Exhibit 99.2
HORIZON LINES REPORTS RECORD THIRD QUARTER 2006 EARNINGS
INCREASES 2006 EARNINGS GUIDANCE
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, October 30, 2006 – Horizon Lines, Inc. (NYSE:HRZ) reported today record earnings in the third quarter of 2006. Net income for the third quarter 2006 was $52.9 million or $1.58 per share, compared to net income of $3.2 million or $.14 per share in the 2005 third quarter.
The third quarter 2006 results reflect the election of tonnage tax instead of the federal corporate income tax on income from qualifying shipping activities, as previously announced by the Company. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 instituted an elective alternative tonnage tax on qualifying shipping activities for corporations operating U.S.–flag vessels in U.S. foreign trade. The impact of this election resulted in a decrease in income tax expense of approximately $39.4 million or $1.17 per share during the quarter and nine months ended September 24, 2006. Approximately $10.4 million and $19.9 million relate to the tax benefit associated with the filing of the 2005 federal income tax return in the third quarter and revaluation of deferred taxes related to the qualifying activities, respectively.
Adjusted net income was $14.3 million or $.43 per share in the third quarter of 2006, after excluding the total tax savings from the tonnage tax election and non-recurring secondary stock offering expenses. Adjusted net income was $13.3 million or $.40 per share in the third quarter of 2005, after exclusion of non-recurring initial public stock offering expenses, and adjustment for the purchase of two vessels formerly under lease.
Operating revenue increased by $15.6 million or 5.4% to $304.7 million for the third quarter of 2006 versus $289.1 million in the 2005 third quarter. Freight rate improvement, cargo mix upgrades and higher fuel surcharges more than offset some modest volume softness to drive operating revenue growth in the third quarter of 2006 compared to 2005.
Operating income for the third quarter 2006 was $35.2 million compared to $18.4 million in the third quarter of 2005. After adjustment for the non-recurring transaction-related expenses in both periods, third quarter 2006 operating income would have been $36.0 million, an increase of $4.9 million or 15.8% over $31.1 million in the third quarter of 2005.
Earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $51.0 million for the third quarter of 2006 compared to $35.3 million for the 2005 third quarter. After adjustment for the non-recurring transaction-related expenses in both periods, EBITDA was $51.8 million in the 2006 third quarter versus $48.3 million in the third quarter of 2005, an improvement of $3.5 million or 7.2%. Please see attached reconciliation from net income to EBITDA.
“We continued to successfully execute on our core business strategy in the third quarter of 2006, generating record earnings and our 19th consecutive quarter of adjusted EBITDA growth”, said Chuck Raymond, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We also adopted the tonnage tax election, which will result in substantial tax savings that will allow us to further re-invest in our business. On October 11th, the second of five new vessels being built for our Trans-Pacific (TP)-1 service was christened. All aspects of our new TP-1 service are on schedule. Horizon Edge, our customer focus and process re-engineering initiative is on track and capturing early wins. We are optimistic about the economic outlook for the remainder of 2006.”
The Company updated and increased its earnings guidance for the full year 2006, with projections of operating revenue at $1,156 - $1,161 million, EBITDA at $163 - $165 million and earnings per share (EPS) $.92 - $.94 excluding benefits from the tonnage tax election, and at $2.19 - $2.21 including tonnage tax benefits and excluding transaction costs. Earnings guidance for the fourth quarter of 2006 was also provided, with forecasts of operating revenue of $287 - $292 million, EBITDA of $39 - $41 million and EPS of $.21 - $.23 excluding tonnage tax adoption benefits and $.31 - $.33 with tonnage tax benefits.
Company executives will provide additional perspective on the Company’s quarterly results during the third quarter earnings call, beginning at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, today. Those interested in participating in the call may do so by dialing 1-800-257-2182 and asking for the Horizon Lines Earnings Call. Presentation materials and a live audio webcast will be accessible at Horizon Lines’ websitewww.horizonlines.com. In addition, Horizon Lines’ detailed financial information contained in its Form 10-Q document will be posted onwww.horizonlines.com after filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission after the earnings call.
Horizon Lines, Inc. is the nation’s leading Jones Act container shipping and integrated logistics company. It accounts for approximately 36% of total U.S. marine container shipments from the continental U.S. to the three non-contiguous Jones Act markets, Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and to Guam.
This press release includes “forward-looking statements,” as defined by federal securities laws, with respect to financial condition, results of operations and business. All forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties. The occurrence of the events described, and the achievement of the expected results, depend on many events, some of which are not predictable or within our control. Actual results may differ materially from expected results.
Factors that may cause actual results to differ from expected results include: substantial debt; restrictive covenants under our debt agreements; decreases in shipping volumes; our failure to renew our commercial agreements with Maersk; rising fuel prices; labor interruptions or strikes; job related claims; liability under multi-employer pension plans; compliance with safety and environmental protection and other governmental requirements; new statutory and regulatory directives in the United States addressing homeland security concerns; the successful start-up of any Jones Act competitor;
increased inspection procedures and tight import and export controls; restrictions on foreign ownership of our vessels; repeal or substantial amendment of the Jones Act; escalation of insurance costs; catastrophic losses and other liabilities; the arrest of our vessels by maritime claimants; severe weather and natural disasters; our inability to exercise our purchase options for our chartered vessels; the loss of our key management personnel; actions by our significant stockholder, and legal or other proceedings to which we are or may become subject; changes in tax laws; adverse tax audits; and other adverse tax matters.
