Danaos Corporation Reports First Quarter Results for the Period Ended March 31, 2021

Rhea-AI Summary

Danaos reported impressive first-quarter results for 2021, with adjusted net income soaring to $58.0 million ($2.83 per share), up 74.2% from $33.3 million ($1.34 per share) a year prior. Operating revenues increased 24.4% to $132.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 33.9% to $96.3 million. The company has established a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on June 9, 2021. With 91% charter coverage for the next 12 months and total contracted revenues of $1.2 billion, Danaos is positioned for continued growth.

Positive

• Adjusted net income increased by 74.2% to $58.0 million.
• Operating revenues rose by 24.4% to $132.1 million.
• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 33.9% to $96.3 million.
• Established a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share.
• Total contracted revenues reached $1.2 billion.

Negative

• Operating expenses increased by $7.9 million, impacting net income growth.

Danaos Corporation (“Danaos”) (NYSE:DAC), one of the world’s largest independent owners of containerships, today reported unaudited results for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

Highlights for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2021:

• Adjusted net income¹ of $58.0 million, or $2.83 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $33.3 million, or $1.34 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of 74.2%.
• Operating revenues of $132.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $106.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of 24.4%.
• Adjusted EBITDA¹ of $96.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $71.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, an increase of 33.9%.
• Total contracted operating revenues were $1.2 billion as of March 31, 2021, with charters extending through 2028 and remaining average contracted charter duration of 2.9 years, weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire.
• Charter coverage of 91% for the next 12 months based on current operating revenues and 88% in terms of contracted operating days.
• Initiated a regular quarterly dividend with a dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock for the first quarter of 2021. The dividend is payable on June 9, 2021 to stockholders of record as of May 27, 2021.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Financial Summary - Unaudited
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
		Three months ended		Three months ended
		March 31,		March 31,
		2021		2020
Operating revenues		$132,118		$106,196
Net income		$296,780		$29,089
Adjusted net income1		$58,011		$33,281
Earnings per share, diluted		$14.47		$1.17
Adjusted earnings per share, diluted1		$2.83		$1.34
Diluted weighted average number of shares (in thousands)		20,513		24,789
Adjusted EBITDA1		$96,282		$71,918

1 Adjusted net income, adjusted earnings per share and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the reconciliation of net income to adjusted net income and net income to adjusted EBITDA.

Danaos’ CEO Dr. John Coustas commented:

"The dramatic turnaround and strength of the market which we experienced in the beginning of the year continues unabated, if not stronger. The continuation of the pandemic and the ensuing slowdown in the terminal operations have exacerbated demand and the liner sector is at the limit of its capacity. The blockage of the Suez Canal further contributed to the disruption in the supply chain and conditions will likely not normalize before the end of the year, possibly after the peak season.

Liner companies are reporting record profits and, more importantly, are signing multi-year contracts at significantly higher levels which will keep their profitability at elevated levels. On the non-operating owners front, charter rates have skyrocketed to levels not seen for at least 10 years and what is more important duration has been significantly increased so that vessels over 4,000 TEU can secure 4+ years employment at very healthy levels.

This euphoria due to the sharp increase in rates and confidence that the market will remain strong has led to a dramatic increase in newbuilding ordering. As a result, the orderbook now stands at 17% of the existing fleet which is higher compared to the 9% nadir at the end of 2020 but still much lower than the 50% it reached in 2008.

Fortunately, the lack of shipyard capacity and the hesitance of many market participants to order vessels with conventional fuel propulsion both are inhibiting factors for new orders and are keeping a lid on excessive ordering. In any event, the recently ordered vessels will not deliver until at least 2023, and the next two years should be lean in terms of fleet supply growth. We believe that the expected strong demand growth post pandemic will comfortably absorb the existing orderbook.

As far as Danaos is concerned we are currently in the best ever position and reaping the benefits of the current market environment. On April 12th we completed our refinancing on very competitive terms and also positioned the company successfully in the US bond market, giving us access to a very significant pool of capital. The amortization profile of our debt is resulting in significant free cash flow for growth opportunities.

The stellar performance of the liner sector had a number of significant consequences for us. First, our shareholding in ZIM is today valued at around $400 million. Secondly, the dramatic cash flow generation of Zim and HMM induced them to redeem early the bonds which we were holding so we will have a $75 million cash injection in the second quarter of 2021. Thirdly, the liner sector performance also eliminates counterparty risk for the foreseeable future.

