Castor Maritime Inc. Reports Net Income of $22.3 Million for the Three Months

Ended March 31, 2024

Limassol, Cyprus, May 16, 2024 - Castor Maritime Inc. (NASDAQ: CTRM) ("Castor" or the "Company"), a diversified global shipping company, today announced its results for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

Earnings Highlights of the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2024:

  • Total vessel revenues from continuing operations: $20.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $24.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, or a 16.7% decrease;
  • Net income from continuing operations of $22.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to net loss from continuing operations of $(6.5) million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, or a 443.1% increase;
  • Net income of $22.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to net income of $10.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, or a 106.5% increase;
  • Earnings / (loss) per common share, basic from continuing operations: $2.23 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $(0.69) per share for the three months ended March 31, 2023;
  • EBITDA from continuing operations(1): $26.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023;
  • Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations(1): $16.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023;
  • Cash and restricted cash from continuing operations of $165.2 million as of March 31, 2024, as compared to $120.9 million as of December 31, 2023.

(1) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized measures under United States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). Please refer to Appendix B for the definition and reconciliation of these measures to Net income / (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

1

Management Commentary First Quarter 2024:

Mr. Petros Panagiotidis, Chief Executive Officer of Castor commented:

"In the first quarter of 2024 we observed a recovery in the dry cargo market, which, along with a number of vessel sales announced in earlier months, resulted in robust cash flows for the quarter.

In April, in order to provide greater clarity as to our capital structure, we launched a tender offer for the vast majority of our outstanding warrants. This follows a number of private purchases that we completed in the fourth quarter in 2023 for the warrants subject of this tender offer, as well as other warrants outstanding at the time.

We enjoy a strong balance sheet and we remain committed to our growth trajectory by seeking further opportunities in the shipping space, including opportunities to modernize our fleet."

Earnings Commentary:

First Quarter ended March 31, 2024, and 2023 Results

Total vessel revenues from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024, decreased to $20.4 million from $24.5 million in the same period of 2023. This variation was mainly driven by the decrease in our Available Days (defined below) from 1,980 days in the three months ended March 31, 2023, to 1,441 days in the three months ended March 31, 2024, following the sale of three dry bulk vessels during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the sale of five dry bulk vessels from the second to fourth quarters of 2023. This decrease in Available Days was partially offset by an increase in prevailing charter rates of our dry bulk vessels.

There was a decrease in voyage expenses from continuing operations to $1.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $1.3 million in the same period of 2023, which was mainly associated with a decrease in bunkers consumption.

Vessel operating expenses from continuing operations decreased by $3.2 million to $8.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024 from $11.3 million in the same period of 2023, mainly reflecting the decrease in the Ownership Days of our fleet to 1,441 days in the three months ended March 31, 2024, from 1,980 days in the same period in 2023.

Management fees for continuing operations in the three months ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $1.4 million, whereas in the same period of 2023, management fees totaled $1.8 million. This decrease in management fees is due to the decrease in the total number of Ownership Days for which our managers charge us a daily management fee following the sales of the dry bulk vessels mentioned above, partly offset by the management fee adjustment for inflation under our Amended and Restated Master Management Agreement, with effect from July 1, 2023.

The decrease in depreciation and amortization costs by $1.9 million to $3.9 million in the three months ended March 31, 2024, from $5.8 million in the same period of 2023, mainly reflects the decrease in our Ownership Days following the sale of three dry bulk vessels during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the sale of five dry bulk vessels from the second to fourth quarters of 2023.

General and administrative expenses from continuing operations in the three months ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $1.9 million, whereas, in the same period of 2023, general and administrative expenses totaled $1.1 million. This increase mainly stemmed from higher professional fees during the period.

Gain on sale of vessels from continuing operations in the three months ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $7.9 million following the sales of: (i) M/V Magic Moon on January 16, 2024, (ii) M/V Magic Nova on March 11, 2024 and (iii) M/V Magic Orion on March 22, 2024.

2

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we incurred net interest costs and finance costs from continuing operations amounting to $0.6 million compared to $2.3 million during the same period in 2023. The decrease is due to the drop in our weighted average indebtedness, as well as an increase in interest income we earned from our time and cash deposits, due to increased interest rates, as partially offset by a higher weighted average interest rate in our borrowings, as a result of the increase in the variable benchmark rates during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared with the same period of 2023.

