Capital Product Partners L.P. Announces Fourth Quarter 2023 Financial Results
- 20% increase in revenues
- Successful $500.0 million rights offering
- Acquisition of 11 LNG Carriers
- 40% decrease in net income
- Increase in total debt by $488.6 million
Insights
The financial results of Capital Product Partners L.P. for Q4 2023 indicate a mixed performance, with a notable 20% increase in revenues but a 40% decrease in net income compared to the same period in 2022. The decline in net income is particularly concerning for investors, as it may reflect underlying challenges in operational efficiency or market conditions. The 52% rise in interest expense and finance cost suggests a significantly leveraged position, which could pose risks if the interest rate environment continues to tighten or if the company faces cash flow constraints. The acquisition of new vessels and the rights offering to fund these acquisitions are strategic moves that could enhance long-term revenue potential, but they also introduce additional debt that must be managed carefully.
From a financial perspective, the increase in total partners' capital is a positive sign of growth, yet the substantial rise in total debt highlights the need for close monitoring of the company's debt servicing capabilities. The sale of the M/V Long Beach Express container vessel aligns with the company's strategy to divest from container vessels, possibly to streamline operations and focus on more profitable segments such as LNG carriers.
Overall, the financial health of CPLP will largely depend on the successful integration of the new LNG carriers into its fleet, the management of its increased debt levels and its ability to adapt to changing market conditions in the maritime shipping industry.
The maritime shipping industry is undergoing significant changes, with a shift towards LNG carriers due to their relevance in the energy transition. CPLP's strategic move to acquire 11 latest generation LNG carriers positions the company to capitalize on this trend. However, the 40% decline in net income amidst this expansion phase raises questions about the timing and scale of investments and their short-term impact on profitability.
The rights offering and the subsequent acquisition funded by it are crucial for CPLP's growth strategy, potentially increasing the company's market share in the LNG transportation sector. However, investors must consider the balance between growth prospects and the risks associated with the added financial leverage. The operating surplus figures, despite being a non-GAAP measure, provide insight into the company's ability to generate cash flow to cover its capital costs, which is a vital indicator for assessing the sustainability of its business model in the long run.
Furthermore, the shipping industry is highly cyclical and sensitive to global economic conditions. CPLP's future performance will depend on global LNG demand, charter rates and its ability to operate efficiently amid potential market volatility. The company's focus on LNG and energy transition vessels suggests an anticipation of long-term demand growth in these segments, which could be a strategic advantage if market predictions hold true.
The financial results of CPLP reflect broader economic trends, such as the impact of interest rate fluctuations on finance costs. The 52% increase in interest expenses is indicative of the rising rate environment and the company's exposure to debt financing. This scenario could affect the company's profitability if interest rates continue to escalate.
The company's strategy to invest in LNG carriers is aligned with the global shift towards cleaner energy sources and the growing LNG market. However, the timing of these investments amidst economic uncertainties requires careful consideration. The rights offering is a strategic financial maneuver to support this long-term investment without immediately pressuring the company's liquidity, although it does increase the company's equity base and dilutes existing shareholders.
Moreover, the sale of the M/V Long Beach Express may be indicative of a strategic shift in asset allocation, focusing on assets with potentially higher returns. This decision, while potentially beneficial in the long term, may have short-term implications on revenue streams. The company's future financial stability will depend on its ability to manage its enlarged debt portfolio and capitalize on the expected growth in the LNG market.
ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Product Partners L.P. (the “Partnership”, “CPLP” or “we” / “us”) (NASDAQ: CPLP), an international owner of ocean-going vessels, today released its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023.
Highlights
| Three-month periods ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | Increase / (Decrease) | ||||
| Revenues | ||||||
| Expenses | ||||||
| Interest expense and finance cost | ||||||
| Net Income | ( | |||||
| Net Income per common unit | ( | |||||
| Adjusted Net Income (excluding impairment of vessels of | ( | |||||
| Adjusted Net Income per common unit (excluding impairment of vessels)1 | ( | |||||
| Average number of vessels2 | 22.5 | 19.9 | ||||
- Operating Surplus3 and Operating Surplus after the quarterly allocation to the capital reserve for the fourth quarter of 2023 were
$40.5 million and$1.5 million , respectively. - Announced common unit distribution of
$0.15 for the fourth quarter of 2023. - Concluded a
$500.0 million rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) and successfully closed a transaction to acquire 11 latest generation two-stroke (MEGA) Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers (“LNG/C”) to be delivered between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2027 (the “LNG/C Transaction”). - On December 21, 2023 and January 2, 2024, the Partnership took delivery of the LNG/C Amore Mio I and the LNG/C Axios II, respectively, pursuant to the LNG/C Transaction.
