Danaos Corporation Reports First Quarter Results for the Period Ended March 31, 2015


ATHENS, GREECE--(Marketwired - Apr 27, 2015) - 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, 2015.

Highlights for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2015:

  • Operating revenues of $138.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $135.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of 2.3%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $102.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $96.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of 6.5%.
  • Adjusted net income1 of $30.6 million, or $0.28 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $7.0 million, or $0.06 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2014, an increase of 337.1%.
  • The remaining average charter duration of our fleet was 7.8 years as of March 31, 2015 (weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire).
  • Total contracted operating revenues were $3.6 billion as of March 31, 2015, through 2028.
  • Charter coverage of 92% for the next 12 months in terms of contracted operating days and 97% in terms of operating revenues.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Financial Summary
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
 
    Three months ended
March 31,
  Three months ended
March 31,
    2015   2014
    (unaudited)
Operating revenues   $138,605   $135,486
Net income   $30,342   $8,407
Adjusted net income1   $30,569   $6,976
Earnings per share   $0.28   $0.08
Adjusted earnings per share1   $0.28   $0.06
Weighted average number of shares (in thousands)   109,785   109,669
Adjusted EBITDA1   $102,722   $96,381
         

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:

Danaos is reporting another solid quarter with adjusted net income of $30.6 million, or 28 cents per share, more than quadrupling the adjusted net income of $7.0 million, or 6 cents per share that had been reported for the 1st quarter of 2014.

The Company's profitability improved between the 2 quarters through a $16.0 million improvement in net financing costs together with a $4.5 million improvement in operating costs and a $3.1 million increase in operating revenues. The trend of reduced financing costs and, as a consequence, increased earnings, will continue through 2015 as we continue to reduce debt and benefit from the expiration of expensive interest rate swaps.

The container charter market saw a significant increase in panamax rates during the first quarter of 2015 due to increased demand resulting from port congestion in the US West Coast and the continued shrinkage of the world panamax fleet. The delay in the opening of the new Panama canal will further help to absorb panamax tonnage in the short term, while delays caused by port congestion in the US West Coast have resulted in increased demand in the Asia to US East Coast all water service. These factors have positively affected TEU mile demand in the industry.

We continue to maintain our strong 97% charter coverage in terms of operating revenues which insulates us from market volatility. Additionally, our $5,622 daily operating cost for the 1st quarter clearly positions us as one of the most efficient operators in the industry.

We will continue our efforts to de-lever our balance sheet, manage our fleet efficiently and capitalize on the resilience of our business model towards creating value for our shareholders.

Three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014

During the three months ended March 31, 2015, Danaos had an average of 56.0 containerships compared to 58.6 containerships for the three months ended March 31, 2014. Our fleet utilization increased to 98.4% in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to 95.2% in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Our adjusted net income was $30.6 million, or $0.28 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $7.0 million, or $0.06 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2014. We have adjusted our net income in the three months ended March 31, 2015 for unrealized gains on derivatives of $4.4 million and a non-cash expense of $4.6 million for fees related to our 2011 comprehensive financing plan (comprised of non-cash, amortizing and accrued finance fees). Please refer to the Adjusted Net Income reconciliation table, which appears later in this earnings release.

The increase of $23.6 million in adjusted net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 was attributed to a reduction of $16.0 million in net finance costs mainly due to lower debt balances and interest rate swap expirations, a $4.5 million improvement in total fleet operating costs, an increase of $2.7 million in operating revenues as a result of the acquisition of two 6,402 TEU vessels which were added to our fleet during the 4th quarter of 2014, and an increase of $2.1 million in operating revenues from six 4,253 TEU vessels on charter to Zim related to revenue recognition accounting of the Zim restructuring that became effective on July 16, 2014. These improvements to adjusted net income were partially offset by a $1.7 million net decrease in operating revenues mainly attributable to vessels that were sold during 2014 but had generated operating revenues during the 1st quarter of 2014.