Other income, net from continuing operations in the three months ended March 31, 2024, amounted to $11.1 million, which includes (i) an unrealized gain of $9.9 million from revaluing our investments in listed equity securities at period end market rates, (ii) dividend income on equity securities of $0.8 million and (iii) dividend income of $0.4 million from our investment in 140,000 1.00% Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Convertible Preferred Shares of Toro (the "Toro Series A Preferred Shares"). Other expenses, net in the three months ended March 31, 2023 amounted to $7.3 million and mainly included (i) an unrealized loss of $7.7 million from revaluing our investments in listed equity securities at period end market rates, (ii) dividend income on equity securities of $0.3 million and (iii) dividend income of $0.1 million from our investment in the Toro Series A Preferred Shares.

Recent Financial Developments Commentary:

Warrants tender offer

On April 22, 2024, we commenced a tender offer (the "Offer") to purchase all of our outstanding Common Share Purchase Warrants issued on April 7, 2021 (the "Warrants") at a price of $0.105 per Warrant, net to the seller in cash, without interest. Payments made pursuant to the Offer will be rounded down to the nearest whole cent. The purpose of the Offer is to reduce the number of shares that would become outstanding upon the exercise of the Warrants, thereby providing investors and potential investors with greater clarity as to our capital structure. The Offer will expire at the end of the day, 5:00 P.M., Eastern time, on Friday, May 31, 2024, unless extended. The Warrants are exercisable in the aggregate into 1,033,077 of our common shares, par value $0.001 per share (the "warrant shares"), at an exercise price per warrant share of $55.30. The number of warrant shares and this exercise price reflect adjustments as a result of the 1-for-10 reverse stock split discussed above.

Liquidity/ Financing/Cash flow update

Our consolidated cash position (including our restricted cash) from continuing operations as of March 31, 2024, increased by $44.3 million to $165.2 million, as compared to our cash position on December 31, 2023, which amounted to $120.9 million. The increase was mainly the result of: (i) $11.3 million of net operating cash flows received during the three months ended March 31, 2024, (ii) $43.8 million inflow of net proceeds from the sales of the M/V Magic Moon, M/V Magic Nova and M/V Magic Orion and from advance deposits of $4.95 million received relating to the sale of the M/V Magic Nebula, M/V Magic Venus and M/V Magic Horizon, offset by $3.8 million of cash outflow from the purchase of equity securities, (iii) $0.6 million of dividends paid on the Series D Preferred Shares and (iv) $11.4 million for scheduled principal repayments and early prepayments due to sale of vessels, on our debt.

As of March 31, 2024, our total debt from continuing operations, gross of unamortized deferred loan fees, was $75.2 million, of which $26.6 million is repayable within one year, as compared to $86.6 million of gross total debt as of December 31, 2023, a decline mainly due to prepayments in connection with vessel dispositions.

3

Recent Business Developments Commentary:

Nasdaq Listing Standards Compliance Update

On April 20, 2023, we received a notification from the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") that the Company was not in compliance with the minimum $1.00 per share bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and we were provided with 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market minimum bid price requirement. On October 19, 2023, we announced that we received a notification letter on October 18, 2023 from the Nasdaq granting us an additional 180-day extension to April 15, 2024 to regain compliance with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement. On March 27, 2024, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of our common stock for the purpose of regaining compliance with the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement pursuant to the authority granted to our board of directors by our shareholders. As a result of the reverse stock split, the number of outstanding shares was decreased to 9,662,354 common shares as of March 27, 2024, while the par value of our common shares remained unchanged at $0.001 per share. On April 11, 2024, we received written confirmation from Nasdaq that we had regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

All share and per share amounts, as well as warrant shares eligible for purchase under the Company's effective warrant schemes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.

Vessel Sales

On November 10, 2023, we entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party for the sale of the M/V Magic Moon, a 2005-built Panamax, at a price of $11.8 million. The vessel was delivered to its new owners on January 16, 2024. We recognized during the first quarter of 2024 a net gain on the sale of the M/V Magic Moon of approximately $2.4 million.

On December 7, 2023, we entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party for the sale of the M/V Magic Orion, a 2006-built Capesize, at a price of $17.4 million. The vessel was delivered to its new owners on March 22, 2024. We recognized during the first quarter of 2024 a net gain on the sale of the M/V Magic Orion of approximately $1.4 million.

On December 21, 2023, we entered into an agreement with an entity affiliated with a family member of our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the sale of the M/V Magic Venus, a 2010-built Kamsarmax, at a price of $17.5 million. The terms of the transaction were negotiated and approved by a special committee of our disinterested and independent directors. The vessel was delivered to its new owners on May 10, 2024. We expect to recognize during the second quarter of 2024 a net gain of approximately $3.5 million, excluding any transaction-related costs.

