Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2010 Results


Results Include Record Quarterly Revenue of $73 Million

EBITDA Increase of 65% Year-on-Year

NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (Nasdaq:EGLE) today announced its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010.

Third quarter financial highlights include:

  • Net Income of $8.2 million or $0.13 per share (based on a weighted average of 62,442,046 diluted shares outstanding for the quarter), compared to $0.5 million, or $0.01 per share, for the same period a year ago.
  • Net revenues of $72.8 million, an increase of 75% compared to $41.6 million for the third quarter of last year. Gross time charter and freight revenues also increased 75%, to $76.4 million, compared to only time charter revenues of $43.7 million for the same period a year ago.
  • EBITDA, as adjusted for exceptional items under the terms of the Company's credit agreement, was $41.1 million for the third quarter of 2010, a 65% increase compared to $25.0 million for the same period a year ago.

Third quarter operational highlights include:

  • Fleet utilization rate of 99.9%.
  • Took delivery of three newbuilding vessels, Jay, Kingfisher, and Martin, which immediately entered their respective time charters. Aggregate, minimum contracted revenues on the three vessels will be $156 million.
  • Sold the oldest and smallest vessel in the fleet, the Griffon, realizing a $0.3 million gain.
  • Launched Eagle Bulk Pte, Ltd., a freight trading operation with a new office in Singapore. Industry veteran Keith Denholm, formerly of Pacific Carriers Limited (Singapore) and Malaysian Bulk Carriers Berhad, has joined Eagle Bulk Pte, Ltd. to lead the trading capabilities.

Sophocles N. Zoullas, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Eagle Bulk reported record revenue in the third quarter, driven by 41% YTD growth in the fleet and balanced exposure to the market. Eagle Bulk's focus on the Supramax market continued to yield benefits during the quarter, as strong demand for minor bulks and grain contributed to relative outperformance. This trend should continue as we close the year, as the demand picture for coal, grains and minor bulk cargoes should remain strong in the medium and long term."

"We also believe that the Eagle Bulk brand and commercial platform will deliver new opportunities for growth. This is manifest by our recently-established trading platform, which will ensure we optimize revenue throughout shipping cycles.  These capabilities, together with $129 million cash on the balance sheet and chartering strategies that are optimally aligned with the market, give us confidence that Eagle Bulk is very well-positioned going forward.

Results of Operations for the three-month period ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

For the third quarter of 2010, the Company reported net income of $8,226,153 or $0.13 per share, based on a weighted average of 62,442,046 diluted shares outstanding.

In the comparable third quarter of 2009, the Company reported net income of $512,261 or $0.01 per share, based on a weighted average of 61,986,752 diluted shares outstanding.

In the third quarter of 2010, the Company's revenues were earned from time and voyage charters. Gross revenues in the quarter ended September 30, 2010 were $76,410,067, compared to $43,688,025 recorded in the comparable quarter in 2009. Net revenues during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 increased 75% to $72,825,583 from $41,551,805 in the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Net revenues recorded in the 2010 quarter include non-cash amortization of fair value below contract value of time charters acquired of $1,388,101, compared to $645,098 recorded in the 2009 quarter. Brokerage commissions incurred on gross revenues earned were $3,584,484 and $2,136,220 in the third quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Total operating expenses in the quarter ended September 30, 2010 were $51,248,337 compared to $30,428,069 recorded in the third quarter of 2009. The Company operated 39 vessels in the third quarter of 2010 compared with 25 vessels corresponding quarter in 2009. Three of the remaining 38 vessels were delivered during the current quarter and one was sold with a net gain of $291,011.  The increase in operating expenses was due to operating a larger fleet and includes increases in vessels crew cost, insurance cost, general and administrative expenses and vessel depreciation expense.

EBITDA, adjusted for exceptional items under the terms of the Company's credit agreement, increased by 65% to $41,129,782 for the third quarter of 2010, compared with $24,984,274 for the third quarter of 2009. (Please see below for a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income).

