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Seaspan Reports Financial Results For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

Declares Third Quarter Dividend of $0.25 per Common Share

HONG KONG, CHINA - Oct. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Seaspan Corporation ("Seaspan") (NYSE:SSW) announced today its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012. Below is a summary of Seaspan's key financial results:

Summary of Key Financial Results (in thousands of USD):

  Three Months Ended September 30,   Change  
  2012   2011   $   %  
Reported net earnings (loss) $ 17,813   $ (122,607)   $ 140,420   114.5 %
Normalized net earnings(1) $ 33,608   $ 34,132   $ (524)   (1.5) %
Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted $ 0.01   $ (2.01)   $ 2.02   100.5 %
Normalized earnings per share, converted(1)(Series A preferred shares converted at $15) $ 0.30   $ 0.29   $ 0.01   3.4 %
Cash available for distribution to common shareholders(2) $ 69,811   $ 63,930   $ 5,881   9.2 %
Adjusted EBITDA(3) $ 129,043   $ 114,964   $ 14,079   12.2 %
   
 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,   Change  
  2012   2011   $   %  
Reported net earnings (loss) $ 62,322   $ (106,917)   $ 169,239   158.3 %
Normalized net earnings(1) $ 104,615   $ 87,953   $ 16,662   18.9 %
Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted $ 0.18   $ (2.19)   $ 2.37   108.2 %
Normalized earnings per share, converted(1) (Series A preferred shares converted at $15) $ 0.95   $ 0.77   $ 0.18   23.4 %
Cash available for distribution to common shareholders(2) $ 211,564   $ 168,360   $ 43,204   25.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA(3) $ 376,809   $ 298,030   $ 78,779   26.4 %
 

(1) Normalized net earnings and normalized earnings per share are non-GAAP measures that are adjusted for items such as interest expense, change in fair value of financial instruments, interest expense at the hedged rate, organizational development costs, losses (gains) on vessels and certain other items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance. Normalized earnings per share, converted, reflects normalized earnings per share on a pro-forma basis on the assumption that Seaspan's outstanding Series A preferred shares are converted at $15.00 per share. Please read "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011- Description of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - B. Normalized Net Earnings and Normalized Earnings per Share" for a description of normalized net earnings and normalized earnings per share, converted, and for reconciliations of these measures to net earnings and earnings per share, respectively.

(2) Cash available for distribution to common shareholders is a non-GAAP measure that represents net earnings adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, amortization of deferred charges, non-cash share-based compensation, change in fair value of financial instruments, bareboat charter adjustment, organizational development costs, amounts paid for dry-docking, cash dividends paid on preferred shares, losses (gains) on vessels, interest expense at the hedged rate and certain other items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance. Please read "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 - Description of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - A. Cash Available for Distribution to Common Shareholders" for a description of cash available for distribution to common shareholders and a reconciliation of cash available for distribution to net earnings.

(3) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that represents net earnings before interest expense and other debt-related expenses, interest income, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, bareboat charter adjustment, organizational development costs, losses (gains) on vessels, change in fair value of financial instruments and certain other items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance. Please read "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 - Description of Non-GAAP Financial Measures - C. Adjusted EBITDA" for a description of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings.

Summary of Key Highlights

  • Achieved vessel utilization of 98.9% and 99.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. 
     
  • Paid a quarterly dividend of $0.59375 per Series C preferred share on July 30, 2012, representing a distribution of $8.3 million. The dividend was paid to all Series C shareholders of record as of July 27, 2012 for the period from April 30, 2012 to July 29, 2012. 
     
  • Paid a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per Class A common share on August 22, 2012 to all shareholders of record as of August 13, 2012. Seaspan has increased its quarterly common share dividend by 150% since March 31, 2010. Seaspan expects common share dividends for the four quarters ending December 31, 2012 to total $1.00 per share. 
     

Gerry Wang, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chairman, and Co-Founder of Seaspan, commented, "During the third quarter, Seaspan's business continued to perform as expected. We achieved high utilization, delivered strong financial results and distributed a sizeable dividend to shareholders."

Mr. Wang added, "Our balance sheet strength positions us well to capitalize on the attractive ship acquisition environment. We remain committed to our disciplined growth strategy, providing credit worthy customers with state-of-the-art fuel efficient vessels and creating long-term value for our shareholders."

Third Quarter Developments

Loan Facility Transaction

On July 3, 2012, three of Seaspan's subsidiaries entered into a $223.8 million loan facility with a leading Chinese bank relating to the construction of three 10000 TEU newbuilding vessels. These vessels are scheduled to be delivered in 2014. Immediately after delivery, these vessels will commence operations under charters with Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd. ("Hanjin") for a period of 10 years, plus an additional two years at the option of Hanjin. Seaspan has conditionally guaranteed certain financial obligations of its subsidiaries to the Chinese bank under the loan facility.