On January 19, 2024, we entered into an agreement with an entity beneficially owned by a family member of our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the sale of the M/V Magic Horizon, a 2010-built Panamax, at a price of $15.8 million. The terms of the transaction were negotiated and approved by a special committee of our disinterested and independent directors. The vessel is expected to be delivered to its new owners during the second quarter of 2024. We expect to recognize during the second quarter of 2024 a net gain of approximately $4.6 million, excluding any transaction-related costs.

4

On January 19, 2024, we entered into an agreement with an entity beneficially owned by a family member of our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the sale of the M/V Magic Nova, a 2010-built Panamax, at a price of $16.1 million. The terms of the transaction were negotiated and approved by a special committee of our disinterested and independent directors. The vessel was delivered to its new owners on March 11, 2024. We recognized during the first quarter of 2024 a net gain of approximately $4.1 million.

On February 15, 2024, we entered into an agreement with an entity affiliated with a family member of our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the sale of the M/V Magic Nebula, a 2010-built Kamsarmax, at a price of $16.2 million. The terms of the transaction were negotiated and approved by a special committee of our disinterested and independent directors. The vessel was delivered to its new owners on April 18, 2024. We expect to recognize during the second quarter of 2024 a net gain of approximately $2.5 million, excluding any transaction- related costs.

On May 1, 2024, we entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party for the sale of the M/V Magic Vela, a 2011-built Panamax, at a price of $16.4 million. The vessel is expected to be delivered to its new owners during the second quarter of 2024. We expect to recognize during the second quarter of 2024 a net gain of approximately $2.7 million, excluding any transaction-related costs.

Fleet Employment Status (as of May 15, 2024)

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we operated on average 15.8 vessels earning a Daily TCE Rate(2) of $13,411 as compared to an average of 22.0 vessels earning a Daily TCE Rate(2) of $11,713 during the same period in 2023.

Our employment profile as of May 15, 2024 is presented immediately below.

  1. Daily TCE Rate is not a recognized measure under U.S. GAAP. Please refer to Appendix B for the definition and reconciliation of this measure to Total vessel revenues, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Dry Bulk Carriers

Vessel Name

Type

Capacity

Year

Country of

Type of

Daily Gross Charter

Estimated Redelivery Date

(dwt)

Built

Construction

Employment(1)

Rate

Earliest

Latest

Magic Thunder

Kamsarmax

83,375

2011

Japan

TC period

$16,200 per day(3)

Sep-24

-(11)

Magic Perseus

Kamsarmax

82,158

2013

Japan

TC period

$16,300 per day(4)

Sep-24

-(11)

Magic Starlight

Kamsarmax

81,048

2015

China

TC period

$14,600 per day(5)

Jun-24

-(12)

Magic Mars

Panamax

76,822

2014

Korea

TC period

$14,750 per day(6)

May-24

-(12)

Magic Horizon (2)

Panamax

76,619

2010

Japan

TC period

$17,450 per day (7)

Mar-24

-(13)

Magic P

Panamax

76,453

2004

Japan

TC period

$15,150 per day(8)

May-24

-(12)

Magic Vela(2)

Panamax

75,003

2011

China

TC period

95% of BPI4TC (9)

May-24

Aug-24

Magic Eclipse

Panamax

74,940

2011

Japan

TC period

100% of BPI4TC

May-24

Aug-24

Magic Pluto

Panamax

74,940

2013

Japan

TC period

$18,150 per day (10)

Sep-24

-(11)

Magic Callisto

Panamax

74,930

2012

Japan

TC period

101% BPI4TC

Apr-24

Jul-24

Containerships

Vessel Name

Type

Capacity

Year

Country of

Type of

Daily Gross Charter

Estimated Redelivery Date

(dwt)

Built

Construction

Employment

Rate ($/day)

Earliest

Latest

Ariana A

Containership

38,117

2005

Germany

TC period

$16,000

May-24

Jun-24(14)

