Seaspan Reports Financial Results for the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2017

Commences 2018 with $250 million Investment by Fairfax and Acquisition of Two Vessels Chartered to Maersk

HONG KONG, China, Feb. 27, 2018 /CNW/ - Seaspan Corporation ("Seaspan") (NYSE: SSW) announced today its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017.

Key Financial Metrics

• Total revenues of $214.4 million for the fourth quarter and $831.3 million for the full year.
  
  
• Reported net earnings of $58.6 million for the fourth quarter and $175.2 million for the full year.
   
  
• Earnings per diluted share of $0.34 for the fourth quarter and $0.94 for the full year.
  
  
• Normalized earnings per diluted share⁽¹⁾ of $0.16 for the fourth quarter and $0.66 for the full year.
  
  
• Cash available for distribution to common shareholders⁽¹⁾ of $65.5 million for the fourth quarter and $286.0 million for the full year.
  
  
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of $126.7 million for the fourth quarter and $525.1 million for the full year.

Fourth Quarter 2017 and 2018 Year-to-Date Highlights

• Accepted delivery of one 11000 TEU vessel on long-term bareboat charter with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. ("MSC") in December 2017. The final of five 11000 TEU vessels chartered to MSC was delivered in January 2018.
  
  
• Achieved vessel utilization of 96.0% and 95.7% for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017, respectively. Excluding four 4250 TEU vessels that were sold, vessel utilization was 96.7% for the year.
  
  
• Raised $250.0 million of capital from affiliates of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited ("Fairfax"), which Seaspan intends to use for future growth initiatives, debt repayment, and general corporate purposes.
  
  
• Currently 23 unencumbered vessels in Seaspan's operating fleet, including 2 x 2500 TEUs, 2 x 3500 TEUs, 15 x 4250 TEUs, 2 x 4500 TEUs, and 2 x 9600 TEUs.

David Sokol, Chairman of Seaspan, commented, "2017 was an important and pivotal year for Seaspan. We continued to achieve strong operating results, maintain a sizable contracted revenue backlog, and grow our operating fleet on long-term time charters by taking delivery of five newbuildings with charters of 10 to 17 years.  With a focus on driving shareholder value, we also took important steps to strengthen our corporate governance, deleverage our balance sheet, and increase our unencumbered asset base. We are pleased to have commenced 2018 with a $250 million investment by Prem Watsa-led Fairfax and the acquisition of two second-hand feeder vessels chartered to Maersk. Our transaction with Fairfax, as well as our success expanding our relationship with the world's largest liner company, underscores Seaspan's industry leadership and sharpened strategic focus."

Bing Chen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Seaspan, commented, "It is an honour to lead Seaspan into the next phase of our voyage. My goal during this important phase is to leverage our integrated platform to create substantial franchise value. Seaspan's operating platform, global fleet, customer focused team, deep customer relationships, and financial strength are among the best in the industry. These pillars have served, and we believe they will continue to serve, as Seaspan's foundation for long-term growth. Against a backdrop of improving fundamentals and a changing competitive environment, we see a rich set of opportunities before us. I am confident we are well positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and to create substantial long-term shareholder value. By prioritizing our customers, operational excellence, accretive growth and financial strength, we intend to increase our industry leading position."

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

Fourth Quarter Developments

Debt Financings

In October 2017, Seaspan issued $80.0 million of 7.125% senior unsecured notes due 2027 in a public offering. Seaspan used the net proceeds to repay a portion of a secured debt facility. 

In December 2017, Seaspan entered into a secured term loan credit facility. This facility will be used to finance two 10000 TEU newbuilding containerships on three-year fixed-rate time charters and that are scheduled to deliver in the first half of 2018.

Vessel Sales

In October and December 2017, Seaspan closed the sales of two 4250 TEU vessels (the Seaspan Mourne and Seaspan Grouse) and recorded a gain on sale of $7.0 million.

Vessel Delivery

In December 2017, Seaspan accepted delivery of the MSC Madhu B, an 11000 TEU vessel. The vessel was constructed at HHIC-PHIL Inc. and commenced a 17-year fixed-rate bareboat charter with MSC. Upon completion of the bareboat charter period, MSC is obligated to purchase the vessel for a pre-determined amount. This delivery was financed with a previously committed lease facility.

Equity Financings

In November 2017, Seaspan entered into a new equity distribution agreement under which it may, from time to time, issue Class A common shares in at-the-market ("ATM") offerings for up to an aggregate of $100.0 million. During the quarter ended December 31, 2017, Seaspan issued a total of 6,750,000 Class A common shares under the ATM offerings for gross proceeds of approximately $40.4 million.

In November and December 2017, Seaspan issued a total of 121,077 of its Series D, E, G, and H preferred shares in ATM offerings, under an existing equity distribution agreement, for gross proceeds of approximately $3.0 million.

Subsequent Events

Vessel Delivery

In January 2018, Seaspan accepted delivery of the MSC Yashi B, an 11000 TEU vessel, which commenced a 17-year fixed-rate bareboat charter with MSC. Seaspan made the final installment payment of $46.8 million in December 2017 and received the proceeds from the capital lease financing in January 2018.

Dividends

In January 2018, Seaspan declared quarterly dividends on its common and preferred shares, for total distributions of $33.1 million.

