SEACOR Holdings Announces Results for Its Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2015

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 10/27/15 -- SEACOR Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CKH) (the "Company") today announced its results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2015.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, net income attributable to SEACOR Holdings Inc. was $7.0 million, or $0.40 per diluted share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, net loss attributable to SEACOR Holdings Inc. was $11.9 million, or $0.68 per diluted share. Results attributable to SEACOR Holdings Inc. for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included a second quarter loss on the extinguishment of the Company's Title XI bonds of $9.6 million, net of noncontrolling interests and tax, or $0.55 per diluted share.

For the preceding quarter ended June 30, 2015, net income attributable to SEACOR Holdings Inc. was $0.7 million, or $0.04 per diluted share. A comparison of results for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 with the preceding quarter ended June 30, 2015 is included in the "Highlights for the Quarter" discussion below.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, net income attributable to SEACOR Holdings Inc. was $27.5 million, or $1.28 per diluted share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, net income attributable to SEACOR Holdings Inc. was $60.0 million, or $2.85 per diluted share.

Charles Fabrikant, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, stated: "The quarter and year-to-date results reflect extremely difficult conditions in our offshore marine services business. Notwithstanding the challenges, our offshore business, as well as all of our other businesses, continue to produce positive cash flows from operations. Our offshore group's results have benefited from a fleet and geographical exposure that is diverse with minimal investment in boats that are highly dependent on deep water exploration activity. We adhere to our focus on maintaining a strong liquidity position, which we believe will serve us well in the current market environment and lead to opportunities. We expect market conditions in the offshore marine business to deteriorate further over the next several quarters and plan on taking further measures to reduce costs."

Highlights for the Quarter

Offshore Marine Services - Operating loss was $2.9 million in the third quarter compared with $0.4 million in the preceding quarter. Operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA" -- see disclosure related to Non-GAAP measures in the segment information tables herein) was $12.3 million on operating revenues of $95.5 million in the third quarter compared with $15.3 million on operating revenues of $96.7 million in the preceding quarter.

Results for the current quarter include a charge of $6.9 million for a U.K. subsidiary's share of a funding deficit in the Merchant Navy Ratings Pension Fund ("MNRPF") for North Sea mariners. This payment to the pension plan will be made in four annual installments beginning in the fourth quarter and reflects the results of a 2014 actuarial valuation of the pension fund, which is normally performed every three years.

Excluding wind farm utility vessels, but including cold-stacked vessels (those that are not currently available for active service), utilization of the fleet decreased from 65% to 63%. Days available for charter and average rates per day worked during the third quarter were approximately the same as the preceding quarter. This release includes a table presenting time charter operating data by vessel class.

In the U.S., operating results were $2.6 million higher in the third quarter compared with the preceding quarter. Time charter revenues for the U.S. anchor handling towing supply vessels were $2.8 million higher due to improved utilization and higher average rates per day worked, reflecting offshore construction activity in the third quarter. Time charter revenues for the liftboat fleet and other vessel classes decreased by $4.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Time charter revenues for the liftboat fleet were lower due to less maintenance activity associated with shelf properties and fewer decommissioning jobs. On a total fleet basis, including cold-stacked vessels, utilization dropped from 49% to 38%. Average rates per day worked increased from $21,898 to $24,137 per day. Operating expenses were $6.6 million lower primarily due to a $4.0 million reduction in drydocking expenses and a $0.9 million reduction in daily running costs as a consequence of cold-stacking additional vessels. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had 19 vessels cold-stacked in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico compared with ten vessels as of June 30, 2015.

Operating results from international regions, before gains on asset dispositions, were $1.7 million lower in the third quarter compared with the preceding quarter primarily due to the previously mentioned MNRPF charge of $6.9 million. Time charter revenues were $2.0 million higher primarily due to a term charter in Sakhalin which commenced in June 2015. On a total fleet basis, excluding wind farm utility vessels but including cold-stacked vessels, utilization improved from 73% to 77% and average rates per day worked increased from $11,111 to $11,198 per day. Operating expenses were $4.6 million higher as the MNRPF charge was partially offset by lower drydocking costs, the cessation of rent payments associated with a bareboat chartered-in vessel that had been operating in the international fleet, and a reduction in vessel repositioning expenses. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had three vessels cold-stacked in international regions compared with two vessels as of June 30, 2015.

