Danaos Corporation Reports Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2015


ATHENS, GREECE--(Marketwired - Feb 16, 2016) -   Danaos Corporation ("Danaos") (NYSE: DAC), one of the world's largest independent owners of containerships, today reported unaudited results for the fourth quarter and the year ended December 31, 2015.

Highlights for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2015:

  • Adjusted net income1 of $47.2 million, or $0.43 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $23.5 million, or $0.21 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 100.9%. Adjusted net income1 of $159.5 million, or $1.45 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $60.0 million, or $0.55 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 165.8%.
  • Operating revenues of $143.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $140.7 million for the three months ended December 30, 2014, an increase of 1.8%. Operating revenues of $567.9 million for the year ended December 30, 2015 compared to $552.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 2.9%.
  • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $105.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $104.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 1.1%. Adjusted EBITDA1 of $418.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $404.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase of 3.5%.
  • Total contracted operating revenues were $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2015, with charters extending through 2028.
  • Limited exposure to current market weakness with remaining average contracted charter duration of 7.2 years as of December 31, 2015, weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire.
  • Charter coverage of 95.2% for the next 12 months in terms of operating revenues and 87.8% in terms of contracted operating days.
  • Recorded an impairment loss of $41.1 million for 13 of our older vessels.
  • Danaos has entered into a joint venture with its largest stockholder to form Gemini Shipholdings Corporation ("Gemini") in order to opportunistically acquire assets at depressed prices. Gemini has already acquired four containerships, the 6,422 TEU vessel 'NYK Lodestar' built in 2001, the 5,610 TEU vessel 'Suez Canal' built in 2002, the 5,544 TEU vessel 'Genoa' built in 2002 and the 6,422 TEU containership 'NYK Leo' built in 2002.
   
Three Months and Year Ended December 31, 2015  
Financial Summary  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)  
   
  Three months ended
December 31,
  Three months ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
  Year ended
December 31,
 
  2015   2014     2015   2014  
  (unaudited)      
Operating revenues $ 143,320   $ 140,669     $ 567,936   $ 552,091  
Net income/(loss) $ 6,534   $ (51,376 )   $ 117,016   $ (3,920 )
Adjusted net income1 $ 47,152   $ 23,455     $ 159,488   $ 60,047  
Earnings/(losses) per share $ 0.06   $ (0.47 )   $ 1.07   $ (0.04 )
Adjusted earnings per share1 $ 0.43   $ 0.21     $ 1.45   $ 0.55  
Weighted average number of shares (in thousands)   109,788     109,696       109,785     109,676  
Adjusted EBITDA1 $ 105,698   $ 104,527     $ 418,324   $ 404,038  
                           

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:

"We are pleased to report full year 2015 adjusted net income of $159.5 million, or $1.45 per share, which represents an increase of $99.5 million, or 165.8%, when compared to adjusted net income of $60.0 million, or $0.55 per share, reported for 2014. Likewise, adjusted net income of $47.2 million, or $0.43 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2015 more than doubled, growing by 101%, compared to adjusted net income of $23.5 million, or $0.21 per share, for the 4th quarter of 2014. Notably, these are the best results we have ever achieved.

The substantial improvement in year-over-year earnings is attributable to an improvement of $78.7 million in net finance costs due to interest rate swap expirations and lower debt balances, a $14.3 million improvement in our EBITDA, as described further below, and a $5.8 million decrease in depreciation and amortization.

The majority of the expensive interest rate swaps we entered into in 2007 and 2008 have gradually expired over the course of the last 18 months. The absence of such swaps going forward combined with today's low interest rate environment means that the trend of improving financing costs and, as a consequence, earnings, will continue through 2016 and beyond. This is consistent with our stated strategy of rapidly de-leveraging our balance sheet to unlock value to our shareholders. To that end, we reduced our outstanding debt by $85.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 and $243.2 million in 2015.