Results of Operations for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 and 2009

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company reported net income of $23,811,709 or $0.38 per share, based on a weighted average of 62,392,441 diluted shares outstanding. In the comparable period of 2009, the Company reported net income of $31,096,577 or $0.58 per share, based on a weighted average of 53,831,913 diluted shares outstanding.

In the third quarter of 2010, the Company's revenues were earned from time and voyage charters. Gross revenues for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 were $202,834,935, an increase of 28% from $158,243,472 recorded in the comparable period in 2009, primarily due to the operation of a larger fleet. Net revenues during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, increased 28% to $192,682,148 from $150,550,809 in the comparable period in 2009. Net revenues recorded in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 include non-cash amortization of fair value below contract value of time charters acquired of $3,424,205, compared to $1942,278 recorded in the corresponding period in 2009. Brokerage commissions incurred on those gross revenues were $10,152,787 and $7,692,663, respectively.

Total operating expenses were $131,874,254 in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 compared to $95,611,450 recorded in the same period of 2009. The Company operated 39 vessels in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 compared with 25 vessels in same period of 2009. Twelve of the remaining 38 vessels were delivered during the current nine-month period and one sold with a gain of $291,011. The increase in operating expenses was due to operating a larger fleet and includes increases in vessels crew cost, insurance cost, general and administrative expenses and vessel depreciation expense.

EBITDA, adjusted for exceptional items under the terms of the Company's credit agreement increased by 20% to $115,737,376 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared with $96,049,461 for the same period in 2009. (Please see below for a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income).

Newbuilding Program

The Company had entered into vessel newbuilding contracts at shipyards in Japan and China. During the third quarter of 2010, three vessels, Jay, Kingfisher and Martin were delivered into the Company's operating fleet. Since the inception of the program to September 30, 2010, the Company has taken delivery of 19 newbuild vessels, and has 8 vessels to be constructed and delivered during 2010-11. As of September 30, 2010, the Company has recorded advances of $157,540,121 towards the construction cost of these 8 vessels. These costs include progress payments to the shipyards, capitalized interest on debt drawn for the progress payments, insurance, legal, and technical supervision costs. (Table below provides anticipated delivery dates on the newbuilding fleet).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, was $85,798,578 and $80,594,642, respectively. The increase was due to higher revenue from larger fleet offset by increased operational cost and interest expense resulting from delivery of an additional 12 newbuilding vessels.

Net cash used in investing activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, was $245,555,691, compared to $145,857,288 during the corresponding nine-month period ended September 30, 2009. Investing activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010 related primarily to making progress payments and incurring related vessel construction expenses for the newbuilding vessels, of which 12 delivered during the first nine months of 2010.

Net cash provided by financing activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, was $217,549,637, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $138,598,251 during the corresponding nine-month period ended September 30, 2009. Financing activities during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2010, primarily involved borrowings of $223,494,867 from our revolving credit facility.  During the nine month period ended September 30, 2009, we received $97,291,046 in net proceeds from sale of common shares of the Company, borrowed $95,770,000 from our revolving credit facility, repaid $48,645,523 to our lenders under the terms of the amended debt agreement, and incurred $4,330,801 in financing costs relating to our debt agreements.

As of September 30, 2010, our cash balance was $129,137,297, compared to a cash balance of $71,344,773 at December 31, 2009. In addition, $19,000,000 in cash deposits are maintained with our lender for loan compliance purposes and this amount is recorded in Restricted cash in our financial statements as of September 30, 2010. Also recorded in Restricted Cash is an amount of $276,056, which is collateralizing letters of credit relating to our office leases.

At September 30, 2010, the Company's debt consisted of $1,123,665,747 in net borrowings under the amended Revolving Credit Facility. These borrowings consisted of $989,483,485 for the 38 vessels currently in operation and $134,182,262 to fund the Company's newbuilding program.

