some of the awards there is an additional vesting condition requiring certain market conditions to be met.

The Plan may allow for different criteria for new grants.

Stock Compensation Series:
Number of
Vesting
Fair value
shares/ options
Period
at grant date
(1) Granted October 2005, stock options *
965
10 years
$
144.00
(2) Granted March 2012, restricted shares
14,515
3 years
13.80
(3) Granted June 2013, restricted shares
155,000
4 years
4.15
(4) Granted June 2013, stock options**
155,000
5 years
1.31
(5) Granted June 2013, stock options**
155,000
5 years
0.97
(6) Granted February 2014, restricted shares
29,333
3 years
6.92
(7) Granted February 2014, restricted shares
29,333
3 years
6.33
(8) Granted February 2014, restricted shares
29,333
3 years
5.63
(9) Granted February 2014, restricted shares
88,000
3 years
7.61
(10) Granted June 2014, restricted shares
95,666
3 years
6.41
(11) Granted June 2014, restricted shares
95,666
3 years
5.74
(12) Granted June 2014, restricted shares
95,666
3 years
5.13
(13) Granted June 2014, restricted shares
287,000
3 years
7.15
(14) Granted January 2015, restricted shares
850,000
3 years
8.81
(15) Granted January 2016, restricted shares
824,000
2 years
$
6.65
__________________
* The stock options in item (1) above expired in September 2015.
** The exercise price for the options in item (4) and (5) above is $7.75 and $10.70, respectively, to be adjusted for dividends declared and paid subsequent to the grant date.

The following reconciles the number of outstanding restricted common stock and share options:

Restricted
common stock
Share options
Weighted average
exercise price **
Outstanding at December 31, 2013
493,523
310,965
9.64
Granted
750,000
Exercised*
324,008
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
919,515
310,965
9.64
Outstanding at December 31, 2014
919,515
310,965
9.64
Granted
850,000
Exercised*
383,683
Forfeited
965
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
1,385,832
310,000
$
9.64
Outstanding at December 31, 2015
1,385,832
310,000
9.64
Granted
824,000
Exercised*
833,012
Forfeited
-
Outstanding at December 31, 2016
1,376,820
310,000
$
9.64
__________________
*Does not include shares in lieu of dividends
**To be adjusted for dividends declared and paid subsequent to the respective grant dates.

(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Expense recognized from stock compensation
6,936
7,436
3,241

The fair value on the vesting date for shares that vested in 2016 was $5.67 for 285,362 shares, $5.78 for 530,594 shares and $3.86 for 67,744 shares.  The fair value on the vesting date for shares that vested in 2015 was $7.35 for 318,264 shares, $6.90 for 13,750 shares and $7.82 for 51,669 shares.  The fair value on the vesting date for shares that vested in 2014 was $7.88 for 155,000 shares, $8.06 for 14,515 shares, $7.90 for 139,000 shares and $6.99 for 14,514 shares.  All share based compensation is equity settled and no payments were made for the vested shares.  The weighted average contractual life for the outstanding stock compensation series was 0.69 years as of December 31, 2016.

Valuation of Stock Compensation

For the year 2015, a total of 824,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors in January 2016, vesting in equal amounts on February 4, 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The calculated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.  For the year 2014, a total of 850,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors in January 2015, vesting in equal amounts on the first three anniversaries of the award subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The calculated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.

In January 2015, the vesting criteria for all restricted shares awarded for the year 2013 that vest subject to continued employment or office with us, as applicable, and certain market conditions was changed to be subject to continued employment or office, as applicable, only.  The change resulted in an increase in the fair value of the restricted shares totaling $387 which is recognized over the remaining vesting period in a manner similar to the original amount.



Compensation of Executives and Directors:

Remuneration of Executives and Directors as a group:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Cash Compensation
$
4,162
$
5,434
$
3,957
Pension cost
158
167
254
Share compensation *
6,227
6,223
2,777
Total remuneration
$
10,547
$
11,823
$
6,989
*Share compensation reflects the expense recognized
Shares held by executives and directors:
2016
2015
2014
Executives and Directors as a group*
2,416,385
1,967,768
1,591,835
*Includes 1,184,155 (2015: 1,234,166, 2014: 919,515) shares of restricted stock subject to vesting conditions.

In connection with termination of an Executive’s employment, the Executives of the Company may be entitled to an amount equal to 18 months base salary and any unvested equity awards may become fully vested.


Note 12 - Related parties

Related party transactions relate to the Company’s subsidiaries, associated company, employees and members of the board of directors.