Gabriela A

Containership

38,121

2005

Germany

TC period

$17,000

Feb-25

May-25

5

  1. TC stands for time charter.
  2. We agreed to sell the M/V Magic Horizon and M/V Magic Vela on January 19, 2024, and May 1, 2024, respectively. The vessels are still employed under their existing charter parties and are each expected to be delivered to their new owners during the second quarter of 2024.
  3. The vessel's daily gross charter rate is equal to 97% of BPI5TC(15). In accordance with the prevailing charter party, on January 19, 2024, we converted the index-linked rate to fixed from April 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024 at a rate of $16,200 per day. Thereafter, the rate will be converted back to index-linked.
  4. The vessel's daily gross charter rate is equal to 100% of BPI5TC. In accordance with the prevailing charter party, on January 17, 2024, we converted the index-linked rate to fixed from April 1, 2024, until June 30, 2024, at a rate of $16,300 per day. Thereafter, the rate will be converted back to index-linked.
  5. The vessel's daily gross charter rate is equal to 98% of BPI5TC. In accordance with the prevailing charter party, on January 12, 2024, we converted the index-linked rate to fixed from April 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024 at a rate of $14,600 per day. Thereafter, the rate will be converted back to index-linked.
  6. The vessel's daily gross charter rate is equal to 102% of BPI4TC. In accordance with the prevailing charter party, on January 16, 2024, we converted the index-linked rate to fixed from April 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024 at a rate of $14,750 per day. Thereafter, the rate will be converted back to index-linked.
  7. The vessel's daily gross charter rate is equal to 103% of BPI4TC. In accordance with the prevailing charter party, on February 27, 2024, we converted the index-linked rate to fixed from April 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024 at a rate of $17,450 per day. Thereafter, the rate will be converted back to index-linked.
  8. The vessel's daily gross charter rate is equal to 96% of BPI4TC. In accordance with the prevailing charter party, on February 6, 2024, we converted the index-linked rate to fixed from April 1, 2024, until September 30, 2024, at a rate of $15,150 per day. Upon completion of these periods, the rate will be converted back to index-linked rate.
  9. The benchmark vessel used in the calculation of the average of the Baltic Panamax Index 4TC routes ("BPI4TC") is a non-scrubber fitted 74,000mt dwt vessel (Panamax) with specific age, speed - consumption, and design characteristics.
  10. The vessel's daily gross charter rate is equal to 100% of BPI4TC. In accordance with the prevailing charter party, on March 1, 2024, we converted the index-linked rate to fixed from April 1, 2024 until June 30, 2024 at a rate of $18,150 per day. Upon completion of this period, the rate will be converted back to index-linked rate.
  11. The earliest redelivery under the prevailing charter party is 9 months after delivery. Thereafter, both we and the charterers have the option to terminate the charter by providing 3 months written notice to the other party.
  12. The earliest redelivery under the prevailing charter party is 7 months after delivery. Thereafter, both we and the charterers have the option to terminate the charter by providing 3 months written notice to the other party.
  13. The earliest redelivery under the prevailing charter party is 8 months after delivery. Thereafter, both we and the charterers have the option to terminate the charter by providing 3 months written notice to the other party.
  14. On April 9, 2024, it has been agreed that the employment of the vessel will be extended with its current charterer from June 30, 2024, at a rate of $18,000 per day. Upon the commencement of the extension period, the vessel's new earliest redelivery will be June 30, 2025 and latest redelivery will be August 31, 2025.
  15. The benchmark vessel used in the calculation of the average of the Baltic Panamax Index 5TC routes ("BPI5TC") is a non-scrubber fitted 82,000mt dwt vessel (Kamsarmax) with specific age, speed-consumption, and design characteristics.

6

Financial Results Overview of Continuing Operations:

Set forth below are selected financial data of our dry bulk and containerships fleets (continuing operations) for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively:

Three Months Ended

March 31,

March 31,

2024

2023

(Expressed in U.S. dollars)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

Total vessel revenues

$

20,390,247

$

24,468,970

Operating income

$

11,887,666

$

3,145,575

Net income / (loss), net of taxes

$

22,331,746

$

(6,510,038)

EBITDA (1)

$

26,808,535

$

1,614,446

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

$

16,880,280

$

9,310,034

Earnings / (loss) per common share,

basic

$

2.23

$

(0.69)

Earnings / (loss) per common share,

diluted

$

1.09

$

(0.69)

  1. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized measures under U.S. GAAP. Please refer to Appendix B of this release for the definition and reconciliation of these measures to Net income/(loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Consolidated Fleet Selected Financial and Operational Data:

Set forth below are selected financial and operational data of our dry bulk and containership fleets (continuing operations) for each of the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively, that we believe are useful in analyzing trends in our results of operations.

