Bay Street News

Costamare Inc. Reports Results for the First Quarter Ended March 31, 2024

MONACO, May 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Costamare Inc. (“Costamare” or the “Company”) (NYSE: CMRE) today reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024 (“Q1 2024”).

I.    PROFITABILITY AND LIQUIDITY

II.    OWNED FLEET CHARTER UPDATE3– FULLY EMPLOYED CONTAINERSHIP FLEET FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

III.    SALE AND PURCHASE ACTIVITY

Vessel Disposals

– m/v Pegasus built in 2011 with a 56,726 DWT capacity.

– m/v Merida built in 2012 with a 56,670 DWT capacity.

– m/v Alliance built in 2012 with a 33,751 DWT capacity.

– m/v Konstantinos built in 2012 with a 32,178 DWT capacity.

Net sale proceeds after debt repayment amounted to $26.2 million.

– m/v Adventure built in 2011 with a 33,755 DWT capacity (expected conclusion of sale within Q2 2024). Estimated net sale proceeds after debt prepayment of $7.1 million.

Vessel Acquisitions

IV.    DRY BULK OPERATING PLATFORM

– 33 Newcastlemax/ Capesize vessels.

– 21 Kamsarmax vessels.

– 28 charters for Newcastlemax/ Capesize vessels that are index linked.

– 8 charters for Kamsarmax vessels that are index linked.

V.    LEASE FINANCING PLATFORM

VI.    DIVIDEND ANNOUNCEMENTS

__________________________
1Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and respective per share figures are non-GAAP measures and should not be used in isolation or as substitutes for Costamare’s financial results presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). For the definition and reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP, please refer to Exhibit I.
2Including our share of cash amounting to $0.5 million held by vessel owning-companies set-up pursuant to the Framework Deed dated May 15, 2013, as amended and restated from time to time (the “Framework Deed”), between the Company and York Capital Management Global Advisors LLC and an affiliated fund (collectively, “York Capital”), margin deposits relating to our forward freight agreements (“FFAs”) and bunker swaps of $2.2 million, short term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills amounting to $17.7 million and $115.8 million of available undrawn funds from two hunting license facilities as of March 31, 2024.
3Please refer to the Containership Fleet List table for additional information on vessel employment details for our containership fleet.
4Calculated on a TEU basis.
5As of May 9, 2024.

Mr. Gregory Zikos, Chief Financial Officer of Costamare Inc., commented:

“During the first quarter of the year, the Company generated Net Income of about $94 million. As of quarter end, liquidity was close to $1.1 billion.

In the containership sector, charter rates have seen significant improvement from the end of last year. Demolition has fallen to levels below what was experienced during the first quarter of 2023. Although cargo volumes have generally improved, the Red Sea disruption is the main reason for the improved charter market.

We have proactively secured employment for 97% and 80% of our containership fleet for 2024 and 2025, respectively, generating contracted revenues of $2.3 billion with a remaining time charter duration of 3.4 years.

On the dry bulk side, as part of our strategy to renew the fleet and increase its average size, we have agreed to acquire two more capesize vessels and accepted delivery of one similar-sized ship. In total, we have acquired five capesize vessels with an average age of about 12 and a half years and disposed of a total of 10 smaller sized ships with an average age of 14 years.

Our owned dry bulk vessels continue to trade on a spot basis, while the trading platform is commercially managing a fleet of 54 ships. As mentioned in the past, we have a long-term commitment to the dry bulk sector, which has been a strategic decision for us.

With regards to Neptune Maritime Leasing, the platform has been steadily growing, having concluded leasing transactions for 24 ships in total, on the back of a healthy pipeline extending over the coming quarters.”

 
Financial Summary
 
    Three-month period ended
March 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data):   2023
    2024
           
         
Voyage revenue   $248,769     $470,172
Accrued charter revenue (1)   $(2,265 )   $761
Amortization of time-charter assumed   $49     $38
Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (2)   $246,553     $470,971
Income from investments in leaseback vessels   $-     $5,258
Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders (3)   $46,533     $75,243
Weighted Average number of shares   122,531,273     118,628,891
Adjusted Earnings per share (3)   $0.38     $0.63
         
Net Income   $148,864     $102,672
Net Income available to common stockholders   $141,560     $94,180
Weighted Average number of shares   122,531,273     118,628,891
Earnings per share   $1.16     $0.79

(1) Accrued charter revenue represents the difference between cash received during the period and revenue recognized on a straight-line basis. In the early years of a charter with escalating charter rates, voyage revenue will exceed cash received during the period and during the last years of such charter cash received will exceed revenue recognized on a straight-line basis. The reverse is true for charters with descending rates.
(2) Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis represents Voyage revenue after adjusting for non-cash “Accrued charter revenue” recorded under charters with escalating charter rates. However, Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis is not a recognized measurement under U.S. GAAP. We believe that the presentation of Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis is useful to investors because it presents the charter revenue for the relevant period based on the then current daily charter rates. The increases or decreases in daily charter rates under our charter party agreements of our fleet are described in the notes to the “Fleet List” tables below.
(3) Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings per Share.

