NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genco Shipping & Trading
Limited (NYSE: GNK) today reported its financial results for the three months
and six months ended June 30, 2007.
The following financial review discusses the results for the three months
and for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006.
Paid a $0.66 per share dividend on May 31, 2007 based on Q1 2007
results.
Financial Review: 2007 Second quarter
The Company recorded net income of $13.7 million or $0.54 basic and
diluted earnings per share for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
Comparatively, for the three months ended June 30, 2006 net income was $17.5
million or $0.69 basic and diluted earnings per share. Included in net income
for the second quarter of 2007 is a $1.6 million loss from foreign currency
swap agreements associated with the purchases of Jinhui shares. This is offset
by a $1.9 million in currency translation gain, which is reflected in Other
Comprehensive Income but not recorded in the income statement. Excluding the
loss on the foreign currency swap agreements, net income for the second
quarter of 2007 was $15.3 million, or $0.61 basic and $0.60 diluted earnings
per share. Additionally, net income for the second quarter of 2007 includes
$0.5 million of interest expense associated with the borrowings under the
short-term line, which was utilized for the purchase of the Jinhui stock.
Based on Jinhui's closing stock price as of August 1, 2007, we have an
unrealized gain on our investment of $57.8 million.(1) Furthermore, the Genco
Trader incurred 27 days of unscheduled offhire related to maintenance during
the second quarter of 2007 as we had previously announced on our first quarter
2007 earnings call. Based on preliminary estimates, we expect that we will be
reimbursed an approximate amount of $500,000 by our insurance coverage, but
revenue is not recognized until the insurance proceeds have been received.
Included in net income for the second quarter of 2006 was $1.7 million of
income from financial derivatives, related to our two forward interest rate
swap instruments which did not qualify for hedge accounting at the time.
Excluding the unrealized gain on financial derivatives, net income for the
second quarter of 2006 was $15.8 million, or $0.63 basic earnings per share
and $0.62 diluted earnings per share.
EBITDA was $25.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 versus
$26.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2006.
Robert Gerald Buchanan, President, commented, "During the second quarter,
we continued to take advantage of the strong fundamentals in the drybulk
industry and fixed vessels on long-term time charters at rates above previous
levels. Specifically, we signed the Genco Knight, a 1999-built Panamax vessel,
at a rate 30% more than the previous charter. We also signed the Genco Beauty,
a 1999-built Panamax vessel, to a long-term charter at an attractive rate.
Based on the 12 contracts that we signed during the first half of 2007, we
currently have approximately 90% of our current fleet's available days secured
on contracts for the remainder of 2007 and 50% for 2008. As Genco
significantly increased its time charter coverage, the Company further
improved its leading industry reputation and ability to provide top
multinational charterers with modern, high-quality tonnage following our
agreement to acquire nine Capesize vessels."
(1) Based on the closing price of NOK 67.75 on August 1, 2007 and a
currency swap rate of 6.00 NOK/$USD for the cost basis and a spot
exchange rate of 5.85 NOK/$USD for the appreciation since the purchase
of the position.
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited recorded revenues of $36.8 million for
the three months ended June 30, 2007 versus $32.3 million for the three months
ended June 30, 2006, an increase of 14.1%, primarily due to the operation of a
larger fleet.
The average daily time charter equivalent, or TCE, rates obtained by the
Company's fleet increased slightly to $21,046 per day for the three months
ended June 30, 2007 compared to $20,315 for the three months ended June 30,
2006. The increase in TCE rates was primarily due to higher time charter rates
achieved in the second quarter of 2007 versus the same period last year for 2
of the Panamax and 3 of the Handymax vessels in our current fleet. Higher
rates were also recorded for the Genco Leader and Genco Trader, the two
vessels which operated in the Baumarine pool during the second quarter of 2006
and were subject to fluctuations of the spot market. The increase was
countered by lower charter rates achieved in the second quarter of 2007 versus
the second quarter of 2006 for the five Handysize vessels on charter with
Lauritzen Bulkers A/S, which commenced their time charter contracts at $13,500
per vessel per day during the third quarter of 2006. The five Handysize
vessels will commence at higher rates of $19,500 per vessel per day on
September 5, 2007.
