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EX-32.1 - Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.d1195057_ex32-1.htm
EX-32.2 - Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.d1195057_ex32-2.htm
EX-31.2 - Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.d1195057_ex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc.d1195057_ex31-1.htm





 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011
 
OR
 
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from                    to
 
________________
 
Commission File Number 001–33831
 
EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Republic of the Marshall Islands
 
98–0453513
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

477 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 785–2500
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES X              NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
YES __             NO
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated Filer __    Accelerated Filer  X    Non-accelerated Filer __   Smaller reporting company
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
YES __          NO  X
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 62,560,436 shares outstanding as of May 10, 2011.
 



 
 

 




TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
   
Page
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011 (unaudited) and December 31,  2010 
1
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
2
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2011
3
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
4
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
5
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations                                                                                                          
 
15
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks
  27
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 27
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
28
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
28
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
28
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
28
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
28
Item 5.
Other Information
28
Item 6.
Exhibits
29
 
Signatures
30
     
     


 
 

 

Part 1 : FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 : Financial Statements
EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
   
March 31, 2011
(unaudited)
   
December 31, 2010
 
ASSETS:
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 97,715,331     $ 129,121,680  
Accounts receivable
    17,564,874       14,366,495  
Prepaid expenses
    5,025,093       3,459,721  
Inventories
    5,342,449       3,190,052  
Fair value above contract value of time charters acquired
    587,872       594,611  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    295,329        
       Total current assets
    126,530,948       150,732,559  
Noncurrent assets:
               
Vessels and vessel improvements, at cost, net of accumulated
  depreciation of $193,025,281 and $176,824,438, respectively 
    1,589,016,010       1,509,798,249  
Advances for vessel construction
    139,300,009       191,477,225  
Other fixed assets, net of accumulated amortization of $189,005 and  $153,375, respectively
    442,484       420,204  
Restricted cash
    20,913,599       19,790,341  
Deferred drydock costs
    3,511,816       4,217,071  
Deferred financing costs
    15,326,031       16,458,496  
Fair value above contract value of time charters acquired
    3,465,724       3,608,812  
Other assets and accounts receivable, net of allowance
    2,260,259       70,001  
         Total noncurrent assets
    1,774,235,932       1,745,840,399  
Total assets
  $ 1,900,766,880     $ 1,896,572,958  
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 9,019,248     $ 6,089,273  
Accrued interest
    5,684,315       6,651,554  
Other accrued liabilities
    10,655,581       5,850,474  
  Deferred revenue and fair value below contract value of time charters acquired
    6,217,558       5,705,326  
Unearned charter hire revenue
    9,386,335       6,091,332  
Fair value of derivative instruments
          127,758  
      Total current liabilities
    40,963,037       30,515,717  
Noncurrent liabilities:
               
Long-term debt
    1,151,354,476       1,151,354,476  
Deferred revenue and fair value below contract value of time charters acquired
    21,510,754       23,480,740  
Fair value of derivative instruments
    18,637,234       22,135,507  
         Total noncurrent liabilities
    1,191,502,464       1,196,970,723  
Total liabilities
    1,232,465,501       1,227,486,440  
Commitment and contingencies
               
Stockholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
           
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 62,560,436 shares issued and outstanding
     625,604        625,604  
Additional paid-in capital
    739,778,027       738,251,158  
Retained earnings (net of dividends declared of $262,118,388 as of  March 31, 2011 and
        December 31, 2010, respectively)
    (53,465,018 )     (47,654,737 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (18,637,234 )     (22,135,507 )
      Total stockholders' equity
    668,301,379       669,086,518  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,900,766,880     $ 1,896,572,958  
_______________________________
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
1

 

EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
 
             
             
Revenues, net of commissions
  $ 86,692,775     $ 54,243,725  
                 
Voyage expenses 
    15,821,512        
Vessel expenses
    19,473,399       15,362,733  
Charter hire expenses 
    15,924,682        
Depreciation and amortization
    17,158,844       13,706,370  
General and administrative expenses
    13,896,425       9,487,423  
    Total operating expenses
    82,274,862       38,556,526  
                 
                 
Operating income
    4,417,913       15,687,199  
                 
Interest expense
    11,336,479       11,176,987  
Interest income
    (57,670 )     (63,422 )
Other income
    (1,050,615 )      
    Total other expense, net
    10,228,194       11,113,565  
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ (5,810,281 )   $ 4,573,634  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding :
               
Basic
    62,560,436       62,126,665  
Diluted
    62,560,436       62,282,017  
 
Per share amounts:
               
Basic net income
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.07  
Diluted net income
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.07  
                 
                 
                 

_______________________________
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.





 
2

 


EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2011


 
                                     
   
Common
Shares
   
Common
Shares
Amount
   
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
   
 
Net Loss
   
Accumulated
Deficit
   
Other
 Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
   
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
                                           
  Balance at December 31, 2010
    62,560,436     $ 625,604     $ 738,251,158    
 
    $ (47,654,737 )   $ (22,135,507 )   $ 669,086,518  
  Comprehensive income :
                                                     
     Net loss
                    $ (5,810,281 )     (5,810,281 )           (5,810,281 )
     Net unrealized gain on
       derivatives
                                  3,498,273        3,498,273  
  Comprehensive loss
                                        (2,312,008 )
  Shares withheld for employee tax
                (1,210,177 )                           (1,210,177 )
  Non-cash compensation
                2,737,046                         2,737,046  
                                                         
  Balance at March 31, 2011
    62,560,436     $ 625,604     $ 739,778,027             $ (53,465,018 )   $ (18,637,234 )   $ 668,301,379  
                                                         
 
_______________________________
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.



 




 
3

 

EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ (5,810,281 )   $ 4,573,634  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Items included in net income not affecting cash flows:
               