Non-GAAP Measures

The Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures used in managing the business may provide users of these financial measures additional meaningful comparisons between current results and results in prior operating periods. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures can provide additional meaningful reflection of underlying trends of the business because they provide a comparison of historical information that excludes certain items that impact the overall comparability. Management also uses these non-GAAP financial measures in making financial, operating and planning decisions and in evaluating the Company’s performance. The tables below set out supplemental financial data and corresponding reconciliations to GAAP financial measures for the three-months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, voyage revenue or net income as determined in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP financial measures include (i) Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (reconciled above), (ii) Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and (iii) Adjusted Earnings per Share.

Exhibit I
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share

    Three-month period ended
March 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share data)   2023     2024  
           
Net Income $ 148,864   $ 102,672  
Earnings allocated to Preferred Stock   (7,595 )   (7,681 )
Non-Controlling Interest   291     (811 )
Net Income available to common stockholders   141,560     94,180  
Accrued charter revenue   (2,265 )   761  
General and administrative expenses – non-cash component   1,408     1,698  
Amortization of Time charter assumed   49     38  
Realized (gain) / loss on Euro/USD forward contracts (1)   48     (439 )
Gain on sale of vessels, net   (89,068 )   (993 )
Loss on vessel held for sale   2,350      
Loss on vessel held for sale by a jointly owned company with York Capital included in equity loss on investments   2,029      
Non-recurring, non-cash write-off of loan deferred financing costs   974     182  
Gain on derivative instruments, excluding realized (gain)/loss on derivative instruments (1)   (10,552 )   (22,057 )
Other non-cash items       1,873  
Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders $ 46,533   $ 75,243  
Adjusted Earnings per Share $ 0.38   $ 0.63  
Weighted average number of shares   122,531,273     118,628,891  

Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share represent Net Income after earnings allocated to preferred stock and Non-Controlling Interest, but before non-cash “Accrued charter revenue” recorded under charters with escalating or descending charter rates, amortization of time-charter assumed, realized (gain) / loss on Euro/USD forward contracts, gain on sale of vessels, net, loss on vessel held for sale, loss on vessel held for sale by a jointly owned company with York Capital included in equity loss on investments, non-recurring, non-cash write-off of loan deferred financing costs, general and administrative expenses – non-cash component, non-cash changes in fair value of derivatives and other non-cash items. “Accrued charter revenue” is attributed to the timing difference between the revenue recognition and the cash collection. However, Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are not recognized measurements under U.S. GAAP. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are useful to investors because they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. We also believe that Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are useful in evaluating our ability to service additional debt and make capital expenditures. In addition, we believe that Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share are useful in evaluating our operating performance and liquidity position compared to that of other companies in our industry because the calculation of Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share generally eliminates the effects of the accounting effects of capital expenditures and acquisitions, certain hedging instruments and other accounting treatments, items which may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance and liquidity. In evaluating Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders and Adjusted Earnings per Share should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

(1) Items to consider for comparability include gains and charges. Gains positively impacting Net Income available to common stockholders are reflected as deductions to Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders. Charges negatively impacting Net Income available to common stockholders are reflected as increases to Adjusted Net Income available to common stockholders.
Results of Operations

Three-month period ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2023

During the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we had an average of 107.9 and 112.7 vessels, respectively, in our owned fleet. In addition, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, through our dry-bulk operating platform Costamare Bulkers Inc. (“CBI”) we chartered-in an average of 57.0 third party dry-bulk vessels (10.9 third party dry-bulk vessels during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023). As of May 10, 2024, CBI charters-in 54 dry-bulk vessels on period charters.

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, we sold the dry-bulk vessels Manzanillo, Progress, Konstantinos, Merida, Alliance and Pegasus with an aggregate DWT capacity of 246,151 and took delivery of the dry-bulk vessel Miracle with a DWT of 180,643. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, we sold the container vessels Maersk Kalamata and Sealand Washington with an aggregate TEU capacity of 13,292 and the dry-bulk vessel Miner with a DWT of 32,300.

As of March 31, 2024, we have invested in NML the amount of $123.3 million. NML has been included in our consolidated financial statements since the second quarter of 2023.

In the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, our fleet ownership days totaled 9,820 and 10,143 days, respectively. Ownership days are one of the primary drivers of voyage revenue and vessels’ operating expenses and represent the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet is owned.