$1.3 Billion Credit Facility Amendment

On July 6, 2012, Seaspan amended its $1.3 billion credit facility to (i) reduce the lenders' commitment from $1.3 billion to $1.0 billion, or by $267.0 million (the undrawn amount under the facility) and (ii) change the formula for the amount Seaspan would be required to repay on the removal of a vessel serving as collateral under the facility. As a result of the foregoing reduction in the lenders' commitment, Seaspan will now refer to this as its $1.0 billion credit facility. Seaspan paid an administration fee of $1.95 million to the lenders.

CSCL Dalian Time Charter

The CSCL Dalian was re-delivered to Seaspan on July 13, 2012. The vessel was renamed Seaspan Dalian. On July 26, 2012, the Seaspan Dalian commenced a time charter with Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd. for a period of up to six months.

CSCL Felixstowe Time Charter

The CSCL Felixstowe was re-delivered to Seaspan on August 21, 2012. The vessel was renamed Seaspan Felixstowe. On September 9, 2012, the Seaspan Felixstowe commenced a time charter with Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. for a period of up to six months.

Open Market Share Repurchase Plan

In February 2012, Seaspan's board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $50.0 million of its Class A common shares. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, Seaspan repurchased 94,401 shares under an open market share repurchase plan for an aggregate of $1.4 million, or an average of $14.87 per share. An additional $48.3 million is authorized under the plan.

Subsequent Events

Dividends

On October 30, 2012, Seaspan paid a quarterly dividend of $0.59375 per Series C preferred share, representing a total distribution of $8.3 million. This dividend was paid to all shareholders of record on October 29, 2012 for the period from July 30, 2012 to October 29, 2012.

On October 27, 2012, Seaspan declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per Class A common share payable to all shareholders of record as of November 13, 2012. The dividend will be paid on November 23, 2012.

Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012

The following table summarizes vessel utilization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012:

  First Quarter   Second Quarter   Third Quarter   Year to Date -
September 30
 
  2012   2011   2012   2011   2012   2011   2012   2011  
Vessel Utilization:                                
Ownership Days 5,591   5,087   5,847   5,421   5,980   5,857   17,418   16,365  
Less Off-hire Days:                                
  Scheduled 5-Year Survey (44)   (53)   (24)   (58)   (12)   (6)   (80)   (117)  
  Unscheduled Off-hire(1) (7)   (2)   (14)   (3)   (56)   (7)   (77)   (12)  
Operating Days 5,540   5,032   5,809   5,360   5,912   5,844   17,261   16,236  
Vessel Utilization 99.1 % 98.9 % 99.4 % 98.9 % 98.9 % 99.8 % 99.1 % 99.2 %
     
(1) Unscheduled off-hire includes days related to vessels in between their time-charters. Certain of these days were used to dry-dock such vessels.  
 

Seaspan accepted delivery of 10 vessels during the year ended December 31, 2011. Seaspan began 2012 with 65 vessels in operation and during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, accepted delivery of four vessels, bringing its fleet to a total of 69 vessels in operation as at September 30, 2012. Revenue is determined primarily by the number of operating days, and ship operating expense is determined primarily by the number of ownership days.

The following table summarizes Seaspan's consolidated financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011:

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Increase   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Increase
  2012   2011   Days   %   2012   2011   Days   %
Operating days 5,912   5,844   68   1.2%   17,261   16,236   1,025   6.3%
Ownership days 5,980   5,857   123   2.1%   17,418   16,365   1,053   6.4%
 
 
Financial Summary 
(in millions of USD)
Three Months Ended 
September 30,
  Change   Nine Months Ended 
September 30,
  Change  
  2012   2011   $   %   2012   2011   $   %  
                                             
Revenue $ 168.7   $ 154.8   $ 13.8   8.9%   $ 487.1   $ 409.5   $ 77.6   18.9%  
Ship operating expense   35.7     35.9     (0.3)   (0.8%)     101.7     99.8     1.9   1.9%  
Depreciation and amortization expense   42.5     38.4     4.1   10.8%     122.7     102.2     20.5   20.1%  
General and administrative expense   5.6     3.9     1.7   42.9%     18.1     11.7     6.5   55.6%  
Operating lease   2.0     -     2.0   100.0%     2.0     -     2.0   100.0%  
Loss (gain) on vessels   -     8.9     (8.9)   (100.0%)     (9.8)     8.9     (18.7)   (209.9%)  
Interest expense   18.5     14.0     4.5   32.4%     54.7     34.8     19.9   57.1%  
Change in fair value of financial instruments loss   45.8     174.6     (128.7)   (73.7%)     132.6     253.5     (120.9)   (47.7%)  
 

