ATHENS, Greece, Oct. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaos Corporation ("Danaos") (NYSE: DAC), one of the world's largest independent owners of containerships, today reported unaudited results for the period ended September 30, 2017.

Highlights for the Third Quarter and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017:

• Adjusted net income¹ of $30.1 million, or $0.27 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $22.8 million, or $0.21 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 32.0%. Adjusted net income¹ of $83.7 million, or $0.76 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $117.7 million, or $1.07 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of 28.9%.
• Operating revenues of $113.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $111.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 1.6%. Operating revenues of $337.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $386.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of 12.6%.
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $79.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $75.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, an increase of 5.7%. Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $230.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $274.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of 16.1%.
• Total contracted operating revenues were $1.8 billion as of September 30, 2017, with charters extending through 2028 and remaining average contracted charter duration of 6.0 years, weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire.
• Charter coverage of 87% for the next 12 months based on current operating revenues and 71% in terms of contracted operating days.

Danaos' CEO Dr. John Coustas commented:

"Our earnings for the third quarter of 2017 improved markedly when compared to the earnings of the third quarter of 2016 which were negatively impacted in the aftermath of the Hanjin bankruptcy. This is mainly the result of our high charter contract coverage which remains at 87% for the next 12 months based on current operating revenues and 71% in terms of contracted operating days.

Adjusted net income of $30.1 million for the quarter represented an increase of $7.3 million compared to $22.8 million for the third quarter of 2016. This increase was attributable to a $6 million increase in the operating revenues of the vessels that were previously chartered to Hanjin that had not recorded any operating revenues during the third quarter of 2016, and improved operating performance of $1.3 million.

As previously reported, the Company is in breach of certain financial covenants as a result of the Hanjin bankruptcy. We are currently engaged in discussions with our lenders regarding refinancing substantially all of our debt maturing in 2018. These discussions encompass potential amendments to the associated financial covenants that have been breached. In the meantime, we continue to generate positive cash flows from our operations and currently are in a position to service all our operational obligations as well as all scheduled principal amortization and interest payments under the original terms of our debt agreements.

The charter market for the sub 4,000 TEU vessels is relatively stable, with charter rates slightly higher than the lows of 2016, while the size segment between 4,000 to 5,000 TEU is facing more pressure. For larger vessel sizes, the fourth quarter is typically the low season of the year. We will have more clarity on the state of that segment as we approach the peak season in the spring of 2018. We do not expect a material improvement in the market environment next year, given the large number of vessel deliveries scheduled for 2018. Danaos continues to have low near term exposure to the weak spot market as a result of the aforementioned strong charter coverage.

During this extended period of market weakness which has presented many challenges, we remain focused on taking necessary actions to preserve the value of our company by managing our fleet efficiently and taking prudent measures to manage and ultimately deleverage our balance sheet."

Three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, Danaos had an average of 55 containerships. Our fleet utilization for the third quarter of 2017 was 97.0% compared to 98.3% in the three months ended September 30, 2016, when excluding the off charter days of the vessels that were previously chartered to Hanjin Shipping ("Hanjin").

Our adjusted net income amounted to $30.1 million, or $0.27 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $22.8 million, or $0.21 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2016. We have adjusted our net income in the three months ended September 30, 2017 for one-off refinancing professional fees of $4.1 million and a non-cash amortization charge of $3.5 million for fees related to our 2011 comprehensive financing plan (comprised of non-cash, amortizing and accrued finance fees). Please refer to the Adjusted Net Income reconciliation table, which appears later in this earnings release.

The increase of $7.3 million in adjusted net income for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016 is attributable to a $1.8 million increase in operating revenues, a $4.6 million decrease in total operating expenses, a $1.3 million decrease in realized loss on derivatives and a $1.0 million improvement in the operating performance of our equity investment in Gemini Shipholdings Corporation ("Gemini"), which were partially offset by a $1.4 million increase in interest expense.

On a non-adjusted basis, our net income amounted to $22.4 million, or $0.20 per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to a loss of $8.4 million, or $0.08 loss per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased by 1.6%, or $1.8 million, to $113.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $111.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 reflect:

• $6.0 million increase in revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016 due to the recorded charter income of eight of our vessels previously chartered to Hanjin Shipping ("Hanjin") that had not recorded any operating revenues during the third quarter of 2016.
• $3.1 million decrease in revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016 due to the re-chartering of certain of our vessels at lower rates.
• $1.1 million decrease in revenues due to lower fleet utilization in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses decreased by 1.9%, or $0.5 million, to $26.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $26.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. The average daily operating cost per vessel for vessels on time charter was $5,569 per day for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $5,462 per day for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Management believes that our daily operating cost ranks as one of the most competitive in the industry.

