Danaos Corporation Reports Second Quarter and Half Year Results for the Period Ended June 30, 2018

ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaos Corporation ("Danaos") (NYSE: DAC), one of the world's largest independent owners of containerships, today reported unaudited results for the period ended June 30, 2018.

Highlights for the Second Quarter and Half Year Ended June 30, 2018:

• On August 10, 2018, we consummated the agreement reached with certain of our lenders on June 19, 2018 for the refinancing of approximately $2.2 billion of our debt maturing on December 31, 2018, reducing our debt by approximately $551 million, resetting financial and other covenants, modifying interest rates and amortization profiles and extending debt maturities by approximately five years to December 31, 2023. In connection with this refinancing, we issued approximately 99.3 million shares of common stock to certain of our lenders. See "Debt Refinancing".
• Adjusted net income[1] of $29.2 million, or $0.27 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $29.0 million, or $0.26 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of 0.7%. Adjusted net income¹ of $57.1 million, or $0.52 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $53.6 million, or $0.49 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of 6.5%.
• Operating revenues of $113.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $113.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, a decrease of 0.4%. Operating revenues of $225.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $224.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of 0.6%.
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $78.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $78.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of 0.3%. Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $154.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $150.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, an increase of 2.9%.
• Total contracted operating revenues were $1.6 billion as of June 30, 2018, with charters extending through 2028 and remaining average contracted charter duration of 5.3 years, weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire.
• Charter coverage of 87% for the next 12 months based on current operating revenues and 77% in terms of contracted operating days.

Danaos' CEO Dr. John Coustas commented:

"Following the successful completion of our debt re-financing, the Company's capital structure has been strengthened by a significant debt reduction of approximately $551 million, while financial covenants have been amended and the maturities have been extended by more than 5 years until the end of 2023. We are currently fully compliant with all terms of our debt agreements and the Company is now free to resume its pursuit of growth opportunities with the goal of creating value for its shareholders.

The Company continued to achieve strong financial results in the second quarter of 2018. Adjusted net income of $29.2 million for the quarter was slightly higher when compared to $29 million for the second quarter of 2017.

The charter market, showed signs of improvement in the second quarter, but has softened by about 10 - 15% on average across all segments since June.  Larger vessels have recorded slightly higher percentage reductions as they had outpaced the market average. The market is very skeptical of trade developments and the recently announced new tariffs on Chinese imports. At the same time uncertainty discourages new ordering, which is positive for the medium to long-term health of the charter market as liner companies are refraining from making substantial commitments until the outlook becomes clearer. There is interest on the new regulations and the question of scrubbers and we expect this to play out over the next few months.

We are of course largely insulated from the softening charter market since we maintain high charter contract coverage of 87% for the next 12 months based on current operating revenues and 77% in terms of contracted operating days.

Danaos continues to be a leader in the container shipping industry as a result of our intense focus on continuously enhancing our operations and leveraging technical innovation to provide the highest quality service to our customers. Our industry has undergone significant changes during the past few years, and with the improved capital structure contemplated by our comprehensive re-financing agreement, we are well positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the container sector and create value for our shareholders."

Three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017

During the three months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, Danaos had an average of 55 containerships. Our fleet utilization for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was 96.1% compared to 97.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2017. The fleet utilization excluding the off charter days of the vessels that were previously chartered to Hanjin Shipping ("Hanjin") was 98.8% in the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Our adjusted net income amounted to $29.2 million, or $0.27 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $29.0 million, or $0.26 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2017. We have adjusted our net income in the three months ended June 30, 2018 for refinancing related professional fees of $20.1 million and a non-cash amortization charge of $3.2 million for fees related to our 2011 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 $0.2 million in adjusted net income for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017 is attributable to a $1.8 million decrease in total operating expenses, a $0.5 million increase in other income and a $0.1 million operating performance improvement on equity investments, which were partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in operating revenues and a $1.8 million increase in net finance expenses.