Revenue

Revenue increased by 8.9% and 18.9%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 over the prior year's comparable periods. This is due to an increase in operating days of 1.2% and 6.3% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, over the prior year's comparable periods and higher time-charter rates attributed to the delivery of Seaspan's larger newbuild vessels. The increase in operating days and the financial impact thereof, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 relative to the corresponding periods in 2011, is attributable to the following:

  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2012
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2012
 
  Operating
Days impact
  $ impact
(in millions)
  Operating
Days impact
  $ impact
(in millions)
 
2012 vessel deliveries 368   $ 20.5   724   $ 40.4  
Full period contribution for 2011 vessel deliveries 123     6.1   1,380     66.1  
Changes due to bareboat charters (1) (368)     (8.6)   (1,092)     (25.5)  
Change in daily charterhire rate -     (2.8)   -     (3.4)  
Change in charterhire days -     -   41     1.3  
Scheduled off-hire (6)     -   37     0.4  
Unscheduled off-hire (49)     (1.4)   (65)     (1.7)  
Total 68   $ 13.8   1,025   $ 77.6  
                     
(1) Seaspan bareboat chartered to Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., or MSC, four 4800 TEU vessels commencing in the fourth quarter of 2011. These transactions were accounted for as sales-type leases with the vessels being deemed disposed of and a gross investment in lease recorded, which is being amortized to income through interest income from leasing. In the comparable periods in the prior year, the hire payments from the time chartering of these vessels to A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S was included in revenue.
 

Vessel utilization was 98.9% and 99.1%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to 99.8% and 99.2% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.

The decrease in vessel utilization for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 was primarily due to a 65 day increase in unscheduled off-hire. The unscheduled off-hire includes 31 days for the Seaspan Dalian and Seaspan Felixstowe. While these vessels were in between time charters, their scheduled dry-dockings were completed. There was also 22 days of unscheduled off-hire related to mechanical issues experienced onboard the COSCO Indonesia. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Seaspan completed six dry-dockings which resulted in 80 days of scheduled off-hire, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011, where Seaspan completed eight dry-dockings which resulted in 117 days of scheduled off-hire.

The dry-dockings Seaspan completed during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 involved the following vessels:

Vessel Completed
   
Rio de Janeiro Express Q1
CSCL Zeebrugge Q1
COSCO Fuzhou Q1
COSCO Yingkou Q1
CSCL Long Beach Q2
Seaspan Ningbo Q3
Seaspan Dalian (1) Q3
Seaspan Felixstowe (1) Q3
 
(1) Dry-dockings for these vessels were completed in between their time charters, as described above.
 

Seaspan's cumulative vessel utilization since its initial public offering in August 2005 is 99.2%.

Ship Operating Expense

Prior to Seaspan's acquisition of Seaspan Management Services Limited (the "Manager"), ship operating expense was comprised of fixed, daily, per vessel fees paid to the Manager for technical services. The amount of this technical services fee was established every three years. As a result of the acquisition, Seaspan's consolidated ship operating expense now represents the direct operating costs of the vessels.

($ impact in millions 
of USD, except per day amounts)
Three Months Ended September 30,   Change     Nine Months Ended September 30,   Change  
  2012   2011   %     2012   2011   %  
                                   
Ship operating expense, as reported   35.7     35.9   (0.8) %     101.7     99.8   1.9 %
Add: General and administrative component of technical services fee(1)   3.1     -   100.0 %     7.9     -   100.0 %
Adjusted ship operating expense   38.8     35.9   8.1 %     109.6     99.8   9.8 %
                                   
Ownership days   5,980     5,857   2.1 %     17,418     16,365   6.4 %
Adjusted ship operating expense per day $ 6,484   $ 6,135  
5.7
%   $ 6,291   $ 6,099  
3.1
%
                                   
(1) Prior to the acquisition of the Manager, the entire technical services fee was classified as ship operating expense. After the acquisition of the Manager, the Manager's general and administrative expenses that previously would have been included in the technical services fee and reported as ship operating expense are now presented as general and administrative expenses.
 

Total ship operating expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 of $101.7 million consists of $9.3 million of technical services fees paid to the Manager during the pre-acquisition period to January 26, 2012, and $92.4 million of direct costs incurred during the post-acquisition period from January 27 to September 30, 2012.

