DHT Holdings faces challenges amid shipping corridor control in Strait of Hormuz
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 02 2026
0mins
Should l Buy DHT?
Source: CNBC
DHT Holdings Inc's stock price fell 5.08% and hit a 5-day low amid significant market declines, with the Nasdaq-100 down 1.09% and the S&P 500 down 0.80%.
The recent establishment of a toll corridor by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz has led to a severe energy supply shock, causing a 90% drop in shipping traffic. This situation has created uncertainty in international shipping, impacting companies like DHT Holdings that rely on maritime transport for their operations.
The implications of these developments could lead to increased operational costs and logistical challenges for DHT Holdings, as the new toll system may affect shipping routes and overall supply chain efficiency.
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Analyst Views on DHT
Wall Street analysts forecast DHT stock price to fall
2 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 18.320
Low
14.30
Averages
16.15
High
18.00
Current: 18.320
Low
14.30
Averages
16.15
High
18.00
About DHT
DHT Holdings, Inc. is an independent crude oil tanker company. Its primary business is operating a fleet of crude oil tankers, with a secondary activity of providing technical management services. Its fleet trades internationally and consists of crude oil tankers in the Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) segment. The Company operates its vessels through its subsidiary management companies in Monaco, Norway, Singapore, and India. Its principal activity is the ownership and operation of a fleet of crude oil carriers. Its fleet consisted of approximately 23 VLCC crude oil tankers. The fleet operates globally on international routes. The Company's fleet comprises DHT Addax, DHT Antelope, DHT Gazelle, DHT Impala, DHT Appaloosa, DHT Mustang, DHT Bronco, DHT Colt, DHT Stallion, DHT Tiger, DHT Puma, DHT Panther, DHT Osprey, DHT Leopard, DHT Jaguar, DHT Taiga, DHT Sundarbans, and DHT Scandinavia, among others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
DHT Holdings Estimates Q1 2026 Earnings at $78,800 Daily
- Earnings Forecast: DHT Holdings estimates its time charter equivalent earnings for Q1 2026 at $78,800 per day, with very large crude carriers (VLCCs) commanding $91,700 per day in the spot market, indicating robust market demand.
- Spot Market Performance: The estimated daily earnings for DHT's VLCCs operating in the spot market, adjusted for IFRS 15, stand at $106,000, reflecting a significant enhancement in the company's profitability amid high demand conditions.
- Booking Status: As of Q2 2026, approximately 49% of available spot days have been booked at an average rate of $189,500 per day, showcasing the company's strong performance and sustained customer demand in the market.
- Overall Revenue Situation: Including both spot and time-charter days, DHT has booked 71% of available revenue days at an average rate of $115,400 per day, further solidifying its competitive position within the industry.
See More
DHT Holdings Q1 2026 Business Update Highlights
- TCE Earnings Estimate: DHT Holdings estimates its time charter equivalent (TCE) earnings for Q1 2026 at $78,800 per day, with VLCCs in the spot market earning $91,700 per day and those on time charter at $61,300 per day, indicating stable performance in a fluctuating market.
- Spot Market Performance: The estimated TCE earnings for VLCCs operating in the spot market, adjusted for IFRS 15, reached $106,000 per day in Q1 2026, reflecting significant profitability in a high-demand environment and enhancing the company's competitive edge.
- Second Quarter Booking Status: So far in Q2 2026, approximately 49% of available spot days have been booked at an average rate of $189,500 per day, demonstrating strong demand and pricing power, which is expected to further drive revenue growth.
- Overall Revenue Booking: DHT has booked 71% of available revenue days, including both spot and time-charter days, at an average rate of $115,400 per day, establishing a solid foundation for the company's future financial performance.
See More
David Einhorn Emphasizes Capital Protection Amid Market Rally
- Capital Protection Priority: David Einhorn emphasized in his latest investor letter that despite the market rally driven by geopolitical optimism, capital preservation remains his top priority, warning that investors may be underestimating potential downside risks.
- Market Rebound Overview: The S&P 500 has fully erased losses incurred since the onset of the Iran war, and despite the breakdown of U.S.-Iran negotiations, investors remain optimistic about a potential deal, fueling continued market gains.