On the chartering front every fixture we concluded was done at a new record level. These fixtures are beginning to take effect and we expect to see improved metrics for every single quarter for this year.

Our strong financial standing and optimistic view for the future has led the Board to decide to reinstate a fixed quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share. Danaos has been repositioned as a growth company and has handsomely rewarded its shareholders through a dramatic share appreciation of greater than 1,000% since our November 2019 equity offering. We believe that our new fixed dividend will both expand our shareholder base to a new group of yield driven institutional investors and also enhance liquidity of the stock.

All the right steps that the company has undertaken in the last couple of years have been greatly appreciated by the market and we will continue along the same path in the future."

Three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, Danaos had an average of 60.0 containerships compared to 55.7 containerships during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Our fleet utilization for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was 98.6% compared to 91.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Adjusted fleet utilization, excluding the effect of 188 days of incremental off-hire due to shipyard delays related to the COVID-19 pandemic, was 95% in the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Our adjusted net income amounted to $58.0 million, or $2.83 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $33.3 million, or $1.34 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020. We have adjusted our net income in the three months ended March 31, 2021 for the change in fair value of our investment in ZIM of $247.9 million, a non-cash fees amortization and accrued finance fees charge of $5.0 million and stock-based compensation of $4.1 million. Please refer to the Adjusted Net Income reconciliation table, which appears later in this earnings release.

The increase of $24.7 million in adjusted net income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 is attributable mainly to a $25.9 million increase in operating revenues, a partial collection of common benefit claim of $3.9 million from Hanjin Shipping, a $2.5 million decrease in net finance expenses and a $0.3 million increase in the operating performance of our equity investment in Gemini Shipholdings Corporation (“Gemini”), which were partially offset by a $7.9 million increase in total operating expenses.

On a non-adjusted basis, our net income amounted to $296.8 million, or $14.47 earnings per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to net income of $29.1 million, or $1.17 earnings per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased by 24.4%, or $25.9 million, to $132.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $106.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 reflect:

• a $10.5 million increase in revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to the incremental revenue generated by the newly-acquired vessels; and
• a $15.4 million increase in revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 mainly as a result of higher charter rates and improved fleet utilization.

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses increased by $5.1 million to $31.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $26.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020, primarily as a result of the increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet and by an increase in the average daily operating cost of $5,954 per vessel per day for vessels on time charter for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $5,522 per vessel per day for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The average daily operating cost increased mainly due to the COVID-19 related increase in crew remuneration in the three months ended March 31, 2021. Management believes that our daily operating cost remains among 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 increased by 4.9%, or $1.2 million, to $25.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $24.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 mainly due to the acquisition of five vessels and installation of scrubbers on nine of our vessels in the year ended December 31, 2020.

Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs increased by $0.2 million to $2.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $2.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $5.1 million to $10.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021, from $5.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was mainly due to a $4.6 million increase in stock-based compensation and increased management fees due to the increased size of our fleet.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses increased by $0.2 million to $4.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $4.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020 primarily as a result of the increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense decreased by 7.4%, or $1.2 million, to $15.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $16.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease in interest expense is attributable to:

(i) a $2.0 million decrease in interest expense due to a decrease in average cost of debt service by approximately 1.5%, which was partially offset by a $70.3 million increase in our average debt (including leaseback obligations), to $1,614.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $1,544.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020; and

(ii) a $0.8 million increase in the amortization of deferred finance costs and debt discount related to our debt.

Our total outstanding debt as of March 31, 2021, reflects an additional amount of $300 million relating to our Senior Notes issued in February 2021, with net proceeds of $294.4 million placed in an escrow account. These net proceeds were used, together with the net proceeds from a new $815 million senior secured credit facility and a new $135 million leaseback arrangement, each drawn in April 2021, to refinance a substantial majority of our outstanding senior secured indebtedness on April 12, 2021. See “Recent Developments”.

As of March 31, 2021, our outstanding debt, net of $294.4 million escrowed net cash proceeds from the Senior Notes and gross of deferred finance costs, was $1,306.8 million and our leaseback obligation was $117.5 million compared to our outstanding debt of $1,396.3 million and our leaseback obligation of $134.3 million as of March 31, 2020.