Consolidated Financial Results and Vessels’ Operational Data(1)

(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars,   Three-month period ended
March 31,
        Percentage
except percentages)   2023       2024       Change   Change
                     
                     
Voyage revenue $ 248.8     $ 470.2     $ 221.4     89.0 %
Income from investments in leaseback vessels         5.3       5.3     n.m.
Voyage expenses   (31.6 )     (95.4 )     63.8     n.m.
Charter-in hire expenses   (12.4 )     (144.3 )     131.9     n.m.
Voyage expenses – related parties   (3.2 )     (3.6 )     0.4     12.5 %
Vessels’ operating expenses   (67.7 )     (59.7 )     (8.0 )   (11.8 %)
General and administrative expenses   (4.4 )     (5.2 )     0.8     18.2
Management and agency fees – related parties   (15.2 )     (14.6 )     (0.6 )   (3.9 %)
General and administrative expenses – non-cash component   (1.4 )     (1.7 )     0.3     21.4 %
Amortization of dry-docking and special survey costs   (4.7 )     (5.6 )     0.9     19.1 %
Depreciation   (41.1 )     (40.5 )     (0.6 )   (1.5 %)
Gain on sale of vessels, net   89.1       1.0       (88.1 )   (98.9 %)
Loss on vessel held for sale   (2.4 )           (2.4 )   n.m.
Foreign exchange gains/ (losses)   1.3       (2.4 )     (3.7 )   n.m.
Interest income   6.7       8.3       1.6     23.9 %
Interest and finance costs   (36.9 )     (33.0 )     (3.9 )   (10.6 %)
Income / (Loss) from equity method investments   (1.4 )           (1.4 )   n.m.
Other   2.6       0.6       (2.0 )   (76.9 %)
Gain on derivative instruments   22.8       23.3       0.5     2.2 %
Net Income $ 148.9     $ 102.7            
                     
(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except percentages)   Three-month period ended
March 31,

        Percentage
  2023       2024       Change   Change
                     
Voyage revenue $ 248.8     $ 470.2     $ 221.4     89.0 %
Accrued charter revenue   (2.3 )     0.8       3.1     n.m.
Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (1) $ 246.5     $ 471.0     $ 224.5     91.1 %
                     
                   
Vessels’ operational data   Three-month period ended
March 31,

        Percentage
  2023       2024       Change   Change
                     
Average number of vessels   112.7       107.9       (4.8 )   (4.3 %)
Ownership days   10,143       9,820       (323 )   (3.2 %)
Number of vessels under dry-docking and special survey   9       2       (7 )    

(1) Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis is not a recognized measurement under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Refer to “Consolidated Financial Results and Vessels’ Operational Data” above for the reconciliation of Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis.

Voyage Revenue

Voyage revenue increased by 89.0%, or $221.4 million, to $470.2 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, from $248.8 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. The increase is mainly attributable to (i) increased revenue earned by CBI due to increased volume of its operations period over period, (ii) increased charter rates in certain of our owned container and dry-bulk vessels and (iii) revenue earned by two container vessels acquired during the second and fourth quarter of 2023, respectively, and by one dry bulk vessel acquired during the third quarter of 2023, partly off-set by revenue not earned by three container vessels and six dry bulk vessels sold during the year ended 2023 and six dry bulk vessels sold during the first quarter of 2024.

Voyage revenue adjusted on a cash basis (which eliminates non-cash “Accrued charter revenue”) increased by 91.1%, or $224.5 million, to $471.0 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, from $246.5 million during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. Accrued charter revenue for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was a positive amount of $0.8 million and a negative amount of $2.3 million, respectively.

Income from investments in leaseback vessels

Income from investments in leaseback vessels was $5.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024. Income from investments in leaseback vessels was earned from NML’s operations during the first quarter of 2024. NML acquires, owns and bareboat charters out vessels through its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

Voyage Expenses

Voyage expenses were $95.4 million and $31.6 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Voyage expenses increased, period over period, mainly due to CBI’s increased volume of operations during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. Voyage expenses mainly include (i) fuel consumption mainly related to dry bulk vessels, (ii) third-party commissions, (iii) port expenses and (iv) canal tolls.

Charter-in Hire Expenses

Charter-in hire expenses were $144.3 million and $12.4 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Charter-in hire expenses are expenses relating to chartering-in of third-party dry bulk vessels under charter agreements through CBI.

Voyage Expenses – related parties

Voyage expenses – related parties were $3.6 million and $3.2 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Voyage expenses – related parties represent (i) fees of 1.25%, in the aggregate, on voyage revenues earned by our owned fleet charged by a related manager and a related service provider and (ii) charter brokerage fees (in respect of our container vessels) payable to two related charter brokerage companies for an amount of approximately $0.4 million and $0.3 million, in the aggregate, for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Vessels’ Operating Expenses

Vessels’ operating expenses, which also include the realized gain/(loss) under derivative contracts entered into in relation to foreign currency exposure, were $59.7 million and $67.7 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Daily vessels’ operating expenses were $6,075 and $6,672 for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Daily operating expenses are calculated as vessels’ operating expenses for the period over the ownership days of the period.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $5.2 million and $4.4 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and include amounts of $0.67 million and $0.67 million, respectively, that were paid to a related service provider.

Management and Agency Fees – related parties

Management fees charged by our related party managers were $11.3 million and $10.6 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The amounts charged by our related party managers include amounts paid to third party managers of $3.5 million and $3.5 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Furthermore, during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, agency fees of $3.3 million and $4.6 million, in aggregate, were charged by four and three related agents, respectively, in connection with the operations of CBI.

