Box Ships Inc. Reports Financial Results For The Quarter Ended March 31, 2014 And Announces Share Buyback Program

ATHENS, Greece, May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Box Ships Inc. (NYSE: TEU) (the "Company"), a global shipping company specializing in the seaborne transportation of containers, announced today its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Mr. Michael Bodouroglou, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Box Ships Inc., commented:

"During the first quarter of 2014, the containership market continued to be under pressure with charter rates remaining at historically low levels. During the first quarter of 2014, we had two scheduled drydockings, which coupled with the lower charter rates that were contracted for three of our vessels, caused our adjusted revenues to decrease by 20% year over year, and our adjusted EBITDA to decline by 50% year over year. Despite the challenging times, we successfully raised net proceeds of approximately $10.4 million in an offering in April, which enhances our financial flexibility. In addition, the Board of Directors has authorized an amount of up to $5 million to be used to buy back common shares in the open market over the next twelve months due to the ongoing weakness in our common share price."

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to three months ended March 31, 2013

During the first quarter of 2014, we operated an average of 9 vessels. Our Net Loss and Adjusted Net Income during the first quarter of 2014 was ($1.5) million and $0.3 million, respectively, resulting in basic loss per share of ($0.08) and basic adjusted loss per share of ($0.01). EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2014 was $4.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively.

During the first quarter of 2013, we operated an average of 9 vessels. Our Net Income and Adjusted Net Income during the first quarter of 2013 was $4.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively, resulting in basic earnings per share of $0.16 and basic adjusted earnings per share of $0.26. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2013 was $9.9 million and $11.9 million, respectively.

Net revenues

Net revenues represent charter hire earned, net of commissions. During the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, our vessels operated a total of 753 and 793 days, respectively, out of a total of 810 calendar days in both periods. During the first quarter of 2014, we had a total of 15 unscheduled off-hire days, mainly related to 14 idle days of Box Queen, and 42 scheduled off-hire days related to the dry-dockings of MSC Emma and OOCL China. Currently, all vessels in our fleet are employed under fixed rate time charters, having an average weighted remaining charter duration of 11 months (weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire). The Company reported net revenues for the first quarter of 2014 of $14.2 million, decreased by 19.9% compared to $17.7 million in the first quarter of 2013, mainly due to the re-chartering of the Box Queen in January 2014 at a daily rate of $6,100, which is $21,900 per day less than its previous employment and the off-hire days related to the dry-dockings, discussed above. Our net revenues are also net of the amortization of above/below market time charters, which decreased our revenues and net income for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 by $0.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively, or $0.04 and $0.06 per common share, respectively. Our average time charter equivalent rate, or TCE rate, for the first quarter of 2014 was $18,184 per vessel per day, which was 14.2% below our average TCE rate of $21,205 per vessel per day during the first quarter of 2013, due to the reasons outlined above. Our adjusted TCE rate was $19,434 per vessel per day in the first quarter of 2014, 14.9% lower than our adjusted TCE of $22,843 for the first quarter of 2013, for the same reasons outlined above. TCE rate is not a recognized measurement under GAAP. Please see the table at the back of this release for a reconciliation of TCE rates to time charter revenues, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Voyage expenses

Voyage expenses for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 amounted to $0.5 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and mainly relate to war risk insurance costs and bunkers consumed by our vessels travelling to and from the drydocks. Voyage expenses for the first quarter of 2014 include approximately $0.2 million, relating to war risk insurance costs and $0.2 million, relating to bunkers consumed by the MSC Emma and OOCL China travelling to and from the drydocks. Voyage expenses for the first quarter of 2013 include approximately $0.4 million, relating to war risk insurance costs and $0.4 million, relating to other crew costs reimbursable by the charterers.

Vessels operating expenses

Vessels operating expenses comprise crew wages and related costs, insurance and vessel registry costs, repairs and maintenance expenses (excluding dry-docking expenses), the cost of spares and consumable stores, regulatory fees, non-cash amortization of other intangible assets and other miscellaneous expenses. The amortization of other intangible assets for each of the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 amounted to $0.3 million. During the first quarter of 2014, vessels operating expenses including the amortization of other intangible assets amounted to $4.9 million, or $4.6 million on an adjusted basis to exclude the amortization of other intangible assets, compared to $4.6 million, or $4.3 million on an adjusted basis, during the first quarter of 2013, an increase mainly due to claimable expenses of approximately $0.4 million, relating to repairs and other costs incurred in connection with the MSC Emma. On average, our vessels' operating expenses for the first quarter of 2014 increased to $6,067 per vessel per day, or $5,746 per vessel per day on an adjusted basis, compared to $5,641 per vessel per day, or $5,319 per vessel per day on an adjusted basis, in the first quarter of 2013, on a cash basis after adjusting for non-cash items, for the reason outlined above.