Total operating expenses increased to $18.3 million for the three months
ended June 30, 2007 from $15.0 million for the three-month period ended June
30, 2006. Vessel operating expenses were $6.4 million for the second quarter
of 2007 compared to $4.7 million for the same period last year. The increase
in vessel operating expenses was due to the operation of a larger fleet, as
well as higher crewing and lube expenses. General and administrative expenses
increased to $3.1 million from $2.3 million during the comparative periods.
The rise was due to higher legal expenses, costs associated with higher
employee non-cash compensation and other employee related costs. Management
fees were $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and $0.3
million for the three months ended June 30, 2006, respectively, and relate to
fees paid to our independent technical managers.
Daily vessel operating expenses increased to $3,727 per vessel per day
during the second quarter of 2007 from $3,042 for the same quarter last year.
We believe daily vessel operating expenses are best measured for comparative
purposes over a 12-month period in order to take into account all of the
expenses that each vessel in our fleet will incur over a full year of
operation. Through the first six months of 2007 daily vessel operating
expenses of $3,677 are slightly below our 2007 budget of $3,682 per vessel per
day for our current fleet. Based on estimates provided by our technical
managers and management's expectations, we anticipate the budget for the
Capesize vessels expected to be delivered through the end of 2007 to be $4,800
per vessel per day.
Financial Review: First Half 2007
Net income was $33.6 million or $1.33 basic and $1.32 diluted earnings per
share, for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $34.1 million, or
$1.35 basic and diluted earnings per share for the six months ended June 30,
2006. Included in net income for the six months ended June 30, 2007 is a loss
from our foreign currency swap agreements of $1.6 million as well as a gain of
$3.6 million related to the sale of the Genco Glory. Revenues increased 14.2%
to $74.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $64.9
million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. EBITDA was $55.9 million for
the six months ended June 30, 2007 versus $52.1 for the six months ended June
30, 2006. TCE rates obtained by the Company increased slightly to $20,863 per
day for the six months ended June 30, 2007 from $20,500 for the same period in
2006. Total operating expenses were $33.3 million for the six months ended
June 30, 2007 compared to $29.8 for the six months ended June 30, 2006, and
daily vessel operating expenses per vessel were $3,677 versus $3,011 for the
comparative periods.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow
Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June
30, 2007 increased 6.5% to $47.5 million from $44.6 million. The increase was
primarily due to the unrealized loss on derivative instruments of $2.9 million
for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as opposed to an unrealized gain of
$2.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. The increase was offset
by the gain of $3.6 million related to the sale of the Genco Glory. Net cash
provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was
primarily a result of recorded net income of $33.6 million, less the gain from
the sale of the Genco Glory of $3.6 million, plus depreciation and
amortization charges of $14.6 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2006,
net cash provided by operating activities was mostly a result of recorded net
income of $34.1 million, and depreciation and amortization charges of $13.0
million.
Net cash used in investing activities increased to $90.4 million for the
six months ended June 30, 2007 from $1.0 million for the six months ended June
30, 2006. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, the cash used in investing
activities related primarily to the purchase of $103.1 million of Jinhui
stock, offset by proceeds from the sale of the Genco Glory of $13.0 million.
For the six months ended June 30, 2006, the cash used in investing activities
primarily related to the purchase of fixed assets for $1.0 million.
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the six months
ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 was $37.1 million and ($30.6) million,
respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2007, net cash provided by
financing activities consisted of the drawdown of $77.0 million from the $155
million short-term line related to the purchase of the Jinhui shares, the
payment of cash dividends of $33.7 million and the repayment of $5.7 million
of our credit facility. For the same period last year, net cash used in
financing activities consisted primarily of the payment of dividends of $30.5
million.
Capital Expenditures
We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with vessel
acquisitions. Our current fleet consists of seven Panamax drybulk carriers,
seven Handymax drybulk carriers and five Handysize drybulk carriers. Upon
delivery of all vessels under the previously announced Metrostar vessel
acquisition, Genco will own a fleet of 28 drybulk vessels, consisting of nine
Capesize, seven Panamax, seven Handymax, and five Handysize drybulk carriers.