Depreciation
    16,236,473       13,039,338  
Amortization of deferred drydocking costs
    922,371       667,032  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    993,727       584,717  
Amortization of fair value below contract value of time charter acquired
    (1,294,519 )     (864,628 )
Unrealized gain from forward freight agreements, net
    (423,087 )      
Allowance for accounts receivable
    6,586,900        
Non-cash compensation expense
    2,737,046       4,346,127  
Drydocking expenditures
    (217,116 )     (682,308 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (11,346,879 )     (1,398,846 )
Other assets
    (628,658 )      
Prepaid expenses
    (1,565,372 )     1,748,782  
Inventories
    (2,152,397 )      
Accounts payable
    2,929,975       3,293,587  
Accrued interest
    (1,262,367 )     2,051,673  
Accrued expenses
    4,805,107       2,612,823  
Deferred revenue
    (13,408 )     (1,015,005 )
Unearned charter hire revenue
    3,295,003       1,963,570  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    13,792,518       30,920,496  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Vessels and vessel improvements and advances for vessel construction
    (42,807,522 )     (117,071,528 )
Purchase of other fixed assets
    (57,910 )     (12,896 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (42,865,432 )     (117,084,424 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Bank borrowings
          101,972,546  
Changes in restricted cash
    (1,123,258 )     (3,000,000 )
Cash used to settle net share equity awards
    (1,210,177 )      
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities 
    (2,333,435 )     98,972,546  
                 
Net (decrease) increase in cash
    (31,406,349 )     12,808,618  
Cash at beginning of period
    129,121,680       71,344,773  
Cash at end of period
  $ 97,715,331     $ 84,153,391  
_______________________________
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.





 
4

 


EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Note 1.  Basis of Presentation and General Information

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company", "we" or "our"). The Company is engaged in the ocean transportation of dry bulk cargoes worldwide through the ownership, charter and operation of dry bulk vessels. The Company's fleet is comprised of Supramax and Handymax bulk carriers and the Company operates its business in one business segment.

The Company is a holding company incorporated in 2005, under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and is the sole owner of all of the outstanding shares of its wholly-owned subsidiaries incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The primary activity of each of the subsidiaries is the ownership of a vessel. The operations of the vessels are managed by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Eagle Shipping International (USA) LLC, a Republic of the Marshall Islands limited liability company.

As of March 31, 2011, the Company's operating fleet consisted of 40 vessels. The Company has an extensive vessel newbuilding program and as of March 31, 2011 had contracts for the construction of 6 vessels. The following tables present certain information concerning the Company's fleet as of March 31, 2011:

 
No. of Vessels
 
Dwt
Vessel
Type
 
Delivery
     
Vessels in Operation
   
  40 Vessels
2,157,232
38 Supramax
 
   
   2 Handymax
 
Vessels to be delivered
   
 
6  Vessels
 
348,000
 
58,000 dwt series
Supramax
   2011
       

The following table represents certain information about the Company's charterers which individually accounted for more than 10% of the Company's gross time charter revenue during the periods indicated:

Charterer
% of Consolidated time charter revenue
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 2011
 
 2010
       
Charterer A
14.1%
 
22.0%
Charterer B
-
 
12.6%
Charterer C
-
 
13.9%
Charterer D
-
 
13.0%

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") which apply to interim financial statements and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. They should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
5

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that management considers necessary for a fair statement of its consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the entire year.

Risks and Uncertainties
 
Legal Proceedings

On January 25, 2011, Korea Line Corporation ("KLC"), one of our charterers, filed for protective receivership in Seoul, South Korea. On February 15, 2011, the Korean courts approved this request. For the period February 15, 2011 through March 15, 2011, the Company took over the employment of the majority of the affected chartered vessels and re-chartered out all affected vessels on the spot and short term time charter markets. Earnings during this interim period were used to offset the charter hire otherwise due from KLC.

On March 15, 2011, the Company reached a comprehensive agreement with the receivers of KLC regarding twelve time-chartered vessels impacted by KLC's decision to file for protective receivership earlier this year. The main points of this agreement were:

     
Charter rates on ten vessels have been adjusted to $17,000 per vessel per day. Additionally, through December 31, 2015, the Company will receive all profits between $17,000 and $21,000 per vessel per day. During this period any additional profits above $21,000 per vessel per day are to be split equally between the Company and KLC.
 
     
After December 31, 2015, all profits above $17,000 per vessel per day are to be split equally until the conclusion of the charters which expire at the earliest on December 31, 2018.
 
     
For the next twelve months, the Company will charter these ten vessels and KLC will be responsible for any shortfall between the vessels' actual daily earnings and $17,000 per vessel per day. Any such shortfall shall be treated as a "claim for common benefit" under the Korean laws of corporate reorganization.
 
     
Time charter rates on two newbuildings have been adjusted to $17,000 per vessel per day with the same profit-sharing arrangement as above. However, the Company will charter these vessels from their delivery later this year until December 31, 2011, during which time KLC shall be responsible for any shortfall between the vessels' actual daily earnings and $17,000 per vessel per day, which shortfall shall be treated as a "claim for common benefit" under the Korean laws of corporate Rehabilitation.
 
     
The charter on one vessel was not impacted, subject to the continued performance of the vessel's subcharterer. The daily time charter rate on this vessel remains $18,300 until January 2014, after which the rate will be $18,000 per day plus 50% of any profits above this rate until the earliest completion of the charter in December 2018.
 
     
The Company filed a claim for all unpaid amounts in respect of the employment of the eleven vessels currently under charter to KLC for the period to March 15, 2011. The disposition of those claims for unpaid amounts due under those charters will be determined by the Korean courts at a future date.
 
We evaluated the KLC matter to make a determination as to the impact, if any, on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows and have recorded $6,586,900 as allowance for bad debt.

Long-Term Debt

As described in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, on August 4, 2009, we entered into a third amendatory agreement to our revolving credit facility.  Among other things, the third amendatory agreement reduced the facility to $1.2 billion and changed the applicable interest rate to 2.5% over LIBOR.  In addition, among other changes, the third amendatory agreement amended the facility's net worth covenant from a market value to book value measurement with respect to the value of our fleet and reduced the facility's EBITDA to interest coverage ratio, with these changes to stay in effect until we were in compliance with the facility's original covenants for two consecutive accounting periods.