Foreign currency losses, net of $1.6 million in the third quarter were primarily due to the weakening of the pound sterling in relation to the euro underlying certain of the Company's debt balances.

Inland River Services - Operating income was $15.2 million in the third quarter compared with $2.6 million in the preceding quarter. OIBDA was $22.4 million on operating revenues of $54.3 million in the third quarter compared with $10.0 million on operating revenues of $61.2 million in the preceding quarter.

Operating results before gains on asset dispositions were $2.2 million higher in the third quarter compared with the preceding quarter. Operating results for the dry-cargo barge pools were $2.7 million higher primarily due to increased demand for moving grain associated with the commencement of the fall harvest and lower costs for moving barges due to reduced towing rates reflecting cheaper diesel fuel.

During the third quarter, the Company sold 34 10,000 barrel liquid tank barges, four inland river towboats and other equipment for net proceeds of $72.4 million and gains of $14.6 million, of which $10.7 million were recognized currently and $3.9 million were deferred. In addition, the Company recognized previously deferred gains of $0.8 million.

Foreign currency losses, net of $2.2 million in the third quarter were primarily due to the weakening of the Colombian peso in relation to the U.S. dollar underlying certain of the Company's intercompany lease obligations.

During the third quarter, the Company recognized $2.2 million of equity losses in its 50% owned joint venture operating on the Parana-Paraguay River Waterway. In addition, the Company recognized interest income (not a component of segment profit) of $1.2 million during the third quarter on notes due from this joint venture.

Shipping Services - Operating income was $18.3 million in the third quarter compared with $6.3 million in the preceding quarter. OIBDA was $24.8 million (of which $9.2 million is attributable to noncontrolling interests) on operating revenues of $58.7 million in the third quarter compared with $12.9 million (of which $2.9 million is attributable to noncontrolling interests) on operating revenues of $55.7 million in the preceding quarter.

Operating results were $12.0 million higher in the third quarter compared with the preceding quarter primarily due to less out-of-service time and costs for drydocking U.S.-flag product tankers, partially offset by a reduction in harbor towing activities resulting from lower port traffic.

During the third quarter and included in other, net, the Company received $1.8 million for the early termination of a contract for two harbor tugs.

During the third quarter, the Company's equity in earnings of 50% or less owned companies increased by $2.9 million primarily due to improved operating results from the Company's VLGC joint venture, Dorian LPG Ltd. As of September 30, 2015, the Company's carrying value in this joint venture was $146.8 million compared with a market value of $98.1 million based on the closing share price as of the date of this release and a market value of $153.1 million based on the closing share price as of June 30, 2015.

Illinois Corn Processing - Segment profit was $4.9 million (of which $1.5 million is attributable to noncontrolling interests) on operating revenues of $40.3 million in the third quarter compared with $10.5 million (of which $3.1 million is attributable to noncontrolling interests) on operating revenues of $48.4 million in the preceding quarter. Segment profit was $5.5 million lower due to the recognition of a $4.1 million gain from a business interruption insurance claim in the preceding quarter and lower alcohol sales volumes in the third quarter.

Debt Extinguishment Losses - During the third quarter, the Company purchased $8.5 million in principal amount of its 7.375% Senior Notes for $8.9 million resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment of $0.4 million. As of September 30, 2015, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Company's 7.375% Senior Notes due 2019 was $211.0 million.

Marketable Securities - Marketable security losses, net of $4.6 million in the third quarter related primarily to the Company's long positions in marketable securities.

Income Tax Expense - The Company's effective tax rate of 21.4% for the third quarter was primarily due to taxes not provided on income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Share Repurchases - During the third quarter, the Company purchased 678,728 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $42.3 million, or $62.34 per share. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had 17,353,929 of common shares outstanding.

Capital Commitments - The Company's capital commitments as of September 30, 2015 by year of expected payment were as follows (in thousands):

Shipping Services' capital commitments included three U.S.-flag product tankers, one U.S.-flag articulated tug barge and two U.S.-flag harbor tugs. Offshore Marine Services' capital commitments included six fast support vessels, four supply vessels and three wind farm utility vessels. Inland River Services' capital commitments included two 30,000 barrel liquid tank barges and three inland river towboats. Of these commitments, approximately $6.8 million may be terminated without further liability other than the payment of liquidated damages of $0.7 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2015, the Company committed to purchase two offshore support vessels, 50 inland river dry-cargo barges, three inland river towboats and other equipment for $95.7 million.