On a non-adjusted basis our net income was $30.3 million, or $0.28 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to net income of $8.4 million, or $0.08 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased 2.3%, or $3.1 million, to $138.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $135.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Operating revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015 reflect:

  • $2.7 million of additional revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014, related to the MOL Priority and the MOL Performance, which were added to our fleet on November 5, 2014.
  • $2.1 million increase in revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014, related to revenue recognition accounting of the Zim restructuring that became effective on July 16, 2014.
  • $1.7 million decrease in revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014, related to the Commodore, the Messologi and the Mytilini, which were generating revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and were sold within 2014.

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses decreased 9.6%, or $2.9 million, to $27.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $30.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The reduction is attributable to an 8.0% improvement in the average daily operating cost per vessel and the decrease in the average number of vessels in our fleet during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.

The average daily operating cost per vessel decreased to $5,622 per day for the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $6,110 per day for the three months ended March 31, 2014, mainly as a result of a 17.6% improvement in the average Euro to Dollar exchange rate between the two periods and the sale of older vessels in our fleet, whose contribution in daily operating expenses was higher than the fleet average. Management believes that our daily operating cost ranks as one of 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 decreased 4.1%, or $1.4 million, to $32.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $33.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014, mainly due to the lower depreciation expense on the eight 2,200 TEU vessels with respect to which we recorded an impairment charge on December 31, 2014.

Amortization of Deferred Dry-docking and Special Survey Costs
Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs increased by $0.2 million, to $1.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $1.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase reflects increased dry-docking and special survey costs incurred in the preceding 12 months and amortized during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses decreased 1.9%, or $0.1 million, to $5.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $5.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decrease was due to an improvement in various administrative expenses by $0.2 million between the two periods, which was partially offset by increased fees paid to our Manager in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 by $0.1 million, due to an increase in the per day fee payable to our Manager since January 1, 2015.

Effective January 1, 2015, our management fees were adjusted to a fee of $850 per day, a fee of $425 per vessel per day for vessels on bareboat charter and $850 per vessel per day for vessels on time charter.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses includes Voyage Expenses

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.2 million, to $3.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $3.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014, mainly attributed to the decreased average number of vessels in our fleet during the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Gain/(loss) on sale of vessels
Gain/(loss) on sale of vessels, was nil in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to a gain of $0.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014 as a result of the sale of the Marathonas on February 26, 2014. There were no vessel sales during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense decreased by 13.3%, or $2.8 million, to $18.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $21.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The change in interest expense was mainly due to the decrease in our average debt by $218.6 million, to $2,983.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $3,202.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014, as well as the decrease in the cost of debt servicing in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014, mainly driven by the accelerated amortization of our fixed rate debt, which bears a higher cost compared to our floating rate debt.

The Company is rapidly deleveraging its balance sheet. As of March 31, 2015, the debt outstanding was $2,962.7 million compared to $3,174.0 million as of March 31, 2014.

Interest income was $0.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to less than $0.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net, decreased by $0.1 million, to $4.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $5.0 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. This decrease was due to the $0.1 million decrease in amortizing finance fees (which were deferred and are amortized over the term of the respective credit facilities) in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014.

Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps was a gain of $4.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to a gain of $5.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. The unrealized gains were attributable to mark to market valuation of our swaps due to the discontinuation of hedge accounting since July 1, 2012, as well as reclassification of unrealized losses from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to our earnings.

Realized (loss)/gain on derivatives
Realized loss on interest rate swaps, decreased by $12.4 million, to $21.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $33.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. This decrease is attributable to $1,058.9 million lower average notional amount of swaps during the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 as a result of swap expirations.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.5%, or $6.3 million, to $102.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2015, from $96.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2014. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2015, is adjusted for unrealized gain on derivatives of $4.4 million and realized losses on derivatives of $20.1 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Conference Call and Webcast
On Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 9:00 A.M. ET, the Company's management will host a conference call to discuss the results.

Conference Call Details:
Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1 866 652 5200 (US Toll Free Dial In), 0800 279 9489 (UK Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2075 441 375 (Standard International Dial In). Please quote "Danaos Corporation" to the operator.