Fairfax Investment

In January 2018, Fairfax entered into a definitive agreement to invest $250.0 million in Seaspan in exchange for unsecured debentures bearing 5.5% interest and Class A common share purchase warrants. The investment and related transactions closed on February 14, 2018 and Seaspan intends to use the proceeds from the investment to fund future growth initiatives, debt repayment, and general corporate purposes.

Vessel Purchases and Maersk Time Charters

In February 2018, Seaspan purchased two second-hand 2500 TEU vessels and entered into fixed-rate time charter agreements for the vessels with Maersk Line A/S ("Maersk"). Each of the time charters is for a term of four years with options for up to an additional two years at increasing charter rates.

Results for the Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2017

At the beginning of 2017, Seaspan had 87 vessels in operation. Seaspan acquired one 4250 TEU vessel, accepted delivery of one 14000 TEU vessel and four 11000 TEU vessels, and sold four 4250 TEU vessels, bringing its operating fleet to a total of 89 vessels as at December 31, 2017. Revenue 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 years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

The following table summarizes Seaspan's consolidated financial results for the quarters and years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

Revenue

Revenue increased by 0.6% to $214.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2017 and interest income from leasing four bareboat charter vessels to MSC. These increases were partially offset by lower average charter rates for vessels that were on short-term charters.

Revenue decreased by 5.3% to $831.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to lower average charter rates for vessels that were on short-term charters and off-charter days that related primarily to three 10000 TEU vessels that were previously on long-term charters and commenced short-term charters with Hapag-Lloyd AG during the first half of 2017. These decreases were partially offset by the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2016 and 2017.

The increases in operating days and the related financial impact thereof for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017, relative to the same periods in 2016, are attributable to the following:

Vessel utilization increased for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to fewer off-charter and unscheduled off-hire days. Vessel utilization decreased for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to an increase in off-charter days, partially offset by the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2016 and 2017 and fewer scheduled dry-dock days.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, Seaspan completed dry-dockings for six 4250 TEU vessels, which were completed between their time charters.

Ship Operating Expense

Ship operating expense increased by 2.6% to $48.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to planned higher spending on spares and repairs based on planned maintenance schedules for certain vessels.

Ship operating expense decreased by 4.4% to $183.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to cost savings initiatives achieved even though ownership days increased by 4.6% during 2017. As a result, ship operating expense per ownership day declined by 8.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 0.6% to $50.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to higher replacement part write-offs during 2017 partially offset by lower depreciation on 16 vessels which were impaired as of December 31, 2016.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by 7.5% to $199.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to lower depreciation from the impaired vessels as discussed above and lower replacement part write-offs during 2017.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense increased by 54.6% to $11.1 million and by 24.8% to $40.1 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2017 is due primarily to an increase in share-based compensation expense of $3.6 million related to the accelerated vesting of restricted shares and the cancellation of performance share units ("PSUs") held by Seaspan's former CEO, Gerry Wang, in connection with his retirement. In exchange for the cancelled PSUs, Seaspan issued 200,000 Class A common shares to Mr. Wang. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the increase was also due to the issuance of 1,000,000 fully vested Class A common shares to the chairman of the board. 

Operating Lease Expense

Operating lease expense increased by 15.0% to $30.6 million and 34.5% to $115.5 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016. The increase for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 is due primarily to the delivery of one vessel in 2017 that was financed through a sale-leaseback transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the increase was also due to the delivery of three vessels in 2016 that were financed through sale-leaseback transactions, and two operating leases Seaspan entered into in 2016.

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 $1.6 million to $31.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to an increase in LIBOR and financing related to the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2017.

Interest expense and amortization of deferred financing fees decreased by $3.5 million to $116.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, primarily due to repayments made on existing operating borrowings in 2016 and 2017, partially offset by an increase in LIBOR and financing related to the delivery of newbuilding vessels in 2017.

Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The change in fair value of financial instruments resulted in a gain of $6.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2017 and was primarily due to an increase in the forward LIBOR curve. The change in fair value of financial instruments resulted in a loss of $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily due to the impact of swap settlements, partially offset by an increase in the forward LIBOR curve.

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 112 containerships representing a total capacity of approximately 900,000 TEUs, including four newbuilding containerships on order scheduled for delivery to Seaspan and third parties by the end of 2018. Seaspan's current operating fleet of 92 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 quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 on February 28, 2018 at 5:00 a.m. PT / 8:00 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 9681747. The recording will be available from February 28, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET through 8:59 a.m. PT / 11:59 a.m. ET on March 14, 2018. 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 QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
(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, gain or loss on disposals, expenses related to customer bankruptcy, adjustments to equity income on investment, termination fee, vessel impairments, amortization of deferred 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 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. In addition, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

SEASPAN CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE QUARTER AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

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, gain or loss on disposals, expenses related to customer bankruptcy, change in fair value of financial instruments, termination fee, adjustments to equity income on investment, vessel impairments, interest expense at the hedged rate, share-based compensation to chairman of the board, write-off of vessel equipment, share-based compensation related to CEO retirement, 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 (loss), earnings (loss) per share or any other indicator of Seaspan's performance required to be reported by GAAP. In addition, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.