General and Administrative Expenses – non-cash component

General and administrative expenses – non-cash component for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 amounted to $1.7 million, representing the value of the shares issued to a related service provider on March 29, 2024. General and administrative expenses – non-cash component for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 amounted to $1.4 million, representing the value of the shares issued to a related service provider on March 30, 2023.

Amortization of Dry-Docking and Special Survey Costs

Amortization of deferred dry-docking and special survey costs was $5.6 million and $4.7 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, one vessel underwent and completed her dry-docking and special survey and one vessel was in the process of completing her dry-docking and special survey. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, six vessels underwent and completed their dry-docking and special survey and three vessels were in the process of completing their dry-docking and special survey.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $40.5 million and $41.1 million, respectively.

Gain on Sale of Vessels, net

During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, we recorded a net gain of $1.0 million from the sale of the dry-bulk vessels Manzanillo, Progress and Konstantinos, each of which was classified as a vessel held for sale as of December 31, 2023, and from the sale of the dry-bulk vessels Merida, Alliance and Pegasus. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, we recorded a net gain of $89.1 million from the sale of the container vessels Maersk Kalamata and Sealand Washington, which were classified as vessels held for sale as of December 31, 2022 (initially classified as vessels held for sale as of March 31, 2022) and the sale of the dry-bulk vessel Miner.

Loss on Vessels Held for Sale

As of March 31, 2024, the dry-bulk vessel Adventure continues to be classified as a vessel held for sale (initially classified as a vessel held for sale during the fourth quarter of 2023), but no loss on vessel held for sale was recorded, since the vessel’s estimated fair value less costs to sell exceeded her carrying value. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, the dry-bulk vessel Taibo was classified as a vessel held for sale and we recorded a loss on vessel held for sale of $2.4 million, which resulted from its estimated fair value measurement less costs to sell.

Interest Income

Interest income amounted to $8.3 million and $6.7 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Interest and Finance Costs

Interest and finance costs were $33.0 million and $36.9 million during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease is mainly attributable to the decreased interest expense due to lower average loan balance during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2023.

Income / (Loss) from Equity Method Investments

Income from equity method investments for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, was $0.04 million (loss of $1.4 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023) representing our share of the loss in jointly owned companies set up pursuant to the Framework Deed. As of March 31, 2024 and 2023 two and five companies, respectively, were jointly owned pursuant to the Framework Deed out of which nil and four companies, respectively, owned container vessels.

Gain on Derivative Instruments

As of March 31, 2024, we hold derivative financial instruments that qualify for hedge accounting and derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting. The change in the fair value of each derivative instrument that qualifies for hedge accounting is recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income” (“OCI”). The change in the fair value of each derivative instrument that does not qualify for hedge accounting is recorded in the consolidated statements of income.

As of March 31, 2024, the fair value of these instruments, in aggregate, amounted to a net asset of $71.1 million. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, a net gain of $5.4 million has been included in OCI and a net gain of $23.3 million has been included in Gain on Derivative Instruments, net.

Cash Flows
Three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

Condensed cash flows   Three-month period ended
March 31,
(Expressed in millions of U.S. dollars)   2023     2024  
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   37.3     138.0  
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities   191.3     34.6  
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities   (94.6 )   (28.0 )


Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, increased by $100.7 million to $138.0 million, from $37.3 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. The increase is mainly attributable to the favorable change in working capital position, excluding the current portion of long-term debt and the accrued charter revenue (representing the difference between cash received in that period and revenue recognized on a straight-line basis), the increased net cash from operations during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, to the decreased payments for interest (including interest derivatives net receipts) during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2023 and to the decreased dry-docking and special survey costs during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three-month period ended March 31, 2023.

Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was $34.6 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, which mainly consisted of proceeds we received from the sale of the dry-bulk vessels Manzanillo, Progress, Konstantinos, Merida, Alliance and Pegasus; partly off-set by (i) settlement payment for the delivery of the secondhand dry bulk vessel Miracle, (ii) payments for upgrades for certain of our container and dry bulk vessels and (iii) payments for net investments into which NML entered.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $191.3 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, which mainly consisted of proceeds we received from (i) the sale of the container vessels Sealand Washington and Maersk Kalamata and the dry bulk vessel Miner, (ii) the maturity of part of our short-term investments in US Treasury Bills; partly off-set by payments for the purchase of short-term investments in US Treasury Bills and payments for upgrades for certain of our container and dry bulk vessels.

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $28 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2024, which mainly consisted of (a) $9.7 million net payments relating to our debt financing agreements and finance lease liability agreement (including proceeds of $111.5 million we received from eight debt financing agreements), (b) $9.3 million we paid for dividends to holders of our common stock for the fourth quarter of 2023 and (c) $0.9 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 7.625% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”), $2.1 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 8.500% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series C Preferred Stock”), $2.2 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 8.75% Series D Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series D Preferred Stock”) and $2.5 million we paid for dividends to holders of our 8.875% Series E Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series E Preferred Stock”) for the period from October 15, 2023 to January 14, 2024.