In August 2009, the Company successfully amended its revolving credit facility on terms that will provide the Company with enhanced financial flexibility. The non-amortizing revolving credit facility has been amended from $1.35 billion to $1.2 billion with maturity in July 2014, and the Company will use half the net proceeds from any equity issuance to repay debt and reduce the facility. The Company will continue to draw on the facility to fund its newbuilding commitments, and this agreement further supports the funding for the remainder of its newbuilding program. In connection with this amendment the Company recorded a one-time non-cash charge of $3,383,289 relating to the write-off of a portion of deferred finance costs associated with the reduction of the credit facility.

 On August 4, 2010, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendatory Agreement to its revolving credit facility the credit agreement dated October 19, 2007, by and between the Company and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, pursuant to which the Lenders have consented, among other things, to the Trading Operation which will comprise  spot trading, contracts of affreightment, time charter-in and -out and derivative instruments.

Disclosure of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDA represents operating earnings before extraordinary items, depreciation and amortization, interest expense, and income taxes, if any. EBITDA is included because it is used by certain investors to measure a company's financial performance. EBITDA is not an item recognized by GAAP and should not be considered a substitute for net income, cash flow from operating activities and other operations or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. EBITDA is presented to provide additional information with respect to the Company's ability to satisfy its obligations including debt service, capital expenditures, and working capital requirements. While EBITDA is frequently used as a measure of operating results and the ability to meet debt service requirements, the definition of EBITDA used here may not be comparable to that used by other companies due to differences in methods of calculation.

Our revolving credit facility permits us to pay dividends, subject to certain limitations, in amounts up to our cumulative free cash flows which is our earnings before extraordinary or exceptional items, interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Credit Agreement EBITDA), less the aggregate amount of interest incurred and net amounts payable under interest rate hedging agreements during the relevant period and an agreed upon reserve for dry-docking. Therefore, we believe that this non-GAAP measure is important for our investors as it reflects our ability to pay dividends. The following table is a reconciliation of net income, as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations, to the Credit Agreement EBITDA:

  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30, 2010 September 30, 2009 September 30, 2010 September 30, 2009
Net Income $8,226,153 $512,261 $23,811,709 $31,096,577
Interest Expense 13,432,885 7,294,151 37,217,625 20,596,321
Depreciation and Amortization 17,193,853 11,094,238 46,437,290 32,328,402
Amortization of fair value below market of time charter acquired   (1,388,101)   (645,098)  (3,424,205)  (1,942,278)
EBITDA 37,464,790 18,255,552 104,042,419 82,079,022
Adjustments for Exceptional Items:        
Write-off of Financing Fees (1)   3,383,289   3,383,289
Non-cash Compensation Expense (2)   3,664,992   3,345,433 11,694,957   10,587,150
Credit Agreement EBITDA $41,129,782 $24,984,274 $115,737,376 $96,049,461
         
(1)  One time charge (see Note 4 to the financial statements).        
(2)  Stock based compensation related to stock options and restricted stock units.        

Capital Expenditures and Drydocking

Our capital expenditures relate to the purchase of vessels and capital improvements to our vessels which are expected to enhance the revenue earning capabilities and safety of these vessels.

We may incur additional capital expenditures from time to time related to our acquired vessels. As of September 30, 2010, our fleet consists of 38 vessels which are currently operational and 8 newbuilding vessels which have been contracted for construction.

In addition to acquisitions that we may undertake in future periods, the Company's other major capital expenditures include funding the Company's maintenance program of scheduled drydocking necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Although the Company has some flexibility regarding the timing of its dry docking, the costs are relatively predictable. The Company anticipates that vessels are to be drydocked every two and a half years. Funding of these requirements is anticipated to be met with cash from operations. We anticipate that this process of recertification will require us to reposition these vessels from a discharge port to shipyard facilities, which will reduce our available days and operating days during that period.

