Seaspan Reports Financial Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Raises over $1.5B of Capital during 2016 and Continues to Benefit from Operating Cost Efficiencies

HONG KONG, China, Oct. 31, 2016 /CNW/ – Seaspan Corporation ("Seaspan") (NYSE: SSW) announced today its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Below is a summary of Seaspan’s key financial results:

Summary of Key Financial Results (in thousands of US dollars):

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 off-hire 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."

Third Quarter Developments

Vessel Delivery

In September 2016, Seaspan accepted delivery of one 10000 TEU containership, the Maersk Genoa. The Maersk Genoa was constructed at Jiangsu New Yangzi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Yangzi Xinfu Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. using our fuel efficient SAVER design and commenced a five-year, fixed-rate time charter with Maersk upon delivery.

Vessel Disposal

In August 2016, Seaspan sold a 4600 TEU vessel, the Seaspan Excellence, to a ship recycler for net sale proceeds of approximately $5.8 million, resulting in a loss on disposition of approximately $16.5 million.

Equity Financings

In August 2016, Seaspan issued 9,000,000 of its 7.875% Series H preferred shares in a public offering at a price of $25.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $217.7 million before expenses.

In August 2016, Seaspan issued 3,200,000 of its 8.2% Series G preferred shares in a follow-on public offering at a price of $25.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $76.5 million before expenses.

Revolving Credit Facility

In August 2016, Seaspan increased its 364-day unsecured, revolving loan facility by $10.0 million to a total commitment of $160.0 million.

Lease Financing         

In September 2016, Seaspan entered into a sale leaseback transaction with special purpose companies ("SPCs") for the Maersk Genoa for gross proceeds of $100.0 million. Under the lease, Seaspan sold the vessel to the SPCs and leased the vessel back over a nine-year term, with an option to purchase the vessel at the end of the lease term for a pre-determined fair value purchase price.  If the purchase option is not exercised, the lease term may be extended for an additional two years, at the option of the SPCs.

Hanjin Shipping Bankruptcy

On August 31, 2016, Seaspan’s customer Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. ("Hanjin") filed for bankruptcy in Korea (the "Hanjin Proceeding"). Charters for three of Seaspan’s 10000 TEU vessels and the Seaspan Efficiency have been cancelled and all four vessels have been returned. Seaspan stopped recognizing revenue on these vessels on September 1, 2016 after Hanjin declared bankruptcy.

Vessel Impairments

During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, Seaspan recognized non-cash vessel impairments of $202.8 million related to ten vessels under 5000 TEU in size.

Subsequent Events

Dividends

On October 11, 2016, Seaspan declared quarterly cash dividends on its common and preferred shares, for total distributions of $55.2 million.

Vessel Sales

In October and November 2011, Seaspan entered into agreements to bareboat charter four 4800 TEU vessels to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. ("MSC"), each for a five-year term and MSC agreed to purchase the vessels for $5.0 million each at the end of the bareboat charters. In October 2016, two of the 4800 TEU vessels, the MSC Manu and MSC Leanne, completed their five-year bareboat charter terms and were sold to MSC for $5.0 million per vessel.

Sale of Seaspan Efficiency

In October 2016, Seaspan entered into an agreement for the sale of the Seaspan Efficiency, a 2003-built 4600 TEU class containership, to a ship recycler for gross sale proceeds of approximately $6.4 million.

Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

At the beginning of 2016, Seaspan had 85 vessels in operation. Seaspan accepted delivery of three newbuilding vessels, leased in two vessels and sold one 4600 TEU class vessel during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, bringing its operating fleet to a total of 89 vessels as at September 30, 2016. Revenue from time charters is determined primarily by the number of operating days, and ship operating expense is determined primarily by the number of ownership days.

The following table summarizes Seaspan’s vessel utilization by quarter and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

The following table summarizes Seaspan’s consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015:

Revenue

Revenue increased by 5.6% to $224.9 million and 10.7% to $664.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, over the same periods in 2015, primarily due to the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2015 and 2016 and the addition of two leased in vessels in 2016. These increases were partially offset by lower average charter rates for vessels that were on short-term charters, an increase in unscheduled off-hire, primarily relating to vessels being off-charter, and a reduction in revenue on three 10000 TEU vessels as Seaspan stopped recognizing revenue on these vessels on September 1, 2016 after Hanjin declared bankruptcy.  Any future revenue relating to these Hanjin charters will be recognized on a cash basis.