In addition to acquisitions that we may undertake in future periods, we
will incur additional capital expenditures due to special surveys and
drydockings for our fleet. We estimate that three vessels will be drydocked in
the remainder of 2007, of which one will be drydocked during the third quarter
of 2007 and two will be drydocked during the fourth quarter of 2007. One of
these vessels, the Genco Beauty, will be drydocked for an intermediate survey
and we therefore anticipate a shorter offhire period of five days. An
additional six vessels are estimated to be drydocked in 2008. We estimate our
drydocking costs for our fleet through 2008 to be:
Q3 2007 Q4 2007 2008
Estimated Costs (1) $0.7 million $1.0 million $5.2 million
Estimated Offhire Days (2) 20 25 120
(1) Estimates are based on our budgeted cost of drydocking our vessels in
China. Actual costs will vary based on various factors, including
where the drydockings are actually performed. We expect to fund these
costs with cash from operations.
(2) Assumes 20 days per drydocking per vessel (except for the Genco Beauty
which will undergo an intermediate survey and is only expected to be
offhire for 5 days). Actual length will vary based on the condition
of the vessel, yard schedules and other factors.
The Genco Prosperity completed its drydocking during the second quarter of
2007 at a cost of $0.7 million. Additionally, the Genco Trader incurred 27
days of unscheduled offhire related to maintenance during the second quarter
of 2007 as we had previously announced on our first quarter 2007 earnings
call. Based on preliminary estimates, we expect that we will be reimbursed an
approximate amount of $500,000 by our insurance coverage, but revenue is not
recognized until the insurance proceeds have been received.
Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data
The following table summarizes Genco Shipping & Trading Limited's selected
consolidated financial and other data for the periods indicated below.
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
2007 2006 2007 2006
(Dollars in thousands, (Dollars in thousands,
except share and except share and
per share data) per share data)
(unaudited) (unaudited)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Revenues $36,847 $32,303 $74,067 $64,875
Operating expenses:
Voyage expenses 1,017 1,060 2,430 2,164
Vessel operating
expenses 6,445 4,706 12,834 9,265
General and
administrative
expenses 3,052 2,304 6,247 4,753
Management fees 393 347 744 694
Depreciation
and amortization 7,433 6,540 14,619 12,957
Gain on sale
of vessel - - (3,575) -
Total operating
expenses 18,340 14,957 33,299 29,833
Operating income 18,507 17,346 40,768 35,042
Other (expense) income:
(Loss) income
from derivative
instruments (1,594) 1,721 (1,594) 2,197
Interest income 888 684 1,954 1,253
Interest expense (4,080) (2,229) (7,570) (4,392)
Other (expense)
income: (4,786) 176 (7,210) (942)
Net income $13,721 $17,522 $33,558 $34,100
Earnings per
share - basic $0.54 $0.69 $1.33 $1.35
Earnings per
share - diluted $0.54 $0.69 $1.32 $1.35
Weighted average
shares outstanding
- basic 25,312,593 25,263,481 25,310,783 25,261,750
Weighted average
shares outstanding
- diluted 25,456,413 25,337,024 25,439,043 25,320,826
June 30, 2007 December 31, 2006
BALANCE SHEET DATA: (unaudited)
Cash $67,798 $73,554
Current assets, including cash 208,491 88,118
Total assets 689,556 578,262
Current liabilities, including
current portion of long-term debt 36,332 15,173
Total long-term debt, including
current portion 283,233 211,933
Shareholders' equity 387,814 353,533
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2007 June 30, 2006
(unaudited)
Net cash provided by operating activities $47,540 $44,626
Net cash used in investing activities (90,401) (1,020)
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 37,105 (30,556)
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
2007 2006 2007 2006
FLEET DATA: (unaudited) (unaudited)
Total number of vessels at end of
period 19 17 19 17
Average number of vessels (1) 19.0 17.0 19.3 17.0
Total ownership days for fleet (2) 1,729 1,547 3,491 3,077
Total available days for fleet (3) 1,703 1,538 3,434 3,059
Total operating days for fleet (4) 1,668 1,522 3,371 3,039
Fleet utilization (5) 98.0% 99.0% 98.2% 99.3%
AVERAGE DAILY RESULTS:
Time charter equivalent (6) $21,046 $20,315 $20,863 $20,500
Daily vessel operating expenses per
vessel (7) 3,727 3,042 3,677 3,011
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, June 30,
2007 2006 2007 2006
(Dollars in (Dollars in
thousands) thousands)
EBITDA Reconciliation: (unaudited) (unaudited)
Net Income $13,721 $17,522 $33,558 $34,100
+ Net interest expense 3,192 1,545 5,616 3,139
+ Depreciation and amortization 7,433 6,540 14,619 12,957
+ Amortization of nonvested stock
compensation 585 497 1,171 1,016
+ Amortization of value of time
charter acquired 461 461 917 917
EBITDA(8) 25,392 26,565 55,881 52,129
(1) Average number of vessels is the number of vessels that constituted
our fleet for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the
number of days each vessel was part of our fleet during the period
divided by the number of calendar days in that period.