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

Subsequent to DHT’s acquisition of the shares in Samco, the Company owns 50% of Goodwood.  As of December 31, 2016, Goodwood is the technical manager for 19 of the Company’s vessels.  In 2016, total technical management fees paid to Goodwood were $2,234 thousand. In 2015, total technical management fees paid to Goodwood were $1,943 thousand.

Further, DHT has issued certain guarantees for certain of its subsidiaries.  This mainly relates to the the Nordea Credit Facility, the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility,  the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, the ABN AMRO Credit Facility and the ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility which are all guaranteed by DHT Holdings.

In connection with the Private Placement in November 2013, affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited purchased 1,827,000 shares of our common stock and 13,305 shares of our Series B Participating Preferred Stock.  Erik A. Lind, the chairman of our board of directors, is the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Tufton Oceanic Limited.  In connection with the February 2014 Registered Direct Offering, we sold 1,352,800 shares of common stock to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited.  In connection with the September 2014 Registered Direct Offering, we sold 769,000 shares of common stock to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited and in connection with the private placement of $150 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes in September 2014, we sold convertible senior notes amounting to $11,380,000 to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Limited.

Note 13 – Pensions

The Company is required to have an occupational pension scheme in accordance with the Norwegian law on required occupational pension (“lov om obligatorisk tjenestepensjon”) for the employees in DHT Management AS.  The company’s pension schemes satisfy the requirements of this law and comprises a closed defined benefit scheme.  At the end of the year, there were 10 participants in the benefit plan.

Defined benefit pension

The Company established a defined benefit plan for qualifying employees in 2010.  Under the plan, the employees, from the age 67, are entitled to 70% of the base salary at retirement date.  Parts of the pension are covered by payments from the National Insurance Scheme in Norway.  The defined benefit plan is insured through an insurance company.
(Dollars in thousands)
Calculation of this year’s pension costs:
2016
2015
2014
Current service cost
344
289
223
Financial costs
6
6
6
Pension costs for the year
350
296
229
The amounts recognised in the statement of financial position at the reporting date are as follows:
2016
2015
2014
Present value of the defined benefit obligation
1,128
949
688
Fair value of plan assets
963
801
661
Net pension obligation
165
148
27
Remeasurement loss
60
48
204
Net balance sheet recorded pension liability December 31
225
196
231
2016
2015
2014
Change in gross pension obligation:
Gross obligation January 1
945
706
517
Current service cost
360
285
219
Interest charge on pension liabilities
27
24
25
Past service cost - curtailment/plan amendment
(19
)
-
-
Settlement (gain)
(128
)
-
-
Social security expenses
(48
)
(43
)
(42
)
Remeasurements loss/(gain)
(18
)
(27
)
174
Exchange rate differences
(8
)
(20
)
(57
)
Gross pension obligation December 31
1,111
925
836
2016
2015
2014
Change in gross pension assets:
Fair value plan asset January 1
744
511
394
Interest income
17
24
15
Settlement
(128
)
-
-
Employer contribution
338
303
300
Remeasurements (loss)/gain
(79
)
(79
)
(66
)
Exchange rate differences
(7
)
(30
)
(38
)
Fair value plan assets December 31
886
728
605
The Company expects to contribute $325 thousand to its defined benefit pension plan in 2017.
Assumptions
2016
2015
2014
Discount rate
2.60
%
2.70
%
3.00
%
Yield on pension assets
2.60
%
2.70
%
3.00
%
Wage growth
2.50
%
2.50
%
3.25
%
G regulation*
2.25
%
2.25
%
3.00
%
Pension adjustment
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.10
%
Average remaining service period
19
18
18
*Increase of social security base amount (“G”) as per Norwegian regulations.


Note 14 – Tax

The Company is a foreign corporation that is not subject to United States federal income taxes.  Further, the Company is not subject to income taxes imposed by the Marshall Islands, the country in which it is incorporated.  The subsidiary, Samco Shipholding Pte. Ltd., is exempted from tax under Section 13F of Singapore Income Tax Act, Chapter 134.  The Norwegian management company, DHT Management AS, is subject to income taxation in Norway.  The tax effects for the Company are disclosed below.
Specification of income tax:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Income tax payable
$
100
$
119
$
205
Tax expenses related to previous year
-10
3
(152
)
Change in deferred tax
4
7
34
Total income tax expense
$
95
$
128
$
86
Specification of temporary differences and deferred tax:
December 31, December 31, December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Property, plant and equipment
$
(89)
$
(74)
$
(18)
Pensions
225
(196)
(231)
Total basis for deferred tax
(314) (270) (249)
Deferred tax liability (24%) 1) 2)
$
(75)
$
(68)
$
(67)
1) Due to materiality, not recognized on a separate line in the statements of financial position
2) The general income tax rate is reduced from 25% to 24%, effective from fiscal year 2017 and reduced from 27% to 25%, effective
from fiscal year 2016.
Reconciliation of effective tax rate:
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
2014
Profit/(loss) before income tax
$
9,354
$
105,430
$
12,973
Expected income tax assessed at the tax rate for the Parent company (0%)
-
-
-
Adjusted for tax effect of the following items:
Income in subsidiary, subject to 25% income tax
95
128
86
Total income tax expense
$
95
$
128
$
86


