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Global Ship Lease Reports Results for the Third Quarter of 2023

Contracted revenue of $1.81 billion, interest rate risk fully hedged, sustainable quarterly dividend of $0.375 per common share

LONDON, Nov. 09, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Ship Lease, Inc. (NYSE: GSL) (the “Company”, “Global Ship Lease” or “GSL”), an owner of containerships, announced today its unaudited results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Third Quarter 2023 and Year to Date Highlights

– Reported operating revenue of $174.5 million for the third quarter 2023, up 1.2% from $172.5 million for the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, operating revenue was $495.9 million, up 3.2% from $480.6 million in the prior year period.

– Reported net income available to common shareholders of $82.7 million for the third quarter 2023, a decrease of 7.7% on net income of $89.6 million for the prior year period. Normalized net income (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, described below) for the same period was $82.4 million, down 5.8% on Normalized net income of $87.5 million for the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net income available to common shareholders was $230.3 million, an increase of 9.3% on net income of $210.8 million for the prior year period. Normalized net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $231.9 million, up 4.9% on Normalized net income for the prior year period of $221.0 million.

– Generated $121.9 million of Adjusted EBITDA (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, described below) for the third quarter 2023, up 9.4% on Adjusted EBITDA of $111.4 million for the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $334.9 million, up 12.2% on Adjusted EBITDA of $298.4 million for the prior year period.

– Earnings per share for the third quarter 2023 was $2.34, down 4.1% on the earnings per share of $2.44 for the prior year period. Normalized earnings per share (a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, described below) for the third quarter 2023 was $2.33, down 2.1% on the Normalized earnings per share of $2.38 for the prior year period. Earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $6.49, up 12.9% on the earnings per share of $5.75 for the prior year period. Normalized earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $6.54, up 8.5% on the Normalized earnings per share of $6.03 for the prior year period.

– Declared a dividend of $0.375 per Class A common share for the third quarter 2023 to be paid on December 4, 2023 to common shareholders of record as of November 24, 2023. Paid a dividend of $0.375 per Class A common share for the second quarter 2023 on September 5, 2023.

– Between January 1, 2023 and September 30, 2023, added $224.7 million of contracted revenues to forward charter cover, calculated on the basis of the median firm periods of the respective charters. 18 new charter fixtures (including short re-charters of the same vessel) or extensions were agreed on eight ships between 2,200 and 3,500 TEU, charter extensions were exercised for two 7,800 TEU ships, a forward fixture was agreed for one ECO 9,100 TEU ship, and four 8,544 TEU vessels were purchased with charters attached; with the exception of one very short re-positioning charter, firm charter terms range from a few months to two years. Contracted revenue as of September 30, 2023, calculated on the same basis, was $1.81 billion.

– Expanded our relationship with Ascenz Marorka to accelerate the implementation of their Smart Shipping solutions across our containership fleet, in collaboration with our liner customers, to provide real-time data and AI-supported live performance management capabilities, facilitating operational optimization, pro-active maintenance, and increasingly automated fuel consumption and emissions monitoring, giving rise to expected fleet-wide cost savings.

– Continued to opportunistically repurchase Class A common shares under the $40.0 million buy-back authorization approved by our Board of Directors, which was established in March 2022 and replenished in July 2023 (the “Buy-back Authorization”. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased an aggregate of 1,154,721 Class A common shares, at repurchase prices ranging from between $16.12 and $18.69 per share, with an average price of $17.68. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we repurchased an aggregate of 187,479 Class A common shares, at repurchase prices ranging from between $17.98 and $18.49, with an average price of $18.31. Since its inception, a total of 2,303,303 Class A common shares have been repurchased under the Buy-back Authorization, for approximately $42.0 million, with approximately $38.0 million of authorized capacity remaining.

George Youroukos, Executive Chairman of Global Ship Lease, stated: “With over two years of forward contract cover, and only a small number of ships coming open through end 2024, we remained focused throughout the third quarter on optimizing our operating performance and maintaining our disciplined approach to capital allocation. Macro headwinds, geopolitical uncertainty, and the size of the orderbook remain areas of concern for the overall industry, but the GSL fleet continues to operate efficiently, servicing fixed-rate term charters contracted to liner operators that have built considerable financial resilience during the all-time market highs of recent years. The combination of our strong balance sheet and the continued normalization of asset prices is making the prospect of selective, and increasingly countercyclical, vessel acquisitions more interesting, with any eventual purchase activity guided by our established strict investment criteria focused on creating shareholder value.

“Moving forward, our fleet of well-specified, mid-sized and smaller containerships is well supported by the combination of a relatively modest orderbook for ships of a similar size, the advanced age profile of the peer group against which our ships compete, and the practical needs of the non-mainlane trades for which our ship types remain the workhorses. By maintaining our high level of operational performance, together with our disciplined and dynamic approach to capital allocation, GSL is well positioned to maintain our track record of success while simultaneously providing our shareholders with an attractive dividend, opportunistically buying back shares, and remaining vigilant for accretive opportunities.”

Ian Webber, Chief Executive Officer, stated: “On a firm foundation of attractive, fixed-rate time charters, we continue to successfully execute our long-term strategy of de-levering and de-risking GSL. Our prudent financial leverage of below 2x, and highly competitive cost of debt at 4.55%, which benefits from fully hedged interest rate risk through 2026, speak to the extent of our continuing progress in that regard. Moreover, our acquisition strategy over the last several years has consistently focused on containerships that would re-enter the charter market on the expiration of their initial GSL charters with little or no remaining leverage, limiting downside exposure and weighting their return profile to the upside. We have also continued to make value-enhancing investments to maintain the commercial attractiveness of our existing fleet, most recently with the accelerated implementation of Ascenz Marorka’s real-time, AI-supported Smart Shipping solution to help optimize vessel performance, monitor fuel consumption and emissions, and facilitate additional cost savings through pro-active maintenance. Our industry has always been cyclical, and we believe that we have taken good advantage of the 2021 – 2022 super upcycle to ensure that we are well positioned to act prudently and countercyclically moving forward for the long-term benefit of our shareholders.”