- Fund Performance Insight: Greenlight Capital reported a 6.5% return in Q1, outperforming the S&P 500's 4.4% decline, yet Einhorn noted the firm maintains relatively low gross and net exposure, reflecting caution regarding valuations and the broader macroeconomic backdrop.
- Investment Strategy Adjustments: Einhorn mentioned that Greenlight had already been operating with low exposure at the conflict's onset and added a long position in October oil futures, although this investment has only seen modest gains as the market largely expects any supply disruptions to be temporary.
See More
Oil Tanker Transit Halted in Strait of Hormuz Amid Israeli Attacks
- Transit Disruption: Oil tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz has been halted due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, potentially jeopardizing the stability of the ceasefire agreement and creating uncertainty for shipping companies.
- Limited Resumption: Following President Trump's announcement of a temporary ceasefire, limited ship movement has resumed in the strait, with Fars reporting that two tankers were granted safe passage, indicating a delicate shift in the situation.
- Market Reaction: Despite the tense situation, energy-related shipping shares have generally risen, with DHT Holdings up 3.5% and Frontline up 3.3%, reflecting market optimism regarding future oil tanker transportation.
- Risk Assessment: Analyst Fredrik Dybwad noted that if transit becomes possible in the coming two weeks, there may be a prioritization of clearing trapped tankers, posing a risk to tanker rates, but increased demand could also drive rates higher.
See More
Iran Establishes Toll Corridor in Strait of Hormuz Amid Shipping Crisis
- Shipping Corridor Control: Iran has established a de facto safe shipping corridor near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a 90% drop in traffic since February 28, which has caused one of the most severe energy supply shocks globally.
- Toll System Implementation: The Iranian parliament passed a bill to impose fees on vessels transiting the strait, a move that, despite international legal disputes, would institutionalize Tehran's financial control over this critical waterway.
- Selective Passage: All 57 transits recorded since March 13 have taken the Larak detour, indicating strict vetting by the IRGC, which prioritizes vessels from countries with friendly relations, thereby increasing uncertainty in international shipping.
- International Response: While Iran claims the right to charge transit fees, legal experts argue that such unilateral measures may face strong diplomatic and legal challenges under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
See More
DHT Holdings Announces Delivery of Two New Vessels
- Fleet Modernization: DHT Holdings has announced the delivery of the DHT Gazelle, a VLCC newbuilding from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, marking a continued effort in its fleet modernization program that is expected to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
- Long-Term Charter Agreement: The DHT Gazelle will commence a five- to seven-year time charter with a major oil company, providing a stable revenue stream that strengthens the company's competitive position in the market.
- Delivery Schedule Update: DHT also confirmed the delivery of the DHT China, built in 2007, with the final newbuilding expected in June 2026, further optimizing the company's fleet structure and operational capabilities.
- Financial Robustness: All newbuildings are fully funded, enhancing the company's earnings power and service offerings, reflecting DHT's prudent capital allocation and operational management strategies.
See More
DHT Holdings Estimates Q1 2026 Earnings at $78,800 Daily
- Earnings Forecast: DHT Holdings estimates its time charter equivalent earnings for Q1 2026 at $78,800 per day, with very large crude carriers (VLCCs) commanding $91,700 per day in the spot market, indicating robust market demand.
- Spot Market Performance: The estimated daily earnings for DHT's VLCCs operating in the spot market, adjusted for IFRS 15, stand at $106,000, reflecting a significant enhancement in the company's profitability amid high demand conditions.
- Booking Status: As of Q2 2026, approximately 49% of available spot days have been booked at an average rate of $189,500 per day, showcasing the company's strong performance and sustained customer demand in the market.
- Overall Revenue Situation: Including both spot and time-charter days, DHT has booked 71% of available revenue days at an average rate of $115,400 per day, further solidifying its competitive position within the industry.
See More
DHT Holdings Q1 2026 Business Update Highlights
- TCE Earnings Estimate: DHT Holdings estimates its time charter equivalent (TCE) earnings for Q1 2026 at $78,800 per day, with VLCCs in the spot market earning $91,700 per day and those on time charter at $61,300 per day, indicating stable performance in a fluctuating market.