Note 15 - Investment in associate company
(Dollars in thousands)
2016
2015
Investment in associate company
$
3,412
$
2,976
Details of associate are as follows:
Name of associate
Principal activities
Place of incorporation and
business
Effective equity interest
2016 2015
Goodwood Ship Management Pte. Ltd.
Ship management
Singapore
50 %
50 %
The following summarizes the share of profit of the associate that are accounted for using the equity method:
(Dollars in thousands)
Company's share of
- Profit after taxation
$
649
$
467
- Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax
$
28
$
-
- Total comprehensive income for the year
$
677
$
467
Note 16 - Condensed Financial Information of DHT Holdings, Inc. (parent company only)

SEC Rule 5-04 Schedule I of Regulation S-X requires DHT to disclose condensed financial statements of the parent company when the restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries exceeds 25 percent of consolidated net assets as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year.  For purposes of the test, restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries shall mean that amount of the registrant’s proportionate share of net assets of consolidated subsidiaries (after intercompany eliminations) which as of the end of the most recent fiscal year may not be transferred to the parent company by subsidiaries in the form of loans, advances or cash dividends without the consent of a third party (i.e., lender, regulatory agency, foreign government, etc.).

The restricted net assets of consolidated subsidiaries exceeded 25% of the consolidated net assets of the parent company as of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.  The restricted assets mainly relate to assets restricted by covenants in our secured credit agreements entered into by the Company’s vessel owning subsidiaries.

FINANCIAL POSITION
(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Current assets
2016
2015
2014
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,043
$
53,645
$
82,664
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
4,554
406
399
Deposit for vessel acquisition
50,138
214,905
174,496
Total current assets
$
60,735
$
268,956
$
257,559
Investments in subsidiaries
$
527,149
$
439,955
$
438,031
Loan to subsidiaries
357,776
201,312
153,748
Investment in associate company
201
-
-
Total non-current assets
$
885,127
$
641,266
$
591,779
Total assets
$
945,862
$
910,222
$
849,338
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
$
1,848
$
1,996
$
11,538
Amounts due to related parties
125,870
3,469
3,111
Total current liabilities
$
127,718
$
5,465
$
14,649
Non-current liabilities
Long term debt
109,916
129,179
124,608
Total non-current liabilities
$
109,916
$
129,179
$
124,608
Total liabilities
$
237,634
$
134,644
$
139,257
Stockholders' equity
Stock
$
934
$
929
$
925
Paid-in additional capital
839,008
834,769
827,863
Accumulated deficit
(131,714
)
(60,121
)
(118,707
)
Total stockholders equity
$
708,228
$
775,578
$
710,081
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
945,862
$
910,222
$
849,338


INCOME STATEMENT
(Dollars in thousands)
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
2016
2015
2014
Revenues
$
6,770
$
4,894
$
6,483
Impairment charge
(18,132
)
(9,500
)
-
Dividend income
16,900
125,400
15,000
General and administrative expense
(14,525
)
(12,769
)
(14,424
)
Operating income
$
(8,987
)
$
108,025
$
7,060
Interest income
$
14,559
$
10,692
$
8,944
Interest expense
(11,494
)
(11,340
)
(3,215
)
Other financial income/(expenses)
693
403
(463
)
Profit for the year
$
(5,228
)
$
107,780
$
12,326
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Profit for the year
$
(5,228
)
$
107,780
$
12,326
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
-
-
-
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
-
-
-
Total comprehensive income for the period
$
(5,228
)
$
107,780
$
12,326
Attributable to the owners
$
(5,228
)
$
107,780
$
12,326
In the condensed financial statement of parent company, the parent company’s investments in subsidiaries were recorded at cost less any impairment.  An assessment for impairment was performed when there was an indication that the investment had been impaired or the impairment losses recognized in prior years no longer existed.