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA – UNAUDITED

(thousands of U.S. dollars)

 ThreeThreeNineNine
 months endedmonths endedmonths endedmonths ended
 September 30, 2023September 30, 2022September 30, 2023September 30, 2022
     
Operating Revenue (1)  174,530172,536495,901480,623
Operating Income94,157101,725264,364269,051
Net Income (2)  82,68789,611230,299210,768
Adjusted EBITDA (3)  121,850111,406334,922298,363
Normalized Net Income (3)  82,35687,491231,895220,970

(1) Operating Revenue is net of address commissions which represent a discount provided directly to a charterer based on a fixed percentage of the agreed upon charter rate and also includes the amortization of intangible liabilities, the effect of the straight lining of time charter modifications and the compensation from charterers for drydock and other capitalized expenses installation. Brokerage commissions are included in “Time charter and voyage expenses” (see below).

(2) Net Income available to common shareholders.

(3) Adjusted EBITDA and Normalized Net Income are non-U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) financial measures, as explained further in this press release, and are considered by Global Ship Lease to be a useful measure of its performance. For reconciliations of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to net income, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, please see “Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures” below.

Operating Revenue and Utilization

Operating revenue derived from fixed-rate, mainly long-term, time-charters was $174.5 million in the third quarter 2023, up $2.0 million (or 1.2%) on operating revenue of $172.5 million in the prior year period. The period-on-period increase in operating revenue was principally due to charter renewals at higher rates on a number of vessels and the acquisition of four vessels which were delivered to us in the second quarter 2023, partially offset by $7.8 million reduction in the amortization of intangible liabilities arising on below-market charters attached to certain vessel additions and $7.8 million decrease in effect from straight lining time charter modifications. There were 246 days of offhire and idle time in the third quarter 2023 of which 191 were for scheduled drydockings, compared to 149 days of offhire in the prior year period of which 47 were for scheduled drydockings. Utilization for the third quarter 2023 was 96.1% compared to utilization of 97.5% in the prior year period.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, operating revenue was $495.9 million, up $15.3 million (or 3.2%) on operating revenue of $480.6 million in the prior year period, mainly due to the factors noted above.

The table below shows fleet utilization for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

 Three months ended Nine months ended Year ended
 Sep 30,Sep 30, Sep 30,Sep 30, Dec 31,Dec 31,Dec 31,Dec 31,
Days20232022 20232022 2022202120202019
           
Ownership days6,2565,980 18,02917,745 23,72519,42716,04414,326
Planned offhire – scheduled drydock(191)(47) (627)(356) (581)(752)(687)(537)
Unplanned offhire(33)(102) (207)(338) (460)(260)(95)(105)
Idle time(22)nil (42)(30) (30)(88)(338)(164)
Operating days6,0105,831 17,15317,021 22,65418,32714,92413,520
           
Utilization96.1%97.5% 95.1%95.9% 95.5%94.3%93.0%94.4%

As of September 30, 2023 one regulatory drydocking was in progress and one further regulatory drydocking is anticipated for the fourth quarter.

Vessel Operating Expenses

Vessel operating expenses, which are primarily the costs of crew, lubricating oil, repairs, maintenance, insurance and technical management fees, were up 12.4% to $46.1 million for the third quarter 2023, compared to $41.0 million in the prior year period. The increase of $5.1 million was mainly due to (i) our acquisition of four vessels which were delivered to us during second quarter 2023 (ii) increased crew expenses mainly due to global inflation and the limited supply of crew and (iii) increased cost of insurance due to increased premiums. The average cost per ownership day in the quarter was $7,369, compared to $6,855 for the prior year period, up $514 per day, or 7.5%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, vessel operating expenses were $132.3 million, or an average of $7,337 per day, compared to $121.9 million in the prior year period, or $6,869 per day, an increase of $468 per ownership day, or 6.8%.

Time Charter and Voyage Expenses

Time charter and voyage expenses comprise mainly commission paid to ship brokers, the cost of bunker fuel for owner’s account when a ship is off-hire or idle and miscellaneous owner’s costs associated with a ship’s voyage. Time charter and voyage expenses were $6.0 million for the third quarter 2023, compared to $5.1 million in the prior year period. The increase was mainly due to additional commissions, bunkers and voyage expenses due to our acquisition of four vessels which were delivered to us during second quarter 2023, increased commissions on charter renewals at higher rates, additional voyage administration costs, and additional operational requests from charterers.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, time charter and voyage expenses were $18.2 million, or an average of $1,009 per day, compared to $14.6 million in the prior year period, or $822 per day, an increase of $187 per ownership day, or 22.7% mainly to the factors noted above.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the third quarter 2023 was $24.0 million, compared to $20.5 million in the prior year period. The increase was mainly due to our acquisition of four vessels which were delivered to us in second quarter 2023 and 16 drydockings completed after September 30, 2022.

