Danaos Corporation (NYSE: DAC) reported Q1 EPS of $1.34, $0.15 better than the analyst estimate of $1.19. Revenue for the quarter came in at $106.2 million versus the consensus estimate of $103.01 million.

Highlights for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2020:

• Adjusted net income1 of $33.3 million, or $1.34 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $38.6 million, or $2.53 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of 13.7%.
• Operating revenues of $106.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $112.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of 5.9%.
• Adjusted EBITDA1 of $71.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 compared to $77.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, a decrease of 7.2%.
• Total contracted operating revenues were $1.3 billion as of March 31, 2020, with charters extending through 2028 and remaining average contracted charter duration of 3.8 years, weighted by aggregate contracted charter hire.
• Charter coverage of 85% for the next 12 months based on current operating revenues and 66% in terms of contracted operating days.

Danaos' CEO Dr. John Coustas commented:

"Our results for the first quarter of 2020 were not impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, except for the increase in off-hire days related to delays in scrubber installations in Chinese shipyards. The Company's adjusted net income of $33.3 million for the first quarter of 2020 decreased by $5.3 million when compared to the first quarter of 2019. Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2020 was $71.9 million, $5.6 million lower when compared to the first quarter of 2019.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has swiftly and dramatically disrupted the container market and caused a significant drop in container volumes. There is no doubt that the pandemic will have a very negative effect on GDP, unemployment and countless other macroeconomic indicators in the near term. Although countries are gradually starting to lift restrictions and allow economic activity to resume, the speed of any potential recovery and the long-term impact of the pandemic on consumer demand and global manufacturing supply chains is unclear. There is certainly optimism about the positive impacts of sweeping fiscal and monetary initiatives being undertaken globally, but it is too early to assess any such impacts.

"Liner companies have addressed the drop in volumes brought on by the pandemic by cancelling sailings and idling capacity. As a result, short-term charter rates have dropped by between 25% and 40%, depending on vessel size. Despite lower transportation demand, prudent capacity management, reduced bunker prices and falling interest rates have significantly alleviated pressure on the cash flows of our liner company customers. Additionally, we have recently seen several initiatives by governments in Europe and Asia to support the liner industry during this difficult period, which is a very encouraging sign.

"What is most important is that we look forward and continue to execute our strategy and maintain a solid base to withstand the current market turbulence. To that end, we are successfully managing charter renewals, albeit at lower charter rates but still at rates well above operational breakeven levels. Notwithstanding the pressure in the charter market, we are well insulated from near-term volatility due to our high charter coverage of 86% in terms of operating revenues and 66% in terms of operating days over the next 12 months. This provides significant visibility into our cash flows during this period. Also, we will not have any additional financial impact on our operating revenues related to scrubber installations. Finally, we have ample liquidity and a $1.3 billion charter backlog, which provides us with flexibility to both manage our business and react to growth opportunities that may present themselves. During the first quarter, we took delivery of Niledutch Lion, an 8,626 TEU containership built in 2008, and in early April, we took delivery of Phoebe, an 8,463 TEU containership built in 2005. Consistent with our long-standing strategy, both vessels have been contracted on two-year time charters that will contribute an incremental $12 million of EBITDA on an annualized basis.

"The strength of our company and our strong relationships in the finance community is demonstrated by the financing arrangements executed in the midst of the pandemic. On May 12, 2020 we concluded a $139.1 million re-financing of the existing sale & leaseback transaction for two of our 13,100 TEU vessels at a significantly lower cost compared to the previous financing arrangement. This will result in approximately $7.5 million of interest cost savings on an annualized basis. Additionally, lower US$ Libor interest rates, which are currently lower by 2% when compared to 2019, will further contribute to reducing cash finance costs. For illustrative purposes, we will save approximately $28 million on an annualized basis based on $1.4 billion of bank debt outstanding at the end of the first quarter and current Libor rates. We have further arranged debt financing for the new vessels through a $24 million credit facility that we entered into at the beginning of April 2020.

"We remain committed to operational excellence and technological innovation, which allows us to continually deliver a high quality service to our customers. Our commitment has enabled us to maintain our leadership position in the container shipping industry throughout multiple market cycles. These are the attributes that will enhance shareholder value far and above the steel value of our fleet."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Danaos Corporation (DAC) click here.