Drydocking costs incurred are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the period through the date the next drydocking for those vessels are scheduled to occur. Two vessels were drydocked in the three-months ended September 30, 2010. The following table represents certain information about the estimated costs for anticipated vessel drydockings in the next four quarters, along with the anticipated off-hire days:

Quarter Ending Off-hire Days(1) Projected Costs(2)
December 31, 2010 66 $1.65 million
March 31, 2011 44 $1.10 million
June 30, 2011 44 $1.10 million
September 30, 2011 44 $1.10 million
     
(1) Actual duration of drydocking will vary based on the condition of the vessel, yard schedules and other factors.
(2) Actual costs will vary based on various factors, including where the drydockings are actually performed.

Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data:

The following table summarizes the Company's selected consolidated financial and other data for the periods indicated below.

EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.      
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS      
(UNAUDITED)      
       
  Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
  September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
  September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
           
           
Revenues, net of commissions $72,825,583  $41,551,805   $192,682,148 $ 150,550,809
           
Voyage expenses 1,438,521   1,438,521
Vessel expenses 19,075,233 11,493,889   50,605,567 37,498,893
Charter hire expenses 2,837,980   2,837,980
Depreciation and amortization 17,193,853 11,094,238   46,437,290 32,328,402
General and administrative expenses 10,993,761 7,839,942   30,845,907 25,784,155
Gain from sale of vessel (291,011)   (291,011)
           
Total operating expenses 51,248,337 30,428,069   131,874,254 95,611,450
           
           
Operating income 21,577,246 11,123,736   60,807,894 54,939,359
           
Interest expense 13,432,885 7,294,151   37,217,625 20,596,321
Interest income (81,792) (65,965)   (221,440) (136,828)
Write-off of deferred financing costs 3,383,289   3,383,289
           
Net interest expense 13,351,093 10,611,475   36,996,185 23,842,782
           
Net income $8,226,153 $ 512,261   $23,811,709 $31,096,577
 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
         
Basic 62,224,675 61,976,794   62,163,617 53,808,348
Diluted 62,442,046 61,986,752   62,392,441 53,831,913
 
Per share amounts:
         
Basic net income $0.13 $0.01   $0.38 $0.58
Diluted net income $0.13 $0.01   $0.38 $0.58

Fleet Operating Data

We believe that the measures for analyzing future trends in our results of operations consist of the following:

     
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
         
Ownership Days 3,510 2,300 9,462 6,713
Chartered-in under operating lease Days  140  140
Available Days 3,628 2,271 9,520 6,657
Operating Days 3,623 2,264 9,480 6,634
Fleet Utilization 99.9% 99.7% 99.6% 99.7%
 
EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
     
     
   September 30, 2010 (unaudited) December 31, 2009
ASSETS:    
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents  $129,137,297 $71,344,773
Accounts receivable  11,471,483 7,443,450
Prepaid expenses  4,903,663 4,989,446
Inventories  884,234
Fair value above contract value of time charters acquired  588,304 427,359
     
 Total current assets  146,984,981 84,205,028
 Noncurrent assets:    
Vessels and vessel improvements, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation of $161,510,709 and $125,439,001, respectively  1,523,349,330 1,010,609,956
     
Advances for vessel construction  157,540,121 464,173,887
Other fixed assets, net of accumulated amortization of $114,825 and $59,519, respectively  392,034 258,347
Restricted cash  19,276,056 13,776,056
Deferred drydock costs  4,050,966 5,266,289
Deferred financing costs  17,616,127 21,044,379
Fair value above contract value of time charters acquired  3,770,383 4,103,756
Fair value of derivative instruments and other assets  60,582 4,765,116
Total noncurrent assets  1,726,055,599 1,523,997,786
     
Total assets $1,873,040,580 $1,608,202,814
     
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY    
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable  $2,902,194 $2,289,333
Accrued interest  6,999,574 7,810,931
Other accrued liabilities  15,457,922 3,827,718
Deferred revenue and fair value below contract value of time charters acquired  5,895,051 7,718,902
Unearned charter hire revenue  8,331,735 4,858,133
     