Further, we continue to prudently evaluate the assets on our balance sheet and recorded an impairment charge of $41.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2015 in relation to twelve older vessels in our fleet as well as one vessel held for sale as of December 31, 2015 which was subsequently sold last month. This charge is reflected in our adjusted net income reconciliation as described further in this earnings release.

The fundamentals of the container market remain very challenging. For the first time since 2009, the Asia to Europe route, the most important trade lane in terms of TEU miles, contracted by almost 3% in 2015. Moderate improvements in other trade lanes resulted in an increase in overall container trade growth of 2.5% in 2015.

Supply growth in excess of 7.5% clearly outpaced demand, resulting in a blended 30% decrease in average freight rates per TEU across the industry. The idle fleet is now edging above 7% reflecting the efforts of the industry to manage over-capacity. Newbuilding orders have also come to a halt, TEU newbuilding capacity scheduled to be delivered in 2016 is expected to be lower than 2015, while scrapping activity, which was rather low in 2015, is anticipated to accelerate in 2016. As a result, we expect that fleet growth will be in the region of 5% for 2016, which will help to correct the current imbalance.

Growth in container trade very rarely trails global GDP growth and has historically grown at a multiple of global GDP growth. This past year was a bit of an anomaly as the 2.5% annual growth in container trade trailed global GDP growth of 3%. This was primarily due to macro-economic reasons, including the impact of the sharp decline in commodity prices on emerging market economies, the considerable depreciation of the Euro against the US dollar and the Chinese Yuan and the impact of the Russian trade sanctions.

With global GDP growth currently projected at around 3.5%, we are reasonably optimistic that the container trade growth multiple will revert to levels above 1.0x and improve to the 1.4x level we saw in 2014. A more balanced demand-supply relationship for 2016 should keep the market flat for the next year until excess TEU capacity starts being absorbed in 2017, when the container market fundamentals are expected to begin to improve.

Danaos has very limited exposure to the current weakness in the market. As of the end of 2015, the average charter duration of our fleet was 7.2 years, weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire, with our longest charters extending through 2028. This equates to contracted operating revenues of $3.2 billion and charter coverage of 95.2% in terms of operating revenues in 2016, assuming continued performance by our charterers on existing contracted terms. We are also fortunate that our $5,571 daily operating cost for the 4th quarter clearly positions us as one of the most efficient operators in the industry.

During this period of market weakness, we continue to evaluate attractively priced acquisition opportunities, without diluting shareholders, through Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, a joint venture in which Danaos holds a 49% ownership interest. Gemini has acquired four vessels thus far, including a 6,500 TEU containership that was delivered on February 4, 2016 and has commenced a 3 year charter at an attractive rate.

Amidst this challenging economic environment we will remain singularly focused on improving earnings, de-levering our balance sheet, managing our fleet efficiently and capitalizing on the resilience of our business model in order to create value for our shareholders."

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

During the three months ended December 31, 2015, Danaos had an average of 56.0 containerships compared to 55.2 containerships for the three months ended December 31, 2014. Our fleet utilization remained stable at 98.3% in the three months ended December 31, 2015 and in the three months ended December 31, 2014.

Our adjusted net income amounted to $47.2 million, or $0.43 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $23.5 million, or $0.21 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2014. We have adjusted our net income in the three months ended December 31, 2015 mainly for an impairment loss of $41.1 million in relation to 12 older vessels in our fleet and one vessel held for sale as of December 31, 2015, for unrealized gains on derivatives of $4.7 million, as well as a non-cash amortization charge of $4.3 million for fees related to our 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 $23.7 million in adjusted net income for the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014 was attributed to a reduction of $20.4 million in net finance costs mainly due to lower debt balances and interest rate swap expirations, an increase of $2.6 million in operating revenues and a $1.6 million improvement in total operating expenses, as described below, which were partially offset by a $0.9 million loss on equity investments.

On a non-adjusted basis, our net income amounted to $6.5 million, or $0.06 per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2015, compared to net loss of $51.4 million, or $0.47 loss per share, for the three months ended December 31, 2014.