Three Months Ended

March 31,

(Expressed in U.S. dollars except for

operational data)

2024

2023

Ownership Days(1)(7)

1,441

1,980

Available Days(2)(7)

1,441

1,980

Operating Days(3)(7)

1,419

1,980

Daily TCE Rate(4)

$

13,411

$

11,713

Fleet Utilization(5)

98%

100%

Daily vessel operating expenses(6)

$

5,637

$

5,691

  1. Ownership Days are the total number of calendar days in a period during which we owned a vessel.
  2. Available Days are the Ownership Days in a period less the aggregate number of days our vessels are off-hire due to scheduled repairs, dry-dockings or special or intermediate surveys.
  3. Operating Days are the Available Days in a period after subtracting unscheduled off-hire and idle days.
  4. Daily TCE Rate is not a recognized measure under U.S. GAAP. Please refer to Appendix B for the definition and reconciliation of this measure to Total vessel revenues, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

7

  1. Fleet Utilization is calculated by dividing the Operating Days during a period by the number of Available Days during that period.
  2. Daily vessel operating expenses are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses for the relevant period by the Ownership Days for such period.
  3. Our definitions of Ownership Days, Available Days, Operating Days, Fleet Utilization may not be comparable to those reported by other companies.

8

APPENDIX A

CASTOR MARITIME INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Expressed in U.S. Dollars-except for number of share data)

Three Months Ended

(In U.S. dollars except for number of share data)

March 31,

2024

2023

REVENUES

Total vessel revenues

$

20,390,247

$

24,468,970

EXPENSES

Voyage expenses (including commissions to related party)

(1,064,734)

(1,277,085)

Vessel operating expenses

(8,123,197)

(11,267,683)

Management fees - related parties

(1,422,798)

(1,831,500)

Depreciation and amortization

(3,855,832)

(5,812,463)

General and administrative expenses (including related

party fees)

(1,929,550)

(1,134,664)

Gain on sale of vessels

7,893,530

-

Operating income

$

11,887,666

$

3,145,575

Interest and finance costs, net (1)

(557,668)

(2,289,115)

Other income / (expenses), net

11,065,037

(7,343,592)

Income taxes

(63,289)

(22,906)

Net income / (loss) and comprehensive income / (loss)

from continuing operations, net of taxes

$

22,331,746

$

(6,510,038)

Net income and comprehensive income from

discontinued operations, net of taxes

$

- $

17,339,332

Net income and comprehensive income

$

22,331,746

$

10,829,294

Dividend on Series D Preferred Shares

(631,944)

-

Deemed dividend on Series D Preferred Shares

(123,813)

-

Net income attributable to common shareholders

$

21,575,989

$

10,829,294

Earnings / (loss) per common share, basic, continuing

operations

$

2.23

$

(0.69)

Earnings / (loss) per common share, diluted, continuing

operations

$

1.09

$

(0.69)

Earnings per common share, basic,

discontinued operations

$

- $

1.83

Earnings per common share, diluted,

discontinued operations

$

- $

1.83

Earnings per common share, basic, Total

$

2.23

$

1.14

Earnings per common share, diluted, Total

$

1.09

$

1.14

Weighted average number of common shares

outstanding, basic

9,662,354

9,460,976

9

Weighted average number of common shares

outstanding, diluted

20,564,123

9,460,976

  1. Includes interest and finance costs and interest income, if any.

CASTOR MARITIME INC.

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Expressed in U.S. Dollars-except for number of share data)

March 31,

December 31,

2024

2023

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

157,203,721

$ 111,383,645

Restricted cash

2,830,759

2,327,502

Due from related parties

4,337,429

5,650,168

Assets held for sale

39,068,012

38,656,048

Other current assets

97,066,433

84,259,511

Total current assets

300,506,354

242,276,874

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

Vessels, net

189,713,003

229,536,996

Restricted cash

5,150,000

7,190,000

Due from related parties

3,599,018

4,504,340

Investment in related party

117,541,024

117,537,135

Other non-currents assets

3,024,666

3,996,634

Total non-current assets

319,027,711

362,765,105

Total assets

619,534,065

605,041,979

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Current portion of long-term debt, net

14,541,683

17,679,295

Debt related to assets held for sale, net

11,689,285

2,406,648

Due to related parties, current

548,610

541,666

Other current liabilities

12,052,624

7,974,787

Total current liabilities

38,832,202

28,602,396

10

Attachments

  • Original Link
  • Original Document
  • Permalink

Disclaimer

Castor Maritime Inc. published this content on 16 May 2024 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 16 May 2024 13:16:02 UTC.