Total current liabilities  39,586,476 26,505,017
Noncurrent liabilities:    
Long-term debt  1,123,665,747 900,170,880
     
Deferred revenue and fair value below contract value of time charters acquired  24,354,916 26,389,796
Fair value of derivative instruments  26,229,604 35,408,049
     
Total noncurrent liabilities  1,174,250,267 961,968,725
Total liabilities 1,213,836,743 988,473,742
Commitment and contingencies    
Stockholders' equity:    
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued 
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 62,234,658 and 62,126,665 shares issued and outstanding, respectively  622,347 621,267
Additional paid‑in capital  735,498,772 724,250,125
Retained earnings (net of dividends declared of $262,118,388 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively)  (50,687,678) (74,499,387)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (26,229,604) (30,642,933)
     
Total stockholders' equity  659,203,837 619,729,072
     
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $1,873,040,580 $1,608,202,814
 
EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC. 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
     
  Nine Months Ended
  September 30,
2010
September 30,
2009
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income  $23,811,709 $31,096,577
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Items included in net income not affecting cash flows:    
Depreciation  44,151,616 30,424,426
Amortization of deferred drydocking costs  2,285,674 1,903,976
Amortization of deferred financing costs  2,246,917 881,728
Amortization of fair value below contract value of time charter acquired  (3,424,205) (1,942,278)
Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs   — 3,383,289
Gain from sale of vessel  (291,011)  —
Non‑cash compensation expense  11,694,957 10,587,150
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable  (4,028,033) (1,467,579)
Prepaid expenses  85,783 (2,051,171)
Inventories  (884,234)  —
Other assets  (60,582)  —
Accounts payable  612,861 (634,771)
Accrued interest  (3,739,062) 644,354
Accrued expenses  11,630,204 7,025,387
Drydocking expenditures  (1,505,520) (2,546,285)
Deferred revenue  (262,098) 3,494,546
Unearned charter hire revenue  3,473,602 (204,707)
Net cash provided by operating activities 85,798,578 80,594,642
     
 Cash flows from investing activities:    
Vessels and vessel improvements and advances for vessel construction  (266,422,482) (145,771,439)
Purchase of other fixed assets  (188,993) (85,849)
Proceeds from sale of vessel  21,055,784
     
Net cash used in investing activities (245,555,691) (145,857,288)
     
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Issuance of Common Stock  99,999,997
Equity issuance costs  (2,708,951)
Bank borrowings  223,494,867 95,770,000
Repayment of bank debt  (48,645,523)
Changes in restricted cash  (5,500,000) (1,000,000)
Deferred financing costs  (4,330,801)
Cash used to settle net share equity awards  (445,230) (486,471)
     
Net cash provided by financing activities 217,549,637 138,598,251
     
Net increase in cash  57,792,524 73,335,605
Cash at beginning of period  71,344,773 9,208,862
     
Cash at end of period $129,137,297 $82,544,467

Commercial and strategic management of the fleet is carried out by a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the Company, Eagle Shipping International (USA) LLC, a Marshall Islands limited liability company with offices in New York City.

The following table represents certain information about the Company's revenue earning charters on its operating fleet as of September 30, 2010.

         
 
Vessel
Year
Built
 
Dwt
 
Time Charter Expiration (1)
Daily Time
Charter Hire Rate
Avocet (3) 2010 53,462  
May 2016
May 2016 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
 
$18,400
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
Bittern (4) 2009 57,809  
Jan 2015
Jan 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
 
$18,850
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
Canary (5) 2009 57,809  
Mar 2015
Mar 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
 
$18,850
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
Cardinal 2004 55,362  
Nov 2010
$16,250
Condor (2)  2001 50,296 Jul 2011 to Oct 2011 Index
Crane (6) 2010 57,809  
Apr 2015
Apr 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
 
$18,850
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
Crested Eagle (2) 2009 55,989 Jan 2011 to Apr 2011  
 
$11,500 (with 50% Index share over $11,500)
 