We have recognized an impairment loss of $39.0 million in relation to 12 of our older vessels and $2.1 million in relation to one vessel held for sale as of December 31, 2015.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased by 1.8%, or $2.6 million, to $143.3 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $140.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014.

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

  • $1.5 million of additional revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014, related to the Priority and the Performance, which were added to our fleet on November 5, 2014.
  • $1.3 million of higher revenues in the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014 due to improved re-chartering of some of our vessels at higher rates.
  • $0.2 million decrease in revenues due to fleet utilization in the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014.

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses remained relatively stable amounting to $27.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015 and $27.8 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014. The average daily operating cost per vessel decreased to $5,571 per day for the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $5,669 per day for the three months ended December 31, 2014. 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 by 4.0%, or $1.4 million, to $33.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $34.6 million in the three months ended December 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 decreased by $0.3 million, to $0.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $1.2 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014. The decrease is mainly due to the expiration of the amortization periods related to certain vessels over the last twelve months.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.2 million, to $5.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $5.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014.

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 a fee of $850 per vessel per day for vessels on time charter.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.3 million, to $3.1 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $3.4 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense decreased by 11.1%, or $2.1 million, to $16.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $19.0 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014. The change in interest expense was mainly due to the decrease in our average debt by $228.2 million, to $2,801.8 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $3,030.0 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014, as well as the decrease in the cost of debt service in the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 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 December 31, 2015, the debt outstanding was $2,775.4 million compared to $3,015.5 million as of December 31, 2014.

Interest income amounted to $0.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to $0.8 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net decreased by $0.4 million, to $4.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $4.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was mainly due to the $0.3 million decrease in amortization of finance fees (which have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the respective credit facilities) in the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014.

Equity loss on investments
Equity loss on investments of $0.9 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015 relates to the investment in Gemini where the Company has a 49% shareholding interest. This loss reflects operating losses of two out of the four vessels that have been acquired by Gemini that have not yet entered into long-term charter arrangements.

Unrealized gain on derivatives
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps amounted to $4.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to a gain of $5.6 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014. The unrealized gains were attributable to mark to market valuation of our swaps, as well as reclassification of unrealized losses from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to our earnings due to the discontinuation of hedge accounting since July 1, 2012.

Realized loss on derivatives
Realized loss on interest rate swaps decreased by $18.2 million, to $8.3 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $26.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014. This decrease is attributable to a $1,489.1 million lower average notional amount of swaps during the three months ended December 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2014 as a result of swap expirations.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.1%, or $1.2 million, to $105.7 million in the three months ended December 31, 2015, from $104.5 million in the three months ended December 31, 2014. As outlined earlier, this increase is attributed to a $2.6 million increase in operating revenues, which is offset by a $0.5 million increase in total operating expenses and a $0.9 million loss on equity investments. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2015 is adjusted mainly for an impairment loss of $41.1 million, unrealized gain on derivatives of $4.7 million and realized losses on derivatives of $7.3 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014

During the year ended December 31, 2015, Danaos had an average of 56.0 containerships compared to 55.9 containerships for the year ended December 31, 2014. Our fleet utilization increased to 99.0% in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 97.5% in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Our adjusted net income amounted to $159.5 million, or $1.45 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $60.0 million, or $0.55 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2014. We have adjusted our net income in the year ended December 31, 2015 for an impairment loss of $41.1 million in relation to 12 older vessels in our fleet and one vessel held for sale as of December 31, 2015, for unrealized gains on derivatives of $16.3 million and a non-cash amortization charge of $17.7 million for fees related to our 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 $99.5 million in adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 was attributed to a reduction of $78.7 million in net finance costs mainly due to lower debt balances and interest rate swap expirations, an increase of $15.8 million in operating revenues and a $6.9 million improvement in total operating costs, as described below, which were partially offset by a $1.9 million loss on equity investments.