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

Depreciation
Depreciation expense decreased by 10.2%, or $3.3 million, to $29.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $32.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016, mainly due to decreased depreciation expense for twenty-five vessels for which we recorded an impairment charge on December 31, 2016.

Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs increased by $0.1 million, to $1.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $1.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.1 million to $5.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $5.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.7 million to $2.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $3.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease is mainly due to decreased bunkering expenses.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense increased by 4.8%, or $1.0 million, to $22.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $21.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in interest expense was mainly due to the increase in average cost of debt due to the increase in US$ Libor by about 50 bps between the two periods, which was partially offset by a decrease in our average debt by $246.2 million, to $2,385.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, from $2,632.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016 and a $0.4 million decrease in the amortization of deferred finance costs.

As of September 30, 2017, the debt outstanding gross of deferred finance costs was $2,381.7 million compared to $2,615.4 million as of September 30, 2016.

Interest income remained stable, amounting to $1.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 and in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net decreased by $0.1 million, to $1.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $1.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Equity income/(loss) on investments
Equity income on investments amounted to $0.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the equity loss on investments of $0.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016 and relates to the improved operating performance of Gemini, in which the Company has a 49% shareholding interest.

Unrealized gain on derivatives
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps amounted to nil in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to a gain of $1.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. The unrealized gains in the three months ended September 30, 2016 were attributable to mark to market valuation of our swaps, which all expired by December 31, 2016.

Realized loss on derivatives
Realized loss on interest rate swaps decreased to $0.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from a loss of $2.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease is attributable to swap expirations. As of December 31, 2016, all of our interest rate swaps have expired.

Other income/(expenses), net
Other expenses, net amounted to $3.9 million and related mainly to the professional fees of $4.1 million due to refinancing discussions with our lenders in the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to other expenses, net of $12.8 million incurred mainly due to a loss on sale of HMM equity securities recognized in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 5.7%, or $4.3 million, to $79.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $75.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. As outlined earlier, this increase is attributable to a $1.8 million increase in operating revenues, by a $1.5 million decrease in operating expenses and a $1.0 million operating performance improvement on equity investments. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2017 is adjusted for one-off refinancing professional fees of $4.1 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, Danaos had an average of 55 containerships. Our fleet utilization in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 95.9%, while fleet utilization for the vessels under employment, excluding the off charter days of the vessels that were previously chartered to Hanjin, increased to 98.0% in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 96.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Our adjusted net income amounted to $83.7 million, or $0.76 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $117.7 million, or $1.07 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We have adjusted our net income in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 for one-off refinancing professional fees of $9.3 million, a non-cash amortization charge of $10.9 million for fees related to our 2011 comprehensive financing plan (comprised of non-cash, amortizing and accrued finance fees) and a loss on sale of Hyundai Merchant Marine ("HMM") securities of $2.4 million. Please refer to the Adjusted Net Income reconciliation table, which appears later in this earnings release.

The decrease of $34.0 million in adjusted net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is attributable to a $41.3 million decrease in operating revenues during the 1^st half of the year as a result of the Hanjin bankruptcy partially offset by $6 million of operating revenues earned by the ex Hanjin vessels during the current quarter that had not recognized operating revenues during the 3^rd quarter of 2016, a decline in operating revenues of $12.8 million as a result of weaker charter market conditions, a $0.6 million decrease in operating revenues due to lower fleet utilization and a $0.3 million decrease in other income, which were partially offset by a $10.7 million decrease in total operating expenses, a $2.0 million decrease in net finance costs mainly due to interest rate swap expirations and increased interest income, and a $2.2 million improvement in the operating performance of our equity investment in Gemini.

On a non-adjusted basis, our net income amounted to $61.1 million, or $0.56 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to net income of $80.4 million, or $0.73 per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues decreased by 12.6%, or $48.6 million, to $337.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $386.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Operating revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect:

• $41.3 decrease in revenues during the 1^st half of the year due to loss of revenue from cancelled charters with Hanjin for eight of our vessels due to Hanjin's bankruptcy. These vessels were re-chartered at lower rates and in some cases experienced off hire time in the 2017 period.

• $6.0 million increase in revenues during the third quarter of 2017 due to the recorded charter income of the eight ex Hanjin vessels that had not recorded any operating revenues during the third quarter of 2016.

• $12.8 million decrease in revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the re-chartering of certain of our vessels at lower rates.

• $0.6 million decrease in revenues due to lower fleet utilization in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses decreased by 3.2%, or $2.7 million, to $80.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $83.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The average daily operating cost per vessel for vessels on time charter was $5,687 per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $5,749 per day for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Management believes that our daily operating cost ranks as one of the most competitive in the industry.

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

Depreciation
Depreciation expense decreased by 9.6%, or $9.3 million, to $87.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $96.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, mainly due to decreased depreciation expense for twenty-five vessels for which we recorded an impairment charge on December 31, 2016.

Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs increased by $1.0 million, to $5.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $4.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was mainly due to the increased payments for dry-docking and special survey costs related to certain vessels over the last year.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.8 million, to $16.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $16.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.4 million to $9.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $10.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease is mainly due to decreased commissions.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense increased by 4.0%, or $2.5 million, to $64.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $61.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in interest expense was mainly due to the increase in average cost of debt due to the increase in US$ Libor by about 50 bps between the two periods, which was partially offset by a decrease in our average debt by $253.4 million, to $2,432.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, from $2,685.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and a $1.2 million decrease in the amortization of deferred finance costs.

As of September 30, 2017, the debt outstanding gross of deferred finance costs was $2,381.7 million compared to $2,615.4 million as of September 30, 2016.

Interest income increased by $1.0 million to $4.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $3.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was mainly attributed to the interest income recognized on HMM notes receivable.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net decreased by $0.2 million, to $3.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $3.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Equity income/(loss) on investments
Equity income on investments amounted to $0.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the equity loss on investments of $1.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and relates to the improved operating performance of Gemini, in which the Company has a 49% shareholding interest.

Unrealized gain on derivatives
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps amounted to nil in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to a gain of $3.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The unrealized gains in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were attributable to mark to market valuation of our swaps, which all expired by December 31, 2016.

Realized loss on derivatives
Realized loss on interest rate swaps decreased to $2.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from a loss of $7.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease is attributable to swap expirations. As of December 31, 2016, all of our interest rate swaps have expired.

Other income/(expenses), net
Other expenses, net amounted to $11.5 million related mainly to a $9.3 million increase in professional fees due to the refinancing discussions with our lenders and a $2.4 million realized loss on sale of HMM securities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to other expenses, net of $12.4 million mainly due to a loss on sale of HMM equity securities recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 16.1%, or $44.3 million, to $230.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $274.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. As outlined earlier, this decrease is mainly attributed to a $48.6 million decrease in operating revenues and a $0.3 million decrease in other income, which were partially offset by a $2.4 million decrease in operating expenses and a $2.2 million operating performance improvement on equity investments. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is adjusted for one-off refinancing professional fees of $9.3 million and a loss on sale of HMM securities of $2.4 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Recent Developments
As a result of a decrease in our operating income and the charter-attached market value of certain of our vessels caused principally by the cancellation of eight charters with Hanjin Shipping, which is currently under bankruptcy proceedings with the Seoul Central District Court, we were in breach of the minimum security cover, consolidated net leverage and consolidated net worth financial covenants contained in our Bank Agreement and our other credit facilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. We had obtained waivers of the breaches of these financial covenants until April 1, 2017 and have therefore classified our long-term debt, net of deferred finance costs as current. We are currently in discussions with our lenders regarding our non-compliance with these covenants and refinancing the 2018 maturities of substantially all of our debt. However, we continue to generate positive cash flows from our operations and currently are in a position to service all our operational obligations as well as all scheduled principal amortization and interest payments under the original terms of our debt agreements.

Conference Call and Webcast
On Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at 9:00 A.M. ET, the Company's management will host a conference call to discuss the results.

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1 844 802 2437 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0800 279 9489 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2075 441 375 (Standard International Dial In). Please indicate to the operator that you wish to join the Danaos Corporation earnings call.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until November 7, 2017 by dialing 1 877 344 7529 (US Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2036 088 021 (Standard International Dial In) and using 10113996# as the access code.

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

About Danaos Corporation
Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size containerships. Our current fleet of 59 containerships aggregating 351,614 TEUs, including four vessels owned by Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, a joint venture, ranks Danaos among the largest containership charter owners in the world based on total TEU capacity. Our fleet is chartered to many of the world's largest liner companies on fixed-rate charters. Our long track record of success is predicated on our efficient and rigorous operational standards and environmental controls. Danaos Corporation's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "DAC".

Forward-Looking Statements
Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safeharbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although Danaos Corporation believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, Danaos Corporation cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, charter counterparty performance, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydocking, changes in Danaos Corporation's operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, ability to obtain financing, including to refinance our existing debt upon maturity, and comply with covenants in our financing arrangements, actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents and political events or acts by terrorists.

Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by Danaos Corporation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Visit our website at www.danaos.com

Appendix

Fleet Utilization

Danaos had 139 unscheduled off-hire days in the three months ended September 30, 2017. The following table summarizes vessel utilization and the impact of the off-hire days on the Company's revenue.

Fleet List

The following table describes in detail our fleet deployment profile as of October 30, 2017:

* The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures used in managing the business may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures can provide additional meaningful reflection of underlying trends of the business because they provide a comparison of historical information that excludes certain items that impact the overall comparability. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company's performance. See the Table above for supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

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SOURCE Danaos Corporation