Net cash used in financing activities was $94.6 million in the three-month period ended March 31, 2023, which mainly consisted of (a) $74.2 million net payments relating to our debt financing agreements (including proceeds of $322.8 million we received from one debt financing agreement), (b) $10.3 million we paid for dividends to holders of our common stock for the fourth quarter of 2022 and (c) $0.9 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series B Preferred Stock, $2.1 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series C Preferred Stock, $2.2 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series D Preferred Stock and $2.5 million we paid for dividends to holders of our Series E Preferred Stock for the period from October 15, 2022 to January 14, 2023.

Liquidity and Unencumbered Vessels

Cash and cash equivalents

As of March 31, 2024, we had Cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash) of $969.8 million, $17.7 million invested in short-dated US Treasury Bills (short-term investments) and $2.2 million margin deposits in relation to our FFAs and bunker swaps. Furthermore, as of March 31, 2024, our liquidity stood at approximately $1,106.0 million including (a) our share of cash amounting to $0.5 million held in joint venture companies set up pursuant to the Framework Deed and (b) $115.8 million of available undrawn funds from two hunting license facilities.

Debt-free vessels

As of May 9, 2024, the following vessels were free of debt.

Unencumbered Vessels
(Refer to Fleet list for full details)

Vessel Name     Year
Built
  TEU/DWT
Capacity
 
Containerships              
KURE   1996     7,403    
MAERSK KOWLOON   2005     7,471    
ETOILE   2005     2,556    
MICHIGAN   2008     1,300    
ARKADIA   2001     1,550    
Dry Bulk Vessels              
ADVENTURE   2011     33,755    
               

Conference Call details:

On Friday, May 10, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. EST, Costamare’s management team will hold a conference call to discuss the financial results. Participants should dial into the call 10 minutes before the scheduled time using the following numbers: 1-844-887-9405 (from the US), 0808-238-9064 (from the UK) or +1-412-317-9258 (from outside the US and the UK). Please quote “Costamare”. A replay of the conference call will be available until May 17, 2024. The United States replay number is +1-877-344-7529; the standard international replay number is +1-412-317-0088; and the access code required for the replay is: 8339275.

Live webcast:
There will also be a simultaneous live webcast over the Internet, through the Costamare Inc. website (www.costamare.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

About Costamare Inc.

Costamare Inc. is one of the world’s leading owners and providers of containerships and dry bulk vessels for charter. The Company has 50 years of history in the international shipping industry and a fleet of 68 containerships, with a total capacity of approximately 513,000 TEU and 39 dry bulk vessels with a total capacity of approximately 2,900,000 DWT (including one vessel that we have agreed to sell and two vessels we have agreed to acquire). The Company also has a dry bulk operating platform which charters in/out dry bulk vessels, enters into contracts of affreightment, forward freight agreements and may also utilize hedging solutions. The Company participates in a leasing business that provides financing to third-party owners. The Company’s common stock, Series B Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols “CMRE”, “CMRE PR B”, “CMRE PR C”, “CMRE PR D” and “CMRE PR E”, respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release contains “forward-looking statements”. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “believe”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project”, “forecast”, “plan”, “potential”, “may”, “should”, “could”, “expect” and similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only Costamare’s belief regarding future results, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Costamare’s control. It is possible that actual results may differ, possibly materially, from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of some of the risks and important factors that could affect future results, see the discussion in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34934) under the caption “Risk Factors”.

Company Contacts:

Gregory Zikos – Chief Financial Officer
Konstantinos Tsakalidis – Business Development

Costamare Inc., Monaco
Tel: (+377) 93 25 09 40
Email: ir@costamare.com


Containership Fleet List

The table below provides additional information, as of May 9, 2024, about our fleet of containerships, and those vessels subject to sale and leaseback agreements. Each vessel is a cellular containership, meaning it is a dedicated container vessel.