On a non-adjusted basis our net income amounted to $117.0 million, or $1.07 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to net loss of $3.9 million, or $0.04 loss per share, for the year ended December 31, 2014.

We have recognized an impairment loss of $39.0 million in relation to 12 of our older vessels and $2.1 million in relation to one vessel held for sale as of December 31, 2015.

Operating Revenues
Operating revenues increased by 2.9%, or $15.8 million, to $567.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $552.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflect:

  • $10.5 million of additional revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, related to the Priority and the Performance, which were added to our fleet on November 5, 2014.
  • $4.6 million increase in revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, related to revenue recognition accounting of the Zim restructuring that became effective on July 16, 2014.
  • $2.3 million increase in revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 due to improved re-chartering of some of our vessels at higher rates.
  • $2.1 million decrease in revenues in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, related to the Commodore, the Marathonas, the Duka, the Messologi and the Mytilini, which were generating revenues in the year ended December 31, 2014 and were sold within 2014.
  • $0.5 million of additional revenues due to improved fleet utilization in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.

Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses decreased by 1.0%, or $1.1 million, to $112.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $113.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. The reduction is attributable to a 2% improvement in the average daily operating cost per vessel between the two periods, which decreased to $5,720 per day for the year ended December 31, 2015, from $5,838 per day for the year ended December 31, 2014. 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 by 3.9%, or $5.3 million, to $131.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 from $137.1 million in the year ended December 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 decreased by $0.6 million, to $3.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $4.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease is mainly due to the expiration of the amortization periods related to certain vessels during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.

General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses increased by $0.4 million, to $21.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $21.4 million the year ended December 31, 2014.

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 a fee of $850 per vessel per day for vessels on time charter.

Other Operating Expenses
Other Operating Expenses include Voyage Expenses.

Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses decreased by $0.7 million, to $12.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $13.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014.

Gain on sale of vessels
Gain on sale of vessels was nil in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to a gain of $5.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we sold the Marathonas on February 26, 2014, the Commodore on April 25, 2014, the Duka on May 15, 2014, the Mytilini on May 15, 2014 and the Messologi on May 20, 2014. There were no vessel sales during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Interest Expense and Interest Income
Interest expense decreased by 12.0%, or $9.6 million, to $70.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $80.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. The change in interest expense was mainly due to the decrease in our average debt by $221.8 million, to $2,894.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $3,116.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, as well as the decrease in the cost of debt servicing in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 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 December 31, 2015, the debt outstanding was $2,775.4 million compared to $3,015.5 million as of December 31, 2014.

Interest income amounted to $3.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $1.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase is attributed to the interest income related to the Zim restructuring that became effective on July 16, 2014.

Other finance costs, net
Other finance costs, net, decreased by $1.1 million, to $18.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $19.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease was mainly due to the $1.0 million decrease in amortization of finance fees (which have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the respective credit facilities) in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014.

Equity loss on investments
Equity loss on investments of $1.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 relates to the investment in Gemini where the Company has a 49% shareholding interest. This loss reflects operating losses of two out of the four vessels that have been acquired by Gemini that have not yet entered into long-term charter arrangements.

Unrealized gain on derivatives
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps amounted to $16.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to a gain of $24.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. The unrealized gains were attributable to mark to market valuation of our swaps, as well as reclassification of unrealized losses from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to our earnings due to the discontinuation of hedge accounting since July 1, 2012.

Realized loss on derivatives
Realized loss on interest rate swaps decreased by $67.4 million, to $56.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $123.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. This decrease is attributable to a $1,402.9 million lower average notional amount of swaps during the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 as a result of swap expirations.

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 3.5%, or $14.3 million, to $418.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015, from $404.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2014. As outlined earlier, this increase is attributed to a $15.8 million increase in operating revenues, an improvement of $0.4 million in operating costs, which was offset mainly by a $1.9 million loss on equity investments. Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015 is adjusted mainly for an impairment loss of $41.1 million, for unrealized gain on derivatives of $16.3 million and realized losses on derivatives of $52.1 million. Tables reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income can be found at the end of this earnings release.