A telephonic replay of the conference call will be available until May 6, 2015 by dialing 1 877 344 7529 (US Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0)2036 088 021 (Standard International Dial In). Access Code: 10064227#

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

About Danaos Corporation
Danaos Corporation is one of the largest independent owners of modern, large-size containerships. Our current fleet of 56 containerships aggregating 334,239 TEUs ranks Danaos among the largest containership charter owners in the world based on total TEU capacity. Our fleet is predominantly chartered to many of the world's largest lined companies on fixed-rate, long-term charters. Our track record of success is predicated on our efficient and rigorous operations 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 safeharbor 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, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. 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 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 drydocking, 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 64 unscheduled off-hire days in the three months ended March 31, 2015. 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
2014
    First Quarter
2015
 
Ownership Days   5,277     5,040  
Less Off-hire Days:            
  Scheduled Off-hire Days   (30 )   (16 )
  Other Off-hire Days   (225 )   (64 )
Operating Days   5,022     4,960  
Vessel Utilization   95.2 %   98.4 %
             
Operating Revenues (in '000s of US Dollars)   $135,486     $138,605  
Average Gross Daily Charter Rate   $26,978     $27,945  
             

Fleet List

The following table describes in detail our fleet deployment profile as of April 27, 2015.

             
Vessel Name   Vessel Size
(TEU)
  Year Built   Expiration of Charter(1)
Containerships            
             
Hyundai Ambition   13,100   2012   June 2024
Hyundai Speed   13,100   2012   June 2024
Hyundai Smart   13,100   2012   May 2024
Hyundai Tenacity   13,100   2012   March 2024
Hyundai Together   13,100   2012   February 2024
Hanjin Italy   10,100   2011   April 2023
Hanjin Germany   10,100   2011   March 2023
Hanjin Greece   10,100   2011   May 2023
CSCL Le Havre   9,580   2006   September 2018
CSCL Pusan   9,580   2006   July 2018
CMA CGM Melisande   8,530   2012   November 2023
CMA CGM Attila   8,530   2011   April 2023
CMA CGM Tancredi   8,530   2011   May 2023
CMA CGM Bianca   8,530   2011   July 2023
CMA CGM Samson   8,530   2011   September 2023
CSCL America   8,468   2004   September 2016
CSCL Europe   8,468   2004   June 2016
CMA CGM Moliere (2)   6,500   2009   August 2021
CMA CGM Musset (2)   6,500   2010   February 2022
CMA CGM Nerval (2)   6,500   2010   April 2022
CMA CGM Rabelais (2)   6,500   2010   June 2022
CMA CGM Racine (2)   6,500   2010   July 2022
YM Mandate   6,500   2010   January 2028
YM Maturity   6,500   2010   April 2028
MOL Performance   6,402   2002   January 2016
MOL Priority   6,402   2002   November 2015
Federal   4,651   1994   October 2015
SNL Colombo   4,300   2004   March 2019
YM Singapore   4,300   2004   October 2019
YM Seattle   4,253   2007   July 2019
YM Vancouver   4,253   2007   September 2019
Derby D   4,253   2004   January 2016
Deva   4,253   2004   May 2015
ZIM Rio Grande   4,253   2008   May 2020
ZIM Sao Paolo   4,253   2008   August 2020
OOCL Istanbul   4,253   2008   September 2020
ZIM Monaco   4,253   2009   November 2020
OOCL Novorossiysk   4,253   2009   February 2021
ZIM Luanda   4,253   2009   May 2021
Dimitris C   3,430   2001   September 2015
Hanjin Constantza   3,400   2011   February 2021
Hanjin Algeciras   3,400   2011   November 2020
Hanjin Buenos Aires   3,400   2010   March 2020
Hanjin Santos   3,400   2010   May 2020
Hanjin Versailles   3,400   2010   August 2020
MSC Zebra(3)   2,602   2001   October 2017
Amalia C   2,452   1998   May 2015
Niledutch Palanca (4)   2,524   2001   August 2015
Hyundai Advance   2,200   1997   June 2017
Hyundai Future   2,200   1997   August 2017
Hyundai Sprinter   2,200   1997   August 2017
Hyundai Stride   2,200   1997   July 2017
Hyundai Progress   2,200   1998   December 2017
Hyundai Bridge   2,200   1998   January 2018
Hyundai Highway   2,200   1998   January 2018
Hyundai Vladivostok   2,200   1997   May 2017
   