 
6

 

 
Based on information which we provided in 2010 to the lenders under the revolving credit facility, the agent for the lenders has only recently notified us that according to its interpretation we were in compliance with the original covenants for the second and third quarters during 2010, and, therefore, our original collateral covenants have been reinstated.
 
We disagree with the interpretation of the original covenant calculation being used by the agent and have advised the agent that we were not in compliance with the original covenants for these two consecutive quarters, and, therefore, the amended collateral covenants should remain in place. Under the agent's interpretation of the covenant, we were in compliance both with the original collateral covenants and the amended collateral covenants during the accounting period ended December 31, 2010.  However, while we have remained in compliance with the amended collateral covenants during the accounting period ended March 31, 2011, we would not be in compliance for that period under the agent's interpretation of the original collateral covenants.
 
Under the facility agreement, the effectiveness of the determination of compliance for an accounting period is as of the date that we supply a compliance certificate (the "Compliance Certificate Date") to the agent.  The current Compliance Certificate Date for the accounting period ended March 31, 2011 is no later than May 30, 2011.
 
We believe that our interpretation of the facility agreement's covenant calculation is correct, that the reinstatement of the original loan covenant was not valid, and that we remain in compliance with all covenants in effect at March 31, 2011.  We are in active discussions with the agent to resolve this technical matter.  However, if the agent's interpretation is determined to be correct, we would not be in compliance with the original covenants for the period ending March 31, 2011, which could lead to a default under the facility agreement effective as of the Compliance Certificate Date for that period and would result in the classification as current of amounts due under the facility  agreement and could lead to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, if we are unable to agree on satisfactory terms or obtain a waiver from the agent.  We continue to seek to reach a satisfactory agreement with the agent, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.

Note 2.  New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued amended guidance for identifying separate deliverables in a revenue-generating transaction where multiple deliverables exist, and provides guidance for allocating and recognizing revenues based on those separate deliverables. This update also requires additional disclosure related to the significant assumptions used to determine the revenue recognition of the separate deliverables. This guidance is required to be applied prospectively to new or significantly modified revenue arrangements. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2011. The adoption of this accounting standards update did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

The FASB issued an accounting standards update modifying the disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. Under these requirements, purchases and settlements for Level 3 fair value measurements are presented on a gross basis, rather than net. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2011.

Note 3.  Vessels

a. Vessel and Vessel Improvements

At March 31, 2011, the Company's operating fleet consisted of 40 dry bulk vessels. In January and February 2011, the Company took delivery of the Thrush and Nighthawk, respectively.


 
7

 

Vessel and vessel improvements:
     
     
Vessels and Vessel Improvements, at December 31, 2010
$ 1,509,798,249  
   Purchase of Vessel Improvements
  63,170  
   Delivery of Newbuild Vessels
  95,355,434  
   Depreciation Expense
  (16,200,843 )
Vessels and Vessel Improvements, at March 31, 2011
$ 1,589,016,010  
       
 
b. Advances for Vessel Construction

The Company took delivery of the Thrush and Nighthawk, in January and February 2011, respectively. In 2010 the Company took delivery of twelve newly constructed vessels, the last two Japanese-built vessels, the Golden Eagle and Imperial Eagle, in January and February 2010, respectively, and ten Chinese-built vessels the Thrasher, Crane and Egret, in January 2010, Avocet in February 2010, the Gannet Bulker, Grebe Bulker and Ibis Bulker in April, May and June, respectively, the Jay and Kingfisher in July and the Martin in August. In 2009 the Company took delivery of four newly constructed vessels. Two vessels from the Japanese shipyard, the Crested Eagle and Stellar Eagle, delivered in January and March 2009, respectively and two vessels from the Chinese shipyard, Bittern and Canary, delivered in October and December 2009, respectively. In 2008 the Company took delivery of three vessels, the Wren and Woodstar were delivered by the Chinese shipyard in June and October 2008, respectively, and the Crowned Eagle, the first of the Company's five Japanese built vessels, was delivered in November 2008.

As of March 31, 2011, the Company had 6 Supramax vessels under construction at the shipyard in China. The total contract cost of the construction project in China is approximately $219,300,000, of which the Company has advanced $93,457,500 in payments towards the construction of these vessels. These vessels are expected to be delivered in 2011. The Company will incur additional costs relating to the construction of these vessels, including capitalized interest, insurance, legal, and technical supervision costs.

Advances for Vessel Construction:
     
     
Advances for Vessel Construction, at December 31, 2010
$ 191,477,225  
Progress Payments
  39,265,529  
Capitalized Interest
  1,195,764  
Legal and Technical Supervision Costs
  2,716,925  
Delivery of Newbuild Vessels
  (95,355,434 )
Advances for Vessel Construction, at March 31, 2011
$ 139,300,009  
       

Note 4.  Long-Term Debt

At March 31, 2011, the Company's debt consisted of $1,151,354,476 in net borrowings under the amended Revolving Credit Facility. These borrowings consisted of $1,046,662,222 for the 40 vessels currently in operation and $104,692,254 to fund the Company's newbuilding program.

On August 4, 2009, the Company entered into a Third Amendatory Agreement to its revolving credit facility dated October 19, 2007 which, among other things, reduces the amount of the credit facility to $1,200,000,000 with maturity in July 2014. The agreement also modifies the minimum security covenant, the minimum net worth covenant, and the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant, until such time as the Company can comply with the original covenants for two consecutive accounting periods. In the interim, the measurement of the three covenants at the end of each accounting period has been amended as follows: (a) The minimum security covenant has been suspended, (b) the minimum net worth covenant has been amended to a threshold minimum of $400 million plus an amount equal to fifty percent of any equity received by the Company, with the determination of net worth to utilize book value of vessel assets as stated in the financial statements rather than the market value, and (c) until reinstatement of the original minimum security and net worth covenants, for 24 months from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011, at each accounting period, the Company's cumulative EBITDA (EBITDA as defined in the credit agreement) will at all times be not less than 120% of the cumulative loan interest incurred on a trailing four quarter basis, and for each accounting period after June 30, 2011, the Company's cumulative EBITDA will at all times be not less than 130% of the cumulative loan interest incurred on a trailing four quarter basis. The amendment also requires that until the Company is in compliance with the original covenants (as mentioned below) for two consecutive accounting periods, the Company will use half the net proceeds from any equity issuance to reduce the facility, including $48,645,524 from the equity raised in 2009.  These payments reduce the available amount of the credit facility to $1,151,354,476. As of March 31, 2011, the Company used its total availability for borrowings under the credit facility. The Company facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50%. Undrawn portions of the facility bear a commitment fee of 0.7%. The facility is available in full until July 2012 when availability will begin to decline in four semi-annual reductions of $53,969,741 with a full repayment at maturity.