The changes in ship operating expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are primarily attributable to the general and administrative reclassification, as explained above, of approximately $3.1 million and $7.9 million, respectively, and the increase in ownership days of 123 days and 1,053 days, respectively. The increase in adjusted average ship operating expense per vessel per day of 5.7% and 3.1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the comparable periods in the prior year, are favorable relative to our estimate of an approximate 8.0% increase in average per vessel per day ship operating expense from the fees charged by the Manager for the year ending December 31, 2011, and reflects the results of Seaspan's cost saving initiatives.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

The increase in depreciation and amortization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, from the corresponding periods in the prior year is due to the increase in the size of the fleet. Four vessels delivered in 2012 and a full period of depreciation was taken for the 10 vessels delivered in 2011, partially offset by the impact of the disposition of the four MSC bareboat charter vessels and the disposition of the UASC Madinah.

General and Administrative Expenses

The increases of $1.7 million and $6.5 million, respectively, in general and administrative expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year, are primarily due to the reclassification of approximately $3.1 million and approximately $7.9 million, respectively, of the Manager's general and administrative expense from ship operating expense.

Operating Lease Expense

On June 27, 2012, Seaspan sold the UASC Madinah to a U.S. bank and is leasing the vessel back for approximately nine years. Prior to June 27, 2012, Seaspan owned the vessel and financed it with a term loan of $53.0 million which was repaid using the proceeds from the sale to the U.S. bank. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, Seaspan incurred operating lease expense of $2.0 million. In the comparable periods of 2011, Seaspan incurred interest expense on the $53.0 million loan.

Gain on Vessels

The $53.0 million term loan credit facility matured on June 27, 2012. On June 27, 2012, Seaspan sold the UASC Madinah to the U.S. bank for $52.1 million, the amount outstanding under the term loan which resulted in a gain on vessel of $9.8 million. The proceeds of this sale were used to fully repay the term loan.

Interest Expense

As at September 30, 2012, the balance of Seaspan's long-term debt was $3.1 billion and Seaspan's other long-term liabilities was $661.5 million. Interest expense is comprised primarily of interest incurred on long-term debt and other long-term liabilities for operating vessels and a reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income related to previously designated hedging relationships. Interest incurred on long-term debt and other long-term liabilities for Seaspan's vessels under construction is capitalized to the cost of the respective vessels under construction. Seaspan's long-term debt and other long-term liabilities bear interest primarily at variable rates calculated by reference to LIBOR plus applicable margins.

The increases in interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, were primarily due to the increases in average operating debt and other long-term liabilities attributed to the delivery of four 13100 TEU newbuild vessels in 2012 and higher average LIBOR compared to the respective periods in the prior year. The average LIBOR charged on Seaspan's long-term debt and other long-term liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 was 0.4% and 0.5%, compared to 0.3% and 0.4% for the comparable periods in the prior year. Although Seaspan has entered into fixed interest rate swaps for much of its variable rate debt, the difference between the variable interest rate and the swapped fixed-rate on operating debt is recorded in Seaspan's change in fair value of financial instruments.

Change in Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The change in fair value of financial instruments resulted in losses of $45.8 million and $132.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to losses of $174.6 million and $253.5 million for the comparable periods last year. The decreases in change in fair value for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were primarily due to decreases in the forward LIBOR curve. The fair value of interest rate swap and swaption agreements is subject to change based on the counterparty and Seaspan's company-specific credit risk included in the discount factor and the interest rate implied by the current swap curve, including its relative steepness. In determining the fair value, these factors are based on current information available to Seaspan. These factors are expected to change through the life of the instruments, causing the fair value to fluctuate significantly due to the large notional amounts and long-term nature of Seaspan's derivative instruments. As these factors may change, the fair value of the instruments is an estimate and may deviate significantly from the actual cash settlements realized over the term of the instruments. Seaspan's valuation techniques have not changed and remain consistent with those followed by other valuation practitioners.

About Seaspan

Seaspan provides many of the world's major shipping lines with an attractive outsourced alternative to vessel ownership by offering long-term leases on large, modern containerships combined with industry-leading ship management and a reputation for safety, quality and innovation. Seaspan's managed fleet consists of 76 containerships representing a total capacity of approximately 475,000 TEU, including 7 ships scheduled for delivery by the end of 2015. Seaspan's current operating fleet of 69 vessels has an average age of approximately five years and an average remaining lease period of approximately seven years.

Seaspan's common shares are listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SSW".

Seaspan's Series C Preferred Shares are listed on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SSW PR C".