CASH FLOW
(Dollars in thousands)
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
2016
2015
2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Profit for the year
$
(5,228
)
$
107,780
$
12,326
Items included in net income not affecting cash flows:
Amortization
4,982
4,571
1,246
Impairment charge
18,132
-
-
Compensation related to options and restricted stock
7,365
6,911
1,597
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses
(4,148
)
(7
)
8,703
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(148
)
(1,980
)
2,352
Amounts due to related parties
122,401
358
(1,492
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
143,357
$
117,632
$
24,731
Cash flows from Investing Activities
Investments in subsidiaries
$
(1,022
)
$
(9,486
)
$
(338,011
)
Loan to subsidiaries
(63,985
)
(47,564
)
(68,572
)
Investment in vessels
(32,219
)
(40,409
)
(137,401
)
Net cash provided by/(used) in financing activities
$
(97,227
)
$
(97,458
)
$
(543,985
)
Cash flows from Financing Activities
Issuance of stock
$
-
$
-
$
360,340
Cash dividends paid
(66,365
)
(49,194
)
(6,012
)
Purchase of treasury shares
(2,031
)
-
-
Issuance of convertible bonds
-
-
145,862
Purchase of convertible bonds
(25,334
)
-
-
Net cash provided by/(used) in financing activities
$
(93,731
)
$
(49,194
)
$
500,190
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
(47,602
)
$
(29,019
)
$
(19,063
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
53,645
82,664
101,728
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
6,043
$
53,645
$
82,664
The condensed financial information of DHT Holdings Inc. has been prepared using the same accounting policies as set out in the accompanying consolidated financial statements except that the cost method has been used to account for investments in its subsidiaries.

A reconciliation of the profit/(loss) and equity of the parent company only between cost method of accounting and equity method of accounting for investments in its subsidiaries are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
Jan. 1 - Dec. 31,
2016
2015
2014
Profit/(Loss) Reconciliation
(Loss)/profit of the parent company only under cost method off accounting
$
(5,228
)
$
107,780
$
12,326
Additional profit/(loss) if subsidiaries had been accounted for using equity method of accounting as opposed to cost method of accounting
14,467
(2,456
)
61
Profit of the parent company only under equity method of accounting
$
9,239
$
105,325
$
12,387
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31,
December 31,
2016
2015
Equity Reconciliation
Equity of the parent company only under cost method of accounting
$
708,228
$
775,578
Additional profit if subsidiaries had been accounted for using equity method of accounting as opposed to cost method of accounting
(2,588
)
(17,055
)
Equity of the parent company only under equity method of accounting
$
705,640
$
758,522



Dividends from subsidiaries are recognized when they are authorized.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, the parent company recorded dividend income from its subsidiaries of $16,900 thousand. During the year ended December 31, 2015, the parent company recorded dividend income from its subsidiaries of $125,400 thousand.  During the year ended December31, 2014, the parent company recorded dividend income from its subsidiaries of $15,000 thousand.

The credit facility for DHT Maritime, Inc., a subsidiary of the parent company, had restrictions on the ability to transfer funds to the registrants in the form of dividends of any kind.  The restricted net assets amounted to $0, $72,852 thousand and $84,437 thousand as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the parent company was a guarantor for the following credit facilities: The RBS Credit Facility, the DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility, the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, the Nordea Credit Facility, the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, the ABN Amro Credit Facility and the ABN Amro Revolving Credit Facility.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, the parent company was a guarantor for the following credit facilities: The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility, the DHT Eagle Credit Facility, the RBS Credit Facility, the DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility, the New Credit Agricole Credit Facility, the Credit Agricole Credit Facility, the Nordea Credit Facility, the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility and the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility.  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the parent company was a guarantor for the following credit facilities: The DHT Phoenix Credit Facility, the DHT Eagle Credit Facility, the RBS Credit Facility, the DHT Falcon and DHT Hawk Credit Facility, the Credit Agricole Credit Facility, the Nordea Credit Facility and the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility.  Please refer to Note 9 for further information about the parent company guarantees.

Note 17 - Events after the reporting date

Delivery of newbuilding
The VLCC newbuilding DHT Tiger was delivered from HHI on January 16, 2017.

Newbuilding contracts VLCCs
In January 2017, we entered into an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the construction of two VLCCs of 319,000 dwt scheduled for delivery in July and September 2018. The contract price for each of the newbuildings is $79.99 million, including certain additions and upgrades to the standard specification but excluding optional scrubbers.

Sale of vessels
The DHT Chris which was agreed sold in October 2016 for $23.7 million and was delivered to the Buyers on January 11, 2017.