 
8

 

 
On August 4, 2010, the Company entered into a Fourth Amendatory Agreement to its revolving credit facility dated October 19, 2007, by and between the Company and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as mandated lead arranger, bookrunner, swap bank, agent and security trustee and certain other lenders (collectively the "Lenders"), pursuant to which the Lenders consented, among other things, to the Company conducting the Trading Operation.

Our obligations under the amended revolving credit facility are secured by a first priority mortgage on each of the vessels in our fleet and such other vessels that we may from time to time include with the approval of our lender, and by a first assignment of all freights, earnings, insurances and requisition compensation relating to our vessels. The facility also limits our ability to create liens on our assets in favor of other parties.

Under the terms of the third amendment of the revolving credit facility, among other things, we will maintain with the lender an amount not less than the greater of $500,000 per delivered vessel or an amount equal to any reductions in the total commitments scheduled to be effected within the next six months less the amount of the then unutilized facility. As of March 31, 2011, the Company has recorded $20,000,000 as Restricted cash in the accompanying balance sheets.
 
On December 17, 2008, the Company entered into a second Amendatory Agreement to its $1,600,000,000 revolving credit facility which, among other things, amended the amount of the credit facility to $1,350,000,000. The agreement amends the minimum security value of the credit facility to include the aggregate market value of the vessels in the Company's operating fleet and the deposits on its newbuilding contracts. The agreement amends the minimum security value clause of the credit facility from 130% to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of debt outstanding under the credit facility. The agreement also provides that future dividend payments will be based on maintaining a minimum security value of 130%. The agreement reduces the minimum net worth clause of the credit facility from $300,000,000 to $75,000,000 for 2009, subject to annual review thereafter. The agreement also amends the interest margin to 1.75% over LIBOR.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, interest rates on the outstanding debt ranged from 2.71% to 7.73%, including a margin of 2.50% over LIBOR applicable under the terms of the amended revolving credit facility. The weighted average effective interest rate was 4.03%. Interest costs on borrowings used to fund the Company's newbuilding program are capitalized until the vessels are delivered.

Interest Expense, exclusive of capitalized interest, consists of:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
 
Loan Interest
  $ 10,342,752     $ 10,592,270  
Amortization of Deferred Financing Costs
    993,727       584,717  
Total Interest Expense
  $ 11,336,479     $ 11,176,987  

Interest paid, exclusive of capitalized interest, in the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 amounted to $10,997,881 and $8,540,127, respectively.

We are in disagreement with the interpretation of the original covenant calculation being used by the agent of our lender. See Note 1 above.
 
 
 
9

 

Note  5.  Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurements

Interest-Rate Swaps

The Company has entered into interest rate swaps to effectively convert a portion of its debt from a floating to a fixed-rate basis. Under these swap contracts, exclusive of applicable margins, the Company will pay fixed rate interest and receive floating-rate interest amounts based on three-month LIBOR settings. The swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The following table summarizes the interest rate swaps in place as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Notional Amount Outstanding –
March 31, 2011
 
Notional Amount Outstanding –
December 31, 2010
 
 
Fixed Rate
 
 
Maturity
$144,700,000
 
$144,700,000
 
3.580%
 
10/2011
9,162,500
 
9,162,500
 
3.515%
 
10/2011
3,405,174
 
3,405,174
 
3.550%
 
10/2011
17,050,000
 
17,050,000
 
3.160%
 
11/2011
25,048,118
 
25,048,118
 
4.740%
 
12/2011
36,752,038
 
36,752,038
 
5.225%
 
08/2012
81,500,000
 
81,500,000
 
3.895%
 
01/2013
84,800,000
 
84,800,000
 
3.900%
 
09/2013
$402,417,830
 
$402,417,830
       

The Company records the fair value of the interest rate swaps as an asset or liability on its balance sheet. The effective portion of the swap is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Accordingly, liabilities of $18,637,234 and $22,135,507 have been recorded in Fair value of derivative instruments in the Company's balance sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.
 
Forward freight agreements (FFAs), bunker swaps and freight derivatives

The Company trades in the FFAs, bunker swaps and freight derivatives markets, with the objective of utilizing these markets as economic hedging instruments that reduce the risk of specific vessels to changes in the freight market and or bunker costs. The Company's FFAs, bunker swaps and freight derivatives have not qualified for hedge accounting treatment. As of March 31, 2011, net amount of $295,329 have been recorded in Fair value of derivative instruments as current assets in the accompanying balance sheet.

No portion of the cash flow hedges shown below was ineffective during the year. The effect of cash flow hedging relationships on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2011 and the statement of operations for the year ended March 31, 2011 are as follows:

The effect of designated derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets:
 
               
   
Amount of Loss Recognized in OCI on Derivative
(Effective Portion)
Derivatives designated for cash flow hedging relationships
 
March 31, 2011
   
December 31, 2010
               
               
Interest rate swaps
   
$(18,637,234)
     
$(22,135,507)
Total
   
$(18,637,234)
     
$(22,135,507)
 
 
 
10

 

 
The effect of not designated derivative instruments on statements of operations:
 
                   
 
 
 
Amount of Gain
 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
Location of Gain
Recognized
 
Period Ended
March 31, 2011
 
 
Period Ended
March 31, 2010
 
FFAs, bunker swaps and freight derivatives
Other income
 
$
1,050,615
 
 
 
-
 
Total
 
 
$
1,050,615
 
 
 
-
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash collateral Disclosures

The Company does not offset fair value amounts recognized for derivatives by the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash collateral. The amount of collateral to be posted are defined in the terms of respective master agreement executed with counterparties or exchanges and are required when agreed upon threshold limits are exceeded. At March 31, 2011, the Company's collateral related to its FFAs, bunker swaps and freight derivative transactions was $637,543 which is recorded in Restricted cash in the accompanying balance sheet.  As of March 31, 2011, the Company had no outstanding amounts paid as collateral to derivative fair value positions.

