Seaspan reports financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016
Seaspan Corporation has announced its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Revenue edged up thanks to new additions to its fleet, including the delivery of one newbuild vessel during the quarter.
GAAP earnings plunged into the red with the company reporting a loss of $184 million, or $1.86 per share, as a result of $202.9 million in non-cash impairment charges it took after writing down the value of some of its smaller vessels.
It has raised over $1.5 billion from capital markets, sale-leaseback, and other financing transactions during the first nine months of 2016.
The company has achieved 8.9% reduction in ship operating expense per ownership day during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same quarter in the prior year, primarily due to a continued focus on cost management initiatives.
Summary of Key Highlights:
Raised over $1.5 billion from capital markets, sale-leaseback, and other financing transactions during the first nine months of 2016.
Achieved 8.9% reduction in ship operating expense per ownership day during the quarter ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same quarter in the prior year, primarily due to a continued focus on cost management initiatives.
Achieved vessel utilization of 95.6% and 97.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, or 95.9% and 97.5% if the impact of scheduled offhire days is excluded.
Accepted delivery of one vessel on a five-year time charter to Maersk Line A/S ("Maersk") during the third quarter, bringing Seaspan's operating fleet to a total of 89 vessels at September 30, 2016.
Paid $8.4 million of quarterly dividends to preferred shareholders of record as of July 29, 2016.
Paid a quarterly dividend for the 2016 second quarter of $0.375 per Class A common share to all shareholders of record as of July 20, 2016.
Gerry Wang, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chairman and Co-Founder of Seaspan, commented, "We continued to enhance our liquidity position and fund our newbuild program by accessing over $400 million in capital during the third quarter, bringing total capital raised year-to-date to over $1.5 billion. Our continued ability to access diverse sources of capital on attractive terms, from multiple markets and geographies, is one of the key factors that differentiates us from competitors."
Mr. Wang added, "During the third quarter, we continued to modernize our fleet with the delivery of our eleventh 10000 TEU SAVER containership, which commenced a five-year fixed-rate time charter with Maersk Line. This represents the fifth newbuilding vessel that has been delivered to Seaspan this year. We are also very pleased with the success of our cost control measures that resulted in a decline in our ship operating expenses while our fleet ownership days continued to increase."
Mr. Wang concluded, "Seaspan has grown through periods of adversity to become the world's largest independent containership owner and lessor. With future contracted revenue of over $5 billion and over $500 million in liquidity, we believe that Seaspan is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities that may arise due to industry challenges. Consistent with our past success, we intend to remain disciplined in pursuing opportunities with a focus on creating long-term value."
