SFL Corporation Ltd. (NYSE: SFL) saw its stock price surge 6.95% in pre-market trading on Tuesday, following the release of its third-quarter 2025 financial results that surpassed analyst expectations. The company's strong performance and maintenance of its dividend policy have boosted investor confidence in the maritime infrastructure firm.

SFL reported a net income of $8.6 million, or $0.07 per share, for Q3 2025, significantly beating the analyst consensus estimate of a $0.09 loss per share. The company's total operating revenue came in at $178.2 million, slightly above the analyst consensus of $176.8 million. Additionally, SFL declared its 87th consecutive quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, maintaining its track record of consistent shareholder returns.

Investors were particularly encouraged by SFL's strategic initiatives and positive outlook. The company highlighted its focus on fleet optimization, having invested nearly $100 million in fuel efficiency and cargo optimization upgrades. These investments have contributed to adding approximately $1.2 billion to SFL's fixed-rate charter backlog, which now stands at about $4 billion. CEO Ole B. Hjertaker expressed optimism about the company's future, citing strong cash-flow visibility and a disciplined approach to capital allocation. With its diverse fleet of vessels on long-term charters and ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, SFL appears well-positioned to continue delivering value to its shareholders in the challenging maritime sector.