Fair Value Measurements

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash—the carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheet for interest-bearing deposits approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature thereof.

Debt—the carrying amounts of borrowings under the revolving credit agreement approximate their fair value, due to the variable interest rate nature thereof.

Interest rate swaps—the fair value of interest rate swaps (used for hedging purposes) is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the swaps at the reporting date.

Forward freight agreements (FFAs)—the fair value of FFAs is determined based on quoted rates.

Freight derivative instruments—the fair value of freight derivative contracts is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the option contracts at the reporting date.

Bunker swaps—the fair value of bunker swaps is the estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the swaps at the reporting date.

The Company defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and provides disclosures about fair value measurements.  The fair value hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements is as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable
Level 3 – Inputs that are unobservable (for example cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)
 
 
 
11

 

 
The following table summarizes assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2011:
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Assets:
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Forward freight agreements
  $ 608,865              
Freight derivative instruments
        $ 102,553        
Bunker swaps
        $ 261,950        
                         
Liabilities:
                       
Interest rate swaps
        $ 18,637,234        
Forward freight agreements
  $ 409,560              
Freight derivative instruments
        $ 268,479        
 
Note  6.  Commitments and Contingencies

Vessel Technical Management Contract

The Company has technical management agreements for certain of its vessels with independent technical managers. The Company paid average monthly technical management fees of $9,966 and $9,687 per vessel during the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Legal Proceedings

We have asserted a claim against one of our charters, Korea Line Corporation ("KLC"), as discussed in Note 1 above. We evaluated the KLC matter to make a determination as to the impact on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows and have recorded $6,586,900 as allowance for bad debt.

Note 7.  Related Party Transactions

On August 4, 2009, the Company entered into a management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with Delphin Shipping LLC ("Delphin"), a Marshall Islands limited liability company affiliated with Kelso Investment Associates VII, and KEP VI, LLC and the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Sophocles Zoullas.  Delphin was formed for the purpose of acquiring and operating dry bulk and other vessels. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Company will provide commercial and technical supervisory vessel management services to dry bulk vessels to be acquired by Delphin for a fixed monthly management fee based on a sliding scale. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement the Company has been granted an opportunity to acquire for its own account any dry bulk vessel that Delphin proposes to acquire.  The Company has also been granted a right of first refusal on any dry bulk charter opportunity, other than a renewal of an existing charter for a Delphin owned vessel, that the Company reasonably deems suitable for a Company owned vessel.  The Management Agreement also provides the Company a right of first offer on the sale of any dry bulk vessel by Delphin. The term of the Management Agreement is one year and is renewable for successive one year terms at the option of Delphin.

Pursuant to a management agreement the Company provided commercial and technical management services to Delphin vessels for a monthly fee of $15,834 for the first 10 vessels, $11,667 for the second 10 vessels and $8,750 for the third 10 vessels. The first vessel was commenced in December 2010. This monthly fee covers the vessels' commercial and technical management supervisory. This agreement has an initial term of one year and shall thereafter be renewable for successive one year terms. Total management fees for the period ended March 31, 2011 amounted to $79,700. The balance due from Delphin as of March 31, 2011 amounted to $13,568. The balance due mainly consists of management fees, administrative service fees and other reimbursable expenses.

Note 8.  Earnings Per Common Share

The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share gives effect to stock options and restricted stock units using the treasury stock method, unless the impact is anti-dilutive. Diluted net income per share as of March 31, 2011, does not include 2,041,499 restricted stock units and 1,221,816 stock options as their effect was anti-dilutive.

 
12

 

 

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
 
Net Income (loss)
  $ (5,810,281 )   $ 4,573,634  
Weighted Average Shares – Basic
    62,560,436       62,126,665  
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units
          155,352  
Weighted Average Shares – Diluted
    62,560,436       62,282,017  
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.07  
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.07  

Note 9.  Capital Stock

Dividends

Payment of dividends is in the discretion of the board of directors and is limited by the terms of certain agreements to which the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to and provisions of Marshall Islands law. The Company's revolving credit facility permits it to pay quarterly dividends in amounts up to its cumulative free cash flows, which is our earnings before extraordinary or exceptional items, interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Credit Agreement EBITDA), less the aggregate amount of interest incurred and net amounts payable under interest rate hedging agreements during the relevant period and an agreed upon reserve for dry-docking for the period, provided that the Company is in compliance with its loan covenants. Depending on market conditions in the dry bulk shipping industry and acquisition opportunities that may arise, the Company may be required to obtain additional debt or equity financing which could affect its dividend policy. In this connection, the dry bulk market has recently declined substantially. In December 2008, the Company's board of directors suspended the payment of dividends to stockholders in order to increase cash flow, optimize financial flexibility and enhance internal growth.  In the future, the declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will always be subject to the discretion of the board of directors, restrictions contained in the credit facility and the requirements of Marshall Islands law. The timing and amount of any dividends declared will depend on, among other things, the Company's earnings, financial condition and cash requirements and availability, the ability to obtain debt and equity financing on acceptable terms as contemplated by the Company's growth strategy, the terms of its outstanding indebtedness and the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to distribute funds to it.

Note 10.  Stock Incentive Plans

2009 Equity Incentive plan. In May 2009, our shareholders approved the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (2009 Plan) for the purpose of affording an incentive to eligible persons. The 2009 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of equity based awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock, other equity based or equity related awards, and/or performance compensation awards based on or relating to the Company's common shares to eligible non-employee directors, officers, employees or consultants. The 2009 Plan is administered by a compensation committee or such other committee of the Company's board of directors. A maximum of 4.2 million of the Company's common shares have been authorized for issuance under the 2009 Plan.