In February 2017, we agreed to the sale of DHT Phoenix for a price $19.1 million.  The vessel is expected to be delivered to the buyers in the second quarter of 2017.  The vessel is debt free and we will record a book loss of about $3.5 million in the first quarter 2017 in connection with the sale.
Restricted Shares
For the year 2016, a total of 900,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors in January 2017, subject to vesting conditions in equal amounts on the February 4, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  On January 30, 2017, a total of 530,594 shares (including shares in lieu of dividends) related to prior awards vested and were issued to management and members of the board of directors.

Dividend
On January 30, 2017, DHT announced that it would pay a dividend of $0.08 per common share on February 22, 2017, to shareholders of record as of February 14, 2017.  This resulted in a total dividend payment of $7,570 thousand.



Approval of financial statements
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on March 15, 2017 and authorized for issue.

Financing of newbuilding VLCCs
In February 2017, we obtained a financing commitment to fund the acquisition of the two VLCC newbuildings ordered from HHI in January 2017 through a secured term credit facility (the “DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility”) that will be between and among DNB and Nordea, as lenders, two special purpose companies (direct wholly-owned subsidiaries of us, the “DNB/Nordea Borrowers”), and us, as guarantor. The DNB/Nordea Borrowers will be permitted to borrow up to $82.5 million under the DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility. The DNB/Nordea 2018 NB Credit Facility, which is divided 50/50 between a term loan and a revolving credit facility, will be for a five-year term. Borrowings will bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 250 basis points.

Unsolicited offer for all outstanding shares
In January 2017, we received a non-binding, highly conditional proposal from Frontline Ltd. to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of DHT in a stock-for-stock transaction.   Frontline proposed an exchange ratio of 0.725 of a Frontline share for each share of DHT.  In the proposal letter delivered to DHT’s Board of Directors, Frontline also disclosed that it has acquired more than 15 million shares of DHT, or approximately 16% of DHT’s outstanding common stock. In response to this proposal our board of directors adopted a shareholder rights plan (“Rights Plan”) and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT to purchase from DHT one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT at a price of $22.00 per one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement dated as of January 29, 2017 (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Rights Agreement”), between DHT and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent.  The description and terms of the Rights are set forth in the Rights Agreement. Our board of directors also unanimously rejected Frontline’s proposal citing that the proposal was wholly inadequate and not in the best interests of DHT or its shareholders.

In February 2017, we received a revised proposal from Frontline Ltd to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of DHT at an exchange ratio of 0.8 Frontline shares for each DHT share. Our board of directors unanimously rejected Frontline's revised proposal citing that it was wholly inadequate and not in the best interests of DHT or its shareholders.
F-50
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part IItem 1. Identity Of Directors, Senior Management and AdvisorsItem 2. Offer Statistics and Expected TimetableItem 3. Key InformationItem 4. Information on The CompanyItem 4A. Unresolved Staff CommentsItem 5. Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsItem 6. Directors, Senior Management and EmployeesItem 7. Major Stockholders and Related Party TransactionsItem 8. Financial InformationItem 9. The Offer and ListingItem 10. Additional InformationItem 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 12. Description Of Securities Other Than Equity SecuritiesPart IIItem 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and DelinquenciesItem 14. Material Modifications To The Rights Of Security Holders and Use Of ProceedsItem 15. Controls and ProceduresItem 16. [reserved]Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial ExpertItem 16B. Code Of EthicsItem 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and ServicesItem 16D. Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit CommitteesItem 16E. Purchases Of Equity Securities By The Issuer and Affiliated PurchasersItem 16F. Change in Registrant S Certifying AccountantItem 16G. Corporate GovernanceItem 16H. Mine Safety DisclosurePart IIIItem 17. Financial StatementsItem 18. Financial StatementsItem 19. ExhibitsNote 1 - General InformationNote 2 - Significant Accounting PrinciplesNote 3 - Segment InformationNote 4 - Charter ArrangementsNote 5 - Earnings Per Share ( Eps )Note 6 - Vessels and SubsidiariesNote 7 - Accounts Payable and Accrued ExpensesNote 8 - Financial InstrumentsNote 9 - Financial Risk Management, Objectives and PoliciesNote 10 - Stockholders Equity and Dividend PaymentNote 11 - General & Administrative ExpensesNote 12 - Related PartiesNote 13 PensionsNote 14 TaxNote 15 - Investment in Associate CompanyNote 16 - Condensed Financial Information Of Dht Holdings, Inc. (parent Company Only)Note 17 - Events After The Reporting Date