Seanergy Maritime 2Q17 results

Stamatis Tsantanis, the company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, stated:

“In the first quarter of 2017 we experienced the first signs of market recovery, which was reflected mostly in the capesize market. Spot rates peaked at US$20 000 per day and asset values recovered significantly from the historical lows of 2016. In respect of financial performance, our larger fleet as well as the improved market conditions led to a substantial increase of our revenues by more than 90% compared to the same period last year. In addition we entered into a lucrative agreement with one of our lenders that will result in an expected gain and equity accretion of US$11.4 million that corresponds to more than 30% increase in our shareholder equity upon closing of this transaction in 3Q17.

“In March 2017, pursuant to our prudent fleet expansion plan, we agreed to acquire another modern capesize vessel. The M/V Partnership, was built in 2012 in Hyundai of South Korea and was delivered to our company in May 2017. The vessel recently commenced its 12 - 18 months’ time charter with a major European utilities company at a strong gross rate of $16,200 per day. The Partnership is expected to generate approximately US$8.8 million of gross revenue, assuming the full 18 months employment. Our modern fleet now consists of nine capesize vessels and two supramax vessels with a cargo carrying capacity of 1.7 million DWT.

“In June 2017, we also terminated our US$20 million At-The-Market equity offering program. Since August 2016, we have raised approximately US$28.3 million of gross proceeds from public equity offerings, including the ATM Offering. We have utilised these funds in the most constructive way as they enabled the Company to pursue highly accretive transactions. In particular, we have used the proceeds of the offerings to partly fund the acquisitions of the M/V Lordship, the M/V Knightship and the M/V Partnership, as well as to finance the prepayments under the early termination of a credit facility.

“The combined accretion in value we have created for our shareholders from these transactions is more than US$27.9 million, which is derived from the market value appreciation of the acquisitions and the expected gain due to the early termination and refinancing of one of our facilities.

“Going back to market fundamentals, we believe that the continuous increase in demand for commodities, the longer-haul mining expansion and the associated increase in ton mile demand at a time of a historical reduction of capesize fleet growth will contribute to a steady rise in freight rates and vessel values.

“Overall, we strongly believe that the capesize segment represents the best fundamentals in the dry bulk industry and we continue to actively pursue accretive acquisition opportunities for quality capesize vessels.

“Concluding, we strongly believe that the successful implementation of our business plan along with the improving dry bulk market conditions will continue to enhance shareholder value.”

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/shipping/06072017/seanergy-maritime-2q17-results/