Star Bulk Carriers Corp. Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter and First Half of 2017
(firmenpresse) - ATHENS, GREECE -- (Marketwired) -- 08/08/17 -- Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the "Company" or "Star Bulk") (NASDAQ: SBLK), a global shipping company focusing on the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, today announced its unaudited financial and operating results for the second quarter and the first half of 2017.
"Star Bulk announced today its second quarter 2017 financial results, reporting $62.0 million in Net TCE Revenues, $14.2 million in operating cash flow and $11.5 million in free cash flow, contributing to our $245 million liquidity position.
Our average TCE per vessel was $9,746/day, while our average utilization was 99.1%. Given our Q2 2017 average OPEX and net cash G&A expenses per vessel, of $3,880/day and $1,117/day respectively, we have an Adjusted EBITDA of $25.7 million, compared to an Adjusted EBITDA figure of $1.6 million in Q2 2016. This marks the fifth consecutive increase in our quarterly Adjusted EBITDA since the first quarter of 2016 when the dry bulk market troughed.
We remain committed to exceeding our customers'' expectations through our high quality and safety standards, as evidenced by our continued presence among the top 5 dry bulk operators in Rightship vessel condition ratings.
We are pleased to announce that in July we have taken delivery of the M/V Diva, a 2011 built Supramax vessel, which was acquired at an attractive price in June of 2017.
On the financing front, we have drawn down the full facility amount to partially finance the acquisition of the 2 modern Kamsarmaxes acquired in early March of 2017, which along with the successful refinancing in full of one of our bank facilities, demonstrates the solid support from the company''s lenders and enhances our financial flexibility going forward."
On July 24th, 2017, we took delivery of M/V Diva, a Supramax vessel with carrying capacity of 56,582 deadweight tons, built at Jiangsu Hantong Ship Heavy Industry co Ltd China in 2011.
The two tranches mature in June and July 2022, respectively.
On August 8th, 2017, we paid an amount of $3.6 million to all parties under our Restructuring Agreements (as defined in our annual report), representing the 20% of the equity used for the acquisition of Star Charis, Star Suzanna and Diva.
During the second quarter and until August 2017 we concluded the following medium to long term charter arrangements:
Star Renee, a 82,221 dwt Kamsarmax vessel at a gross rate of $10,000/day for a period of approximately 4 to 7 months, commencing from May 2017.
Star Helena, a 82,187 dwt Kamsarmax vessel at a gross rate of $10,800/day for a period of approximately 7 to 10 months, commencing from August 2017.
Star Emily, a 76,417 dwt Panamax vessel at a gross rate of $9,000/day for a period of approximately 5 to 8 months, commencing from July 2017.
Kaley, a 63,283 dwt Ultramax vessel, at a gross rate of $12,000/day for a period of approximately 3 to 5 months, commencing from June 2017.
Mackenzie, a 63,266 dwt Ultramax vessel, at a gross rate of $10,100/day for a period of approximately 6 to 8 months, commencing from July 2017.
Wolverine, a 61,292 dwt Ultramax vessel at a gross rate of $10,600/day for a period of approximately 8 to 11 months, commencing from August 2017.
Star Gamma, a 53,098 dwt Supramax vessel at a gross rate of $9,800/day for a period of approximately 3 to 5 months, commencing from July 2017.
Strange Attractor, a 55,742 dwt Supramax vessel, at a gross rate of $9,700/day for a period of approximately 7 to 9 months, commencing from July 2017.
(1) Subject to a bareboat charter accounted for as a capital lease.
(1) Subject to a bareboat charter that will be accounted for as a capital lease.
(*) Amounts relating to variations in period - on - period comparisons shown in this section are derived from the actual numbers in our books and records.
For the second quarter of 2017, total net voyage revenues were $62.0 million, compared to $34.9 million for the second quarter of 2016. This increase was primarily driven by the increase in charterhire rates during the second quarter of 2017, which led to a TCE rate of $9,746 compared to a TCE rate of $5,609 for the second quarter of 2016, representing a 74% increase, while the average number of vessels in our fleet during the second quarter of 2017 of 69.5 was slightly lower compared to 70.0 during the second quarter of 2016. We refer you to footnote 7 under the heading "Summary of Selected Data" set forth below for information regarding our calculation of TCE rates.