Depreciation for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $67.3 million, compared to $60.6 million in the prior year period, with the increase being due to the 16 drydockings completed after September 30, 2022 and our acquisition of four vessels which were delivered to us during the second quarter of 2023.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses were $4.2 million in the third quarter 2023, the same as in the prior year period. The average general and administrative expense per ownership day for the third quarter 2023 was $679, compared to $695 in the prior year period, a decrease of $16 or 2.3%.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, general and administrative expenses were $13.7 million, compared to $14.4 million in the prior year period, mainly due to lower stock-based compensation expense in the first quarter 2023 and a one-off expense in prior year period due to social security charges related to settlement of shares under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, and a decrease in the directors’ and officers’ insurance costs. The average general and administrative expense per ownership day for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 was $763, compared to $814 in the prior year period, a decrease of $51 or 6.3%.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) was $121.9 million for the third quarter 2023, up from $111.4 million for the prior year period, with the net increase being mainly due to increased revenue from charter renewals at higher rates and the addition of four vessels which were delivered to us during second quarter 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $334.9 million, compared to $298.4 million for the prior year period, an increase of $36.5 million or 12.2%.

Interest Expense and Interest Income

Debt as of September 30, 2023 totaled $874.3 million, comprising $461.5 million of secured bank debt collateralized by vessels, $297.5 million of 2027 Secured Notes collateralized by vessels, and $115.3 million under sale and leaseback financing transactions. As of September 30, 2023, five of our vessels were unencumbered.

Debt as of September 30, 2022 totaled $999.5 million, comprising $498.7 million of secured bank debt collateralized by vessels, $350.0 million of 2027 Secured Notes collateralized by vessels, $150.8 million under sale and leaseback financing transactions. As of September 30, 2022, five of our vessels were unencumbered.

Interest and other finance expenses for the third quarter 2023 was $11.6 million, down from $16.1 million for the prior year period. The decrease is mainly due to the non-cash write-off of deferred financing charges of $2.1 million plus $1.8 million premium paid following the full repayment of our 8.00% Senior Unsecured Notes (“2024 Notes”) in July 2022, which was partially offset by $1.3 million of accelerated amortization of premium. The blended cost of debt, taking into account interest rate caps, has marginally increased from approximately 4.53% for the third quarter 2022 to 4.55% for the third quarter 2023 due to variations in amortization schedules and the addition of a new credit facility for the four additional vessels.

Interest and other finance expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $33.6 million, down from $64.9 million for the prior year period. The decrease is mainly due to (i) the prepayment fee and the associated non-cash write off of deferred financing charges of $14.1 million on the full repayment of the Hayfin Credit Facility, (ii) the non-cash write off of deferred financing charges of $0.3 million on the full repayment of the Hellenic Credit Facility and (iii) the $2.4 million premium paid on the redemption of the 2024 Notes, and the associated non-cash write off of deferred financing charges of $2.1 million, which was partially offset by $1.3 million of accelerated amortization of premium and (iv) a prepayment fee and the associated non-cash write off of deferred financing charges of $4.1 million on the full repayment of the Blue Ocean Junior Credit Facility all of which took place in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, which was partially offset by increased interest expense due to the addition of the new loan to finance the four additional vessels.

Interest income for the third quarter 2023 was $2.5 million, up from $0.7 million for the prior year period.

Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $6.9 million, compared to $1.2 million for the prior year period.

Other (expenses)/income, net

Other expenses, net was $0.3 million in the third quarter 2023, compared to other income, net of $1.0 million in the prior year period. Other income, net was $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $1.2 million for the prior year period.

Fair value adjustment on derivatives

In December 2021, we entered into a USD 1 month LIBOR interest rate cap of 0.75% through fourth quarter 2026 on $484.1 million of floating rate debt, which reduces over time in line with anticipated debt amortization and represented approximately half of the outstanding floating rate debt. In February 2022, we entered into two additional USD 1-month LIBOR interest rate caps of 0.75% through the fourth quarter 2026 on the remaining balance of $507.9 million of floating rate debt. One of these interest rate caps was not designated as a cash flow hedge. Interest rate caps have automatically transited to 1 month Compounded SOFR on July 1, 2023 at a level of 0.64%. A positive fair value adjustment of $0.3 million for the third quarter 2023 was recorded through the statement of income. The negative fair value adjustment for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 amounted to $1.0 million.

Earnings Allocated to Preferred Shares

The Series B Preferred Shares carry a coupon of 8.75%, the cost of which for the third quarter 2023 was $2.4 million, the same as in the prior year period. The cost for the nine months ended September 2023 was $7.2 million, the same as for the prior year period.

Net Income Available to Common Shareholders

Net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter 2023 was $82.7 million. Net income available to common shareholders for the prior year period was $89.6 million.

Earnings per share for the third quarter 2023 was $2.34, a decrease of 4.1% from the earnings per share for the prior year period, which was $2.44.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net income available to common shareholders was $230.3 million. Net income available to common shareholders for the prior year period was $210.8 million.

Earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $6.49, an increase of 12.9% from the earnings per share for the prior year period, which was $5.75.

Normalized net income (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the third quarter 2023, was $82.4 million. Normalized net income for the prior year period was $87.5 million. Normalized net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $231.9 million, as compared to $221.0 for the prior year period.

Normalized earnings per share (a non-GAAP financial measure) for the third quarter 2023 was $2.33, a decrease of 2.1% from Normalized earnings per share for the prior year period, which was $2.38.

Normalized earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $6.54, an increase of 8.5% from Normalized earnings per share for the prior year period, which was $6.03.

Fleet

As of September 30, 2023, we had 68 containerships in our fleet.