- Agreed to sell the 5,100 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (“TEU”) container vessel the M/V Long Beach Express.
1 Adjusted Net Income (excluding impairment of vessels) and Adjusted Net Income per common unit (excluding impairment of vessels) are non-GAAP financial measures used to measure the financial performance of the Partnership and we believe these non-GAAP measures are useful to analysts and investors in comparing the results of operations between periods. These non-GAAP measures are not required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and should not be considered a substitute for Net income and Net Income per common unit prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of profitability.
2 Average number of vessels is measured by aggregating the number of days each vessel was part of our fleet during the period and dividing such aggregate number by the number of calendar days in the period.
3 Operating surplus is a non-GAAP financial measure used by certain investors to measure the financial performance of the Partnership and other limited partnerships. Please refer to Appendix A at the end of the press release for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure with net income.
Overview of Fourth Quarter 2023 Results
Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, was
Total revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, was
Total expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, were
Total other expense, net for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, was
Capitalization of the Partnership
As of December 31, 2023, total cash amounted to
As of December 31, 2023, total partners’ capital amounted to
As of December 31, 2023, the Partnership’s total debt was
Operating Surplus
Operating surplus for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, amounted to
Rights Offering and Standby Purchase Agreement
The Rights Offering was launched on November 27, 2023, in order to finance a portion of the purchase price under the LNG/C Transaction. As previously announced, the Rights Offering resulted in subscriptions for 445,988 common units. These common units were issued to participating unitholders on December 21, 2023.
In connection with the Rights Offering, the Partnership entered into a Standby Purchase Agreement (the “Standby Purchase Agreement”) with Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. (“Capital Maritime” or “CMTC”), pursuant to which Capital Maritime agreed to purchase from CPLP at
| Description | Common Units | Subscription Price per Common Unit | Value in US$ millions | ||
| Common Units subscribed for in the Rights Offering | 445,988 | ||||
| Units issued to CMTC pursuant to the Standby Purchase Agreement | 34,641,731 | ||||
| Total Units Issued | 35,087,719 | $14.25 | $500.0 | ||
LNG/C Transaction
On December 21, 2023, the Partnership announced the closing of the umbrella agreement in respect of the LNG/C Transaction (the “Umbrella Agreement”), entered into on November 13, 2023, with Capital Maritime and Capital GP L.L.C. (the “General Partner”), providing for the acquisition of 11 latest generation two-stroke (MEGA) LNG/Cs (the “Vessels”) for a total acquisition price of
Each Vessel will have a capacity of 174,000 Cubic Meters and was built or is under construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., LTD and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., South Korea (collectively, “Hyundai”).