Crowned Eagle(2) 2008 55,940 Jun 2011 to Sep 2011 Index
Egret Bulker(7) 2010 57,809 Oct 2012 to Feb 2013  
$17,650 (with 50%
profit share over $20,000)
Falcon 2001 50,296 Nov 2010 $20,000
Gannet Bulker(7) 2010 57,809 Jan 2013 to May 2013  
$17,650 (with 50%
profit share over $20,000)
Golden Eagle (2) 2010 55,989 Dec 2010 to Mar 2011 Index
Goldeneye 2002 52,421 Nov 2010 to Dec 2010 $21,000
Grebe Bulker(7) 2010 57,809 Feb 2013 to Jun 2013  
$17,650 (with 50%
profit share over $20,000)
Harrier 2001 50,296 Jul 2011 to Oct 2011 $21,000
Hawk I 2001 50,296 Jul 2011 to Sep 2011 $20,000
Heron 2001 52,827 Jan 2011 to May 2011 $26,375
Ibis Bulker(7) 2010 57,775 Mar 2013 to Jul 2013  
$17,650 (with 50%
profit share over $20,000)
Imperial Eagle (2) 2010 55,989 Jan 2011 to Mar 2011 Index
Jaeger (2) 2004 52,248 Nov 2010 to Jan 2011 Index
 
Jay (8)
 
2010
 
57,802
 
Dec 2015
 
Dec 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
$18,500(with 50%
profit share over $21,500)
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
Kestrel I 2004 50,326 Nov 2010 to Dec 2010 $23,000
 
Kingfisher (9)
 
2010
 
57,776
 
Dec 2015
 
Dec 2015 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
$18,500(with 50%
profit share over $21,500)
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
Kite 1997 47,195 Nov 2010 to Jan 2011 $17,000
Kittiwake 2002 53,146 Nov 2010 $19,000
Martin 2010 57,809 Feb 2017 to Feb 2018 $18,400
Merlin(10) 2001 50,296 Dec 2010 to Mar 2011 $23,000
Osprey I 2002 50,206 Nov 2010 $20,250
Peregrine (2) 2001 50,913 Jan 2011to Mar 2011  
$10,500 (with 50% Index share over $10,500)
Redwing 2007 53,411 Jul 2011 to Sep 2011 $20,000
Shrike 2003 53,343 Jun 2011 to Aug 2011 $20,000
Skua 2003 53,350 Nov 2010 $18,000
Sparrow 2000 48,225 Nov 2010 $24,000
Stellar Eagle(2) 2009 55,989 Apr 2011 to Jun 2011 Index
Tern 2003 50,200 Nov 2010 to Feb 2011  $25,000
Thrasher (11) 2010 53,360  
Apr 2016
Apr 2016 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
$18,400
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
 
Woodstar (12)
 
2008
 
53,390
  
Jan 2014
Jan 2014 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
$18,300
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
Wren (13) 2008 53,349  
Dec 2011
Dec 2011 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
$24,750
$18,000 (with 50%
profit share over $22,000)
 
(1)   The date range provided represents the earliest and latest date on which the charterer may redeliver the vessel to the Company upon the termination of the charter. The time charter hire rates presented are gross daily charter rates before brokerage commissions, ranging from 1.25% to 6.25%, to third party ship brokers.        
(2)   Index, an average of the trailing Baltic Supramax Index.        
(3)    Revenue recognition for the AVOCET is based on an average daily base rate of $18,281.        
(4)    Revenue recognition for the BITTERN is based on an average daily base rate of $18,485.        
(5)    Revenue recognition for the CANARY is based on an average daily base rate of $18,493.        
(6)    Revenue recognition for the CRANE is based on an average daily base rate of $18,497.        
(7)   The EGRET BULKER, GANNET BULKER, GREBE BULKER and IBIS BULKER have entered into a charter for 33 to 37 months. The charter rate is $17,650 per day with a 50% profit share for earned rates over $20,000 per day. The charterer has an option to extend the charter by 2 periods of 11 to 13 months each.        
 (8)  Revenue recognition for the JAY is based on an average daily rate of $18,320.        
(9)   Revenue recognition for the KINGFISHER is based on an average daily rate of $18,320.        
(10) Revenue recognition for the MERLIN is based on an average daily rate of $25,000.        
(11) Revenue recognition for the THRASHER is based on an average daily base rate of $18,280.        
(12) Revenue recognition for the WOODSTAR is based on an average daily base rate of $18,154.        
(13) Revenue recognition for the WREN is based on an average daily base rate of $20,245.        

