Danaos Corporation Reports Third Quarter and Nine Months Results for the Period Ended September 30, 2015
(firmenpresse) - ATHENS, GREECE -- (Marketwired) -- 11/03/15 -- Danaos Corporation ("Danaos") (NYSE: DAC), one of the world's largest independent owners of containerships, today reported unaudited results for the period ended September 30, 2015.
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(1) Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income and net income to adjusted EBITDA.
We are pleased to report yet another strong quarter with adjusted net income of $43.8 million, or 40 cents per share, representing an improvement of 143.3% compared to the adjusted net income of $18.0 million, or 16 cents per share reported for the 3rd quarter of 2014.
The main drivers of the improvement in the company's profitability between the 2 quarters were a $21.8 million decrease in net financing costs together with a $5.0 million increase in operating revenues. Our financing costs will continue to decrease and, as a result, earnings will continue to increase, as we continue to execute our comprehensive debt reduction plan and benefit from the expiration of expensive interest rate swaps over the next 2 quarters.
During the 3rd quarter of the year, the industry witnessed a deterioration in the fundamentals of the container market both in terms of freight rates and charter rates. Idle tonnage has now surpassed the 1 million TEU mark, which represents approximately 5% of the world fleet. This was mainly driven by slower than expected demand growth in Northern Europe and the emerging markets, a trend verified by downward revisions of GDP growth projections recently published by the IMF. The silver lining is that newbuilding ordering has effectively come to a halt, while we also expect to see increased scrapping activity over the next 12 months. The combination of supply moderation and the eventual resumption of stronger demand growth will drive the containership sector recovery, which we see beginning in the spring of 2016 and strengthening into 2017.
Undeniably, the current market offers many attractive opportunities to acquire assets, particularly in the second-hand market for Post Panamax vessels. During the 3rd quarter we established Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, a joint venture in which Danaos Corporation holds a 49% equity interest, to act against these opportunities. Gemini has already acquired two 5,500 vessels and one 6,500 TEU vessel all built in 2001/2002 and has recently agreed to acquire on subjects another 6,500 TEU containership built in 2002.
Our investment in Gemini allows us to resume our growth strategy as weakness in the containership market presents compelling value. It is important to stress that we are doing this without diluting our shareholders and in alignment with the interests of our largest shareholder.
Our charter coverage continues to be at a strong 95% in terms of operating revenues for the next 12 months, which insulates us from market weakness. At the same time, our $5,700 daily operating cost clearly positions us as one of the most efficient operators in the industry.
We will continue our strategy of deleveraging our balance sheet and managing our fleet efficiently. Additionally, as the market presents accretive acquisition opportunities, we will leverage the strength of our platform and our relationships in the financial community to deliver value to our shareholders.
During the three months ended September 30, 2015, Danaos had an average of 56.0 containerships compared to 54.0 containerships for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Our fleet utilization increased to 100.0% in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 99.5% in the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Our adjusted net income amounted to $43.8 million, or $0.40 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $18.0 million, or $0.16 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014. We have adjusted our net income in the three months ended September 30, 2015 for unrealized gains on derivatives of $2.6 million, as well as a non-cash expense of $4.4 million for fees related to our comprehensive financing plan (comprised of non-cash, amortizing and accrued finance fees). Please refer to the Adjusted Net Income reconciliation table, which appears later in this earnings release.
The increase of $25.8 million in adjusted net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 was mainly attributed to a reduction of $21.8 million in net finance costs mainly due to lower debt balances and interest rate swap expirations and an increase of $5.0 million in operating revenues, as described below, which were partially offset by a $1.0 million loss on equity investments.
On a non-adjusted basis, our net income amounted to $42.1 million, or $0.38 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, compared to net income of $22.4 million, or $0.20 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Operating revenues increased by 3.6%, or $5.0 million, to $144.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $139.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2015 reflect:
$3.4 million of additional revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, related to the Priority and the Performance, which were added to our fleet on November 5, 2014.
$0.3 million incremental revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, related to revenue recognition accounting of the Zim restructuring.
$1.0 million of higher revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to improved re-chartering of some of our vessels at higher rates.
$0.3 million of additional revenues due to improved fleet utilization in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Vessel operating expenses increased by 5.2%, or $1.4 million, to $28.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $26.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase is mainly attributed to incremental operating expenses of $1.1 million for the vessels Priority and the Performance which were acquired on November 5, 2014.
The average daily operating cost per vessel slightly increased to $5,669 per day for the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $5,611 per day for the three months ended September 30, 2014. Management believes that our daily operating cost ranks as one of the most competitive in the industry.
Depreciation & Amortization includes Depreciation and Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs.