On December 21, 2023, and upon entry into the Vessel SPAs for LNG/Cs Axios II, Assos, Apostolos, Aktoras, Archimidis and Agamemnon (the “Initial Vessels”), we paid to Capital Maritime a deposit of
On December 21, 2023, and upon entry into the Vessel SPAs for LNG/Cs Alcaios I, Antaios I, Athlos and Archon (the “Remaining Vessels”), the Partnership paid Capital Maritime
The Umbrella Agreement and the Standby Purchase Agreement permit the Partnership and Capital Maritime to net payments due to each other under the transactions contemplated by the Umbrella Agreement, including the Vessel SPAs and the Standby Purchase Agreement. The following table describes the amounts that paid or deemed paid by each of the Partnership and Capital Maritime on December 21, 2023:
| Description | Method of Settlement | Value in US$ millions |
| From the Partnership to Capital Maritime | ||
| Netted against the amount due from CMTC pursuant to the Standby Purchase Agreement | ||
| Payment for the Remaining Vessels | ||
| Purchase price of LNG/C Amore Mio I | ||
| Total | $454.2 | |
| From Capital Maritime to the Partnership | ||
| Total amount due pursuant to the Standby Purchase Agreement | Netted against the total amount due from the Partnership | |
| In Cash | ||
| Total | ||
Τhe balance of the consideration for the acquisitions of the five Initial Vessels and the four Remaining Vessels under the Umbrella Agreement will be funded by a combination of commercial debt, an unsecured seller’s credit of up to
Delivery of the LNG/C Amore Mio I and the LNG/C Axios II
On December 21, 2023, the Partnership took delivery of the LNG/C Amore Mio I. The vessel has commenced its three-year employment with Qatar Energy Trading LLC. Upon acquisition, we assumed indebtedness of
On January 2, 2024, the Partnership took delivery of the LNG/C Axios II. The vessel commenced an index-linked, one-year time charter, which will be followed by a seven-year bareboat charter with Bonny Gas Transport Limited (“BGT”). BGT maintains an option to extend the charter by an additional three years. The vessel acquisition was financed through netting
Sale of M/V Long Beach Express
On December 15, 2023, the Partnership agreed to sell the M/V Long Beach Express container vessel (68,618 dwt / 5,100 TEU, container vessel, built 2008, Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd., South Korea) to an unaffiliated party. Delivery of the M/V Long Beach Express to the buyer is expected within the first quarter of 2024.
Corporate Conversion
Pursuant to the Umbrella Agreement, CPLP, Capital Maritime and the General Partner have agreed to, in good faith, negotiate and jointly work with tax and other advisors to agree terms for the conversion of the Partnership from a Marshall Islands limited partnership to a corporation with customary corporate governance provisions by June 21, 2024.
Rights of First Refusal
Pursuant to the Umbrella Agreement, Capital Maritime granted the Partnership, beginning on December 21, 2023, rights of first refusal over (i) transfers of LNG/C vessels owned by Capital Maritime to third parties, opportunities to order newbuild LNG/C vessels of which Capital Maritime becomes aware, and employment opportunities for LNG/C vessels of which Capital Maritime becomes aware, in each case, for a period ending on December 21, 2033, (ii) transfers to third parties of two certain liquid CO2 carriers and two certain ammonia carriers recently ordered by Capital Maritime (the “Energy Transition Vessels”) for a period ending when Capital Maritime and its affiliates no longer beneficially own at least
Management Commentary
Mr. Jerry Kalogiratos, Chief Executive Officer of our General Partner, commented:
“I am very pleased to see that the Partnership has made significant progress on all fronts, as we continue to successfully execute against the business plan we set out in November 2023. Importantly, we have concluded the
Quarterly Common Unit Cash Distribution
On January 25, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Partnership declared a cash distribution of
LNG Market Update
The reduced focus on energy security, along with warm weather and increased gas inventories, resulted in a decline in gas prices in 2023. This, combined with prolonged availability of vessels throughout the year, has kept charter rates lower compared to previous years. As a result, LNG spot rates for a 2-stroke vessel averaged
The United States have now become the world's largest exporter of LNG and China has reclaimed its status as the largest importer. Gas storage levels in Europe are at historical highs, with several importers in Asia reaching tank tops. With a steady flow of newbuild deliveries and limited new liquefaction capacity, 2024 is expected to be softer in terms of spot and short-term time charter rates. LNG fleet capacity growth of
Looking ahead, it is anticipated that the increasing shipping demand from new projects, both in terms of volume and longer distances, will induce further demand for LNG/Cs including newbuild orders with 2027-2028 delivery. Assuming that projects adhere to their timelines, and proposed projects reach Final Investment Decision (FID), demand for newbuild LNG/Cs is likely to surpass current yard capacity by the end of the decade.
Conference Call and Webcast
Today, February 2, 2024, the Partnership will host an interactive conference call at 10:00 am Eastern Time to discuss the financial results.
Conference Call Details
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: +1 877 405 1226 (US Toll-Free Dial In) or +1 201 689 7823 (US and Standard International Dial In). Please quote “Capital Product Partners” to the operator and/or conference ID 13744269. Click here for additional participant International Toll-Free access numbers.
Alternatively, participants can register for the call using the “call me” option for a faster connection to join the conference call. You can enter your phone number and let the system call you right away. Click here for the “call me” option.