For the second quarter of 2017, operating income was $2.0 million, which includes depreciation of $20.7 million. Operating loss of $20.9 million for the second quarter of 2016 includes depreciation of $20.3 million, a non-cash impairment loss of $0.3 million and a net loss on sale of vessels of $0.2 million.
Net loss for the second quarter of 2017 was $10.3 million, or $0.16 loss per share, basic and diluted, calculated based on 63,336,657 weighted average basic and diluted shares. Net loss for the second quarter of 2016 was $32.9 million, or $0.75 loss per share, basic and diluted, calculated based on 43,938,755 weighted average basic and diluted shares.
Net loss for the second quarter of 2017, mainly included the following non-cash items, other than depreciation expense:
Stock based compensation expense of $3.7 million, or $0.06 per share, basic and diluted, recognized in connection with common shares granted to our directors and employees;
Unrealized gain on forward freight agreements of $0.7 million, or $0.01 per share, basic and diluted; and
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps of $0.4 million or $0.006 per share, basic and diluted.
Net loss for the second quarter of 2016, mainly included the following non-cash items, other than depreciation expense:
Stock based compensation expense of $1.7 million, or $0.04 per share, basic and diluted, recognized in connection with common shares granted to our directors and employees;
Impairment loss of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per share, basic and diluted, mainly relating to the write-off of capitalized items for two newbuilding vessel contracts cancelled during the first quarter 2016; and
Write-off of unamortized deferred finance charges of $0.6 million or $0.01 per share, basic and diluted relating to: (i) the mandatory prepayment of outstanding debt due to the sale of the corresponding mortgaged vessel and (ii) the cancellation of a loan commitment resulting from the sale of one newbuilding vessel upon its delivery from the shipyard.
A reconciliation of Net income / (loss) to Adjusted Net income/ (loss) and Adjusted earnings / (loss) per share basic and diluted is set forth below in the financial tables contained in this release.
A reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities is set forth below in the financial tables contained in this release.
For the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, vessel operating expenses were $25.1 million and $24.5 million, respectively. Vessel operating expenses for the respective quarters include one-time pre-delivery and pre-joining expenses of $0.6 million and $0.3 million, respectively, which we incurred in connection with the delivery of new vessels to our fleet during each period.
Dry docking expenses for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016 were $1.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively. During the second quarter of 2017, three vessels underwent their periodic dry docking surveys, one of which had started during the first quarter of 2017. During the second quarter of 2016, only one vessel underwent its periodic dry docking survey.
General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016 were $9.3 million and $7.1 million, respectively. These expenses for the second quarter of 2017 include stock based compensation expense of $3.7 million and legal fees of $0.4 million incurred in connection with the restructuring of our indebtedness. During the same quarter of 2016, general and administrative expenses included stock based compensation expense of $1.7 million. Excluding the above mentioned expenses,
Interest and finance costs for the second quarter of 2017 and 2016 were $12.6 million and $10.2 million, respectively. The increase is attributable to: (i) the increase in LIBOR between the corresponding periods, (ii) the increase in the weighted average balance of our outstanding indebtedness to $1,038.4 million during the second quarter of 2017 compared to $959.9 million for the same period in 2016, and (iii) the decrease of interest capitalized from general debt in connection with the payments made for our newbuilding vessels to $0.6 million from $0.9 million, respectively, which is recognized as credit in the interest and finance costs.
During the second quarter of 2017 and 2016, we recorded a loss on derivative financial instruments of $0.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in connection with our interest rate swaps that did not qualify for hedge accounting. The decrease in the aforementioned loss is attributable to the increased LIBOR.
(*) Amounts relating to variations in period - on - period comparisons shown in this section are derived from the actual numbers in our books and records.