Other Recent Developments
On January 8, 2016, the Company completed the sale of the 1994-built vessel Federal, which was held for sale as of December 31, 2015. The gross proceeds amounted to $7.2 million, of which $1.4 million was received in advance during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Gemini, in which Danaos holds a 49% equity interest, acquired a 6,422 TEU vessel built in 2002, which was delivered on February 4, 2016 and was deployed on a three year time charter.

Conference Call and Webcast
On Wednesday, February 17, 2016 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: 1 866 652 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 17, 2016 by dialing 1 877 344 7529 (US Toll Free Dial In) or +44 (0) 2036 088 021 (Standard International Dial In). Access Code: 10080409#.

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 59 containerships aggregating 353,586 TEUs, including four 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 predominantly chartered to many of the world's largest liner companies on fixed-rate, long-term 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 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 70 unscheduled off-hire days in the three months ended December 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
2015
    Second Quarter
2015
    Third Quarter 2015     Fourth Quarter
2015
    Total  
Ownership Days     5,040       5,096       5,152       5,152       20,440  
Less Off-hire Days:                                        
  Scheduled Off-hire Days     (16 )     (16 )     -       (16 )     (48 )
  Other Off-hire Days     (64 )     (17 )     (2 )     (70 )     (153 )
Operating Days     4,960       5,063       5,150       5,066       20,239  
Vessel Utilization     98.4 %     99.4 %     100.0 %    
98.3
%     99.0 %
                                         
Operating Revenues (in '000s of US Dollars)   $ 138,605     $ 141,469     $
144,542
    $
143,320
    $ 567,936  
Average Gross Daily Charter Rate   $ 27,945     $ 27,942     $
28,066
    $
28,291
    $ 28,062  
                                         
                                         
Vessel Utilization (No. of Days)   First Quarter
2014
    Second Quarter 2014     Third Quarter 2014     Fourth Quarter 2014     Total  
Ownership Days     5,277       5,079       4,968       5,082       20,406  
Less Off-hire Days:                                        
  Scheduled Off-hire Days     (30 )     (14 )     (9 )     (62 )     (115 )
  Other Off-hire Days     (225 )     (122 )     (14 )     (25 )     (386 )
Operating Days     5,022       4,943       4,945       4,995       19,905  
Vessel Utilization     95.2 %     97.3 %     99.5 %     98.3 %     97.5 %
                                         
Operating Revenues (in '000s of US Dollars)   $ 135,486     $ 136,440     $ 139,496     $ 140,669     $ 552,091  
Average Gross Daily Charter Rate   $ 26,978     $ 27,603     $ 28,210     $ 28,162     $ 27,736  
                                         
                                         
                                         

Fleet List

The following table describes in detail our fleet deployment profile as of February 16, 2016:

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
Performance   6,402   2002   --
Priority   6,402   2002   --
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   March 2016
Deva   4,253   2004   March 2016
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   March 2016
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   March 2016
Danae C(4)   2,524   2001   July 2016
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
             
NYK Lodestar(5)   6,422   2001   September 2017
NYK Leo(5)   6,422   2002   February 2019
Suez Canal(5)   5,610   2002   --
Genoa(5)   5,544   2002   --
             
             
(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 CMA CGM Musset, the CMA CGM Nerval, the CMA CGM Rabelais and the CMA CGM Racine 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) Danae C was renamed to Niledutch Palanca at the request of the charterer of this vessel from March 25, 2014 to June 8, 2015.
(5) Vessels acquired by Gemini Shipholdings Corporation, in which Danaos holds a 49% equity interest.
   