The following table, as of September 30, 2010, represents certain information about the Company's newbuilding vessels being constructed and their expected employment upon delivery: 

           
Vessel  Dwt Year Built –Expected Delivery (1) Time Charter Employment Expiration (2) Daily Time Charter Hire Rate (3)  
Profit Share
 Thrush  53,100 2010Q4 Charter Free
 Nighthawk  58,000 2011Q1 Sep 2017 to Sep 2018 $18,400
 Oriole 58,000 2011Q3 Nov 2017 to Nov 2018 $18,400
 Owl  58,000 2011Q3 Feb 2018 to Feb 2019 $18,400
 Petrel (4) 58,000 2011Q4 Apr 2014 to Aug 2014 $17,650 50% over $20,000
 Puffin (4) 58,000 2011Q4 Jul 2014 to Nov 2014 $17,650 50% over $20,000
 Roadrunner (4) 58,000 2011Q4 Aug 2014 to Dec 2014 $17,650 50% over $20,000
 Sandpiper (4) 58,000 2011Q4 Sep 2014 to Jan 2015 $17,650 50% over $20,000
(1)  Vessel build and delivery dates are estimates based on guidance received from shipyard.          
(2)  The date range represents the earliest and latest date on which the charterer may redeliver the vessel to the Company upon the termination of the charter.          
(3)   The time charter hire rate presented are gross daily charter rates before brokerage commissions ranging from 1.25% to 6.25% to third party ship brokers.          
(4)    The charterer has an option to extend the charter by 2 periods of 11 to 13 months each.          

Glossary of Terms:

Ownership days: The Company defines ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in its fleet has been owned. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of the fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that is recorded during a period.

Chartered-in under operating lease days: The Company defines chartered-in under operating lease days as the aggregate number of days in a period during which the Company chartered-in vessels. The Company started to charter-in vessels on a spot basis during the third quarter of 2010. 

Available days: The Company defines available days as the number of ownership days less the aggregate number of days that its vessels are off-hire due to vessel familiarization upon acquisition, scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or special surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels. The shipping industry uses available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.

Operating days: The Company defines operating days as the number of its available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that the vessels are off-hire due to any reason, including unforeseen circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period during which vessels actually generate revenues.

Conference Call Information

As previously announced, members of Eagle Bulk's senior management team will host a teleconference and webcast at 8:30 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, to discuss these results.

To participate in the teleconference, investors and analysts are invited to call 800-299-7928 in the U.S., or 617-614-3926 outside of the U.S., and reference participant code 90716399. A simultaneous webcast of the call, including a slide presentation for interested investors and others, may be accessed by visiting http://www.eagleships.com.

A replay will be available following the call until 11:59 PM ET on November 17, 2010. To access the replay, call 888-286-8010 in the U.S., or 617-801-6888 outside of the U.S., and reference passcode 50777078.

About Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.

Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. is a Marshall Islands corporation headquartered in New York. The Company is a leading global owner of Supramax dry bulk vessels that range in size from 50,000 to 60,000 deadweight tons and transport a broad range of major and minor bulk cargoes, including iron ore, coal, grain, cement and fertilizer, along worldwide shipping routes.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. 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 Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. 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, Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. 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, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydocking, changes in our vessel operating expenses, including dry-docking and insurance costs, or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from 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 Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Visit our website at www.eagleships.com



            

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