  Vessel Name Charterer Year Built Capacity (TEU) Current Daily Charter Rate(1)(U.S. dollars) Expiration of Charter(2)
1 TRITON Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) March 2026
2 TITAN(i) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) April 2026
3 TALOS(i) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) July 2026
4 TAURUS(i) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) August 2026
5 THESEUS(i) Evergreen 2016 14,424 (*) August 2026
6 YM TRIUMPH(i) Yang Ming 2020 12,690 (*) May 2030
7 YM TRUTH(i) Yang Ming 2020 12,690 (*) May 2030
8 YM TOTALITY(i) Yang Ming 2020 12,690 (*) July 2030
9 YM TARGET(i) Yang Ming 2021 12,690 (*) November 2030
10 YM TIPTOP(i) Yang Ming 2021 12,690 (*) March 2031
11 CAPE AKRITAS MSC 2016 11,010 33,000 August 2031
12 CAPE TAINARO MSC 2017 11,010 33,000 April 2031
13 CAPE KORTIA MSC 2017 11,010 33,000 August 2031
14 CAPE SOUNIO MSC 2017 11,010 33,000 April 2031
15 CAPE ARTEMISIO Hapag Lloyd/(*) 2017 11,010 36,650/(*) March 2030(3)
16 ZIM SHANGHAI ZIM 2006 9,469 72,700 July 2025
17 ZIM YANTIAN ZIM 2006 9,469 72,700 June 2025
18 YANTIAN COSCO 2006 9,469 (*) April 2026
19 COSCO HELLAS COSCO 2006 9,469 (*) July 2026
20 BEIJING COSCO 2006 9,469 (*) June 2026
21 MSC AZOV MSC 2014 9,403 35,300 December 2026
22 MSC AMALFI MSC 2014 9,403 35,300 March 2027
23 MSC AJACCIO MSC 2014 9,403 35,300 February 2027
24 MSC ATHENS MSC 2013 8,827 35,300 January 2026
25 MSC ATHOS MSC 2013 8,827 35,300 February 2026
26 VALOR Hapag Lloyd/(*) 2013 8,827 32,400/(*) April 2030(4)
27 VALUE Hapag Lloyd/(*) 2013 8,827 32,400/(*) April 2030(5)
28 VALIANT Hapag Lloyd/(*) 2013 8,827 32,400/(*) June 2030(6)
29 VALENCE Hapag Lloyd/(*) 2013 8,827 32,400/(*) July 2030(7)
30 VANTAGE Hapag Lloyd/(*) 2013 8,827 32,400/(*) September 2030(8)
31 NAVARINO MSC/(*) 2010 8,531 31,000/(*) March 2029(9)
32 KLEVEN MSC 1996 8,044 41,500 November 2026
33 KOTKA MSC 1996 8,044 41,500 December 2026
34 MAERSK KOWLOON Maersk 2005 7,471 18,500 August 2025
35 KURE MSC 1996 7,403 41,500 July 2026
36 METHONI Maersk 2003 6,724 46,500 August 2026
37 PORTO CHELI Maersk 2001 6,712 30,075 June 2026
38 ZIM TAMPA ZIM 2000 6,648 45,000 July 2025
39 ZIM VIETNAM ZIM 2003 6,644 53,000 October 2025
40 ZIM AMERICA ZIM 2003 6,644 53,000 October 2025
41 ARIES (*) 2004 6,492 58,500 March 2026
42 ARGUS (*) 2004 6,492 58,500 April 2026
43 PORTO KAGIO Maersk 2002 5,908 28,822 June 2026
44 GLEN CANYON ZIM 2006 5,642 62,500 June 2025
45 PORTO GERMENO Maersk 2002 5,570 28,822 June 2026
46 LEONIDIO Maersk 2014 4,957 14,200 December 2024(10)
47 KYPARISSIA Maersk 2014 4,957 14,200 November 2024(10)
48 MEGALOPOLIS Maersk 2013 4,957 13,500 July 2025(11)
49 MARATHOPOLIS Maersk 2013 4,957 13,500 July 2025(11)
50 GIALOVA (*) 2009 4,578 (*) March 2026(12)
51 DYROS Maersk 2008 4,578 17,500 February 2025
52 NORFOLK (*) 2009 4,259 (*) March 2025
53 VULPECULA ZIM 2010 4,258 Please refer to note 13 May 2028(13)
54 VOLANS Hapag Lloyd 2010 4,258 21,750 June 2024
55 VIRGO Maersk 2009 4,258 21,500 March 2025
56 VELA ZIM 2009 4,258 Please refer to note 14 April 2028(14)
57 ANDROUSA (*) 2010 4,256 (*) March 2026
58 NEOKASTRO CMA CGM 2011 4,178 39,000 February 2027
59 ULSAN Maersk 2002 4,132 34,730 January 2026
60 POLAR BRASIL (i) Maersk 2018 3,800 19,700 January 2025(15)
61 LAKONIA COSCO 2004 2,586 26,500 March 2025
62 SCORPIUS Hapag Lloyd 2007 2,572 17,750 February 2026(16)
63 ETOILE (*) 2005 2,556 (*) June 2026
64 AREOPOLIS COSCO 2000 2,474 26,500 April 2025
65 ARKADIA Swire Shipping 2001 1,550 13,000 March 2025
66 MICHIGAN (*) 2008 1,300 (*) October 2025
67 TRADER (*)/(*) 2008 1,300 (*)/(*) October 2026(17)
68 LUEBECK (*) 2001 1,078 (*) April 2026
(1) Daily charter rates are gross, unless stated otherwise. Amounts set out for current daily charter rate are the amounts contained in the charter contracts.
(2) Charter terms and expiration dates are based on the earliest date charters (unless otherwise noted) could expire.
(3) Cape Artemisio is currently chartered to Hapag Lloyd at a daily rate of $36,650 until March 12, 2025, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from Hapag Lloyd, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 60 to 64 months at an undisclosed rate.
(4) Valor is currently chartered to Hapag Lloyd at a daily rate of $32,400 until April 3, 2025, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from Hapag Lloyd, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 60 to 64 months at an undisclosed rate.
(5) Value is currently chartered to Hapag Lloyd at a daily rate of $32,400 until April 25, 2025, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from Hapag Lloyd, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 60 to 64 months at an undisclosed rate.
(6) Valiant is currently chartered to Hapag Lloyd at a daily rate of $32,400 until June 5, 2025, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from Hapag Lloyd, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 60 to 64 months at an undisclosed rate.
(7) Valence is currently chartered to Hapag Lloyd at a daily rate of $32,400 until July 3, 2025, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from Hapag Lloyd, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 60 to 64 months at an undisclosed rate.
(8) Vantage is currently chartered to Hapag Lloyd at a daily rate of $32,400 until September 8, 2025, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from Hapag Lloyd, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 60 to 64 months at an undisclosed rate.
(9) Navarino is currently chartered to MSC at a daily rate of $31,000 until March 1, 2025, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from MSC, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 48 to 52 months at an undisclosed rate.
(10) Charterer has the option to extend the current time charter for an additional period of 12 to 24 months at a daily rate of $17,000.
(11) Charterer has the option to extend the current time charter for an additional period of approximately 24 months at a daily rate of $14,500.
(12) Gialova is currently undergoing her special survey, following which, it will commence a time charter with a leading liner company at an undisclosed rate for a period of about 22 to 24 months.
(13) Vulpecula is currently chartered to ZIM under a charterparty agreement which commenced in May 2023. The tenor of the charter is for a period of 60 to 64 months. For this charter, the daily rate will be $99,000 for the first 12 month period, $91,250 for the second 12 month period, $10,000 for the third 12 month period and $8,000 for the remaining duration of the charter.
(14) Vela is currently chartered to ZIM under a charterparty agreement which commenced in April 2023. The tenor of the charter is for a period of 60 to 64 months. For this charter, the daily rate will be $99,000 for the first 12 month period, $91,250 for the second 12 month period, $10,000 for the third 12 month period and $8,000 for the remaining duration of the charter.
(15) Charterer has the option to extend the current time charter for three additional one-year periods at a daily rate of $21,000.
(16) Scorpius is currently chartered at a daily rate of $17,750 until July 10, 2024. From this date and until the expiration of the charter the new daily rate will be $16,500.
(17) Trader is currently chartered at an undisclosed rate until October 1, 2024, at the earliest. Upon redelivery of the vessel from its current charterer, the vessel will commence a new charter with a leading liner company for a period of 24 to 26 months at an undisclosed rate.
   