Depreciation
Depreciation expense decreased by 3.5%, or $1.2 million, to $33.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $34.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014, mainly due to the lower depreciation expense on the eight 2,200 TEU vessels with respect to which we recorded an impairment charge on December 31, 2014.
Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs decreased by $0.2 million, to $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $1.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease is mainly due to the expiration of the amortization periods related to certain vessels over the last twelve months.
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.3 million, to $5.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $5.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. Effective January 1, 2015, our management fees were adjusted to a fee of $850 per day, a fee of $425 per vessel per day for vessels on bareboat charter and a fee of $850 per vessel per day for vessels on time charter.
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.
Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.1 million, to $3.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $3.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Interest expense decreased by 10.7%, or $2.1 million, to $17.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $19.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. The change in interest expense was mainly due to the decrease in our average debt by $217.4 million, to $2,875.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $3,092.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014, as well as the decrease in the cost of debt service in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014, mainly driven by the accelerated amortization of our fixed rate debt, which bears a higher cost compared to our floating rate debt.
The Company is rapidly deleveraging its balance sheet. As of September 30, 2015, the debt outstanding was $2,860.1 million compared to $3,063.2 million as of September 30, 2014.
Interest income remained stable amounting to $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 and in the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Other finance costs, net decreased by $0.4 million, to $4.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $5.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease was mainly due to the $0.3 million decrease in amortizing finance fees (which were deferred and are amortized over the term of the respective credit facilities) in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014.
Equity loss on investments of $1.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 relates to the investment in Gemini made in August 2015.
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps amounted to $2.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to a gain of $9.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. The unrealized gains were attributable to mark to market valuation of our swaps due to the discontinuation of hedge accounting since July 1, 2012, as well as reclassification of unrealized losses from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to our earnings.
Realized loss on interest rate swaps decreased by $19.6 million, to $12.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $31.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease is attributable to a $1,617.4 million lower average notional amount of swaps during the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014 as a result of swap expirations.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.6%, or $2.7 million, to $106.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2015, from $104.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014. As outlined earlier, this increase is mainly attributed to a $5.0 million increase in operating revenues partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in vessel operating expenses and $1.0 million loss on equity investments. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2015 is adjusted for unrealized gain on derivatives of $2.6 million and realized losses on derivatives of $11.1 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, Danaos had an average of 56.0 containerships compared to 56.1 containerships for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Our fleet utilization increased to 99.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 97.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Our adjusted net income amounted to $112.3 million, or $1.02 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $36.6 million, or $0.33 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. We have adjusted our net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 for unrealized gains on derivatives of $11.6 million and a non-cash expense of $13.4 million for fees related to our comprehensive financing plan (comprised of non-cash, amortizing and accrued finance fees). Please refer to the Adjusted Net Income reconciliation table, which appears later in this earnings release.
The increase of $75.7 million in adjusted net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was mainly attributed to a reduction of $58.4 million in net finance costs mainly due to lower debt balances and interest rate swap expirations, a $5.3 million improvement in total operating costs and an increase of $13.2 million in operating revenues, as described below, which were partially offset by a $1.0 million loss on equity investments.
On a non-adjusted basis our net income amounted to $110.5 million, or $1.01 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to net income of $47.5 million, or $0.43 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Operating revenues increased by 3.2%, or $13.2 million, to $424.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $411.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 reflect:
$9.0 million of additional revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, related to the Priority and the Performance, which were added to our fleet on November 5, 2014.
$4.6 million increase in revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, related to revenue recognition accounting of the Zim restructuring that became effective on July 16, 2014.
$1.0 million increase in revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 due to improved re-chartering of some of our vessels at higher rates.
$2.1 million decrease in revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, related to the Commodore, the Messologi and the Mytilini, which were generating revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and were sold within 2014.
$0.7 million of additional revenues due to improved fleet utilization in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Vessel operating expenses decreased by 1.0%, or $0.9 million, to $85.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $86.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The reduction is attributable to an improvement in the average daily operating cost per vessel between the two periods.
The average daily operating cost per vessel decreased to $5,770 per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $5,895 per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, mainly as a result of an 17.7% improvement in the average Euro to Dollar exchange rate between the two periods. Management believes that our daily operating cost ranks as one of the most competitive in the industry.
Depreciation & Amortization includes Depreciation and Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs.
Depreciation
Depreciation expense decreased by 3.8%, or $3.9 million, to $98.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 from $102.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, mainly due to the lower depreciation expense on the eight 2,200 TEU vessels with respect to which we recorded an impairment charge on December 31, 2014.
Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs decreased by $0.3 million, to $2.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $3.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The decrease is mainly due to the expiration of the amortization periods related to certain vessels during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.2 million, to $16.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $15.9 million the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Effective January 1, 2015, our management fees were adjusted to a fee of $850 per day, a fee of $425 per vessel per day for vessels on bareboat charter and a fee of $850 per vessel per day for vessels on time charter.
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.
Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.4 million, to $9.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $9.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Gain on sale of vessels was nil in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to a gain of $5.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we sold the Marathonas on February 26, 2014, the Commodore on April 25, 2014, the Duka on May 15, 2014, the Mytilini on May 15, 2014 and the Messologi on May 20, 2014. There were no vessel sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.
Interest expense decreased by 12.3%, or $7.5 million, to $53.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $61.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The change in interest expense was mainly due to the decrease in our average debt by $219.7 million, to $2,926.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $3,145.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as well as the decrease in the cost of debt servicing in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014, mainly driven by the accelerated amortization of our fixed rate debt, which bears a higher cost compared to our floating rate debt.
The Company is rapidly deleveraging its balance sheet. As of September 30, 2015, the debt outstanding was $2,860.1 million compared to $3,063.2 million as of September 30, 2014.
Interest income amounted to $2.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $0.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This increase is attributed to the interest income related to the Zim restructuring that became effective on July 16, 2014.
Other finance costs, net, decreased by $0.7 million, to $14.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $14.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease was due to the $0.6 million decrease in amortizing finance fees (which were deferred and are amortized over the term of the respective credit facilities) in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
Equity loss on investments of $1.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 relates to the investment in Gemini made in August 2015.
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps amounted to $11.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to a gain of $19.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The unrealized gains were attributable to mark to market valuation of our swaps due to the discontinuation of hedge accounting since July 1, 2012, as well as reclassification of unrealized losses from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to our earnings.
Realized loss on interest rate swaps decreased by $49.3 million, to $47.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $97.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease is attributable to $1,373.8 million lower average notional amount of swaps during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as a result of swap expirations.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4.4%, or $13.1 million, to $312.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $299.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2014. As outlined earlier this increase is mainly attributed to a $13.2 million increase in operating revenues. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is adjusted for unrealized gain on derivatives of $11.6 million and realized losses on derivatives of $44.8 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.
Gemini, in which Danaos holds a 49% equity interest, has agreed to acquire on subjects a 6,422 TEU vessel built in 2002, which is expected to be delivered in February 2016.
On Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 9:00 A.M. ET, the Company's management will host a conference call to discuss the results.
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1 866 652 5200 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0800 279 9489 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2075 441 375 (Standard International Dial In). Please quote "Danaos Corporation" to the operator.
A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until November 16, 2015 by dialing 1 877 344 7529 (US Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 036 088 021 (Standard International Dial In). Access Code: 10074737#.
There will also be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call through the Danaos website (). Participants of the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.
Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size containerships. Our current fleet of 59 containerships aggregating 351,815 TEUs, including three vessels owned by Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, a joint venture, ranks Danaos among the largest containership charter owners in the world based on total TEU capacity. Our fleet is predominantly chartered to many of the world's largest liner companies on fixed-rate, long-term charters. Our long track record of success is predicated on our efficient and rigorous operational standards and environmental controls. Danaos Corporation's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DAC".
Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safeharbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although Danaos Corporation believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, Danaos Corporation cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, charter counterparty performance, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydocking, changes in Danaos Corporation's operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in our financing arrangements, actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents and political events or acts by terrorists.
Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by Danaos Corporation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Danaos had 2 unscheduled off-hire days in the three months ended September 30, 2015. The following table summarizes vessel utilization and the impact of the off-hire days on the Company's revenue.
The following table describes in detail our fleet deployment profile as of November 3, 2015:
* The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures used in managing the business may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures can provide additional meaningful reflection of underlying trends of the business because they provide a comparison of historical information that excludes certain items that impact the overall comparability. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company's performance. See the Table above for supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Note: Items to consider for comparability include gains and charges. Gains positively impacting net income are reflected as deductions to net income. Charges negatively impacting net income are reflected as increases to net income.
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures used in managing the business may provide users of these financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures can provide additional meaningful reflection of underlying trends of the business because they provide a comparison of historical information that excludes certain items that impact the overall comparability. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company's performance. See the Tables above for supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.
For further information please contact:
Company Contact:
Chief Financial Officer
Danaos Corporation
Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 419 6480
E-Mail:
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Danaos Corporation
Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 419 6400
E-Mail:
Rose & Company
New York
Tel. 212-359-2228
E-Mail:
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Datum: 03.11.2015 - 21:15 Uhr
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