2005 Equity Incentive plan. In 2005, the Company adopted the 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (2005 Plan) for the purpose of affording an incentive to eligible persons. The 2005 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the grant of equity-based awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock bonuses, dividend equivalents and other awards based on or relating to the Company's common shares to eligible non-employee directors, selected officers and other employees and independent contractors. The plan is administered by a committee of the Company's board of directors. An aggregate of 2.6 million shares of the Company's common stock were authorized for issuance under the plan. None of the Company's common shares remain available for issuance under the 2005 Plan.

 
13

 

The Company granted restricted stock units ("RSUs") to members of its management which vest ratably between three to five years. As of March 31, 2011, RSUs covering a total of 2,041,499 of the Company's shares are outstanding. These RSUs also entitle the participant to receive a dividend equivalent payment on the unvested portion of the underlying shares granted under the award, each time the Company pays a dividend to the Company's shareholders. The dividend equivalent rights on the unvested RSU are forfeited upon termination of employment. The Company is amortizing to non-cash compensation expense the fair value of the non-vested restricted stock at the grant date. For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the amortization charge was $2,219,285 and $3,739,103, respectively. The remaining expense for each of the years ending 2011, 2012, and 2013 will be $6,311,858, $7,886,696, and $3,506,653, respectively.

As of December 31, 2010, options covering 1,063,483 of the Company's common shares were outstanding.  These options were awarded to members of its management and its independent non-employee directors. On February 2, 2011, the Company granted options to purchase 250,000 of the Company's common shares to its independent non-employee directors. These options vested and became exercisable on the grant date at an exercise price of $4.34 per share and expire five years from the date of grant. For purposes of determining the non-cash compensation cost for the Company's stock option plans using the fair value method of ASC 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation", the fair value of the options granted of $517,761 was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted average assumptions used for the 2011 grant included a risk free interest rate of 0.9%, and an expected stock price volatility factor of 80%.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company has recorded a non-cash compensation charge of $517,761 and $607,024, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, options covering 1,313,483 of the Company's common shares are outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $4.34 to $21.88 per share (the market prices at dates of grants). The options granted to the independent non-employee directors vested and became exercisable on the grant dates. The options granted to members of its management vest and become exercisable over three years. All options expire between five to ten years from the date of grant.

The non-cash compensation expenses recorded by the Company and included in General and Administrative Expenses are as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Stock Option Plans
  $ 517,761     $ 607,024  
Restricted Stock Grants
    2,219,285       3,739,103  
Total Non-cash compensation expense
  $ 2,737,046     $ 4,346,127  
 
As of March 31, 2011, Dividend Equivalent Rights Awards ("DERs") equivalent to 574,000 of the Company's common shares are outstanding to its independent non-employee directors and members of its management. These DERs entitle the participant to receive a dividend equivalent payment each time the Company pays a dividend to the Company's shareholders. For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, no compensation expenses were recorded.

 
 
14

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

The following is a discussion of the Company's financial condition and results of operation for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010. This section should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report and the notes to those financial statements.

This discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provided for under these sections.  These statements may include words such as "believe," "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," and similar expressions in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Forward looking statements reflect management's current expectations and observations with respect to future events and financial performance. Where we express an expectation or belief as to future events or results, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis.  However, our forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed, projected, or implied by those forward-looking statements. The principal factors that affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows include, charter market rates, which have recently declined significantly from historic highs, periods of charter hire, vessel operating expenses and voyage costs, which are incurred primarily in U.S. dollars, depreciation expenses, which are a function of the cost of our vessels, significant vessel improvement costs and our vessels' estimated useful lives, and financing costs related to our indebtedness. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of certain factors which could include the following: (i) changes in demand in the dry bulk market, including, without limitation, changes in production of, or demand for, commodities and bulk cargoes, generally or in particular regions; (ii) greater than anticipated levels of dry bulk vessel new building orders or lower than anticipated rates of dry bulk vessel scrapping; (iii) changes in rules and regulations applicable to the dry bulk industry, including, without limitation, legislation adopted by international bodies or organizations such as the International Maritime Organization and the European Union or by individual countries; (iv) actions taken by regulatory authorities; (v) changes in trading patterns significantly impacting overall dry bulk tonnage requirements; (vi) changes in the typical seasonal variations in dry bulk charter rates; (vii) changes in the cost of other modes of bulk commodity transportation; (viii) changes in general domestic and international political conditions; (ix) changes in the condition of the Company's vessels or applicable maintenance or regulatory standards (which may affect, among other things, our anticipated drydocking costs); (x) and other factors listed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This discussion also includes statistical data regarding world dry bulk fleet and orderbook and fleet age. We generated some of this data internally, and some were obtained from independent industry publications and reports that we believe to be reliable sources. We have not independently verified this data nor sought the consent of any organizations to refer to their reports in this quarterly report. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Overview

We are Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc., a Republic of the Marshall Islands corporation headquartered in New York City. We own one of the largest fleets of Supramax dry bulk vessels in the world. Supramax dry bulk vessels range in size from 50,000 to 60,000 dwt. We transport a broad range of major and minor bulk cargoes, including iron ore, coal, grain, cement and fertilizer, along worldwide shipping routes. As of March 31, 2011, we owned and operated a modern fleet of 40 Handymax segment dry bulk vessels, 38 of which are of the Supramax class. We also have an on-going Supramax newbuilding program for the construction of 6 newbuilding vessels in China. Upon delivery of all newbuilding vessels by the end of 2011, our total fleet will consist of 46 vessels with a combined carrying capacity of approximately 2.51 million dwt.
 