In light of these risks and uncertainties, expected results or other anticipated events or circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur. We undertake no obligation and specifically decline any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Media Contact:
Michael Avara of Horizon Lines, Inc. 1-704-973-7000, ormavara@horizonlines.com.
Horizon Lines, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in thousands)
September 24, 2006 | December 25, 2005(1) | |||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 81,854 | $ | 41,450 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $7,300 and $6,064 at September 24, 2006 and December 25, 2005, respectively | 149,417 | 119,838 | ||||||
Deferred tax asset | 16,537 | 16,380 | ||||||
Materials and supplies | 25,223 | 26,355 | ||||||
Other current assets | 10,316 | 6,439 | ||||||
Total current assets | 283,347 | 210,462 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net | 186,639 | 200,597 | ||||||
Goodwill | 306,724 | 306,724 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 174,793 | 191,502 | ||||||
Other long term assets | 21,198 | 18,034 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 972,701 | $ | 927,319 | ||||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts payable | $ | 26,359 | $ | 22,368 | ||||
Current portion of long term debt | 7,013 | 2,500 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities | 130,847 | 118,483 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 164,219 | 143,351 | ||||||
Long term debt, net of current | 526,700 | 527,568 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability | 39,036 | 61,880 | ||||||
Deferred rent | 37,121 | 40,476 | ||||||
Other long term liabilities | 2,623 | 2,284 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 769,699 | 775,559 | ||||||
Stockholders’ equity | ||||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value. 50,000,000 shares authorized and 33,614,170 and 33,544,170 shares issued and outstanding as of September 24, 2006 and December 25, 2005, respectively | 336 | 336 | ||||||
Additional paid in capital | 180,666 | 179,590 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income | (403 | ) | 74 | |||||
Retained earnings (deficit) | 22,403 | (28,240 | ) | |||||
Total stockholders’ equity | 203,002 | 151,760 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 972,701 | $ | 927,319 | ||||
(1) | The balance sheet at December 25, 2005 has been derived from the audited financial statements of Horizon Lines, Inc. |
Horizon Lines, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Quarters Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||
September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | ||||||||||||
Operating revenue | $ | 304,657 | $ | 289,075 | $ | 869,438 | $ | 817,181 | |||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Operating expense (excluding depreciation expense) | 229,072 | 221,968 | 673,421 | 644,437 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 24,987 | 31,229 | 72,680 | 85,863 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 12,445 | 13,085 | 37,539 | 38,526 | |||||||||||
Amortization of vessel drydocking | 3,362 | 3,815 | 11,332 | 12,359 | |||||||||||
Miscellaneous (income) expense, net | (406 | ) | 585 | 977 | 1,805 | ||||||||||
Total operating expense | 269,460 | 270,682 | 795,949 | 782,990 | |||||||||||
Operating income | 35,197 | 18,393 | 73,489 | 34,191 | |||||||||||
Other expense: | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | 12,226 | 12,936 | 36,250 | 39,174 | |||||||||||
Other expense (income), net | 2 | 16 | (184 | ) | 17 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 22,969 | 5,441 | 37,423 | (5,000 | ) | ||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | (29,976 | ) | 2,202 | (24,289 | ) | 2,428 | |||||||||
Net income (loss) | 52,945 | 3,239 | 61,712 | (7,428 | ) | ||||||||||
Less: accretion of preferred stock | — | 479 | — | 3,600 | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders | $ | 52,945 | $ | 2,760 | $ | 61,712 | $ | (11,028 | ) | ||||||
Net income (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 1.58 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 1.84 | $ | (0.58 | ) | ||||||
Diluted | $ | 1.57 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 1.84 | $ | (0.58 | ) | ||||||
Number of shares used in calculations: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 33,544,170 | 19,169,170 | 33,544,170 | 19,043,073 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 33,725,543 | 19,169,170 | 33,582,095 | 19,043,073 | |||||||||||
Dividends declared per common share | $ | 0.11 | $ | — | $ | 0.33 | $ | — | |||||||
Horizon Lines, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
($ in thousands)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 24, 2006 | September 25, 2005 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 61,712 | $ | (7,428 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation | 22,868 | 23,855 | ||||||
Amortization of other intangible assets | 14,671 | 14,671 | ||||||
Amortization of vessel drydocking | 11,332 | 12,359 | ||||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 2,413 | 2,528 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | (22,763 | ) | 1,818 | |||||