The increases in operating days and the related financial impact thereof for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, relative to the same periods in 2015, are attributable to the following:

Vessel utilization was 95.6% and 97.0% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to 99.3% and 98.8% for the same periods in 2015.

The decrease in vessel utilization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same periods in 2015, was primarily due to increases in unscheduled off-hire of 308 and 467 days, respectively.

Seaspan completed dry-dockings for the following 15 vessels during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:

Ship Operating Expense

Ship operating expense decreased by 1.7% to $48.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, primarily due to cost management initiatives. This decrease was achieved while ownership days increased by 7.9% due to the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2015 and 2016, and the additional two leased in vessels in 2016. As a result, ship operating expense per ownership day declined by 8.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015.

Ship operating expense per ownership day declined by 7.8% in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. While ship ownership days increased by 10.1% due to the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2015 and 2016, ship operating expenses were held to an increase of only 1.5% during the period, primarily due to cost management initiatives.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 2.3% to $52.7 million and by 10.4% to $166.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015, primarily due to an increase in fleet size from vessels delivered in 2015 and an increase in dry-dock amortization from an increase in the number of vessels dry-docked. The increases were partially offset by a reduction in write-offs of replaced vessel equipment.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense increased by 16.3% to $8.1 million and by 23.9% to $25.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The increases were primarily due to an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation, professional fees and other corporate expenses incurred.

Operating Lease Expense

Operating lease expense increased to $23.8 million and $59.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, from $11.2 million and $25.9 million in the same periods in 2015. The increases were primarily due to the delivery of four vessels in 2015 and three vessels in 2016 that were financed through sale-leaseback transactions and due to the two leases entered into with third parties in April and May 2016 for a 10000 TEU vessel, the MOL Beyond and a 14000 TEU vessel, the YM Window, respectively.

Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Financing Fees

The following table summarizes Seaspan’s borrowings:

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees increased by $1.0 million to $30.0 million and by $8.0 million to $90.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2015. The increases in interest expense were due to an increase in operating borrowings primarily related to certain vessels that delivered in 2015 and an increase in LIBOR, partially offset by repayments made on existing operating borrowings and lower amortization of deferred financing fees. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase was also due to the full period impact of three 4500 TEU vessels which were refinanced in March 2015.

Loss on Disposal

Loss on disposal was $16.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the sale of the Seaspan Excellence to a ship recycler for net sale proceeds of approximately $5.8 million.

Expenses Related to Customer Bankruptcy

Expenses related to customer bankruptcy were $18.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the recognition of a full reserve for past due accounts receivable as a result of the Hanjin Proceeding.

Vessel Impairments

During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, Seaspan recognized non-cash vessel impairments of $202.8 million related to ten vessels under 5000 TEU in size. Seaspan reviews its vessels for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the vessels may not be recoverable. Seaspan performed an impairment test of its vessels at September 30, 2016 due to the continued weakness in current market rates and declines in the vessels’ market values. Including the $202.8 million non-cash impairment charge Seaspan recognized during the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the aggregate non-cash impairment charge for fiscal 2016 is expected to be in the range of $260.0 million to $290.0 million.

Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The change in fair value of financial instruments resulted in a gain of $0.7 million and a loss of $75.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to losses of $44.8 million and $64.6 million for the same periods in 2015. The gain of $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to increases in the forward LIBOR curve, offset by swap settlements. The loss of $75.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to decreases in the forward LIBOR curve and the effect of the passage of time. 

About Seaspan 

Seaspan provides many of the world’s major shipping lines with creative outsourcing alternatives to vessel ownership by offering long-term leases on large, modern containerships combined with industry-leading ship management services. Seaspan’s managed fleet consists of 113 containerships representing a total capacity of over 915,000 TEU, including 12 newbuilding containerships on order scheduled for delivery to Seaspan and third parties by the end of 2017. Seaspan’s current operating fleet of 87 vessels has an average age of approximately six years and an average remaining lease period of approximately five years, on a TEU weighted basis.