(i) Denotes vessels subject to a sale and leaseback transaction.
(*) Denotes charterer’s identity and/or current daily charter rates and/or charter expiration dates, which are treated as confidential.

Dry Bulk Vessel Fleet List

The tables below provide information, as of May 9, 2024 about our fleet of dry bulk vessels, including one vessel that we have agreed to sell and two vessels we have agreed to acquire.

  Vessel Name Year Built Capacity (DWT)
1 FRONTIER UNITY (tbr. FRONTIER)(i) 2012 181,415
2 MIRACLE 2011 180,643
3 LOWLANDS PROSPERITY (tbr. PROSPER)(i) 2012 179,895
4 DORADO 2011 179,842
5 ENNA 2011 175,975
6 AEOLIAN 2012 83,478
7 GRENETA 2010 82,166
8 HYDRUS 2011 81,601
9 PHOENIX 2012 81,569
10 BUILDER 2012 81,541
11 FARMER 2012 81,541
12 SAUVAN 2010 79,700
13 ROSE 2008 76,619
14 MERCHIA 2015 63,800
15 SEABIRD 2016 63,553
16 DAWN 2018 63,530
17 ORION 2015 63,473
18 DAMON 2012 63,227
19 ARYA 2013 61,424
20 TITAN I 2009 58,090
21 ERACLE 2012 58,018
22 PYTHIAS 2010 58,018
23 NORMA 2010 58,018
24 ORACLE 2009 57,970
25 CURACAO 2011 57,937
26 URUGUAY 2011 57,937
27 ATHENA 2012 57,809
28 SERENA 2010 57,266
29 LIBRA 2010 56,729
30 CLARA 2008 56,557
31 BERMONDI 2009 55,469
32 VERITY 2012 37,163
33 PARITY 2012 37,152
34 ACUITY 2011 37,149
35 EQUITY 2013 37,071
36 DISCOVERY 2012 37,019
37 BERNIS 2011 34,627
38 ADVENTURE(ii) 2011 33,755
39 RESOURCE 2010 31,776

(i) Denotes vessel that we have agreed to acquire.        
(ii) Denotes vessel that we have agreed to sell.