Vessel Name

Capacity
in TEUs
Lightweight
(tons)
Year
Built
ChartererEarliest Charter
Expiry Date
Latest Charter
Expiry Date
(2)
Daily Charter
Rate $
        
CMA CGM Thalassa11,04038,5772008CMA CGM4Q252Q2647,200
ZIM Norfolk (ex UASC Al Khor)(1)9,11531,7642015ZIM2Q274Q2765,000
Anthea Y(1)9,11531,8902015COSCO(3)3Q254Q25(3)38,000(3)
ZIM Xiamen (ex Maira XL)(1)9,11531,8202015ZIM3Q274Q2765,000
MSC Tianjin8,60334,3252005MSC2Q243Q2419,000
MSC Qingdao(4)8,60334,6092004MSC2Q242Q2523,000
GSL Ningbo8,60334,3402004MSC3Q274Q27(5)Footnote(5)
GSL Alexandra8,54437,7772004Confidential3Q253Q26Footnote(6)
GSL Sofia8,54437,7772003Confidential3Q253Q26Footnote(6)
GSL Effie8,54437,7772003Confidential3Q254Q26Footnote(6)
GSL Lydia8,54437,7772003Confidential2Q253Q26Footnote(6)
GSL Eleni7,84729,2612004Maersk3Q241Q25(7)16,500(7)
GSL Kalliopi7,84729,1052004Maersk3Q244Q24(7)18,900(7)
GSL Grania7,84729,1902004Maersk3Q241Q25(7)17,750(7)
Mary(1)6,92723,4242013CMA CGM(8)4Q281Q31(8)25,910(8)
Kristina(1)6,92723,4212013CMA CGM(8)3Q294Q31(8)25,910(8)
Katherine(1)6,92723,4032013CMA CGM(8)1Q292Q31(8)25,910(8)
Alexandra(1)6,92723,3482013CMA CGM(8)2Q293Q31(8)25,910(8)
Alexis(1)6,88223,9192015CMA CGM(8)2Q293Q31(8)25,910(8)
Olivia I(1)6,88223,8642015CMA CGM(8)2Q292Q31(8)25,910(8)
GSL Christen6,84027,9542002Maersk4Q234Q2335,000
GSL Nicoletta6,84028,0702002Maersk3Q241Q2535,750
CMA CGM Berlioz6,62126,7762001CMA CGM4Q252Q2637,750
Agios Dimitrios(4)6,57224,9312011MSC4Q233Q2420,000
GSL Vinia6,08023,7372004Maersk3Q241Q2513,250
GSL Christel Elisabeth6,08023,7452004Maersk2Q241Q2513,250
GSL Dorothea5,99224,2432001Maersk3Q243Q2618,600(9)
GSL Arcadia6,00824,8582000Maersk2Q241Q2618,600(9)
GSL Violetta6,00824,8732000Maersk4Q244Q2518,600(9)
GSL Maria6,00824,4142001Maersk4Q241Q2718,600(9)
GSL MYNY6,00824,8732000Maersk3Q241Q2618,600(9)
GSL Melita6,00824,8482001Maersk3Q243Q2618,600(9)
GSL Tegea5,99224,3082001Maersk3Q243Q2618,600(9)
Tasman5,93625,0102000Maersk4Q232Q2420,000
ZIM Europe5,93625,0102000ZIM1Q242Q2424,250
Ian H5,93625,1282000ZIM2Q244Q2432,500
GSL Tripoli5,47022,2592009Maersk4Q244Q2736,500(10)
GSL Kithira5,47022,1082009Maersk4Q241Q2836,500(10)
GSL Tinos5,47022,0672010Maersk4Q244Q2736,500(10)
GSL Syros5,47022,0982010Maersk4Q244Q2736,500(10)
Dolphin II5,09520,5962007OOCL1Q253Q2553,500
Orca I5,09520,6332006Maersk2Q244Q2521,000(11)
CMA CGM Alcazar5,08920,0872007CMA CGM3Q261Q2735,500
GSL Château d’If5,08919,9942007CMA CGM4Q261Q2735,500
GSL Susan4,36317,3092008CMA CGM3Q271Q28Footnote(12)
CMA CGM Jamaica4,29817,2722006CMA CGM1Q282Q28Footnote(12)
CMA CGM Sambhar4,04517,4292006CMA CGM1Q282Q28Footnote(12)
CMA CGM America4,04517,4282006CMA CGM1Q282Q28Footnote(12)
GSL Rossi3,42116,4202012ZIM1Q263Q2638,875(13)
GSL Alice3,42116,5432014CMA CGM2Q252Q2520,500(14)
GSL Eleftheria3,40416,6422013Maersk3Q254Q2537,975
GSL Melina3,40416,7032013Hapag-Lloyd2Q243Q2421,000
GSL Valerie2,82411,9712005ZIM1Q253Q2535,600(15)
Matson Molokai2,82411,9492007Matson2Q253Q2536,500
GSL Lalo2,82411,9502006MSC1Q242Q2417,500
GSL Mercer2,82411,9702007ONE4Q242Q2535,750
Athena2,76213,5382003Hapag-Lloyd2Q242Q2421,500
GSL Elizabeth2,74111,5072006Unifeeder1Q242Q2415,250
Beethoven (tbr GSL Chloe)2,54612,2122012ONE4Q241Q2533,000
GSL Maren2,54612,2432014Swire1Q242Q2418,200(16)
Maira2,50611,4532000Hapag-Lloyd3Q244Q2417,750(17)
Nikolas2,50611,3702000CMA CGM1Q241Q2416,750
Newyorker2,50611,4632001CMA CGM1Q243Q2420,700
Manet2,27211,7272001OOCL4Q242Q2532,000
Keta2,20711,7312003CMA CGM1Q251Q2525,000
Julie2,20711,7312002Confidential2Q253Q25Footnote(18)
Kumasi2,20711,7912002Wan Hai1Q252Q2538,000
Akiteta2,20711,7312002OOCL4Q241Q2532,000

