ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. (NYSE: ZIM) reported Q1 EPS of $5.13, $0.52 better than the analyst estimate of $4.61. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.74 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.66 billion.

First Quarter 2021 Highlights

• Net income for the first quarter was $589.6 million (compared to a loss of $11.9 million in the first quarter of 2020), or $5.35 per share1
• Adjusted EBITDA2 for the first quarter was $820.5 million, a year-over-year increase of 744%
• Operating income (EBIT) for the first quarter was $683.5 million, a year-over-year increase of 2,645%
• Adjusted EBIT for the first quarter was $687.8 million, a year-over-year increase of 2,430%
• Revenues for the first quarter were $1.74 billion, a year-over-year increase of 112%
• ZIM carried 818 thousand TEUs in the first quarter of 2021, a year-over-year increase of 28%
• The average freight rate per TEU in the first quarter of 2021 was $1,925, a year-over-year increase of 76%
• Net leverage ratio3 of 0.5x at March 31, 2021, compared to 1.2x at December 31, 2020
• Completed IPO, raising $204 million in net proceeds
• Announced strategic long-term chartering agreement with Seaspan for ten "green" LNG-fueled vessels demonstrating ZIM's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and leading environmentally friendly practices in the shipping industry
• Subsequent to quarter end, announced full early redemption of $349 million principal amount of Series 1 and 2 Notes due 2023 payable in June 2021
• Declared a special cash dividend of approximately $238 million, or $2.00 per ordinary share, to be paid on September 15, 2021, to holders of the ordinary shares as of August 25, 2021; reiterated plan to distribute annual dividend of 30-50% of 2021 net income in 2022

Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, stated, "This is truly a momentous time in ZIM's 75-year history. Following our successful IPO to become the first global container liner to list in the U.S., we are proud of our demonstrated accomplishments based on seamless execution aligned with our stated objectives. Driven by ZIM's differentiated approach and proactive strategies, we generated our highest ever quarterly net profit, EBITDA, and cash flow, while continuing to deliver industry leading margins. We also significantly strengthened our balance sheet, with shareholder equity now in excess of $1 billion. In a short time since going public, we have also achieved important milestones for shareholders. Specifically, we significantly strengthened our position in the growing and strategic Pacific and Intra Asia trades, with our long-term chartering agreement for large LNG dual-fuel container vessels and the launch of new services to address unmet need in profitable routes to generate superior growth. We also drew on our strong cash flow to redeem ZIM's $349 million outstanding Series 1 and 2 Notes sooner than expected and earlier than the stated maturity by two years."

Mr. Glickman added, "Based on our success further strengthening our balance sheet, we are pleased to allocate capital to invest in new equipment to continue to best serve customers while returning capital to shareholders. With today's declaration of a special dividend, we will be distributing approximately $238 million, or $2.00 per share, in line with our commitment to unlock significant value. Importantly, this dividend is over and above our 2021 annual dividend guidance, supplementing the 30-50% of 2021 net income we expect to distribute in 2022."

Mr. Glickman concluded, "As a result of our outstanding execution and the full completion of freight contracts at higher rates, we have substantially raised our full year outlook, with 2021 Adjusted EBITDA now expected to be between $2.5 billion and $2.8 billion, more than 75% higher than the midpoint of our previous guidance range. Going forward, we remain poised to continue leveraging our agility to maximize profitability and advance ZIM's position as an innovative digital leader of seaborne transportation and logistics services with attractive growth engines."

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