 
 
15

 

 
We are focused on maintaining a high quality fleet that is concentrated primarily in one vessel type – Handymax dry bulk carriers and its sub-category of Supramax vessels, which are Handymax vessels ranging in size from 50,000 to 60,000 dwt. These vessels have the cargo loading and unloading flexibility of on-board cranes while offering cargo carrying capacities approaching that of Panamax dry bulk vessels, which range in size from 60,000 to 100,000 dwt and rely on port facilities to load and offload their cargoes. We believe that the cargo handling flexibility and cargo carrying capacity of the Supramax class vessels make them attractive to cargo interests and vessel charterers. The 40 vessels in our operating fleet, with an aggregate carrying capacity of 2,157,232 deadweight tons, have an average age of only five years compared to an average age for the world Handymax dry bulk fleet of approximately 13 years.

Each of our vessels is owned by us through a separate wholly owned Republic of the Marshall Islands limited liability company.

We are in disagreement with the interpretation of the original covenant calculation being used by the agent of our lender, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and in the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below.

During the third quarter of 2010 the Company launched a freight trading operation to capitalize on value creation strategies in spot trading, contracts of affreightment, time charter-in and -out and derivative instruments. These trading capabilities (the "Trading Operation") will extend the Company's global presence, which includes a new office in Singapore.

We maintain our principal executive offices at 477 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10022. Our telephone number at that address is (212) 785-2500. Our website address is www.eagleships.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this annual report.

 
  Our financial performance is based on the following key elements of our business strategy:

 
(1)
concentration in one vessel category: Supramax class of Handymax dry bulk vessels, which we believe offer size, operational and geographical advantages over Panamax and Capesize vessels,

 
(2)
our strategy is to balance between long-term time charters and revenues generated by short-term time charters and voyage charters to maximize our financial performance throughout shipping cycles. We have entered into time and voyage charter employment contracts for all the vessels in our operating fleet and a substantial portion of our newbuilding fleet. We charter some of our vessels pursuant to one- to three-year time charters to allow us to take advantage of the stable cash flow and high utilization rates that are associated with medium to long-term time charters. Several of the newly constructed vessels are on long term charters with an average duration of eight years. The vessels that are on charters whose revenues are linked to the Baltic Supramax index generally have durations of one-year or less. These index linked charters and voyage charters provide us with the revenue upside as the market improves. We believe that this structure provides significant visibility to our future financial results and allows us to take advantage of the stable cash flows and high utilization rates that are associated with medium- to long-term time charters, while at the same time providing us with the revenue upside potential from the index linked or short-term time charters or voyage charters. All the charters provide for fixed semi-monthly payments in advance. While we remain focused on securing charters with fixed base rates, we have also entered into contracts with fixed minimum rates and profit sharing arrangements, enabling us to benefit from an increasing rate environment while still minimizing downside risk. We regularly monitor the dry bulk shipping market and based on market conditions we may consider taking advantage of short-term charter rates.

 
(3)
maintain high quality vessels and improve standards of operation through improved environmental procedures, crew training and maintenance and repair procedures, and

 
(4)
maintain a balance between purchasing vessels as market conditions and opportunities arise and maintaining prudent financial ratios (e.g. leverage ratio).



 
16

 

We have employed all of our vessels in our operating fleet on time and voyage charters. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we took delivery of two newbuilding vessels, Thrush and Nighthawk, which promptly entered into their respective charters. The following table represents certain information about the Company's revenue earning charters on its operating fleet:
 
 
Vessel
 
Year Built
 
 
Dwt
 
 
Time Charter Expiration (1)
Daily Time
Charter Hire Rate
Avocet
 
2010
 
53,462
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Bittern
 
2009
 
57,809
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Canary
 
2009
 
57,809
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Cardinal
 
2004
 
55,362
 
Dec 2012 to Feb 2013
Index(3)
Condor
 
2001
 
50,296
 
Jul 2011 to Oct 2011
Index(3)
Crane
 
2010
 
57,809
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Crested Eagle(6)
 
2009
 
55,989
 
April 2011
$13,600(3,4)
Crowned Eagle
 
2008
 
55,940
 
Jun 2011 to Sep 2011
Index(3)
Egret Bulker
 
2010
 
57,809
 
Oct 2012 to Feb 2013
$17,650(5)
Falcon(6)
 
2001
 
50,296
 
Apr 2011
$13,000
Gannet Bulker
 
2010
 
57,809
 
Jan 2013 to May 2013
$17,650(5)
Golden Eagle
 
2010
 
55,989
 
Apr 2011 to Jun 2011
$17,000
Goldeneye
 
2002
 
52,421
 
Oct 2011 to Dec 2011
$17,000
Grebe Bulker
 
2010
 
57,809
 
Feb 2013 to Jun 2013
$17,650(5)
Harrier
 
2001
 
50,296
 
Jul 2011 to Oct 2011
$21,000
Hawk I
 
2001
 
50,296
 
Jul 2011 to Sep 2011
$20,000
Heron
 
2001
 
52,827
 
May to Jul 2011
$14,750
Ibis Bulker
 
2010
 
57,775
 
Mar 2013 to Jul 2013
$17,650(5)
Imperial Eagle
 
2010
 
55,989
 
Nov 2012 to Feb 2013
Index(3)
Jaeger
 
2004
 
52,248
 
Nov 2012 to Jan 2013
Index(3)
Jay
 
2010
 
57,802
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Kestrel I (6)
 
2004
 
50,326
 
Apr 2011
$11,500
Kingfisher
 
2010
 
57,776
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Kite (6)
 
1997
 
47,195
 
Apr 2011
$14,000
Kittiwake
 
2002
 
53,146
 
Apr 2011 to Jun 2011
$16,500
Martin
 
2010
 
57,809
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Merlin
 
2001
 
50,296
 
May 2011 to Jul 2011
$15,250
Nighthawk
 
2011
 
57,809
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Osprey I
 
2002
 
50,206
 
Sep 2011 to Nov 2011
$18,500
Peregrine
 
2001
 
50,913
 
May 2011 to Aug 2011
$16,000
Redwing
 
2007
 
53,411
 
Jul 2011 to  Sep 2011
$20,000
Shrike
 
2003
 
53,343
 
Jun 2011 to Aug 2011
$20,000
 
 
 