 

(1)Modern design, high reefer capacity, fuel-efficient vessel.
(2)In many instances charterers have the option to extend a charter beyond the nominal latest expiry date by the amount of time that the vessel was off hire during the course of that charter. This additional charter time (“Offhire Extension”) is computed at the end of the initially contracted charter period. The Latest Charter Expiry Dates shown in this table have been adjusted to reflect offhire accrued up to September 30, 2023 plus estimated offhire scheduled to occur during the remaining lifetimes of the respective charters. However, as actual offhire can only be calculated at the end of each charter, in some cases actual Offhire Extensions – if invoked by charterers – may exceed the Latest Charter Expiry Dates indicated.
(3)Anthea Y was forward fixed to a leading liner operator for a period of 24 months +/- 30 days, with the new charter scheduled to commence upon expiry of the existing charter in 4Q 2023. The new charter is expected to generate annualized Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $11.9 million.
(4)MSC Qingdao & Agios Dimitrios are fitted with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (“scrubbers”).
(5)GSL Ningbo was chartered to MSC at $22,500 per day to 3Q 2023. Thereafter, the charter has been extended by 48 to 52 months, at a rate expected to generate annualized Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $16.5 million.
(6)GSL Alexandra, GSL Sofia, GSL Effie and GSL Lydia delivered in 2Q 2023. Contract cover for each vessel is for a minimum firm period 24 months from the date each vessel is delivered, with charterers holding one year extension options. The vessels are expected to generate aggregate Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $76.6 million over the minimum firm period, increasing to $95.3 million if all options are exercised.
(7)GSL Eleni (delivered 2Q 2019) is chartered for five years; GSL Kalliopi (delivered 4Q 2019) and GSL Grania (delivered 3Q 2019) are chartered for three years plus two successive periods of one year each, at the option of the charterer. The first of these extension options was exercised for both vessels in 2Q 2022 and commenced for GSL Grania and for GSL Kalliopi in 3Q and in 4Q 2022, respectively. The second of these extension options was exercised for both vessels in 2Q 2023 and commenced for both vessels in 3Q 2023. During the option periods the charter rates for GSL Kalliopi and GSL Grania are $18,900 per day and $17,750 per day respectively.
(8)Mary, Kristina, Katherine, Alexandra, Alexis, Olivia I were forward fixed to Hapag-Lloyd for five years, followed by two periods of 12 months each at the option of the charterer. The new charters are scheduled to commence as each of the existing charters expire, on a staggered basis, between approximately late 2023 and late 2024. The charters are expected to generate average annualized Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $13.1 million per ship.
(9)GSL Maria, GSL Violetta, GSL Arcadia, GSL MYNY, GSL Melita, GSL Tegea and GSL Dorothea. Contract cover for each ship is for a firm period of at least three years from the date each vessel was delivered, with charterers holding a one-year extension option on each charter (at a rate of $12,900 per day), followed by a second option (at a rate of $12,700 per day) with the period determined by – and terminating prior to – each vessel’s 25th year drydocking & special survey.
(10)GSL Tripoli, GSL Kithira, GSL Tinos, and GSL Syros. Ultra-high reefer ships of 5,470 TEU each. Contract cover on each ship is for a firm period of three years, from their delivery dates in 2021, at a rate of $36,500 per day, with a period of an additional three years (at $17,250 per day) at charterers’ option.
(11)Orca I. Chartered at $21,000 per day through to the median expiry of the charter in 2Q 2024; thereafter the charterer has the option in 1Q 2024 to charter the vessel for a further 12-14 months at the same rate from 3Q 2024.
(12)GSL Susan, CMA CGM Jamaica, CMA CGM Sambhar and CMA CGM America. In July 2022, these four vessels were each forward fixed for five years +/- 45 days at charter rates expected to generate average annualized Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $11.2 million per vessel. The new charter for GSL Susan commenced in 4Q 2022, while the charters for the remaining three vessels commenced in late 1Q 2023.
(13)GSL Rossi. Chartered at an average rate of $38,875 per day-$42,750 for the first 18 months, $38,000 for the next 18 months and $35,000 for the remaining period.
(14)GSL Alice. Chartered at $20,500 per day for a period of 24 months +/- 30 days at the option of charterer. The new charter commenced in May 2023.
(15)GSL Valerie. Chartered at an average rate of $35,600 per day-$40,000 for the first 12 months, $36,000 for the next 12 months and $32,000 for the remaining period.
(16)GSL Maren. Charter extended to Westwood (Swire) for a period of 11 to 14 months, commenced at the end of 1Q 2023 at a rate of $17,200 per day for the first 2 months and for the remaining period at a rate of $18,200 per day.
(17)Maira. Chartered to 4Q 2023 at $17,750 per day; thereafter, extended at $16,000 per day to 3Q 2024 / 4Q 2024.
(18)Julie. Forward fixed to a leading liner company for a period of 24 months +/- 30 days at the option of the charterer. The new charter commenced in 3Q 2023, after the vessel’s scheduled drydock. The new charter is expected to generate annualized Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $2.0 million.

Conference Call and Webcast

Global Ship Lease will hold a conference call to discuss the Company’s results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 today, Thursday November 9, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. There are two ways to access the conference call:

(1) Dial-in: (646) 968-2525 or (888) 596-4144; Event ID: 9486690

Please dial in at least 10 minutes prior to 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time to ensure a prompt start to the call.

(2) Live Internet webcast and slide presentation: http://www.globalshiplease.com

The webcast will also be archived on the Company’s website: http://www.globalshiplease.com.