   
   
DANAOS CORPORATION  
Condensed Statements of Income -Unaudited  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)  
   
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
                                 
OPERATING REVENUES   $ 143,320     $ 140,669     $ 567,936     $ 552,091  
                                 
OPERATING EXPENSES                                
  Vessel operating expenses     (27,678 )     (27,764 )     (112,736 )     (113,755 )
  Depreciation & amortization     (34,146 )     (35,751 )     (135,628 )     (141,448 )
  Impairment loss     (41,080 )     (75,776 )     (41,080 )     (75,776 )
  General & administrative     (5,694 )     (5,529 )     (21,831 )     (21,442 )
  Gain on sale of vessels     -       -       -       5,709  
  Other operating expenses     (3,114 )     (3,357 )     (12,284 )     (12,974 )
Income/(Loss) From Operations     31,608       (7,508 )     244,377       192,405  
                                 
OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSES)                                
  Interest income     870       824       3,419       1,703  
  Interest expense     (16,877 )     (19,029 )     (70,397 )     (79,980 )
  Other finance cost, net     (4,515 )     (4,859 )     (18,696 )     (19,757 )
  Equity loss on investments     (949 )     -       (1,941 )     -  
  Other income/(expenses), net     (32 )     99       111       422  
  Realized loss on derivatives     (8,305 )     (26,478 )     (56,142 )     (123,628 )
  Unrealized gain on derivatives     4,734       5,575       16,285       24,915  
Total Other Expenses, net     (25,074 )     (43,868 )     (127,361 )     (196,325 )
Net Income/(Loss)   $ 6,534     $ (51,376 )   $ 117,016     $ (3,920 )
                                 
EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE                                
Basic & diluted net income/(loss) per share   $ 0.06     $ (0.47 )   $ 1.07     $ (0.04 )
Basic & diluted weighted average number of common shares (in thousands of shares)     109,788       109,696       109,785       109,676  
                                 
                                 
                                 
Non-GAAP Measures*  
Reconciliation of Net Income/(loss) to Adjusted Net Income - Unaudited  
   
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
Net income/(loss)   $ 6,534     $ (51,376 )   $ 117,016     $ (3,920 )
Unrealized gain on derivatives     (4,734 )     (5,575 )     (16,285 )     (24,915 )
Amortization of financing fees & finance fees accrued     4,272       4,630       17,677       18,815  
Impairment loss     41,080       75,776       41,080       75,776  
Gain on sale of vessels     -       -       -       (5,709 )
Adjusted Net Income   $ 47,152     $ 23,455     $ 159,488     $ 60,047  
Adjusted Earnings Per Share   $ 0.43     $ 0.21     $ 1.45     $ 0.55  
Weighted average number of shares (in thousands of shares)     109,788       109,696       109,785       109,676  
                                 

* 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 and year ended December 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
December 31,
    As of
December 31,
 
    2015     2014  
ASSETS                
CURRENT ASSETS                
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 72,253     $ 57,730  
  Restricted cash     2,818       2,824  
  Accounts receivable, net     10,652       7,904  
  Fair value of financial instruments     138       -  
  Other current assets     41,709       34,615  
      127,570       103,073  
NON-CURRENT ASSETS                
  Fixed assets, net     3,446,323       3,624,338  
  Deferred charges, net     39,733       55,275  
  Investments in affiliates     11,289       -  
  Fair value of financial instruments     -       664  
  Other non-current assets     72,188       67,842  
      3,569,533       3,748,119  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 3,697,103     $ 3,851,192  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                
CURRENT LIABILITIES                
  Long-term debt, current portion   $ 269,979     $ 178,116  
  Vendor Financing, current portion     -       46,530  
  Accounts payable, accrued liabilities & other current liabilities     37,628       52,414  
  Fair value of financial instruments, current portion     4,538       51,022  
      312,145       328,082  
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                
  Long-term debt, net of current portion     2,505,399       2,773,004  
  Vendor financing, net of current portion     -       17,837  
  Fair value of financial instruments, net of current portion     -       2,398  
  Other long-term liabilities     37,645       41,722  
      2,543,044       2,834,961  
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                
  Common stock     1,098       1,097  
  Additional paid-in capital     546,822       546,735  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (103,081 )     (139,742 )
  Retained earnings     397,075       280,059  
      841,914       688,149  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   $ 3,697,103     $ 3,851,192  
                 