(2) We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period
during which each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership
days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and
affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that we
record during a period.
(3) We define available days as the number of our ownership days less the
aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to
scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or
special surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend
positioning our vessels. Companies in the shipping industry generally
use available days to measure the number of days in a period during
which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.
(4) We define operating days as the number of our available days in a
period less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire
due to unforeseen circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating
days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period during which
vessels actually generate revenues.
(5) We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our operating
days during a period by the number of our available days during the
period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a
company's efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels
and minimizing the number of days that its vessels are off-hire for
reasons other than scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee,
vessel upgrades, special surveys or vessel positioning.
(6) We define TCE rates as our net voyage revenue (voyage revenues less
voyage expenses) divided by the number of our available days during
the period, which is consistent with industry standards. TCE rate is a
common shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare
daily earnings generated by vessels on time charters with daily
earnings generated by vessels on voyage charters, because charterhire
rates for vessels on voyage charters are generally not expressed in
per-day amounts while charterhire rates for vessels on time charters
generally are expressed in such amounts.
(7) We define daily vessel operating expenses to include crew wages and
related costs, the cost of insurance expenses relating to repairs and
maintenance (excluding drydocking), the costs of spares and consumable
stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. Daily vessel
operating expenses are calculated by dividing vessel operating
expenses by ownership days for the relevant period.
(8) EBITDA represents net income plus net interest expense, income tax
expense, depreciation and amortization, amortization of nonvested
stock compensation, and amortization of the value of time charter
acquired. EBITDA is included because it is used by management and
certain investors as a measure of operating performance. EBITDA is
used by analysts in the shipping industry as a common performance
measure to compare results across peers. Our management uses EBITDA as
a performance measure in consolidating internal financial statements
and it is presented for review at our board meetings. EBITDA is also
used by our lenders in certain loan covenants. For these reasons, we
believe that EBITDA is a useful measure to present to our investors.
EBITDA is not an item recognized by U.S. GAAP and should not be
considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any
other indicator of a company's operating performance required by U.S.
GAAP. EBITDA is not a source of liquidity or cash flows as shown in
our consolidated statement of cash flows. The definition of EBITDA
used here may not be comparable to that used by other companies.
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited's Current Fleet
Our current fleet currently consists of seven Panamax, seven Handymax and
five Handysize drybulk carriers with an aggregate carrying capacity of
approximately 988,000 dwt. Our current fleet contains four groups of sister
ships, which are vessels of virtually identical sizes and specifications. We
believe that maintaining a fleet that includes sister ships reduces costs by
creating economies of scale in the maintenance, supply and crewing of our
vessels. As of June 30, 2007, the average age of our current fleet was 9.3
years, as compared to the average age for the world fleet of approximately
15.6 years for the drybulk shipping segments in which we compete. All of the
vessels in our current fleet are currently on long-term time charters with an
average remaining life of approximately 14 months as of June 30, 2007.