Management fees charged by a related party

Management fees charged by Allseas Marine S.A. (our "Manager" or "Allseas") for each of the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 were $0.7 million, or $881 (€643.77) per vessel per day, and $840 (€634.88) per vessel per day, respectively. Management fees charged by a related party represent fees for management and technical services in accordance with our management agreements and are adjusted annually in accordance with the official Eurozone inflation rate. This fee is charged on a daily basis per vessel and is affected by the number of vessels in our fleet, the number of calendar days during the period, the official Eurozone inflation rate and the U.S. Dollar/Euro exchange rate at the beginning of each month.

Depreciation

Depreciation for our fleet for each of the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 was $3.7 million.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative ("G&A") expenses for the each of the first quarters of 2014 and 2013 were $1.6 million, or $1,995 and $1,915 per vessel per day, respectively.

Interest and finance costs

Interest and finance costs amounted to $1.9 million and $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively. This decrease in interest and finance costs is due to the decrease in our average borrowings outstanding period over period.

Net cash from Operating Activities

Net cash from Operating Activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $3.8 million. Our vessels generated positive cash flows from revenues, net of commissions, of $13.0 million, while we paid $9.2 million for expenses, of which $1.6 million relates to the payment of interest on our bank loans.

Net cash from Operating Activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $10.2 million. Our vessels generated positive cash flows from revenues, net of commissions, of $18.8 million, while we paid $8.6 million for expenses, of which $1.9 million relates to the payment of interest on our bank loans and on our related party loan with Paragon Shipping Inc. ("Paragon Shipping").

Net cash from / (used in) Financing Activities

Net cash used in Financing Activities for the three months ended March 31, 2014, was $6.3 million. During the first quarter of 2014, we repaid $5.7 million of our debt, paid financing and offering costs of $0.1 million and made cash payments to our preferred shareholders of $0.5 million.

Net cash from Financing Activities for the three months ended March 31, 2013, was $7.4 million. On March 18, 2013, we completed the public offering and issuance of 4,000,000 of our common shares, resulting in net proceeds of $20.0 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we repaid $6.7 million of our debt, made cash payments to our preferred shareholders of $0.5 million and paid dividends to common shareholders of $5.5 million.

Recent Developments:

Units Offering:

On April 15, 2014, we completed the public offering of 5,000,000 Units, each consisting of one common share and one warrant to purchase 0.40 common shares (the "Units") at a public offering price of $2.05 per unit. Additionally, a portion of the over-allotment option was exercised for 647,500 warrants at a price of $0.01 per warrant. Neige International Inc., a company controlled by Mr. Michael Bodouroglou, our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, in a concurrent private placement, purchased directly from us 500,000 Units at the public offering price. The proceeds from the offering and the concurrent private placement, after underwriting discounts, commissions and other estimated offering expenses payable by us are expected to be approximately $10.4 million. 

The warrants have an exercise price of $2.65 per share, are exercisable immediately upon issuance, and will expire on April 10, 2019. In addition, we have the right, commencing one year after issuance of the warrants, to call all of the outstanding warrants for redemption at a price of $0.01 for each warrant and upon not less than 30 days prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder, subject to certain conditions, including that the reported last sale price of the Company's common shares is at least $5.00 for any 20 trading days within a 30 consecutive trading day period ending on the third business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders.

Share Buyback Program:

"On May 12, 2014, the Company's board of directors authorized a share buyback program of up to $5 million for a period of twelve months. The Company expects to repurchase these shares in the open market, at times and prices that are considered to be appropriate by the Company, but is not obligated under the terms of the program to repurchase any shares.