(1) Earliest date charters could expire. Some charters include options to extend their terms.
(2) The charters with respect to the CMA CGM Moliere, the CMACGMMusset, the CMA CGM Nerval, the CMACGMRabelais and the CMACGMRacine include an option for the charterer, CMA-CGM, to purchase the vessels eight years after the commencement of the respective charters, which will fall in September 2017, March 2018, May 2018, July 2018 and August 2018, respectively, each for $78.0 million.
(3) On September 14, 2014, the Niledutch Zebra was renamed to MSC Zebra at the request of the charterer of this vessel.
(4) On March 25, 2014, the Danae C was renamed to Niledutch Palanca at the request of the charterer of this vessel.
   
   
DANAOS CORPORATION  
Condensed Statements of Income - Unaudited  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)  
   
    Three months ended
March 31,
    Three months ended
March 31,
 
    2015     2014  
             
OPERATING REVENUES   $138,605     $135,486  
             
OPERATING EXPENSES            
  Vessel operating expenses   (27,323 )   (30,246 )
  Depreciation & amortization   (33,662 )   (34,945 )
  General & administrative   (5,270 )   (5,393 )
  Gain on sale of vessels   -     493  
  Other operating expenses   (3,057 )   (3,275 )
Income From Operations   69,293     62,120  
             
OTHER EARNINGS/(EXPENSES)            
  Interest income   840     15  
  Interest expense   (18,198 )   (20,999 )
  Other finance cost   (4,861 )   (4,991 )
  Other income / (expenses), net   7     54  
  Realized loss on derivatives   (21,133 )   (33,476 )
  Unrealized gain on derivatives   4,394     5,684  
Total Other Income / (Expenses), net   (38,951 )   (53,713 )
             
Net Income   $30,342     $8,407  
             
EARNINGS PER SHARE            
Basic & diluted net income per share   $0.28     $0.08  
Basic & diluted weighted average number of common shares (in thousands of shares)   109,785     109,669  
             
             
Non-GAAP Measures*  
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income - Unaudited  
   
    Three months ended
March 31,
    Three months ended
March 31,
 
    2015     2014  
Net income   $30,342     $8,407  
  Unrealized gain on derivatives   (4,394 )   (5,684 )
  Amortization and write-offs of financing fees & finance fees accrued   4,621     4,746  
  Gain on sale of vessels   -     (493 )
Adjusted Net Income   $30,569     $6,976  
Adjusted Earnings Per Share   $0.28     $0.06  
Weighted average number of shares   109,785     109,669  
             

* The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures used in managing the business may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures can provide additional meaningful reflection of underlying trends of the business because they provide a comparison of historical information that excludes certain items that impact the overall comparability. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company's performance. See the Table above for supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

   
DANAOS CORPORATION  
Condensed Balance Sheets - Unaudited  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)  
   
    As of
March 31,
    As of
December 31,
 
    2015     2014  
ASSETS            
CURRENT ASSETS            
  Cash and cash equivalents   $65,750     $57,730  
  Restricted cash   9     2,824  
  Accounts receivable, net   6,579     7,904  
  Other current assets   35,944     34,615  
    108,282     103,073  
NON-CURRENT ASSETS            
  Fixed assets, net   3,592,011     3,624,338  
  Deferred charges, net   50,802     55,275  
  Fair value of financial instruments   509     664  
  Other non-current assets   68,899     67,842  
    3,712,221     3,748,119  
TOTAL ASSETS   $3,820,503     $3,851,192  
             
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            
CURRENT LIABILITIES            
  Long-term debt, current portion   $196,643     $178,116  
  Vendor Financing, current portion   39,292     46,530  
  Accounts payable, accrued liabilities & other current liabilities   48,629     52,414  
  Fair value of financial instruments, current portion   33,003     51,022  
    317,567     328,082  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES            
  Long-term debt, net of current portion   2,716,046     2,773,004  
  Vendor financing, net of current portion   10,695     17,837  
  Fair value of financial instruments, net of current portion   2,761     2,398  
  Other long-term liabilities   40,703     41,722  
    2,770,205     2,834,961  
             