On a non-adjusted basis, our net income amounted to $5.8 million, or $0.05 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to net income of $20.2 million, or $0.18 per share, for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues decreased by 0.4%, or $0.4 million, to $113.5 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $113.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2018 reflect:

• $3.0 million increase in revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017 due to the re-chartering of certain of our vessels at higher rates.
• $3.4 million decrease in revenues due to lower fleet utilization of our vessels in the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017 (other than three vessels previously chartered to Hanjin which were less utilized in the three months ended June 30, 2017).

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses decreased by 1.8%, or $0.5 million, to $26.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $27.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017. The average daily operating cost per vessel for vessels on time charter was $5,762 per day for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $5,734 per day for the three months ended June 30, 2017. Management believes that our daily operating cost ranks as one of the most competitive in the industry.

Depreciation & Amortization
Depreciation & Amortization includes Depreciation and Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs.

Depreciation
Depreciation expense decreased by 8.6%, or $2.5 million, to $26.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $29.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs increased by $0.7 million, to $2.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $1.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was mainly due to the increased number of vessels dry-docked over the last six months.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.5 million to $5.8 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $5.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was mainly due to increased professional fees.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses remained stable, amounting to $3.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 and in the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense increased by 7.5%, or $1.6 million, to $23.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $21.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in interest expense was mainly due to the increase in average cost of debt due to the increase in US$ Libor between the two periods, which was partially offset by a decrease in our average debt by $152.5 million, to $2,275.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018, from $2,427.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017 and a $0.3 million decrease in the amortization of deferred finance costs.

As of June 30, 2018, the debt outstanding gross of deferred finance costs was $2,293.9 million compared to $2,425.3 million as of June 30, 2017.

Interest income increased by $0.1 million to $1.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $1.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net remained stable, amounting to $1.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Equity income on investments
Equity income on investments amounted to $0.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $0.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017 and relates to the improved operating performance of Gemini Shipholdings Corporation ("Gemini"), in which the Company has a 49% shareholding interest.

Loss on derivatives
Amortization of deferred realized losses on interest rate swaps remained stable at $0.9 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Other income/(expenses), net
Other income/(expenses), net was $19.5 million in expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $5.1 million in expenses in the three months ended June 30, 2017 mainly due to a $14.9 million  increase in refinancing-related professional fees, which were partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in other income.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 0.3%, or $0.2 million, to $78.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 from $78.1 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017. As outlined above, this increase is attributable to a $0.5 million increase in other income and a $0.1 million operating performance improvement on equity investments, which were partially offset by a $0.4 million decrease in operating revenues. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2018 is adjusted for refinancing-related professional fees of $20.1 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017

During the six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, Danaos had an average of 55 containerships. Our fleet utilization for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was 95.9% compared to 95.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2017. The fleet utilization excluding the off charter days of the vessels that were previously chartered to Hanjin was 98.5% in the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Our adjusted net income amounted to $57.1 million, or $0.52 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $53.6 million, or $0.49 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2017. We have adjusted our net income in the six months ended June 30, 2018 for refinancing related professional fees of $29.7 million and a non-cash amortization charge of $6.6 million for fees related to our 2011 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 $3.5 million in adjusted net income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017 is attributable to a $5.7 million decrease in total operating expenses, a $1.3 million increase in operating revenues and a $0.8 million increase in other income, which were partially offset by a $4.1 million increase in net finance expenses and a $0.2 million decrease in the operating performance of our equity investment in Gemini.

On a non-adjusted basis, our net income amounted to $20.8 million, or $0.19 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to net income of $38.7 million, or $0.35 per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased by 0.6%, or $1.3 million, to $225.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $224.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2018 reflect:

• $6.2 million increase in revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017 due to the re-chartering of certain of our vessels at higher rates.
• $4.9 million decrease in revenues due to lower fleet utilization of our vessels in the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017 (other than three vessels previously chartered to Hanjin which were less utilized in the six months ended June 30, 2017).

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses decreased by 2.0%, or $1.1 million, to $53.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $54.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017. The average daily operating cost per vessel for vessels on time charter was $5,806 per day for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $5,745 per day for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Management believes that our daily operating cost ranks as one of the most competitive in the industry.