Interest income increased by $0.3 million to $2.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $1.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Change in fair value of investments
The change in fair value of investments of $247.875 million relates to the change in fair value of our shareholding interest in ZIM, which completed its initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange of its ordinary shares on January 27, 2021. We currently own 10,186,950 ordinary shares of ZIM, which were valued at $247.95 million as of March 31, 2021 compared to the book value of these shares of $75 thousand as of December 31, 2020.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net decreased by $0.2 million to $0.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $0.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Equity income on investments
Equity income/(loss) on investments increased by $0.3 million to $1.8 million of income on investments in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to a $1.5 million income on investments in the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to the improved operating performance of Gemini, in which the Company has a 49% shareholding interest.

Loss on derivatives
Amortization of deferred realized losses on interest rate swaps remained stable at $0.9 million in each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020.

Other income, net
Other income, net was $4.0 million in income in the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $0.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was mainly due to the collection from Hanjin Shipping of $3.9 million as a partial payment of common benefit claim and interest.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 33.9%, or $24.4 million, to $96.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $71.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2020. As outlined above, the increase is mainly attributable to a $25.9 million increase in operating revenues, a partial collection of common benefit claim of $3.9 million from Hanjin Shipping and a $0.3 million increase in the operating performance of our equity investees, which were partially offset by a $5.7 million increase in total operating expenses. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2021 is adjusted for change in fair value of investments of $247.9 million and stock based compensation of $4.9 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Dividend Payment

On May 10, 2021 we declared a dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock for the first quarter of 2021, which is payable on June 9, 2021 to stockholders of record as of May 27, 2021. We intend to pay regular quarterly dividends on our common stock. Payments of dividends are subject to the discretion of our board of directors, provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of distributions to stockholders and the terms of our credit facilities, which permit the payment of dividends so long as there has been no event of default thereunder nor would occur as a result of such dividend payment, and will be subject to conditions in the container shipping industry, our financial performance and us having sufficient available excess cash and distributable reserves.

Recent Developments

On April 12, 2021, the Company refinanced a substantial majority of its outstanding senior secured indebtedness with the proceeds from a $815 million senior secured credit facility with Citibank N.A. and National Westminster Bank plc, a $135 million sale leaseback agreement with Oriental Fleet International Company Limited, an affiliate of COSCO Shipping Lease Co., Ltd., with respect to five vessels, and the net proceeds of the Company’s February 2021 offering of $300 million of 8.500% Senior Notes due 2028.

Conference Call and Webcast

On Tuesday, May 11, 2021 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 May 18, 2021 by dialing 1 877 344 7529 (US Toll Free Dial In) or 1-412-317-0088 (Standard International Dial In) and using 10156175# as the access code.

Audio Webcast
There will also be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call on 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.

Slide Presentation
A slide presentation regarding the Company and the containership industry will also be available on the Danaos website (www.danaos.com).

About Danaos Corporation

Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size containerships. Our current fleet of 65 containerships aggregating 403,793 TEUs, including five 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 safe harbor 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. 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 impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts throughout the world to contain its spread, including effects on global economic activity, demand for seaborne transportation of containerized cargo, the ability and willingness of charterers to perform their obligations to us, charter rates for containerships, shipyards performing scrubber installations, drydocking and repairs, changing vessel crews and availability of financing; Danaos’ ability to achieve the expected benefits of the 2021 debt refinancing and comply with the terms of its new credit facilities and other financing agreements; 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 dry-docking, changes in Danaos Corporation's operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, ability to obtain financing 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 51 unscheduled off-hire days in the three months ended March 31, 2021. The following table summarizes vessel utilization and the impact of the off-hire days on the Company’s revenue.

Vessel Utilization (No. of Days)		First Quarter		First Quarter
		2021		2020
Ownership Days		5,400		5,073
Less Off-hire Days:
Scheduled Off-hire Days		(22)		(336)
Other Off-hire Days		(51)		(104)
Operating Days		5,327		4,633
Vessel Utilization		98.6%		91.3%
Operating Revenues (in '000s of US Dollars)		$132,118		$106,196
Average Gross Daily Charter Rate		$24,802		$22,922

Fleet List

The following table describes in detail our fleet deployment profile as of May 10, 2021:

Vessel Name		Vessel Size (TEU)		Year Built		Expiration of Charter(1)
Hyundai Ambition		13,100		2012		June 2024
Hyundai Speed		13,100		2012		June 2024
Hyundai Smart		13,100		2012		May 2024
Hyundai Respect		13,100		2012		March 2024
Hyundai Honour		13,100		2012		February 2024
Express Rome		10,100		2011		February 2022
Express Berlin		10,100		2011		April 2022
Express Athens		10,100		2011		February 2022
Le Havre		9,580		2006		April 2023
Pusan C		9,580		2006		March 2023
Bremen		9,012		2009		December 2022
C Hamburg		9,012		2009		January 2023
Niledutch Lion		8,626		2008		February 2022
Charleston		8,533		2005		December 2021
CMA CGM Melisande		8,530		2012		May 2024
CMA CGM Attila		8,530		2011		October 2023
CMA CGM Tancredi		8,530		2011		November 2023
CMA CGM Bianca		8,530		2011		January 2024
CMA CGM Samson		8,530		2011		March 2024
America		8,468		2004		February 2023
Europe		8,468		2004		March 2023
Phoebe		8,463		2005		April 2022
CMA CGM Moliere		6,500		2009		February 2022
CMA CGM Musset		6,500		2010		August 2022
CMA CGM Nerval		6,500		2010		October 2022
CMA CGM Rabelais		6,500		2010		December 2022
CMA CGM Racine		6,500		2010		January 2023
YM Mandate		6,500		2010		January 2028
YM Maturity		6,500		2010		April 2028
Performance		6,402		2002		May 2024
Dimitra C		6,402		2002		January 2023
Seattle C		4,253		2007		September 2021
Vancouver		4,253		2007		December 2021
Derby D		4,253		2004		January 2022
ANL Tongala		4,253		2004		January 2023
Rio Grande		4,253		2008		December 2021
ZIM Sao Paolo		4,253		2008		February 2023
ZIM Kingston		4,253		2008		April 2023
ZIM Monaco		4,253		2009		July 2022
ZIM Dalian		4,253		2009		November 2022
ZIM Luanda		4,253		2009		August 2025
Dimitris C		3,430		2001		January 2022
Express Black Sea		3,400		2011		January 2022
Express Spain		3,400		2011		January 2022
Express Argentina		3,400		2010		May 2023
Express Brazil		3,400		2010		September 2021
Express France		3,400		2010		October 2021
Singapore		3,314		2004		October 2021
Colombo		3,314		2004		December 2021
Zebra		2,602		2001		August 2021
Amalia C		2,452		1998		January 2023
Artotina (ex Danae C)		2,524		2001		February 2022
Advance		2,200		1997		January 2022
Future		2,200		1997		November 2021
Sprinter		2,200		1997		December 2021
Stride		2,200		1997		February 2022
Progress C		2,200		1998		December 2021
Bridge		2,200		1998		April 2022
Highway		2,200		1998		August 2022
Vladivostok		2,200		1997		October 2021
Belita ľ2)		8,533		2006		September 2021
Catherine C (2)		6,422		2001		January 2023
Leo C (2)		6,422		2002		August 2022
Suez Canal(2)		5,610		2002		March 2023
Genoaľ2)		5,544		2002		November 2024

__________________________
(1)		Earliest date charters could expire. Some charters include options to extend their terms.
(2)		Vessels acquired by Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, in which Danaos holds a 49% equity interest.

DANAOS CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - Unaudited
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
			Three months ended		Three months ended
			March 31,		March 31,
			2021		2020
OPERATING REVENUES			$132,118		$106,196
OPERATING EXPENSES
Vessel operating expenses			(31,078)		(26,002)
Depreciation & amortization			(28,308)		(26,891)
General & administrative			(10,895)		(5,840)
Other operating expenses			(4,228)		(4,046)
Income From Operations			57,609		43,417
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSES)
Interest income			1,978		1,714
Interest expense			(15,111)		(16,313)
Change in fair value of investments			247,875		-
Other finance expenses			(452)		(622)
Equity income on investments			1,803		1,545
Other income, net			3,971		251
Realized loss on derivatives			(893)		(903)
Total Other Income/(Expenses), net			239,171		(14,328)
Net Income			$296,780		$29,089

FAQ

What were Danaos' Q1 2021 earnings?

Danaos reported an adjusted net income of $58.0 million, or $2.83 per share.

How much did Danaos' operating revenues increase in Q1 2021?

Operating revenues increased by 24.4% to $132.1 million compared to Q1 2020.

What is Danaos' dividend for Q1 2021?

Danaos declared a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, payable on June 9, 2021.

What is the charter coverage for Danaos in the next 12 months?

Danaos has charter coverage of 91% for the next 12 months.

What is the total contracted revenue for Danaos?

Total contracted operating revenues for Danaos are $1.2 billion.