For the first half of 2017, total net voyage revenues were $111.8 million, compared to $61.6 million for the first half of 2016. The increase in net voyage revenues was driven by the increase in charter hire rates during the corresponding periods. This increase led to a TCE rate of $8,977 for the first half of 2017, compared to a TCE rate of $4,971 for same period in 2016, representing an 81% increase. We refer you to footnote 7 under the heading "Summary of Selected Data" set forth below for information regarding our calculation of TCE rates.
For the first half of 2017, operating loss was $3.3 million, which includes depreciation of $40.4 million and a net loss on sale of vessels of $0.4 million. Operating loss of $55.7 million for the first half of 2016 includes depreciation of $40.8 million and a non-cash impairment loss of $6.7 million.
Net loss for the first half of 2017 was $26.2 million, or $0.42 loss per share, basic and diluted, calculated based on 62,188,645 weighted average basic and diluted shares. Net loss for the first half of 2016 was $81.7 million, or $1.86 loss per share, basic and diluted, calculated based on 43,880,713 weighted average basic and diluted shares.
Net loss for the first half of 2017, mainly included the following non-cash items, other than depreciation expense:
Stock based compensation expense of $6.4 million, or $0.10 per share, basic and diluted, recognized in connection with common shares granted to our directors and employees;
Loss on sale of vessel of $0.4 million, or $0.01 per share, basic and diluted, in connection with the sale of Star Eleonora in March 2017;
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps of $1.4 million or $0.02 per share, basic and diluted; and
Write-off of unamortized deferred finance charges of $0.4 million or $0.01 per share, basic and diluted, in connection with the cancellation of a previous loan commitment.
Net loss for the first half of 2016, mainly included the following non-cash items, other than depreciation expense:
Stock based compensation expense of $2.3 million, or $0.05 per share, basic and diluted, recognized in connection with common shares granted to our directors and employees;
Impairment loss of $6.7 million, or $0.15 per share, basic and diluted, relating to (i) the sale of an operating vessel (Star Michele) and (ii) the write-off of capitalized items for two newbuilding vessel contracts cancelled during the first quarter 2016;
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps of $2.3 million or $0.05 per share, basic and diluted; and
Write-off of unamortized deferred finance charges of $1.8 million or $0.04 per share, basic and diluted, in connection with: (i) the mandatory prepayment of outstanding amounts under several loans due to the sale of the corresponding mortgaged vessels and (ii) the cancellation of certain loan commitments resulting from (a) the sale of certain newbuilding vessels upon their delivery from the shipyards and (b) the termination of two newbuilding contracts.
A reconciliation of Net income / (loss) to Adjusted Net income/ (loss) and Adjusted earnings / (loss) per share basic and diluted is set forth below in the financial tables contained in this release.
A reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities is set forth below in the financial tables contained in this release.
For the first half of 2017 and 2016, vessel operating expenses totalled $49.6 million and $49.4 million, respectively. Vessel operating expenses for the respective periods include one-time pre-delivery and pre-joining expenses of $1.1 million and $1.7 million, respectively, which we incurred in connection with the delivery of the new vessels in our fleet during each period. Excluding these amounts, our average daily operating expenses per vessel for the first half of 2017 and 2016 were $3,914 and $3,692, respectively.
Dry docking expenses for the first half of 2017 and 2016 were $3.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively. During the first half of 2017, four vessels underwent their periodic dry docking surveys, three of which were completed during this period. During the first half of 2016, three vessels completed their respective dry docking surveys, two of which started in December 2015.
General and administrative expenses for the first half of 2017 and 2016 were $17.3 million and $13.3 million, respectively. These expenses for the first half of 2017 include stock based compensation expense of $6.4 million and legal fees of $0.7 million, incurred in connection with the restructuring of our indebtedness. During the first half of 2016, general and administrative expenses included stock based compensation expense of $2.3 million and professional advisory services of $0.3 million that were not part of our ordinary course of business.
During the first half of 2017, we recognized other operational gain of $2.5 million mainly resulting from the settlement proceeds of a commercial dispute.