Seaspan has the following securities listed on The New York Stock Exchange:

Conference Call and Webcast

Seaspan will host a conference call and webcast presentation for investors and analysts to discuss its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 on November 1, 2016 at 6:30 a.m. PT / 9:30 a.m. ET. Participants should call 1-877-246-9875 (US/Canada) or 1-707-287-9353 (International) and request the Seaspan call. A telephonic replay will be available for anyone unable to participate in the live call. To access the replay, call 1-855-859-2056 or 1-404-537-3406 and enter the replay passcode: 4748443. The recording will be available from November 1, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. ET through 8:59 p.m. PT / 11:59 p.m. ET on November 15, 2016. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and will include a slide presentation. To access the live webcast of the conference call, go to www.seaspancorp.com and click on "News & Events" then "Events & Presentations" for the link. The webcast will be archived on the site for one year.

SEASPAN CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 AND 2015
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)

Description of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

A. Cash Available for Distribution to Common Shareholders

Cash available for distribution to common shareholders is defined as net earnings (loss) adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees, refinancing expenses, share-based compensation, change in fair value of financial instruments, bareboat charter adjustment, gain on sales, loss on disposal, expenses related to customer bankruptcy, adjustments to equity loss (income) on investment, vessel impairments, amortization of deferred gain, foreign exchange gain, dry-dock reserve adjustment, cash dividends paid on preferred shares, interest expense at the hedged rate and certain other items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance.

Cash available for distribution to common shareholders is a non-GAAP measure used to assist in evaluating Seaspan’s ability to make quarterly cash dividends before reserves for replacement capital expenditures. Cash available for distribution to common shareholders is not defined by United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or any other indicator of Seaspan’s performance required to be reported by GAAP.

B. Normalized Net Earnings and Normalized Earnings per Share

Normalized net earnings is defined as net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest expense, excluding amortization of deferred financing fees, refinancing expenses, loss on disposal, expenses related to customer bankruptcy, adjustments to equity loss (income) on investment, vessel impairments, foreign exchange gain, change in fair value of financial instruments, interest expense at the hedged rate, write-off of vessel equipment and certain other items Seaspan believes affect the comparability of operating results. Normalized net earnings is a useful measure because it excludes those items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance.

Normalized net earnings and normalized earnings per share are not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings, earnings per share or any other indicator of Seaspan’s performance required to be reported by GAAP.

C. Adjusted EBITDA  

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings (loss) adjusted for interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees, interest income, undrawn credit facility fees, depreciation and amortization, refinancing expenses, share-based compensation, gain on sales, loss on disposal, expenses related to customer bankruptcy, adjustments to equity loss (income) on investment, vessel impairments, amortization of deferred gain, foreign exchange gain, bareboat charter adjustment, change in fair value of financial instruments and certain other items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors in assessing Seaspan’s results of operations. Seaspan believes that this measure is useful in assessing performance and highlighting trends on an overall basis. Seaspan also believes that this measure can be useful in comparing its results with those of other companies, even though other companies may not calculate this measure in the same way as Seaspan. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is net earnings. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or any other indicator of Seaspan’s performance required to be reported by GAAP.

Notes to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

⁽¹⁾  Change in fair value of financial instruments includes realized and unrealized losses (gains) on Seaspan’s interest rate swaps, unrealized losses (gains) on Seaspan’s foreign currency forward contracts and unrealized losses (gains) on interest rate swaps included in equity loss (income) on investment.

⁽²⁾  In the second half of 2011, Seaspan entered into agreements to bareboat charter four 4800 TEU vessels to MSC for a five-year term, beginning from vessel delivery dates that occurred in 2011. Upon delivery of the vessels to MSC, the transactions were accounted for as sales-type leases. The vessels were disposed of and a gross investment in lease was recorded, which is being amortized to income through revenue. The bareboat charter adjustment in the applicable non-GAAP measures is included to reverse the GAAP accounting treatment and reflect the transaction as if the vessels had not been disposed of. Therefore, the bareboat charter fees are added back and the interest income from leasing, which is recorded in revenue, is deducted resulting in a net bareboat charter adjustment.

⁽³⁾  During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the gain on sale relates to the proceeds received in excess of vessel cost upon the sale of one 10000 TEU vessel that was sold and leased back through a sale-leaseback transaction. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the gain on sales relates to the proceeds received in excess of vessel cost upon the sale of two 10000 TEU vessels and one 14000 TEU vessel that were sold and leased back through sale-leaseback transactions. Under these transactions, Seaspan sold the vessels to the SPCs and is leasing the vessels back. For accounting purposes, the gain is deferred and amortized as a reduction of operating lease expense over the term of the lease.