Slides and Audio Webcast
There will also be a live, and then archived, webcast of the conference call and accompanying slides, available through the Partnership’s website. To listen to the archived audio file, visit our website http://ir.capitalpplp.com/ and click on Webcasts & Presentations under our Investor Relations page. Participants in the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.
About Capital Product Partners L.P.
Capital Product Partners L.P. (NASDAQ: CPLP), a Marshall Islands limited partnership, is an international owner of ocean-going vessels. CPLP currently owns 24 high specification vessels, including nine latest generation LNG/Cs, 12 Neo-Panamax container vessels and three Panamax container vessels. CPLP has agreed to sell one Panamax container vessel within the first quarter of 2024. In addition, CPLP has agreed to acquire nine additional latest generation LNG/Cs to be delivered between the second quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2027.
For more information about the Partnership, please visit: www.capitalpplp.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including, among other things, the expected financial performance of CPLP’s business, the transactions contemplated pursuant to the Umbrella Agreement, CPLP’s ability to pursue growth opportunities, CPLP’s expectations or objectives regarding future distributions, unit repurchases, market, vessel deliveries and charter rate expectations, and, in particular, the expected effects of recent vessel acquisitions on the financial condition and operations of CPLP and the container and LNG industries in general, are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the stated or forecasted results to be materially different from those anticipated. For a discussion of factors that could materially affect the outcome of forward-looking statements and other risks and uncertainties, see “Risk Factors” in CPLP’s annual report filed with the SEC on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on April 26, 2023. Unless required by law, CPLP expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in its views or expectations, to conform them to actual results or otherwise. CPLP does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
CPLP-F
Contact Details:
Capital GP L.L.C.
Jerry Kalogiratos
CEO
Tel. +30 (210) 4584 950
E-mail: j.kalogiratos@capitalpplp.com
Capital GP L.L.C.
Nikos Kalapotharakos
CFO
Tel. +30 (210) 4584 950
E-mail: n.kalapotharakos@capitalmaritime.com
Investor Relations / Media
Nicolas Bornozis
Capital Link, Inc. (New York)
Tel. +1-212-661-7566
E-mail : cplp@capitallink.com
Source: Capital Product Partners L.P.
Capital Product Partners L.P.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands of United States Dollars, except for number of units and earnings per unit)
| For the three-month | For the year | |||||||||||
| periods ended December 31, | ended December 31, | |||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Revenues | $ | 95,509 | $ | 79,897 | $ | 360,586 | $ | 299,071 | ||||
| Expenses / (income), net: | ||||||||||||
| Voyage expenses | 3,014 | 3,819 | 14,920 | 16,236 | ||||||||
| Vessel operating expenses | 17,717 | 14,954 | 74,790 | 58,288 | ||||||||
| Vessel operating expenses - related parties | 2,836 | 2,347 | 10,899 | 9,172 | ||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 5,735 | 4,016 | 13,445 | 10,681 | ||||||||
| Vessel depreciation and amortization | 22,207 | 16,994 | 84,199 | 69,272 | ||||||||
| Gain on sale of vessels | - | - | - | (47,275) | ||||||||
| Impairment of vessels | 3,541 | - | 11,497 | - | ||||||||
| Operating income, net | 40,459 | 37,767 | 150,836 | 182,697 | ||||||||
| Other income / (expense), net: | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense and finance cost | (27,906) | (18,424) | (104,858) | (55,421) | ||||||||
| Other income / (expense), net | 177 | 1,783 | 1,230 | (1,855) | ||||||||
| Total other expense, net | (27,729) | (16,641) | (103,628) | (57,276) | ||||||||
| Partnership’s net income | $ | 12,730 | $ | 21,126 | $ | 47,208 | $ | 125,421 | ||||
| General Partner’s interest in Partnership’s net income | 110 | 354 | 680 | 2,157 | ||||||||
| Partnership’s net income allocable to unvested units | 119 | 727 | 929 | 3,662 | ||||||||
| Common unit holders’ interest in Partnership’s net income | 12,501 | 20,045 | 45,599 | 119,602 | ||||||||
| Net income per: | ||||||||||||
| Common units, basic and diluted | $ | 0.48 | $ | 1.03 | $ | 2.15 | $ | 6.19 | ||||
| Weighted-average units outstanding: | ||||||||||||
| Common units, basic and diluted | 25,941,874 | 19,505,152 | 21,182,471 | 19,325,030 | ||||||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands of United States Dollars)