Depreciation & Amortization
Depreciation & Amortization includes Depreciation and Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs.

Depreciation
Depreciation expense decreased by 7.2%, or $4.2 million, to $53.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $58.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs increased by $0.9 million, to $4.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $3.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was mainly due to the increased number of vessels dry-docked over the last six months.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.5 million, to $11.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018, from $11.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.8 million, to $6.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $7.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense increased by 8.5%, or $3.6 million, to $45.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $42.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017. The increase in interest expense was mainly due to the increase in average cost of debt due to the increase in US$ Libor between the two periods, which was partially offset by a decrease in our average debt by $167.5 million, to $2,288.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018, from $2,455.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 and a $0.6 million decrease in the amortization of deferred finance costs.

As of June 30, 2018, the debt outstanding gross of deferred finance costs was $2,293.9 million compared to $2,425.3 million as of June 30, 2017.

Interest income remained stable, amounting to $2.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net decreased by $0.2 million, to $1.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $2.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017.

Equity income on investments
Equity income on investments amounted to $0.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $0.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017 and relates to the operating performance of Gemini, in which the Company has a 49% shareholding interest.

Loss on derivatives
Amortization of deferred realized losses on interest rate swaps remained stable at $1.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Other income/(expenses), net
Other income/(expenses), net was $28.9 million in expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $7.6 million in expenses in the six months ended June 30, 2017 mainly due to a $24.5 million increase in refinancing-related professional fees, which were partially offset by a $0.8 million increase in other income and a $2.4 million realized loss on sale of HMM securities in the six months ended June 30, 2017 that did not recur in the 2018 period.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.9%, or $4.3 million, to $154.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 from $150.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2017. As outlined above, this increase is mainly attributable to a $2.3 million decrease in operating expenses, a $1.3 million increase in operating revenues and a $0.8 million increase in other income, which were partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in operating performance on our equity investments. Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2018 is adjusted for refinancing-related professional fees of $29.7 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Debt Refinancing
On August 10, 2018, we consummated the agreement reached with certain of our lenders on June 19, 2018 for the refinancing of approximately $2.2 billion of our debt maturing on December 31, 2018, reducing our debt by approximately $551 million. This agreement significantly strengthened our capital structure and financial position through this significant debt reduction, resetting financial and certain other covenants in our credit facilities, modifying interest rates and amortization profiles and extending debt maturities by approximately five years to December 31, 2023. In connection with this debt refinancing, we issued 99,342,271 new shares of Danaos common stock to certain of our lenders, which represent 47.5% of our outstanding common stock after giving effect to this issuance and diluting existing shareholders ratably. For additional information regarding the debt refinancing, see the Company's Reports on Form 6-K filed with the SEC on June 25, 2018 and August 14, 2018.

Conference Call and Webcast
On Tuesday, September 25, 2018 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: 1 844 802 2437 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0800 279 9489 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2075 441 375 (Standard International Dial In). Please indicate to the operator that you wish to join the Danaos Corporation earnings call.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until October 2, 2018 by dialing 1 877 344 7529 (US Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2036 088 021 (Standard International Dial In) and using 10124356# as the access code.

Audio Webcast
There will also be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call through the Danaos website (www.danaos.com). Participants of the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

About Danaos Corporation
Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size containerships. Our current fleet of 59 containerships aggregating 351,614 TEUs, including four 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 chartered to many of the world's largest liner companies on fixed-rate 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".

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements about the expected benefits of the refinancing and other statements that are forward looking. 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. 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 effects of the refinancing transactions; Danaos' ability to achieve the expected benefits of the refinancing and comply with the terms of its new credit facilities and other agreements entered into in connection with the refinancing; 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 dry-docking, 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.

Visit our website at www.danaos.com.

Appendix

Fleet Utilization

Danaos had 84 unscheduled off-hire days in the three months ended June 30, 2018. The following table summarizes vessel utilization and the impact of the off-hire days on the Company's revenue.

Fleet List

The following table describes in detail our fleet deployment profile as of September 21, 2018:

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SOURCE Danaos Corporation