 
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
      Three-months ended March 31,
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except share and per share amounts)     2023     2024  
      (Unaudited)
REVENUES:          
Voyage revenue   $ 248,769   $ 470,172  
Income from investments in leaseback vessels         5,258  
Total revenues   $ 248,769   $ 475,430  
           
EXPENSES:          
Voyage expenses     (31,631 )   (95,357 )
Charter-in hire expenses     (12,405 )   (144,349 )
Voyage expenses – related parties     (3,211 )   (3,634 )
Vessels’ operating expenses     (67,674 )   (59,657 )
General and administrative expenses     (4,366 )   (5,193 )
Management and agency fees – related parties     (15,190 )   (14,647 )
General and administrative expenses – non-cash component     (1,408 )   (1,698 )
Amortization of dry-docking and special survey costs     (4,701 )   (5,612 )
Depreciation     (41,144 )   (40,501 )
Gain on sale of vessels, net     89,068     993  
Loss on vessel held for sale     (2,350 )    
Foreign exchange gains / (losses)     1,269     (2,378 )
Operating income   $ 155,026   $ 103,397  
           
OTHER EXPENSES:          
Interest income   $ 6,722   $ 8,313  
Interest and finance costs     (36,880 )   (32,950 )
Income / (loss) from equity method investments     (1,361 )   40  
Other     2,566     534  
Gain on derivative instruments     22,791     23,338  
Total other expenses   $ (6,162 ) $ (725 )
Net Income   $ 148,864   $ 102,672  
Earnings allocated to Preferred Stock     (7,595 )   (7,681 )
Net (gain) / loss attributable to the non-controlling interest     291     (811 )
Net Income available to common stockholders   $ 141,560   $ 94,180  
           
           
Earnings per common share, basic and diluted   $ 1.16   $ 0.79  
Weighted average number of shares, basic and diluted     122,531,273     118,628,891  
 
COSTAMARE INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)   As of December 31, 2023   As of March 31, 2024
ASSETS   (Audited)   (Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 745,544   $ 832,195  
Restricted cash   10,645     68,822  
Margin deposits   13,748     2,215  
Short-term investments   17,492     17,719  
Investment in leaseback vessels, current   27,362     29,162  
Net investment in sales type lease (Vessels), current   22,620     29,048  
Accounts receivable   50,684     60,564  
Inventories   61,266     65,551  
Due from related parties   4,119     2,694  
Fair value of derivatives   33,310     52,710  
Insurance claims receivable   18,458     17,242  
Vessels held for sale   40,307     9,486  
Time-charter assumed   405     199  
Accrued charter revenue   9,752     9,587  
Prepayments and other   61,949     58,664  
Total current assets $ 1,117,661   $ 1,255,858  
FIXED ASSETS, NET:        
Vessels and advances, net   3,446,797     3,392,376  
Total fixed assets, net $ 3,446,797   $ 3,392,376  
NON-CURRENT ASSETS:        
Equity method investments $ 552   $ 592  
Investment in leaseback vessels, non-current   191,674     203,429  
Deferred charges, net   72,801     71,720  
Finance leases, right-of-use assets (Vessels)   39,211     38,864  
Net investment in sales type lease (Vessels), non-current   19,482     8,877  
Operating leases, right-of-use assets   284,398     261,853  
Accounts receivable, non-current   5,586     5,161  
Restricted cash   69,015     68,810  
Fair value of derivatives, non-current   28,639     33,909  
Accrued charter revenue, non-current   10,937     8,651  
Time-charter assumed, non-current   269     220  
Total assets $ 5,287,022   $ 5,350,320  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
CURRENT LIABILITIES:        
Current portion of long-term debt $ 347,027   $ 337,050  
Finance lease liability   2,684     2,711  
Operating lease liabilities, current portion   160,993     162,491  
Accounts payable   46,769     60,564  
Due to related parties   3,172     2,484  
Accrued liabilities   39,521     33,104  
Unearned revenue   52,177     45,480  
Fair value of derivatives   3,050     3,778  
Other current liabilities   7,377     8,196  
Total current liabilities $ 662,770   $ 655,858  
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES        
Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 1,999,193   $ 1,998,597  
Finance lease liability, net of current portion   23,877     23,195  
Operating lease liabilities, non-current portion   114,063     90,351  
Fair value of derivatives, net of current portion   11,194     11,752  
Unearned revenue, net of current portion   27,352     24,828  
Other non-current liabilities   9,184     14,002  
Total non-current liabilities $ 2,184,863   $ 2,162,725  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES        
Temporary equity – Redeemable non-controlling interest in subsidiary $ 629   $ 604  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:        
Preferred stock $   $  
Common stock   13     13  
Treasury stock   (120,095 )   (120,095 )
Additional paid-in capital   1,435,294     1,440,679  
Retained earnings   1,045,932     1,126,413  
Accumulated other comprehensive income   21,387     26,815  
Total Costamare Inc. stockholders’ equity $ 2,382,531   $ 2,473,825  
Non-controlling interest   56,229     57,308  
Total stockholders’ equity   2,438,760     2,531,133  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 5,287,022   $ 5,350,320  


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