Interest and finance costs for the first half of 2017 and 2016 were $23.8 million and $19.7 million, respectively. The increase is attributable to: (i) the increase in LIBOR between the corresponding periods, (ii) the increase in the weighted average balance of our outstanding indebtedness to $1,007.5 million during the first half of 2017 compared to $985.0 million for the same period in 2016, and (iii) the decrease of interest capitalized from general debt in connection with the payments made for our newbuilding vessels to $1.3 million from $2.6 million, respectively, which is recognized as credit in the interest and finance costs.
During the first half of 2017, we recorded a gain on derivative financial instruments of $0.1 million, while during the first half of 2016 we recorded a loss on derivative financial instruments of $4.7 million in connection with our interest rate swaps that did not qualify for hedge accounting. The reversal of the aforementioned loss is attributable to the increased LIBOR.
The positive change is due to: (i) the general positive growth across the majority of our operational metrics as described above, which is reflected in the positive Adjusted EBITDA of $43.8 million for the first half of 2017 compared to negative Adjusted EBITDA of $5.7 million for the corresponding period in 2016, and (ii) a working capital outflow of $1.5 million during the first half of 2017 compared to $9.6 million working capital outflow for the first half of 2016. The increase was partially offset by higher interest expense for the first half of 2017 compared to the first half of 2016.
respectively.
For the first half of 2017, net cash used in investing activities consisted of:
$116.7 million paid for advances and other capitalized expenses for our newbuilding and newly delivered vessels; and
a net increase of $6.8 million in restricted cash, as required under our loan agreements and sale proceeds received and held for the loan prepayment of the sold vessel;
offset partially by:
$7.7 million of proceeds from the sale of Star Eleonora.
For the first half of 2016, net cash used in investing activities consisted of:
$388.7 million paid for advances and other capitalized expenses for our newbuilding and newly delivered vessels;
offset partially by:
$142.6 million of proceeds from the sale of vessels;
$220.3 million of proceeds from the sale of certain newbuilding vessels, which were sold upon their delivery from the shipyard;
$1.1 million of hull and machinery insurance proceeds; and
a net decrease of $0.1 million in restricted cash required under our loan agreements.
, respectively.
For the first half of 2017, net cash provided by financing activities consisted of:
$79.9 million increase in capital lease obligations, relating to two delivered newbuilding vessels, under bareboat charters;
$16.0 million of proceeds drawn under the loan facility for the financing of Star Charis and Star Suzanna, which were delivered during the period; and
$50.6 million of proceeds from a private placement of our common shares, which was completed in February 2017, which is net of aggregate private placement agent''s fees and expenses of $0.9 million;
offset partially by:
$5.2 million paid in aggregate in connection with the capital lease installments and the partial prepayment of a loan facility due to the sale of Star Eleonora; and
$0.7 million of financing fees, paid in connection with the restructuring of our indebtedness.
For the first half of 2016, net cash used in financing activities consisted of:
$158.7 million paid in aggregate in connection with the regular amortization of outstanding vessel financings, capital lease installments and mandatory prepayment of several loan facilities due to the sale of corresponding mortgaged vessels;
offset partially by:
an aggregate of $65.4 million proceeds from loan facilities for the financing of delivery installments for four of our newbuilding vessels delivered during this period; and
$86.4 million increase in capital lease obligations, relating to two delivered newbuilding vessels under bareboat charters.
Summary of Selected Data
(1) Average number of vessels is the number of vessels that constituted our operating fleet for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of days each operating vessel was a part of our operating fleet during the period divided by the number of calendar days in that period.
(2) As of the last day of the periods reported.
(3) Average age of operational fleet is calculated as of the end of each period.
(4) Ownership days are the total calendar days each vessel in the fleet was owned by us for the relevant period.
(5) Available days for the fleet are the ownership and charter-in days after subtracting off-hire days for major repairs, dry docking or special or intermediate surveys and lay-up days, if any.
(6) Fleet utilization is calculated by dividing available days by ownership days plus charter-in days for the relevant period.