Annual Report on Form 20-F

The Company’s Annual Report for 2022 was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on March 23, 2023. A copy of the report can be found under the Investor Relations section (Annual Reports) of the Company’s website at http://www.globalshiplease.com or on the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Shareholders may request a hard copy of the audited financial statements free of charge by contacting the Company at info@globalshiplease.com or by writing to Global Ship Lease, Inc, care of Global Ship Lease Services Limited, 25 Wilton Road, London SW1V ILW.

About Global Ship Lease

Global Ship Lease is a leading independent owner of containerships with a diversified fleet of mid-sized and smaller containerships. Incorporated in the Marshall Islands, Global Ship Lease commenced operations in December 2007 with a business of owning and chartering out containerships under fixed-rate charters to top tier container liner companies. It was listed on the New York stock Exchange in August 2008.

As of September 30, 2023, Global Ship Lease owned 68 containerships ranging from 2,207 to 11,040 TEU, with an aggregate capacity of 375,406 TEU. 36 ships are wide-beam Post-Panamax.

As of September 30, 2023, the average remaining term of the Company’s charters, to the mid-point of redelivery, including options under the Company’s control and other than if a redelivery notice has been received, was 2.1 years on a TEU-weighted basis. Contracted revenue on the same basis was $1.81 billion. Contracted revenue was $2.23 billion, including options under charterers’ control and with latest redelivery date, representing a weighted average remaining term of 2.8 years.

Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement our financial information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, we use certain “non-GAAP financial measures” as such term is defined in Regulation G promulgated by the SEC. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s operating performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are included in, or excluded from, the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We believe that the presentation of these measures provides investors with greater transparency and supplemental data relating to our financial condition and results of operations, and therefore a more complete understanding of factors affecting our business than U.S. GAAP measures alone. In addition, we believe that the presentation of these matters is useful to investors for period-to-period comparison of results as the items may reflect certain unique and/or non-operating items such as impairment charges, contract termination costs or items outside of our control.

We believe that the presentation of the following non-U.S. GAAP financial measures is useful to investors because they are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry.

A.   Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income available to common shareholders before interest income and expense, earnings allocated to preferred shares, income taxes, depreciation and amortization of drydocking net costs, gains or losses on the sale of vessels, amortization of intangible liabilities, charges for share based compensation, fair value adjustment on derivatives, the effect of the straight lining of time charter modifications, and impairment losses. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP quantitative measure used to assist in the assessment of our ability to generate cash from our operations. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined in U.S. GAAP and should not be considered to be an alternative to net income or any other financial metric required by such accounting principles. Our use of Adjusted EBITDA may vary from the use of similarly titled measures by others in our industry.

Adjusted EBITDA is presented herein both on a historic basis and on a forward-looking basis in certain instances. We do not provide a reconciliation of such forward looking non-U.S. GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure because such U.S. GAAP financial measure on a forward-looking basis is not available to us without unreasonable effort.

ADJUSTED EBITDA – UNAUDITED

(thousands of U.S. dollars)

  ThreeThreeNineNine
  monthsmonthsmonthsmonths
  endedendedendedended
  September 30,September 30,September 30,September 30,
  2023202220232022
      
Net income available to Common Shareholders82,68789,611230,299210,768
      
Adjust:Depreciation and amortization23,98020,52267,33660,647
 Amortization of intangible liabilities(1,518)(9,305)(6,563)(32,725)
 Fair value adjustment on derivative asset(331)(4,660)1,037(11,308)
 Interest income(2,501)(680)(6,895)(1,195)
 Interest expense11,61516,14233,62364,884
 Share based compensation2,5052,2227,6847,882
 Earnings allocated to preferred shares2,3842,3847,1527,152
 Income tax(50)5(50)
 Effect from straight lining time charter modifications3,029(4,780)1,244(7,692)
Adjusted EBITDA121,850111,406334,922298,363

B.   Normalized net income

Normalized net income represents net income available to common shareholders after adjusting for certain non-recurring items. Normalized net income is a non-U.S. GAAP quantitative measure which we believe will assist investors and analysts who often adjust reported net income for items that do not affect operating performance or operating cash generated. Normalized net income is not defined in U.S. GAAP and should not be considered to be an alternate to net income or any other financial metric required by such accounting principles. Our use of Normalized net income may vary from the use of similarly titled measures by others in our industry.

NORMALIZED NET INCOME – UNAUDITED

(thousands of U.S. dollars)

  ThreeThreeNineNine
  monthsmonthsmonthsmonths
  endedendedendedended
  September 30,September 30,September 30,September 30,
  2023202220232022
      
Net income available to Common Shareholders82,68789,611230,299210,768
      
Adjust:Fair value adjustment on derivative assets(331)(4,660)1,037(11,308)
 Premium paid on redemption of 2024 Notes1,7802,350
 Accelerated write off of deferred financing charges related to redemption of 2024 Notes2,1042,104
 Accelerated write off of premium related to redemption of 2024 Notes(1,344)(1,344)
 Accelerated write off of deferred financing charges related to full repayment of Hellenic Credit Facility298
 Accelerated write off of deferred financing charges related to full repayment of Hayfin Credit Facility2,822
 Prepayment fee on repayment of Hayfin Credit Facility11,229
 Prepayment fee on repayment of Blue Ocean Credit Facility3,968
 Accelerated write off of deferred financing charges related to full repayment of Blue Ocean Credit Facility83
 Accelerated write off of deferred financing charges related to partial repayment of HCOB-CACIB Credit Facility108
 Forfeit of certain stock-based compensation awards451
Normalized net income82,35687,491231,895220,970

C.   Normalized Earnings per Share

Normalized Earnings per Share represents Earnings per Share after adjusting for certain non-recurring items. Normalized Earnings per Share is a non-U.S. GAAP quantitative measure which we believe will assist investors and analysts who often adjust reported Earnings per Share for items that do not affect operating performance or operating cash generated. Normalized Earnings per Share is not defined in U.S. GAAP and should not be considered to be an alternate to Earnings per Share as reported or any other financial metric required by such accounting principles. Our use of Normalized Earnings per Share may vary from the use of similarly titled measures by others in our industry.