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of December 31, 2022 | |||||
| Assets | ||||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 192,422 | $ | 144,635 | ||
| Other current assets | 33,082 | 21,688 | ||||
| Total current assets | 225,504 | 166,323 | ||||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| Advances for vessels under construction – related party | 174,400 | 24,000 | ||||
| Vessels, net and vessels under construction | 2,632,285 | 1,757,897 | ||||
| Total fixed assets | 2,806,685 | 1,781,897 | ||||
| Other non-current assets | ||||||
| Restricted cash | 11,721 | 10,213 | ||||
| Other non-current assets | 96,389 | 38,331 | ||||
| Total non-current assets | 2,914,795 | 1,830,441 | ||||
| Total assets | $ | 3,140,299 | $ | 1,996,764 | ||
| Liabilities and Partners’ Capital | ||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt, net | $ | 103,116 | $ | 73,213 | ||
| Other current liabilities | 80,814 | 45,367 | ||||
| Total current liabilities | 183,930 | 118,580 | ||||
| Long-term liabilities | ||||||
| Long-term debt, net (including | 1,672,179 | 1,215,865 | ||||
| Other non-current liabilities | 109,257 | 23,893 | ||||
| Total long-term liabilities | 1,781,436 | 1,239,758 | ||||
| Total liabilities | 1,965,366 | 1,358,338 | ||||
| Total partners’ capital | 1,174,933 | 638,426 | ||||
| Total liabilities and partners’ capital | $ | 3,140,299 | $ | 1,996,764 |
Cash Flow Data
(In thousands of United States Dollars)
| For the years ended December 31, | ||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 189,375 | 172,568 | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (447,092) | (14,109) | ||||
| Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities | 307,012 | (35,091) | ||||
| Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 49,295 | 123,368 | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | - | 493 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the year | 154,848 | 30,987 | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year | $ | 204,143 | $ | 154,848 | ||
Appendix A – Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)
Description of Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Operating Surplus
Operating Surplus represents net income adjusted for depreciation and amortization expense, exchange differences on Bonds and cash and cash equivalents, change in fair value of derivatives, impairment, amortization / accretion of above / below market acquired charters and straight-line revenue adjustments.
Operating Surplus is a quantitative measure used in the publicly traded partnership investment community to assist in evaluating a partnership’s financial performance and ability to make quarterly cash distributions. Operating Surplus is not required by GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for net income, cash flow from operating activities and other operations or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. Our calculation of Operating Surplus may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. The table below reconciles Operating Surplus to net income for the following periods:
| Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measure – Operating Surplus | For the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 | For the three-month period ended September 30, 2023 | For the three-month period ended December 31, 2022 |
| Partnership’s net income | 12,730 | 17,038 | 21,126 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to operating surplus prior to Capital | |||
| Depreciation, amortization, unrealized Bonds exchange differences and change in fair value of derivatives1 | 24,111 | 23,858 | 17,285 |
| Impairment of vessels | 3,541 | - | - |
| Amortization / accretion of above / below market acquired charters and straight-line revenue adjustments | 73 | 755 | (1,095) |
| Operating Surplus prior to capital reserve | 40,455 | 41,651 | 37,316 |
| Capital reserve | (38,954) | (34,444) | (30,987) |
| Operating Surplus after capital reserve | 1,501 | 7,207 | 6,329 |
| Decrease / (increase) in recommended reserves | 6,807 | (4,162) | (3,238) |
| Available Cash | 8,308 | 3,045 | 3,091 |
Depreciation, amortization, unrealized Bonds exchange differences and change in fair value of derivatives line item includes the following components:
- Vessel depreciation and amortization;
- Deferred financing costs and equity compensation plan amortization;
- Unrealized Bonds exchange differences;
- Unrealized cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash exchange differences; and
- Change in fair value of derivatives.
FAQ
What were the financial results for the fourth quarter of 2023?
What major transactions were announced by CPLP?
What was the change in total debt for CPLP?