Conference Call and Webcast

Seaspan will host a conference call and webcast presentation for investors and analysts to discuss its results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 on October 31, 2012 at 7:00 a.m. PT / 10:00 a.m. ET. Participants should call 1-877-246-9875 (US/Canada) or 1-707-287-9353 (International) and request the Seaspan call. A telephonic replay will be available for anyone unable to participate in the live call. To access the replay, call 1-855-859-2056 or 1-404-537-3406 and enter the replay passcode: 55291488. The recording will be available from October 31, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET through 8:59 p.m. PT / 11:59 p.m. ET on November 13, 2012. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet and will include a slide presentation. To access the live webcast and slide presentation, go towww.seaspancorp.com and click on "News & Events" and then "Events & Presentations" for the link. The webcast and slides will be archived on the site for one year.

SEASPAN CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
         
  September 30, 2012   December 31, 2011  
Assets            
Current assets:            
  Cash and cash equivalents $ 273,000   $ 481,123  
  Short term investments   35,485     -  
  Accounts receivable   7,611     6,837  
  Prepaid expenses   24,195     17,398  
  Gross investment in lease   14,600     14,640  
    354,891     519,998  
             
Vessels   4,827,943     4,289,331  
Vessels under construction   76,146     407,918  
Deferred charges   48,307     45,917  
Gross investment in lease   84,878     95,798  
Goodwill   66,662     -  
Other assets   72,992     88,754  
Fair value of financial instruments   38,760     -  
  $ 5,570,579   $ 5,447,716  
             
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity            
Current liabilities:            
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 46,680   $ 47,400  
  Current portion of deferred revenue   24,674     23,257  
  Current portion of long-term debt   73,197     81,482  
  Current portion of other long-term liabilities   38,481     37,649  
    183,032     189,788  
             
Deferred revenue   8,991     12,503  
Long-term debt   3,023,935     2,914,247  
Other long-term liabilities   623,025     583,263  
Fair value of financial instruments   633,402     564,490  
    4,472,385     4,264,291  
             
Share capital   772     838  
Treasury shares   (301)     -  
Additional paid in capital   1,775,392     1,860,979  
Deficit   (628,889)     (622,406)  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (48,780)     (55,986)  
Total shareholders' equity   1,098,194     1,183,425  
             
  $ 5,570,579   $ 5,447,716  
             
             
 
SEASPAN CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND DEFICIT FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
         
  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2012   2011   2012   2011  
                         
Revenue $ 168,667   $ 154,826   $ 487,077   $ 409,493  
                         
Operating expenses:                        
  Ship operating   35,650     35,930     101,715     99,805  
  Depreciation and amortization   42,527     38,378     122,742     102,200  
  General and administrative   5,618     3,932     18,139     11,658  
  Operating lease   2,035     -     2,035     -  
  Loss (gain) on vessels   -     8,890     (9,773)     8,890  
    85,830     87,130     234,858     222,553  
                         
Operating earnings   82,837     67,696     252,219     186,940  
                         
Other expenses (income):                        
  Interest expense   18,531     13,998     54,663     34,801  
  Interest income   (299)     (144)     (928)     (471)  
  Interest income from leasing   (1,275)     -     (3,934)     -  
  Undrawn credit facility fees   145     952     1,348     3,434  
  Amortization of deferred charges   1,877     917     5,643     2,568  
  Change in fair value of financial instruments   45,847     174,580     132,607     253,525  
  Equity loss on investment   83     -     217     -  
  Other expenses   115     -     281     -  
    65,024     190,303     189,897     293,857  
                         
Net earnings (loss) $ 17,813   $ (122,607)   $ 62,322   $ (106,917)  
                         
Deficit, beginning of period   (622,454)     (483,179)     (622,406)     (469,616)  
  Dividends - common shares   (15,730)     (12,942)     (43,185)     (34,425)  
  Dividends - Series B preferred shares   -     (617)     -     (1,813)  
  Dividends - Series C preferred shares   (8,313)     (7,825)     (24,938)     (13,894)  
Amortization of Series C issuance costs   (205)     (170)     (682)     (675)  
Deficit, end of period $ (628,889)   $ (627,340)   $ (628,889)   $ (627,340)  
                         
Weighted average number of shares, basic   62,664     69,257     62,989     69,045  
Weighted average number of shares, diluted   64,201     69,257     64,377     69,045  
                         
Earnings (loss) per share, basic and diluted $ 0.01   $ (2.01)   $ 0.18   $ (2.19)  
                         
                         
 
SEASPAN CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND LOSS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
         
  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2012   2011   2012   2011  
                         
Net earnings (loss) $ 17,813   $ (122,607)   $ 62,322   $ (106,917)  
                         