⁽⁴⁾ The loss on disposal relates to the sale of one 4600 TEU vessel to a ship recycler for net sale proceeds of approximately $5.8 million.

⁽⁵⁾  Expenses related to customer bankruptcy relates to reserves made on past due accounts receivables from Hanjin. Of the $18.9 million, a majority relates to amounts recognized prior to July 2016 and the remainder relates to amounts recognized in July and August 2016. As of September 1, 2016, after Hanjin declared bankruptcy, no revenue was recognized on the Hanjin charters.

⁽⁶⁾  Adjustments to equity loss (income) on investment excludes Seaspan’s proportionate interest in the impact of the sale of GCI’s two 4600 TEU vessels and the reserves for past due accounts receivables relating to GCI’s four 10000 TEU vessels previously chartered to Hanjin.

⁽⁷⁾  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, Seaspan recognized vessel impairments of $202.8 million related to ten vessels less than 5000 TEU in size held for use.

⁽⁸⁾  As of September 30, 2016, ten vessels have been sold and leased back by Seaspan. For GAAP accounting purposes, the gain on sales was deferred and is being amortized as a reduction of operating lease expense over the term of the lease.

⁽⁹⁾  Seaspan entered into contracts for the construction of five 14000 TEU newbuilding containerships. The contracts included a foreign exchange adjustment to adjust the US dollar denominated purchase price of the vessels. In connection with the allocation of two of the vessels to GCI, Seaspan recognized a foreign exchange gain of $6.6 million which has been included in other income.

 ⁽¹⁰⁾  Interest expense at the hedged rate is calculated as the interest incurred on operating debt at the fixed rate on the related interest rate swaps plus the applicable margin on the related variable rate credit facilities and leases, on an accrual basis. Interest expense on fixed rate borrowings is calculated using the effective interest rate.

⁽¹¹⁾  Commencing in May 2015, Seaspan installed upgrades on certain of its vessels to enhance fuel efficiency. As a result, Seaspan incurred non-cash write-offs related to the original vessel equipment of nil and $9.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. These write-offs are included in depreciation and amortization expense. The costs of the vessel upgrades are recoverable from the charterer.

 ⁽¹²⁾  The convertible Series F preferred shares are not included in the computation of diluted EPS because their effect is anti-dilutive for the period.

⁽¹³⁾  The changes in normalized earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 as detailed in the table below:

STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), which reflect management’s current views with respect to certain future events and performance, including, in particular, statements regarding: future operating results; time charters; ship operating expense; vessel dry-docking schedules; future contracted revenues; Seaspan’s access to capital and financial strength and flexibility; Seaspan’s ability to take advantage of opportunities in a challenging industry period; vessel deliveries and dividends, including the amount and timing of payment thereof for 2016. Although these statements are based upon assumptions Seaspan believes to be reasonable, they are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the availability to Seaspan of containership acquisition or construction opportunities; the availability and cost to Seaspan of financing to pursue growth opportunities; the number of additional vessels managed by the Manager in the future; the availability of crew, number of off-hire days and dry-docking requirements, general market conditions and shipping market trends, including chartering rates; increased operating expenses; the number of off-hire days; dry-docking requirements; Seaspan’s ability to borrow funds under its credit facilities and to obtain additional financing in the future; Seaspan’s future cash flows and its ability to make dividend and other payments; the time that it may take to construct new ships; Seaspan’s continued ability to enter into primarily long-term, fixed-rate time charters with customers; changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities; the financial condition of shipyards, charterers, customers, lenders, refund guarantors and other counterparties and their ability to perform their obligations under their agreements with Seaspan; the potential for early termination of long-term contracts and Seaspan’s potential inability to enter into, renew or replace long-term contracts; conditions in the public capital markets and the price of Seaspan’s shares; the declaration of dividends and related payment dates by Seaspan’s board of directors; and other factors detailed from time-to-time in Seaspan’s periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Seaspan’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Seaspan expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in Seaspan’s views or expectations, or otherwise.

For Investor Relations Inquiries:
Mr. David Spivak
Chief Financial Officer
Seaspan Corporation
Tel. 604-638-2580

Mr. Michael Sieffert
Associate Director, Corporate Finance
Seaspan Corporation
Tel. 778-328-6490

For Media Inquiries:
Mr. Leon Berman
The IGB Group
Tel. 212-477-8438

SOURCE Seaspan Corporation