Current Fleet
Charter Time Charter
Vessel Charterer Expiration(1) Rate (2)
Panamax Vessels
Genco Beauty Cargill International S.A. May 2009 $31,500
Genco Knight SK Shipping Ltd. May 2009 37,700(3)
Genco Leader A/S Klaveness December 2008 25,650(4)
Genco Trader Baumarine AS October 2007 25,750(4)
Genco Vigour STX Panocean (UK)
Co. Ltd. March 2009 29,000(5)
Genco Acheron STX Panocean (UK)
Co. Ltd. February 2008 30,000(6)
Genco Surprise Cosco Bulk Carrier
Co., Ltd. November 2007 25,000
Handymax Vessels
Genco Success KLC January 2008 24,000
Genco Commander A/S Klaveness October 2007 19,750
Genco Carrier Pacific Basin
Chartering Ltd. February 2008 24,000
Genco A/C Pacific
Prosperity Basin Chartering Ltd. April 2008 26,000
Genco Wisdom HMMC November 2007 24,000
Genco Marine NYK Bulkship Europe S.A. February 2008 24,000(7)
Genco Muse Qatar Navigation QSC September 2007 26,500(8)
Handysize Vessels
Genco Explorer Lauritzen Bulkers A/S September 2007 13,500
August 2009 19,500
Genco Pioneer Lauritzen Bulkers A/S September 2007 13,500
August 2009 19,500
Genco Progress Lauritzen Bulkers A/S September 2007 13,500
August 2009 19,500
Genco Reliance Lauritzen Bulkers A/S September 2007 13,500
August 2009 19,500
Genco Sugar Lauritzen Bulkers A/S September 2007 13,500
August 2009 19,500
(1) The charter expiration dates presented represent the earliest dates
that our charters may be terminated in the ordinary course. Under the
terms of each contract, the charterer is entitled to extend time
charters from two to four months in order to complete the vessel's
final voyage plus any time the vessel has been off-hire.
(2) Time charter rates presented are the gross daily charterhire rates
before the payments of brokerage commissions ranging from 1.25% to
6.25% to third parties, except as indicated for the Genco Trader and
the Genco Leader in note 4 below. In a time charter, the charterer is
responsible for voyage expenses such as bunkers, port expenses,
agents' fees and canal dues.
(3) A new time charter for 23 to 25 months at a rate of $37,700 per day
less a 6.25% third party commission commenced following the expiration
of the vessel's previous time charter on June 30, 2007.
(4) For the Genco Leader and the Genco Trader the time charter rate
presented is the net daily charterhire rate. There are no payments of
brokerage commissions associated with these time charters.
(5) We have entered into a time charter for 23 to 25 months at a rate of
$33,000 per day for the first 11 months, $25,000 per day for the
following 11 months and $29,000 per day thereafter, less a 5% third-
party brokerage commission. For purposes of revenue recognition, the
time charter contract is reflected on a straight-line basis at
approximately $29,000 per day for 23 to 25 months in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or U.S.
GAAP. The time charter, commenced following the expiration of the
vessel's previous time charter on May 5, 2007.
(6) The vessel was delivered to the charterer for the commencement of the
time charter on March 20, 2007.
(7) The vessel was delivered to the charterer for the commencement of the
time charter on March 29, 2007.
(8) Since this vessel was acquired with an existing time charter at an
above-market rate, we allocated the purchase price between the vessel
and an intangible asset for the value assigned to the above-market
charterhire. This intangible asset is amortized as a reduction to
voyage revenues over the remaining term of the charter, resulting in a
daily rate of approximately $22,000 recognized as revenues. For cash
flow purposes, we will continue to receive $26,500 per day until the
charter expires.
Acquisition of Nine Capesize Vessels
On July 18, 2007, Genco announced an agreement to acquire nine Capesize
vessels from companies within the Metrostar Management Corporation group for
an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.1 billion. The acquisition is
subject to the completion of customary closing conditions. Upon completion of
the acquisition, Genco will own a fleet of 28 drybulk vessels, consisting of
nine Capesize, seven Panamax, seven Handymax, and five Handysize drybulk
carriers, with a total carrying capacity of approximately 2,559,000 dwt and an
average age of 8 years.