Other comprehensive income:                        
  Amounts reclassified to earnings (loss) during the period, relating to cash flow hedging instruments   2,086     2,933     7,206     9,312  
                         
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 19,899   $ (119,674)   $ 69,528   $ (97,605)  
                         
                         
 
SEASPAN CORPORATION
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
         
  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2012   2011   2012   2011  
Cash from (used in):                        
Operating activities:                        
  Net earnings (loss) $ 17,813   $ (122,607)   $ 62,322   $ (106,917)  
  Items not involving cash:                        
    Depreciation and amortization   42,527     38,378     122,742     102,200  
    Share-based compensation   901     1,014     3,430     2,266  
    Amortization of deferred charges   1,877     917     5,643     2,568  
    Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive loss to interest expense   1,859     2,784     6,595     8,970  
    Unrealized change in fair value of financial instruments   14,581     142,496     40,152     160,742  
    Loss (gain) on vessels       8,890     (9,773)     8,890  
    Equity loss on investment   83         217      
Changes in assets and liabilities   2,373     (9,827)     (7,360)     (20,061)  
Cash from operating activities   82,014     62,045     223,968     158,658  
                         
Financing activities:                        
  Preferred shares issued, net of share issue costs       (89)         344,567  
  Draws on credit facilities       544,863     113,672     547,160  
  Repayment of credit facilities   (27,394)     (366)     (38,380)     (366)  
  Shares repurchased, including related expenses   (1,403)         (172,341)      
  Repayment of other long-term liabilities   (10,618)     (6,210)     (43,602)     (11,910)  
  Financing fees   (3,797)     (6,941)     (3,615)     (8,008)  
  Dividends on common shares   (14,793)     (9,378)     (36,972)     (25,004)  
  Dividends on preferred shares   (8,313)     (8,151)     (24,938)     (14,866)  
  Swaption premium payment   (10,000)         (10,000)      
Cash from (used in) financing activities   (76,318)     513,728     (216,176)     831,573  
                         
Investing activities:                        
  Expenditures for vessels   (45,864)     (302,906)     (210,139)     (602,171)  
  Short-term investments   (25,049)         (35,123)      
  Cash acquired on acquisition of Manager  
   
    23,911    
 
  Restricted cash       (5,000)     5,000      
  Intangible assets   (94)     (944)     436     (2,528)  
  Investment in affiliate       (4,015)         (4,015)  
Cash used in investing activities   (71,007)     (312,865)     (215,915)     (608,714)  
                         
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   (65,311)     262,908     (208,123)     381,517  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   338,311     152,828     481,123     34,219  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 273,000   $ 415,736   $ 273,000   $ 415,736  
   
   
 
SEASPAN CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS)
 

Description of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

A. Cash Available for Distribution to Common Shareholders

Cash available for distribution to common shareholders is defined as net earnings adjusted for depreciation and amortization, interest expense, amortization of deferred charges, non-cash share-based compensation, change in fair value of financial instruments, bareboat charter adjustment, organizational development costs, amounts paid for dry-docking, cash dividends paid on preferred shares, losses (gains) on vessels, interest expense at the hedged rate and certain other items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance.

Cash available for distribution to common shareholders is a non-GAAP measure used to assist in evaluating Seaspan's ability to make quarterly cash dividends before reserves for replacement capital expenditures. Cash available for distribution to common shareholders is not defined by United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or any other indicator of Seaspan's performance required to be reported by GAAP.

  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2012   2011   2012   2011  
                         
Net earnings (loss) $ 17,813   $ (122,607)   $ 62,322   $ (106,917)  
Add:                        
  Depreciation and amortization   42,527     38,378     122,742     102,200  
  Interest expense   18,531     13,998     54,663     34,801  
  Amortization of deferred charges   1,877     917     5,643     2,568  
  Share-based compensation   901     1,014     3,430     2,266  
  Change in fair value of financial instruments   45,847     174,580     132,607     253,525  
  Bareboat charter adjustment, net (1)   2,405         7,026      
  Organizational development costs (2)   197         1,159      
Less:                        
  Amounts paid for dry-dock adjustment   (3,194)     (1,871)     (6,954)     (6,299)  
  Series B preferred share dividends paid (3)       (327)         (972)  
  Series C preferred share dividends paid and accumulated (3)   (8,313)     (8,313)     (24,938)     (19,356)  
  Loss (gain) on vessels (4)       8,890     (9,773)     8,890  
Net cash flows before interest payments   118,591     104,659     347,927     270,706  
Less:                        
Interest expense at the hedged rate (5)   (48,780)     (40,729)     (136,363)     (102,346)  
Cash available for distribution to common shareholders $
69,811
  $
63,930
  $
211,564
  $
168,360
 
 
 
SEASPAN CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 

B. Normalized Net Earnings and Normalized Earnings per Share

Normalized net earnings is defined as net earnings adjusted for items such as interest expense, change in fair value of financial instruments, interest expense at the hedged rate, organizational development costs, losses (gains) on vessels and certain other items Seaspan believes affect the comparability of operating results. Normalized net earnings is a useful measure because it excludes those items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance.