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY            
  Common stock   1,098     1,097  
  Additional paid-in capital   546,734     546,735  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (125,502 )   (139,742 )
  Retained earnings   310,401     280,059  
    732,731     688,149  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $3,820,503     $3,851,192  
             
   
DANAOS CORPORATION  
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - (Unaudited)  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)  
   
    Three months ended
March 31,
    Three months ended
March 31,
 
    2015     2014  
Operating Activities:            
  Net income   $30,342     $8,407  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
  Depreciation   32,488     33,943  
  Amortization of deferred drydocking & special survey costs, finance cost and other finance fees accrued   5,795     5,748  
  Payments for drydocking / special survey   (389 )   (2,039 )
  Amortization of deferred realized losses on cash flow interest rate swaps   991     990  
  Unrealized gain on derivatives   (4,394 )   (5,684 )
  Gain on sale of vessels   -     (493 )
  Accounts receivable   1,325     694  
  Other assets, current and non-current   (2,386 )   (11,876 )
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (2,570 )   8,974  
  Other liabilities, current and non-current   (1,542 )   632  
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities   59,660     39,296  
             
Investing Activities:            
  Vessel additions and vessel acquisitions   (161 )   (752 )
  Net proceeds from sale of vessels   -     9,771  
Net Cash (used in) / provided by Investing Activities   (161 )   9,019  
             
Financing Activities:            
  Debt repayment   (53,602 )   (60,678 )
  Deferred costs   (692 )   -  
  Decrease in restricted cash   2,815     3,236  
Net Cash used in Financing Activities   (51,479 )   (57,442 )
Net Increase / (Decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   8,020     (9,127 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   57,730     68,153  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $65,750     $59,026  
             
   
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)  
   
    Three months ended
March 31,
    Three months ended
March 31,
 
    2015     2014  
Net income   $30,342     $8,407  
Depreciation   32,488     33,943  
Amortization of deferred drydocking & special survey costs   1,174     1,002  
Amortization of deferred finance costs and write-offs and other finance fees accrued   4,621     4,746  
Amortization of deferred realized losses on interest rate swaps   991     990  
Interest income   (840 )   (15 )
Interest expense   18,198     20,999  
Gain on sale of vessels   -     (493 )
Realized loss on derivatives   20,142     32,486  
Unrealized gain on derivatives   (4,394 )   (5,684 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   $102,722     $96,381  
             

1) Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest income and expense, depreciation, amortization of deferred drydocking & special survey costs and deferred finance costs, amortization of deferred realized losses on interest rate swaps, unrealized (gain)/loss on derivatives, realized loss on derivatives and loss/(gain) on sale of vessels. However, Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or "GAAP." We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. We also believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful in evaluating our ability to service additional debt and make capital expenditures. In addition, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful in evaluating our operating performance and liquidity position compared to that of other companies in our industry because the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA generally eliminates the effects of financings, income taxes and the accounting effects of capital expenditures and acquisitions, items which may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance and liquidity. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.
    

Note: Items to consider for comparability include gains and charges. Gains positively impacting net income are reflected as deductions to net income. Charges negatively impacting net income are reflected as increases to net income.

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures used in managing the business may provide users of these financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures can provide additional meaningful reflection of underlying trends of the business because they provide a comparison of historical information that excludes certain items that impact the overall comparability. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company's performance. See the Tables above for supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, the Company's reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Contact Information:

For further information please contact:

Company Contact:

Evangelos Chatzis
Chief Financial Officer
Danaos Corporation
Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 419 6480
E-Mail: cfo@danaos.com

Iraklis Prokopakis
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Danaos Corporation
Athens, Greece
Tel.: +30 210 419 6400
E-Mail: coo@danaos.com

Investor Relations and Financial Media

Rose & Company
New York
Tel. 212-359-2228
E-Mail: danaos@rosecoglobal.com