NORMALIZED EARNINGS PER SHARE – UNAUDITED

 ThreeThreeNineNine
 monthsmonthsmonthsmonths
 endedendedendedended
 September 30,September 30,September 30,September 30,
 2023202220232022
     
EPS as reported (USD)2.342.446.495.75
Normalized net income adjustments-Class A common shares (in thousands USD)(331)(2,120)1,59610,202
Weighted average number of Class A Common shares35,355,55436,790,83635,473,38236,649,874
Adjustment on EPS (USD)(0.01)(0.06)0.050.28
Normalized EPS (USD)2.332.386.546.03

Safe Harbor Statement

This communication contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide Global Ship Lease’s current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about Global Ship Lease’s expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. Words or phrases such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend”, “may”, “ongoing”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “should”, “project”, “will” or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that may be incorrect, and Global Ship Lease cannot assure you that these projections included in these forward-looking statements will come to pass. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.

The risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

  • future operating or financial results;
  • expectations regarding the strength of future growth of the container shipping industry, including the rates of annual demand and supply growth;
  • geo-political events such as the conflict in Ukraine and the recent escalation of the Israel-Gaza conflict;
  • the length and severity of the ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world and governmental responses thereto;
  • the financial condition of our charterers and their ability and willingness to pay charterhire to us in accordance with the charters and our expectations regarding the same;
  • the overall health and condition of the U.S. and global financial markets;
  • our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures, vessel acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes and our ability to meet our financial covenants and repay our borrowings;
  • our expectations relating to dividend payments and expectations of our ability to make such payments including the availability of cash and the impact of constraints under our loan agreements;
  • future acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending;
  • operating expenses, availability of key employees, crew, number of off-hire days, drydocking and survey requirements, costs of regulatory compliance, insurance costs and general and administrative costs;
  • general market conditions and shipping industry trends, including charter rates and factors affecting supply and demand;
  • assumptions regarding interest rates and inflation;
  • changes in the rate of growth of global and various regional economies;
  • risks incidental to vessel operation, including piracy, discharge of pollutants and vessel accidents and damage including total or constructive total loss;
  • estimated future capital expenditures needed to preserve our capital base;
  • our expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase, the time that it may take to construct new vessels, or the useful lives of our vessels;
  • our continued ability to enter into or renew charters including the re-chartering of vessels on the expiry of existing charters, or to secure profitable employment for our vessels in the spot market;
  • our ability to realize expected benefits from our acquisition of secondhand vessels;
  • our ability to capitalize on our management’s and directors’ relationships and reputations in the containership industry to its advantage;
  • changes in governmental and classification societies’ rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;
  • expectations about the availability of insurance on commercially reasonable terms;
  • changes in laws and regulations (including environmental rules and regulations);
  • potential liability from future litigation; and
  • other important factors described from time to time in the reports we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. Global Ship Lease’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements for many reasons specifically as described in Global Ship Lease’s filings with the SEC. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this communication. Global Ship Lease undertakes no obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events after the date of this communication or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should, however, review the factors and risks Global Ship Lease describes in the reports it will file from time to time with the SEC after the date of this communication.

Global Ship Lease, Inc.
 
Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars except share data)
 
 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
ASSETS     
CURRENT ASSETS     
Cash and cash equivalents$98,086 $120,130
Time deposits 14,000  8,550
Restricted cash 62,208  28,363
Accounts receivable, net 3,737  3,684
Inventories 14,114  12,237
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 42,025  33,765
Derivative asset 29,580  29,645
Due from related parties 617  673
Total current assets$264,367 $237,047
NON – CURRENT ASSETS     
Vessels in operation$1,700,935  $1,623,307
Advances for vessels’ acquisitions and other additions 5,872  4,881
Deferred charges, net 73,468  54,663
Other non – current assets 26,220  31,022
Derivative asset, net of current portion 27,275  33,858
Restricted cash, net of current portion 93,049  121,437
Total non – current assets 1,926,819  1,869,168
TOTAL ASSETS$2,191,186 $2,106,215
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
CURRENT LIABILITIES     
Accounts payable$19,304 $22,755
Accrued liabilities 29,248  36,038
Current portion of long-term debt 200,626  189,832
Current portion of deferred revenue 41,106  12,569
Due to related parties 516  572
Total current liabilities$290,800 $261,766
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES     
Long – term debt, net of current portion and deferred financing costs$661,471 $744,557
Intangible liabilities-charter agreements 7,179  14,218
Deferred revenue, net of current portion 90,178  119,183
Total non – current liabilities 758,828  877,958
Total liabilities $1,049,628 $1,139,724
Commitments and Contingencies    – 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
Class A common shares – authorized 214,000,000 shares with a $0.01 par value 35,192,029 shares issued and outstanding (2022 – 35,990,288 shares)$351  $359
Series B Preferred Shares – authorized 104,000 shares with a $0.01 par value 43,592 shares issued and outstanding (2022 – 43,592 shares)   
Additional paid in capital 675,635  688,262
Retained earnings 436,698  246,390
Accumulated other comprehensive income 28,874  31,480
Total shareholders’ equity 1,141,558  966,491
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY$2,191,186 $2,106,215

Global Ship Lease, Inc.
 