Liquidity and Debt - As of September 30, 2015, the Company's balances of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and construction reserve funds totaled $741.9 million and its total outstanding long-term debt was $961.5 million. In addition, the Company had $141.2 million of borrowing capacity under subsidiary credit facilities. Subsequent to September 30, 2015, the Company borrowed $26.1 million under these subsidiary credit facilities.

SEACOR and its subsidiaries are in the business of owning, operating, investing in and marketing equipment, primarily in the offshore oil and gas, shipping and logistics industries. SEACOR offers customers a diversified suite of services and equipment, including offshore marine, inland river storage and handling, distribution of petroleum, chemical and agricultural commodities, and shipping. SEACOR is dedicated to building innovative, modern, "next generation," efficient marine equipment while providing highly responsive service with the highest safety standards and dedicated professional employees. SEACOR is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol CKH.

Certain statements discussed in this release as well as in other reports, materials and oral statements that the Company releases from time to time to the public constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Generally, words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "plan," "target," "forecast" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements concern management's expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated economic performance and financial condition and other similar matters. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events or results may differ significantly from these statements. Actual events or results are subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors, including decreased demand and loss of revenues as a result of a decline in the price of oil and an oversupply of newly built offshore support vessels, additional safety and certification requirements for drilling activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and delayed approval of applications for such activities, the possibility of U.S. government implemented moratoriums directing operators to cease certain drilling activities in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and any extension of such moratoriums (the "Moratoriums"), weakening demand for the Company's services as a result of unplanned customer suspensions, cancellations, rate reductions or non-renewals of vessel charters or failures to finalize commitments to charter vessels in response to a decline in the price of oil, an oversupply of newly built offshore support vessels and Moratoriums, increased government legislation and regulation of the Company's businesses could increase cost of operations, increased competition if the Jones Act is repealed, liability, legal fees and costs in connection with the provision of emergency response services, including the Company's involvement in response to the oil spill as a result of the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon in April 2010, decreased demand for the Company's services as a result of declines in the global economy, declines in valuations in the global financial markets and a lack of liquidity in the credit sectors, including, interest rate fluctuations, availability of credit, inflation rates, change in laws, trade barriers, commodity prices and currency exchange fluctuations, the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, activity in foreign countries and changes in foreign political, military and economic conditions, changes in foreign and domestic oil and gas exploration and production activity, safety record requirements related to Offshore Marine Services and Shipping Services, decreased demand for Shipping Services due to construction of additional refined petroleum product, natural gas or crude oil pipelines or due to decreased demand for refined petroleum products, crude oil or chemical products or a change in existing methods of delivery, compliance with U.S. and foreign government laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations and economic sanctions, the dependence of Offshore Marine Services, Inland River Services, Shipping Services and Illinois Corn Processing on several customers, consolidation of the Company's customer base, the ongoing need to replace aging vessels, industry fleet capacity, restrictions imposed by the Shipping Acts on the amount of foreign ownership of the Company's Common Stock, operational risks of Offshore Marine Services, Inland River Services and Shipping Services, effects of adverse weather conditions and seasonality, the level of grain export volume, the effect of fuel prices on barge towing costs, variability in freight rates for inland river barges, the effect of international economic and political factors on Inland River Services' operations, the effect of the spread between the input costs of corn and natural gas compared with the price of alcohol and distillers grains on Illinois Corn Processing's operations, adequacy of insurance coverage, the potential for a material weakness in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting and the Company's ability to remediate such potential material weakness, the attraction and retention of qualified personnel by the Company, and various other matters and factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control as well as those discussed in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of the Company's Annual report on Form 10-K. In addition, these statements constitute the Company's cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It should be understood that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, the preceding should not be considered to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in the Company's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K (if any).

For additional information, contact
Molly Hottinger
(954) 627-5278
or visit SEACOR's website at www.seacorholdings.com

Source: SEACOR Holdings Inc.