Normalized net earnings is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or any other indicator of Seaspan's performance required to be reported by GAAP.

Normalized earnings per share, converted, is calculated as normalized net earnings, less dividends on Series B (until their repurchase on November 30, 2011) and Series C preferred shares, divided by the "converted" number of shares outstanding for the period. The Series A preferred shares automatically convert to Class A common shares at a price of $15.00 per share at any time on or after January 31, 2014 if the trailing 30-day average trading price of the common shares is equal to or above $15.00. If the share price is less than $15.00, Seaspan can choose to not convert the preferred shares and to increase the annual increase in the liquidation preference to 15% per annum from 12%. The "converted" number of shares includes: basic weighted average number of shares, share-based compensation, and the impact of the Series A preferred shares converted at $15.00 per share. This method reflects Seaspan's ability to control the conversion if the share price is less than $15.00 and the per share impact of the preferred shares conversion at $15.00.

Normalized earnings per share, basic, can be computed as normalized net earnings attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of shares used to compute reported earnings per share, basic.

Normalized earnings per share, converted, diluted, and basic are not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to earnings per share or any other indicator of Seaspan's performance required to be reported by GAAP.

SEASPAN CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 

B. Normalized Net Earnings and Normalized Earnings per Share (continued)

  Three Months Ended 
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2012   2011   2012   2011  
                         
Net earnings (loss) $ 17,813   $ (122,607)   $ 62,322   $ (106,917)  
Adjust:                        
  Interest expense   18,531     13,998     54,663     34,801  
  Change in fair value of financial instruments   45,847     174,580    
132,607
   
253,525
 
  Organizational development costs (2)   197         1,159      
  Loss (gain) on vessels (4)       8,890     (9,773)     8,890  
  Interest expense at the hedged rate (5)   (48,780)     (40,729)     (136,363)     (102,346)  
Normalized net earnings $ 33,608   $ 34,132   $ 104,615   $ 87,953  
Less: preferred share dividends                        
  Series A   8,717     7,742     25,216     22,319  
  Series B       617         1,813  
  Series C (including amortization of issuance costs)   8,518     8,485     25,620     20,031  
    17,235     16,844     50,836     44,163  
Normalized net earnings attributable to common shareholders $ 16,373   $ 17,288   $ 53,779   $ 43,790  
Weighted average number of shares used to compute earnings (loss) per share                        
Reported and normalized, basic   62,664     69,257     62,989     69,045  
  Share-based compensation   248     125     219     123  
  Contingent consideration   703         638      
  Shares held in escrow   586         531      
  Series A preferred shares liquidation preference converted at $15   19,502     17,322     18,939     16,823  
Normalized, converted   83,703     86,704     83,316     85,991  
  Series A preferred shares 115% premium (30-day trailing average)       3,178         1,059  
Reported, diluted (6)   83,703     89,882     83,316     87,050  
Earnings (loss) per share:                        
  Reported, basic and diluted $ 0.01   $ (2.01)   $ 0.18   $ (2.19)  
  Normalized, converted - preferred shares converted at $15 (7) $ 0.30   $ 0.29   $ 0.95   $ 0.77  
 
 
 
SEASPAN CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 AND 2011
(IN THOUSANDS OF US DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 

C. Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net earnings before interest expense and other debt-related expenses, income tax expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization, bareboat charter adjustment, organizational development costs, losses (gains) on vessels, change in fair value of financial instruments and certain other items that Seaspan believes are not representative of its operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors in assessing Seaspan's results of operations. Seaspan believes that this measure is useful in assessing performance and highlighting trends on an overall basis. Seaspan also believes that this measure can be useful in comparing its results with those of other companies. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA is net earnings. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings or any other indicator of Seaspan's performance required to be reported by GAAP.

  Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30,  
  2012   2011   2012   2011  
                         
Net earnings (loss) $ 17,813   $ (122,607)   $ 62,322   $ (106,917)  
Add:                        
  Interest expense   18,531     13,998     54,663     34,801  
  Interest income   (299)     (144)     (928)     (471)  
  Undrawn credit facility fees   145     952     1,348     3,434  
  Depreciation and amortization   42,527     38,378     122,742     102,200  
  Amortization of deferred charges   1,877     917     5,643     2,568  
  Bareboat charter adjustment, net (1)   2,405         7,026      
  Organizational development costs (2)   197         1,159      
  Loss (gain) on vessels (4)       8,890     (9,773)     8,890  
  Change in fair value of financial instruments   45,847     174,580     132,607     253,525  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 129,043   $ 114,964   $ 376,809   $ 298,030  
 

(1) In the second half of 2011, Seaspan entered into agreements to bareboat charter to MSC four 4800 TEU vessels for a five year term, beginning from vessel delivery dates that occurred in 2011. Upon delivery of the vessels to MSC, the transactions were accounted for as sales-type leases. The vessels were disposed of and a gross investment in leases was recorded, which is being amortized to income through interest income from leasing. The bareboat charter adjustment is included to reverse the GAAP accounting treatment and reflect the transaction as if the vessels had not been disposed of. Therefore, the bareboat charter fees are added back and the interest income from leasing is deducted resulting in a net bareboat charter adjustment.

(2) Organizational development costs include professional fees and integration costs related to the acquisition of the Manager.

(3) Dividends related to the Series B and Series C preferred shares have been deducted as they reduce cash available for distribution to common shareholders. All outstanding Series B preferred shares were redeemed on November 30, 2011.

(4) Gains or losses on disposal of vessels are excluded from the calculation. Included in the current period adjustment is the gain on sale of vessel that resulted from the sale of the Madinah to a U.S. bank on June 27, 2012. Included in the prior period adjustment is the loss on vessels that resulted from the York and Maersk Moncton as a result of the bareboat charters which is considered a sales-type lease and accounted for as a disposition upon delivery of the vessels in October 2011.

(5) Interest expense at the hedged rate is calculated as the interest incurred on operating debt at the fixed rate on the related interest rate swaps plus the applicable margin on the related credit facilities and variable rate leases, on an accrual basis. Interest expense on fixed rate leases is calculated on the effective interest rate.

(6) If the effect of Series A preferred shares is anti-dilutive, their effect is excluded from the computation of reported diluted earnings per share.

(7) Normalized earnings per share, converted, increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as detailed in the table below:

  Three Months Ended,
September 30
  Nine Months Ended,
September 30
 
             
Normalized earnings per share, converted-preferred shares converted at $15, September 30, 2011 $ 0.29   $ 0.77  
             
Excluding share count changes:            
  Increase (decrease) in normalized earnings   (0.01)     0.19  
  Increase (decrease) from impact of Series B and C preferred shares   0.01     (0.04)  
             
Share count changes:            
  Decrease in converted share count (from 86,704 to 83,703 and from 85,991 to 83,316 for the three and nine months ended, respectively)   0.01     0.03  
             
Normalized earnings per share, converted-preferred shares converted at $15, September 30, 2012 $ 0.30   $ 0.95  
 

STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), which reflect management's current views with respect to certain future events and performance, including, in particular, statements regarding: future operating results; expansion of Seaspan's business; future dividends; the effects of the acquisition of the Manager on Seaspan and its operations and results, including, among other things, on ship operating expenses and general and administrative expenses; repurchases of Seaspan common shares under its share repurchase program; vessel deliveries; vessel financing arrangements; and Seaspan's capital requirements. Although these statements are based upon assumptions Seaspan believes to be reasonable, they are subject to risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the availability to Seaspan of containership acquisition opportunities; the availability and cost to Seaspan of financing to pursue growth opportunities; integration of the Manager acquisition and the number of additional vessels managed by the Manager in the future; chartering rates; conditions in the containership market; increased operating expenses; the number of off-hire days; dry-docking requirements; Seaspan's ability to borrow funds under its credit facilities and to obtain additional financing in the future; Seaspan's future cash flows and its ability to make dividend and other payments; the time that it may take to construct new ships; Seaspan's continued ability to enter into primarily long-term, fixed-rate time charters with customers; changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities; the financial condition of shipyards, charterers, lenders, refund guarantors and other counterparties and their ability to perform their obligations under their agreements with Seaspan; the potential for early termination of long-term contracts and Seaspan's potential inability to renew or replace long-term contracts; conditions in the public equity markets and the price of Seaspan's common shares; and other factors detailed from time to time in Seaspan's periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Seaspan's Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2011. Seaspan expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in Seaspan's views or expectations, or otherwise.

For further information: For Investor Relations Inquiries: Seaspan Corporation, Mr. Sai W. Chu, Chief Financial Officer, 604-638-2575 / For Media Inquiries: The IGB Group, Mr. Leon Berman, 212-477-8438