Gain on equipment disposals | (471 | ) | (253 | ) | ||||
Stock-based compensation | 686 | 12,039 | ||||||
Accretion of interest on 11% senior discount notes | 6,796 | 9,384 | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (29,579 | ) | (26,095 | ) | ||||
Materials and supplies | 1,254 | (4,112 | ) | |||||
Other current assets | (3,877 | ) | 766 | |||||
Accounts payable | 3,991 | (1,666 | ) | |||||
Accrued liabilities | 14,398 | 19,366 | ||||||
Vessel drydocking payments | (13,703 | ) | (12,621 | ) | ||||
Other assets/liabilities | (4,932 | ) | (1,296 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 64,796 | 43,315 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment | (10,381 | ) | (29,481 | ) | ||||
Other investing activities | (245 | ) | — | |||||
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment | 1,819 | 904 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (8,807 | ) | (28,577 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Principal payments on long term debt | (1,875 | ) | (1,875 | ) | ||||
Purchase of 11% senior discount notes | (1,276 | ) | — | |||||
Dividends to stockholders | (11,070 | ) | — | |||||
Payment of financing costs | (1,057 | ) | (1,588 | ) | ||||
Costs associated with initial public offering | (158 | ) | (4,456 | ) | ||||
Sale of stock | — | 1,108 | ||||||
Distribution to holders of preferred stock | — | (535 | ) | |||||
Payments on capital lease obligation | (149 | ) | (134 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (15,585 | ) | (7,480 | ) | ||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 40,404 | 7,258 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 41,450 | 56,766 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 81,854 | $ | 64,024 | ||||
Horizon Lines, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Adjusted Operating Income
($ in Millions)
Quarter Ended September 24, 2006 | Quarter Ended September 25, 2005 | Nine Months Ended September 24, 2006 | Nine Months Ended September 25, 2005 | |||||||||
Operating Income | $ | 35.2 | $ | 18.4 | $ | 73.5 | $ | 34.2 | ||||
Adjustments(a) | ||||||||||||
Lease Buyout | — | 1.1 | — | 3.8 | ||||||||
IPO Restricted Stock Compensation | — | 1.6 | — | 12.0 | ||||||||
Management Fees | — | 8.2 | — | 9.7 | ||||||||
Transaction-Related Expense | 0.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.9 | ||||||||
Total Adjustments | 0.8 | 12.7 | 1.7 | 27.4 | ||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 36.0 | $ | 31.1 | $ | 75.2 | $ | 61.6 | ||||
(a) | These charges are not anticipated to recur regularly in the ordinary course of business. |
Horizon Lines, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Adjusted Net Income
($ in Millions)
Quarter Ended September 24, 2006 | Quarter Ended September 25, 2005 | Nine Months Ended September 24, 2006 | Nine Months Ended September 25, 2005 | |||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 52.9 | $ | 3.2 | $ | 61.7 | $ | (7.4 | ) | |||||||
Adjustments | ||||||||||||||||
Lease Buyout | — | 1.1 | — | 3.8 | ||||||||||||
IPO Restricted Stock Compensation | — | 1.6 | — | 12.0 | ||||||||||||
Management Fees | — | 8.2 | — | 9.7 | ||||||||||||
Transaction-Related Expense | 0.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.9 | ||||||||||||
Interest Expense Reduction | — | 2.5 | — | 7.5 | ||||||||||||
Tax Impact | — | (5.1 | ) | — | (8.7 | ) | ||||||||||
Tonnage Tax Impact | (39.4 | ) | — | (39.4 | ) | — | ||||||||||
Total Adjustments | (38.6 | ) | 10.1 | (37.7 | ) | 26.2 | ||||||||||
Adjusted Net Income | $ | 14.3 | $ | 13.3 | $ | 24.0 | $ | 18.8 | ||||||||
Horizon Lines, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Net Income/EBITDA Reconciliation
($ in Millions)
Quarter Ended September 24, 2006 | Quarter Ended September 25, 2005 | Nine Months Ended September 24, 2006 | Nine Months Ended September 25, 2005 | ||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 52.9 | $ | 3.2 | $ | 61.7 | $ | (7.4 | ) | ||||||
Interest Expense, Net | 12.2 | 13.0 | 36.2 | 39.2 | |||||||||||
Tax Expense | (29.9 | ) | 2.2 | (24.3 | ) | 2.4 | |||||||||
Depreciation and Amortization | 15.8 | 16.9 | 48.9 | 50.9 | |||||||||||
EBITDA | 51.0 | 35.3 | 122.5 | 85.1 | |||||||||||
Lease Buyout | — | 1.4 | — | 5.0 | |||||||||||
IPO Restricted Stock Compensation | — | 1.6 | — | 12.0 | |||||||||||
Management Fees | — | 8.2 | — | 9.7 | |||||||||||
Transaction-Related Expense | 0.8 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.9 | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 51.8 | $ | 48.3 | $ | 124.2 | $ | 113.7 | |||||||
Note: EBITDA is defined as net income plus net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. We believe that EBITDA is a meaningful measure for investors as (i) EBITDA is a component of the measure used by our board of directors and management team to evaluate our operating performance, (ii) the senior credit facility contains covenants that require Horizon Lines Holding Corp. to maintain certain interest expense coverage and leverage ratios, which contain EBITDA and (iii) EBITDA is a measure used by our management team to make day-to-day operating decisions.