Liquidity:

As of March 31, 2014, our cash and restricted cash (current and non-current) amounted to $22.1 million in aggregate, of which $10.0 million is considered restricted for minimum liquidity purposes under our loan agreements. As of March 31, 2014, we had total outstanding indebtedness of $173.9 million, of which $22.7 million is scheduled to be repaid in the forthcoming 12-month period, of which $4.0 million has already been repaid as of the date of this release. Furthermore, as of March 31, 2014, we were in compliance with the covenants contained in our loan agreements, as amended to give effect to the waivers we were granted during the second and third quarter of 2013, with the exception of the Leverage Ratio covenant contained in one of our loan agreements as a result of our waiver which expired on January 1, 2014. In addition, in connection with the waivers which expire in the second and third quarter of 2014, had the waivers not been granted, the Company would not have been in compliance, as of March 31, 2014, with certain of its other financial covenants and security cover ratios contained in the loan agreements. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, unless the waivers are extended for a period of more than one year after the balance sheet date or the loans are refinanced prior to the issuance of the consolidated financial statements, our total debt will be required to be presented as current. Even though to date the lender has not declared an event of default under the loan agreement for which we were not in compliance as of March 31, 2014, that breach constitutes an event of default and as a result of the cross default provisions included in our loan agreements, may result in the lenders accelerating or demanding immediate repayment of their loans. We are currently in negotiations with all of our lenders to obtain a waiver of our covenant breach and extend our existing waivers, or to amend our loan covenants. We believe that the lenders will not demand payment of the loans before their scheduled maturity, provided that we remain current with our obligations of paying principal and interest when they become due. In addition, we have no borrowing capacity under our existing loan facilities and no capital commitments. We anticipate that our current financial resources, including the net proceeds from the Units offering discussed above, together with cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund the operations of our current fleet, including our working capital requirements, for the next 12 months, assuming that the debt will not be accelerated by our lenders.

Preferred Stock Payments:

On April 1, 2014, we made a cash payment of $0.5 million with respect to our Series C Preferred Shares, for the period from January 1, 2014 through March 31, 2014. As of March 31, 2014, 916,333 Series C Preferred Shares were outstanding.

Cash payments on our Series C Preferred Shares accrue cumulatively at a rate of 9.00% per annum per $25.00 stated liquidation preference per Series C Preferred Share and are payable, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors, on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 of each year. Our ability to make cash payments will be subject, among other things, to the restrictions in our loan agreements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law and other factors to be considered by our Board of Directors.

Chartering Update and Strategy:

In April 2014, the Box Trader extended its time charter with Hapag Lloyd AG ("Hapag Lloyd"), until earliest June 2014 and latest October 2014, commencing on May 1, 2014.

Pursuant to our chartering strategy, we focus on containerships with carrying capacities ranging from 1,700 TEU to 7,000 TEU employed on short- to medium-term time charters of one to five years with staggered maturities, which provide us with the benefit of stable cash flows from a diversified portfolio of charterers, while preserving the flexibility to capitalize on potentially rising rates when the current time charters expire. We may also, under certain circumstances, opportunistically employ our vessels on shorter-term charters or our vessels may operate on the spot market. Based on the earliest redelivery dates, and following the extensions of charters discussed above, the Company has secured under such contracts 56% and 20% of its fleet capacity for the remainder of 2014 and 2015, respectively. For future updates on the employment of our vessels, please visit the employment section of our website at www.box-ships.com/fleet-employment.php. The information contained on the Company's website does not constitute part of this press release.   

Fleet List:

The following table provides additional information about our fleet as of May 12, 2014.

Conference Call and Webcast details:

The Company's management will host a conference call to discuss its first quarter ended March 31, 2014 results on May 13, 2014 at 9:00 am ET.

Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: +1-877-300-8521 (USA) or +1-412-317-6026 (international).

A replay of the conference call will be available for seven days and can be accessed by dialing +1-877-870-5176 (domestic) and +1-858-384-5517 (international) and using passcode 10046265.

There will also be a simultaneous live webcast over the Internet, through the Company's website (www.box-ships.com). Participants in the live webcast should register on the website approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

About Box Ships Inc.:

Box Ships Inc. is an Athens, Greece-based international shipping company specializing in the transportation of containers. The Company's current fleet consists of nine containerships with a total carrying capacity of 43,925 TEU and a TEU weighted average age of 9.3 years. The Company's common shares and Series C Preferred Shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols "TEU" and "TEUPRC", respectively.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statement

Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words "believe," "anticipate," "intends," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect," "pending" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe 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, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

In addition to these important factors, other 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 fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for container shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, charter counterparty performance, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in such financing arrangements, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessels breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.

- Tables Follow –

SOURCE Box Ships Inc.