                 
                 
DANAOS CORPORATION  
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - (Unaudited)  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)  
   
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
Operating Activities:                                
  Net income/(loss)   $ 6,534     $ (51,376 )   $ 117,016     $ (3,920 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:                                
  Depreciation     33,225       34,590       131,783       137,061  
  Impairment loss     41,080       75,776       41,080       75,776  
  Amortization of deferred drydocking & special survey costs, finance cost and other finance fees accrued     5,193       5,791       21,522       23,202  
  Payments for drydocking/special survey     (1,034 )     (2,832 )     (2,341 )     (6,887 )
  Amortization of deferred realized losses on cash flow interest rate swaps     1,013       1,012       4,017       4,016  
  Equity loss on investments     949       -       1,941       -  
  Unrealized gain on derivatives     (4,734 )     (5,575 )     (16,285 )     (24,915 )
  Gain on sale of vessels     -       -       -       (5,709 )
  Stock based compensation     88       638       88       638  
  Accounts receivable     (2,800 )     (1,249 )     (2,748 )     134  
  Other assets, current and non-current     945       (2,095 )     (4,794 )     (719 )
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (4,761 )     (3,987 )     (11,662 )     (6,820 )
  Other liabilities, current and non-current     (6,189 )     (1,278 )     (7,941 )     324  
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities     69,509       49,415       271,676       192,181  
                                 
Investing Activities:                                
  Vessel additions and vessel acquisitions     (378 )     (37,951 )     (1,112 )     (39,165 )
  Investments in affiliates     (5,880 )     -       (13,230 )     -  
  Net proceeds from sale of vessels     1,050       -       1,050       50,602  
Net Cash (used in)/provided by Investing Activities     (5,208 )     (37,951 )     (13,292 )     11,437  
                                 
Financing Activities:                                
  Debt repayment     (85,427 )     (48,543 )     (243,175 )     (221,542 )
  Deferred finance costs     -       (4,392 )     (692 )     (4,392 )
  (Increase)/Decrease in restricted cash     (2,818 )     34,568       6       11,893  
Net Cash used in Financing Activities     (88,245 )     (18,367 )     (243,861 )     (214,041 )
Net (Decrease)/ Increase in cash and cash equivalents     (23,944 )     (6,903 )     14,523       (10,423 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     96,197       64,633       57,730       68,153  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 72,253     $ 57,730     $ 72,253     $ 57,730  
                                 
                                 
                                 
Reconciliation of Net Income/(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA  
(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)  
   
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Three months ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
 
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
Net income/(loss)   $ 6,534     $ (51,376 )   $ 117,016     $ (3,920 )
Depreciation     33,225       34,590       131,783       137,061  
Amortization of deferred drydocking & special survey costs     921      
1,161
      3,845      
4,387
 
Amortization of deferred finance costs and write-offs and other finance fees accrued     4,272      
4,630
      17,677      
18,815
 
Amortization of deferred realized losses on interest rate swaps     1,013      
1,012
      4,017      
4,016
 
Interest income     (870 )     (824 )     (3,419 )     (1,703 )
Interest expense     16,877       19,029       70,397       79,980  
Impairment loss     41,080       75,776       41,080       75,776  
Gain on sale of vessels     -       -       -       (5,709 )
Stock based compensation     88       638       88       638  
Realized loss on derivatives     7,292       25,466       52,125       119,612  
Unrealized gain on derivatives     (4,734 )     (5,575 )     (16,285 )     (24,915 )
Adjusted EBITDA(1)   $ 105,698     $ 104,527     $ 418,324     $ 404,038  
                                 
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 on derivatives, realized loss on derivatives and 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 and year ended December 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