Capesize Vessels To be Delivered
Time
Expected Charter
Vessel New Name DWT Shipyard Built(1) Delivery(1) Rate(2)
Ferro Goa Genco Imabari
Augustus 180,000 Shipbuilding
Co. Ltd. Q1 2007 Q3 2007 $45,263(3)
Ferro Fos Genco Universal
Tiberius 175,000 Shipbuilding
Corp. Q1 2007 Q3 2007 $45,263(3)
Hull 1044 Genco Shanghai
London 177,000 Waigaoqiao
Shipbuilding
Co. Ltd. Q4 2007 Q4 2007 $57,500(4)
Hull 1118 Genco Titus 177,000 Shanghai
Waigaoqiao
Shipbuilding
Co. Ltd. Q4 2007 Q4 2007 $45,000(5)
Hull 8071 Genco Imabari
Constantine 180,000 Shipbuilding
Co. Ltd. Q2 2008 Q2 2008 n/a
Hull 1032 Genco Sungdong
Hadrian 170,500 Heavy
Industries
Co. Ltd. Q4 2008 Q4 2008 n/a
Hull 1033 Genco Sungdong
Commodus 170,500 Heavy
Industries
Co. Ltd. Q2 2009 Q2 2009 n/a
Hull 1034 Genco Sungdong
Maximus 170,500 Heavy
Industries
Co. Ltd. Q2 2009 Q2 2009 n/a
Hull 1041 Genco Sungdong
Claudius 170,500 Heavy
Industries
Co. Ltd. Q3 2009 Q3 2009 n/a
Total 1,571,000
(1) Built dates for vessels delivering in the future are estimates based
on guidance received from the sellers and respective shipyards.
(2) Time charter rates presented are the gross daily charterhire rates
before the payments of brokerage commissions ranging from 2.50% to
5.00% to third parties. In a time charter, the charterer is
responsible for voyage expenses such as bunkers, port expenses,
agents' fees and canal dues. The rate for the vessels with time
charters are all below current long-term market rates and therefore
will result in a liability that will amortize as an increase to
revenue. See our Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under the
caption "Vessel acquisitions" in our footnotes in the March 31, 2007
form 10-Q for disclosure of our policy.
(3) Currently, the Ferro Goa and the Ferro Fos, which are to be renamed
the Genco Augustus and the Genco Tiberius, respectively, are each on
charter with Cargill International S.A., for 35 to 39 months at a
gross rate of $45,263 per day. Both charters are due to expire
between December 2009 and April 2010.
(4) Hull 1044, to be renamed the Genco London, is scheduled to be on
charter with SK Shipping Co., Ltd. for 35 to 39 months at a gross rate
of $57,500 per day. The charter is due to expire between September
2010 and January 2011.
(5) Hull 1118, to be renamed the Genco Titus, is scheduled to be on
charter with Cargill International S.A., for 48 months at a gross rate
of $45,000 per day. The charter, which is due to expire in January
2012, also includes a 50 percent index-based profit sharing component.
The charterer has the option to extend the charter for a period of one
year.
Q2 2007 Dividend Announcement
The Company's Board of Directors declared a second quarter 2007 dividend
of $0.66 per share payable on or about August 31, 2007 to all shareholders of
record as of August 17, 2007. As previously announced, the Company plans to
declare quarterly dividends to shareholders by each February, May, August and
November, in amounts substantially equal to its available cash from operations
during the previous quarter, less cash expenses for that quarter (principally
vessel operating expenses and debt service) and any reserves the Board of
Directors determines the Company should maintain. These reserves may cover,
among other things: drydocking, repairs, claims, liabilities and other
obligations, interest expense and debt amortization, acquisitions of
additional assets and working capital. The Q2 2007 dividend of $0.66 equates
to an annualized yield of 4.7% based on the closing price of Genco Shipping &
Trading's common stock as of July 31, 2007 at $56.33.