(7) Represents the weighted average daily TCE rates of our entire fleet. TCE rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel on a per voyage basis. Our method of calculating TCE rate is determined by dividing voyage revenues (net of voyage expenses and amortization of fair value of above/below market acquired time charter agreements) by available days for the relevant time period. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by the charterer under a time charter contract, as well as commissions. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company''s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., voyage charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under its vessels may be employed between the periods. We included TCE revenues, a non-GAAP measure, as it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with voyage revenues, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, and it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our operating vessels and in evaluating our financial performance.
(8) Average daily OPEX per vessel is calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses by ownership days.
We consider EBITDA to represent net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income or cash flow from operations, as determined by United States generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. EBITDA is included herein because it is a basis upon which we assess our liquidity position, because it is a measure used by our lenders as a measure of our compliance with certain loan covenants and because we believe that it presents useful information to investors regarding our ability to service and/or incur indebtedness.
We excluded certain gains/losses such as those related to sale of vessels, stock-based compensation expense, the write off of the unamortized fair value of above-market acquired time charters, impairment losses, change in fair value of forward freight agreements and the equity in income/(loss) of investee, to derive Adjusted EBITDA from EBITDA and Adjusted Net income/(loss) from Net income/(loss). We excluded the items described above when deriving Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net income/(loss) because we believe that these items do not reflect the ongoing operational cash inflows and outflows of our fleet.
The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
Our management team will host a conference call to discuss our financial results on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time (ET).
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1(866) 819-7111 (from the US), 0(800) 953-0329 (from the UK) or + (44) (0) 1452 542 301 (from outside US). Please quote "Star Bulk."
A replay of the conference call will be available until Wednesday, August 16, 2017. The United States replay number is 1(866) 247-4222; from the UK 0(800) 953-1533; the standard international replay number is (+44) (0) 1452 550 000 and the access code required for the replay is: 3128607#.
There will also be a simultaneous live webcast over the Internet, through the Star Bulk website (). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.
Star Bulk is a global shipping company providing worldwide seaborne transportation solutions in the dry bulk sector. Star Bulk''s vessels transport major bulks, which include iron ore, coal and grain and minor bulks which include bauxite, fertilizers and steel products. Star Bulk was incorporated in the Marshall Islands on December 13, 2006 and maintains executive offices in Athens, Greece. Its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "SBLK". On a fully delivered basis, Star Bulk will have a fleet of 74 vessels, with an aggregate capacity of 8.1 million dwt, consisting of Newcastlemax, Capesize, Post Panamax, Kamsarmax, Panamax, Ultramax and Supramax vessels with carrying capacities between 52,055 dwt and 209,537 dwt. Our fleet currently includes 71 operating vessels and 3 newbuilding vessels under construction in China. All of the newbuilding vessels are expected to be delivered during 2017 and 2018. Additionally, the Company has one chartered-in Supramax vessel, under a time charter expiring in September 2017.
Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements 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 Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "anticipate," "intends," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect," "pending" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, examination by the Company''s management of historical operating trends, data contained in its records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company 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 the Company''s control, the Company cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.
In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in the Company''s view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include general dry bulk shipping market conditions, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values, the strength of world economies the stability of Europe and the Euro, fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates, changes in demand in the dry bulk shipping industry, including the market for our vessels, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, the availability of financing and refinancing, our ability to meet requirements for additional capital and financing to complete our newbuilding program and grow our business, the impact of the level of our indebtedness and the restrictions in our debt agreements, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire, risks associated with vessel construction, potential exposure or loss from investment in derivative instruments, potential conflicts of interest involving our Chief Executive Officer, his family and other members of our senior management, our ability to complete the restructuring transactions with our various lenders and our ability to complete acquisition transactions as planned. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. The information set forth herein speaks only as of the date hereof, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this communication.
Simos Spyrou, Christos Begleris
Co - Chief Financial Officers
Star Bulk Carriers Corp.
c/o Star Bulk Management Inc.
40 Ag. Konstantinou Av.
Maroussi 15124
Athens, Greece
Email:
Nicolas Bornozis
President
Capital Link, Inc.
230 Park Avenue, Suite 1536
New York, NY 10169
Tel. (212) 661-7566
E-mail:
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Datum: 08.08.2017 - 15:30 Uhr
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