- Spot Market Performance: The estimated TCE earnings for VLCCs operating in the spot market, adjusted for IFRS 15, reached $106,000 per day in Q1 2026, reflecting significant profitability in a high-demand environment and enhancing the company's competitive edge.
- Second Quarter Booking Status: So far in Q2 2026, approximately 49% of available spot days have been booked at an average rate of $189,500 per day, demonstrating strong demand and pricing power, which is expected to further drive revenue growth.
- Overall Revenue Booking: DHT has booked 71% of available revenue days, including both spot and time-charter days, at an average rate of $115,400 per day, establishing a solid foundation for the company's future financial performance.
See More
David Einhorn Emphasizes Capital Protection Amid Market Rally
- Capital Protection Priority: David Einhorn emphasized in his latest investor letter that despite the market rally driven by geopolitical optimism, capital preservation remains his top priority, warning that investors may be underestimating potential downside risks.
- Market Rebound Overview: The S&P 500 has fully erased losses incurred since the onset of the Iran war, and despite the breakdown of U.S.-Iran negotiations, investors remain optimistic about a potential deal, fueling continued market gains.
- Fund Performance Insight: Greenlight Capital reported a 6.5% return in Q1, outperforming the S&P 500's 4.4% decline, yet Einhorn noted the firm maintains relatively low gross and net exposure, reflecting caution regarding valuations and the broader macroeconomic backdrop.
- Investment Strategy Adjustments: Einhorn mentioned that Greenlight had already been operating with low exposure at the conflict's onset and added a long position in October oil futures, although this investment has only seen modest gains as the market largely expects any supply disruptions to be temporary.
See More
Oil Tanker Transit Halted in Strait of Hormuz Amid Israeli Attacks
- Transit Disruption: Oil tanker transit through the Strait of Hormuz has been halted due to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, potentially jeopardizing the stability of the ceasefire agreement and creating uncertainty for shipping companies.
- Limited Resumption: Following President Trump's announcement of a temporary ceasefire, limited ship movement has resumed in the strait, with Fars reporting that two tankers were granted safe passage, indicating a delicate shift in the situation.
- Market Reaction: Despite the tense situation, energy-related shipping shares have generally risen, with DHT Holdings up 3.5% and Frontline up 3.3%, reflecting market optimism regarding future oil tanker transportation.
- Risk Assessment: Analyst Fredrik Dybwad noted that if transit becomes possible in the coming two weeks, there may be a prioritization of clearing trapped tankers, posing a risk to tanker rates, but increased demand could also drive rates higher.
See More
Iran Establishes Toll Corridor in Strait of Hormuz Amid Shipping Crisis
- Shipping Corridor Control: Iran has established a de facto safe shipping corridor near Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a 90% drop in traffic since February 28, which has caused one of the most severe energy supply shocks globally.
- Toll System Implementation: The Iranian parliament passed a bill to impose fees on vessels transiting the strait, a move that, despite international legal disputes, would institutionalize Tehran's financial control over this critical waterway.
- Selective Passage: All 57 transits recorded since March 13 have taken the Larak detour, indicating strict vetting by the IRGC, which prioritizes vessels from countries with friendly relations, thereby increasing uncertainty in international shipping.
- International Response: While Iran claims the right to charge transit fees, legal experts argue that such unilateral measures may face strong diplomatic and legal challenges under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
See More
DHT Holdings Announces Delivery of Two New Vessels
- Fleet Modernization: DHT Holdings has announced the delivery of the DHT Gazelle, a VLCC newbuilding from Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries, marking a continued effort in its fleet modernization program that is expected to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.
- Long-Term Charter Agreement: The DHT Gazelle will commence a five- to seven-year time charter with a major oil company, providing a stable revenue stream that strengthens the company's competitive position in the market.
- Delivery Schedule Update: DHT also confirmed the delivery of the DHT China, built in 2007, with the final newbuilding expected in June 2026, further optimizing the company's fleet structure and operational capabilities.
- Financial Robustness: All newbuildings are fully funded, enhancing the company's earnings power and service offerings, reflecting DHT's prudent capital allocation and operational management strategies.
See More