John C. Wobensmith, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "Genco's second
quarter dividend of $0.66 per share represents the third consecutive dividend
under the Company's increased quarterly target for 2007 and eighth dividend
since its IPO in July of 2005. Furthermore, the recent Metrostar acquisition,
which will increase our fleet by 159% on a tonnage basis and significantly
expand our earnings power, serves as testimony to management's disciplined
approach in meeting strict acquisition criteria related to earnings and cash
flow accretion as well as return on capital hurdles. In acting decisively to
expand our leadership position in the drybulk industry, we intend to draw upon
the Company's financial strength, including our new $1.4 billion credit
facility with a ten-year term and an attractive interest rate, to finance this
acquisition. Building upon our past consolidation success, we will work
diligently to ensure the seamless integration of these newly acquired vessels
and continue to drive shareholder value."
About Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel
products and other drybulk cargoes along worldwide shipping routes. Genco
Shipping & Trading Limited currently owns a fleet of 19 drybulk vessels
consisting of seven Panamax, seven Handymax and five Handysize vessels, with a
carrying capacity of approximately 988,000 dwt. After the delivery of the nine
Capesize vessels from our recently announced acquisition from companies within
the Metrostar Management Corporation group, Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
will own a fleet of 28 drybulk vessels, consisting of nine Capesize, seven
Panamax, seven Handymax and five Handysize vessels, with a carrying capacity
of approximately 2,559,000 dwt.
Conference Call Announcement
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited announced that it will hold a conference
call on Thursday, August 2, 2007 at 8:30 a.m., Eastern Time, to discuss its
2007 second quarter financial results. The conference call and a presentation
will be simultaneously webcast and will be available on the Company's website,
www.GencoShipping.com. To access the conference call, dial (800) 946-0783 or
(719) 457-2658 and enter passcode 4278064. A replay of the conference call
can also be accessed through August 16, 2007 by dialing (888) 203-1112 or
(719) 457-0820 and entering the passcode 4278064. The Company intends to place
additional materials related to the earnings announcement, including a slide
presentation, on its website prior to the conference call.
"Safe Harbor" Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to
the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These forward looking statements are based on management's current
expectations and observations. Included among the factors that, in our view,
could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward looking
statements contained in this report are the following: (i) changes in demand
or rates in the drybulk shipping industry; (ii) changes in the supply of or
demand for drybulk products, generally or in particular regions; (iii) changes
in the supply of drybulk carriers including newbuilding of vessels or lower
than anticipated scrapping of older vessels; (iv) changes in rules and
regulations applicable to the cargo industry, including, without limitation,
legislation adopted by international organizations or by individual countries
and actions taken by regulatory authorities; (v) increases in costs and
expenses including but not limited to: crew wages, insurance, provisions,
repairs, maintenance and general and administrative expenses; (vi) the
adequacy of our insurance arrangements; (vii) changes in general domestic and
international political conditions; (viii) changes in the condition of the
Company's vessels or applicable maintenance or regulatory standards (which may
affect, among other things, our anticipated drydocking or maintenance and
repair costs) and unanticipated drydock expenditures; (ix) the number of
offhire days needed to complete repairs on vessels and the timing and amount
of any reimbursement by our insurance carriers for insurance claims including
offhire days; (x) the Company's acquisition or disposition of vessels; (xi)
the fulfillment of the closing conditions under the company's agreement to
acquire the nine drybulk vessels, and other factors listed from time to time
in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including,
without limitation, the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2006, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its reports on
Form 8-K. Our ability to pay dividends in any period will depend upon factors,
including the limitations under our loan agreements, applicable provisions of
Marshall Islands law and the final determination by the Board of Directors
each quarter after its review of our financial performance. The timing and
amount of dividends, if any, could also be affected by factors affecting cash
flows, results of operations, required capital expenditures, or reserves. As
a result, the amount of dividends actually paid may vary.
SOURCE Genco Shipping & Trading Limited
CONTACT:
John C. Wobensmith,
Chief Financial Officer of Genco Shipping &
Trading Limited,
+1-646-443-8555 /
Web site: http://www.gencoshipping.com/
(GNK)