Interim Unaudited Condensed ConsolidatedStatements of Income
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
 Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30,
 2023
 2022
 2023
 2022
OPERATING REVENUES           
Time charter revenue (include related party revenues of $nil and $nil for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $nil and $66,929 for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively)$173,012  $163,231  $489,338  $447,898 
Amortization of intangible liabilities-charter agreements (includes related party amortization of intangible liabilities-charter agreements of $nil and $nil for the three month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $nil and $5,385 for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively) 1,518   9,305   6,563   32,725 
Total Operating Revenues 174,530   172,536   495,901   480,623 
            
OPERATING EXPENSES:           
Vessel operating expenses (include related party vessel operating expenses of $5,171 and $4,077 for each of the three month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $14,072 and $12,686 for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively) 46,099   40,997   132,268   121,883 
Time charter and voyage expenses (includes related party time charter and voyage expenses of $2,139 and $1,696 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $5,801 and $4,646 for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively) 6,046   5,136   18,185   14,594 
Depreciation and amortization 23,980   20,522   67,336   60,647 
General and administrative expenses 4,248   4,156   13,748   14,448 
Operating Income 94,157   101,725   264,364   269,051 
            
NON-OPERATING INCOME/(EXPENSES)           
Interest income 2,501   680   6,895   1,195 
Interest and other finance expenses (11,615)  (16,142)  (33,623)  (64,884)
Other (expenses)/income, net (303)  1,022   857   1,200 
Fair value adjustment on derivative asset 331   4,660   (1,037)  11,308 
Total non-operating expenses (9,086)  (9,780)  (26,908)  (51,181)
Income before income taxes 85,071   91,945   237,456   217,870 
Income taxes    50   (5)  50 
Net Income 85,071   91,995   237,451   217,920 
Earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Shares (2,384)  (2,384)  (7,152)  (7,152)
Net Income available to Common Shareholders$82,687  $89,611  $230,299  $210,768 

Global Ship Lease, Inc.
 
Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
  Three months ended September 30,  Nine months ended September 30,
  2023   2022   2023   2022 
Cash flows from operating activities:           
Net income$85,071  $91,995  $237,451  $217,920 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:           
Depreciation and amortization$23,980  $20,522  $67,336  $60,647 
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income 96      (80)   
Amortization of derivative asset’s premium 1,149   370   3,085   499 
Amortization of deferred financing costs 1,279   3,658   4,115   9,751 
Amortization of original issue premium on repurchase of notes    436      762 
Amortization of intangible liabilities-charter agreements (1,518)  (9,305)  (6,563)  (32,725)
Fair value adjustment on derivative asset (331)  (4,660)  1,037   (11,308)
Prepayment fees on debt repayment          15,197 
Stock-based compensation expense 2,505   2,222   7,684   7,882 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:           
Increase in accounts receivable and other assets$(1,049) $(7,821) $(3,511) $(14,005)
(Increase)/decrease in inventories (715)  398   (1,877)  (145)
Increase in derivative asset          (15,370)
Increase/(decrease) in accounts payable and other liabilities 5,394   (1,045)  (5,274)  (2,060)
(Increase)/decrease in related parties’ balances, net (745)  364      2,547 
(Decrease)/increase in deferred revenue (12,708)  18,431   (468)  19,038 
Unrealized foreign exchange (gain)/loss (1)  (2)     3 
Net cash provided by operating activities$102,407  $115,563  $302,935  $258,633 
Cash flows from investing activities:           
Acquisition of vessels$  $  $(123,300) $ 
Cash paid for vessel expenditures (8,018)  (1,204)  (12,569)  (4,429)
Advances for vessel acquisitions and other additions (841)  (511)  (6,786)  (2,835)
Cash paid for drydockings (15,086)  (4,463)  (33,386)  (19,716)
Net proceeds from sale of vessel       5,940    
Time deposits acquired (1,400)  (9,600)  (5,450)  (9,500)
Net cash used in investing activities$(25,345) $(15,778) $(175,551) $(36,480)
Cash flows from financing activities:           
Repurchase of 2024 Notes, including premium$  $(90,801) $  $(119,871)
Proceeds from drawdown of credit facilities       76,000   60,000 
Proceeds from 2027 Secured Notes          350,000 
Repayment of credit facilities/sale and leaseback (50,996)  (37,162)  (151,267)  (117,080)
Repayment of refinanced debt, including prepayment fees          (276,671)
Deferred financing costs paid    (391)  (1,140)  (9,655)
Cancellation of Class A common shares (3,441)  (9,985)  (20,421)  (14,910)
Class A common shares-dividend paid (13,300)  (13,856)  (39,991)  (36,949)
Series B preferred shares-dividend paid (2,384)  (2,384)  (7,152)  (7,152)
Net cash used in financing activities$(70,121) $(154,579) $(143,971) $(172,288)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 6,941   (54,794)  (16,587)  49,865 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of the period 246,402   300,301   269,930   195,642 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the period$253,343  $245,507  $253,343  $245,507 
Supplementary Cash Flow Information:           
Cash paid for interest 17,683   9,173   51,012   34,470 
Cash received from interest rate caps 8,464   2,993   24,380   3,247 
Non-cash investing activities:           
Unpaid capitalized expenses 5,298   7,334   5,298   7,334 
Unpaid drydocking expenses 10,622   7,396   10,622   7,396 
Non-cash financing activities:           
Unrealized (loss)/gain on derivative assets (380)  12,349   (5,611)  35,263 

Investor and Media Contacts:
The IGB Group
Bryan Degnan
646-673-9701
or
Leon Berman
212-477-8438

 

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