17

 
 
 
Skua
 
2003
 
53,350
 
May 2011 to Aug 2011
$13,250
Sparrow (6)
 
2000
 
48,225
 
Apr 2011
$17,000
Stellar Eagle (6)
 
2009
 
55,989
 
Apr 2011
Index(3)
Tern
 
2003
 
50,200
 
Jul 2011 to  Sep 2011
$16,000
Thrasher
 
2010
 
53,360
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)
Thrush
 
2011
 
53,297
 
Apr 2011 to Jul 2011
$13,000
Woodstar
 
2008
 
53,390
 
January 2014
Jan 2014 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$18,300
$18,000(7)
Wren
 
2008
 
53,349
 
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
$17,000(2)

(1)
The date range provided represents the earliest and latest date on which the charterer may redeliver the vessel to the Company upon the termination of the charter. The time charter hire rates presented are gross daily charter rates before brokerage commissions, ranging from 1.25% to 6.25%, to third party ship brokers.
(2)
Up to December 2015 with 100% profit share between $17,000 to $21,000 and 50% profit share thereafter, from January 2016 to Dec 2018/Apr 2019 with 50% profit share above $17,000.
(3)
Index, an average of the trailing Baltic Supramax Index.
(4)
With 50% Index share over $11,500.
(5)
With a 50% profit share over $20,000 per day. The charterer has an option to extend the charter by 2 periods of 11 to 13 months each.
(6)
Upon conclusion of the previous time charter the vessel will commence a short term time charter for up to five months.
(7)
With 50% profit share over $22,000.
 
The following table, as of March 31, 2011, represents certain information about the Company's newbuilding vessels being constructed and their expected employment upon delivery:


Vessel
 
Dwt
 
Year Built –
 Actual or
 Expected Delivery (1)
 
Time Charter
Employment
Expiration (2)
 
Daily Time
Charter Hire Rate (3)
 
 
Profit Share
Oriole
 
58,000
 
2011Q2
 
Dec 2015
 
$17,000
 
(5)
           
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
$17,000
 
50% over $17,000
Owl
 
58,000
 
2011Q3
 
Dec 2015
 
$17,000
 
(5)
           
Dec 2018/Apr 2019
 
$17,000
 
50% over $17,000
Petrel (4) 
 
58,000
 
2011Q3
 
Jun 2014 to Oct 2014
 
$17,650
 
50% over $20,000
Puffin (4) 
 
58,000
 
2011Q4
 
Jul 2014 to Nov 2014
 
$17,650
 
50% over $20,000
Roadrunner (4) 
 
58,000
 
2011Q4
 
Aug 2014 to Dec 2014
 
$17,650
 
50% over $20,000
Sandpiper (4) 
 
58,000
 
2011Q4
 
Sep 2014 to Jan 2015
 
$17,650
 
50% over $20,000

(1)
Vessel build and delivery dates are estimates based on guidance received from shipyard.
(2)
The date range represents the earliest and latest date on which the charterer may redeliver the vessel to the Company upon the termination of the charter.
(3)
The time charter hire rate presented are gross daily charter rates before brokerage commissions ranging from 1.25% to 6.25% to third party ship brokers.
 (4)
The charterer has an option to extend the charter by two periods of 11 to 13 months each.
 (5)  
With 100% profit share between $17,000 to $21,000 and 50% profit share thereafter.

 
18

 

Fleet Management

The management of our fleet includes the following functions:
 
 
Strategic management. We locate, obtain financing and insurance for, purchase and sell vessels.
 
Commercial management. We obtain employment for our vessels and manage our relationships with charterers.
 
Technical management. The technical manager performs day-to-day operations and maintenance of our vessels.
 
Commercial and Strategic Management

We carry out the commercial and strategic management of our fleet through our wholly owned subsidiaries, Eagle Shipping International (USA) LLC, a Republic of the Marshall Islands limited liability company that maintains its principal executive offices in New York City, and Eagle Bulk Pte. Ltd, a Singapore company. We currently have a total of forty-six shore based personnel, including our senior management team and our office staff, who either directly or through this subsidiary, provides the following services:

      commercial operations and technical supervision;
      safety monitoring;
      vessel acquisition; and
      financial, accounting and information technology services.

  Technical Management

The technical management of the majority of our fleet is provided by unaffiliated third party technical managers, V.Ships, Wilhelmsen Ship Management and Anglo Eastern International Ltd., which we believe are three of the world's largest providers of independent ship management and related services. We have also established in-house technical management capability, through which we provide technical management services to several of our vessels, in order to establish a vessel management bench-mark with the external technical managers. We review the performance of the managers on an annual basis and may add or change technical managers.

Technical management includes managing day-to-day vessel operations, performing general vessel maintenance, ensuring regulatory and classification society compliance, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging our hire of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants and providing technical support. Our technical managers also manage and process all crew insurance claims. Our technical managers maintain records of all costs and expenditures incurred in connection with their services that are available for our review on a daily basis. Our technical managers are members of marine contracting associations which arrange bulk purchasing thereby enabling us to benefit from economies of scale.

Our third-party technical managers are paid a fixed management fee for each vessel in our operating fleet for the technical management services provided. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the technical management fee averaged $9,966 and $9,687 per vessel per month, respectively. Management fees paid to our third-party technical managers are recorded under Vessel Expenses.

Value of Assets and Cash Requirements

The replacement costs of comparable new vessels may be above or below the book value of our fleet. The market value of our fleet may be below book value when market conditions are weak and exceed book value when markets conditions are strong. Customary with industry practice, we may consider asset redeployment which at times may include the sale of vessels at less than their book value. The Company's results of operations and cash flow may be significantly affected by future charter markets.

 
19

 

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our interim, unaudited, consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and the rules and regulations of the SEC which apply to interim financial statements. The preparation of those financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions and conditions.

Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments of uncertainties and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. As the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our interim, unaudited, consolidated financial statements, they do not include all of the information on critical accounting policies normally included in consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, a detailed description of these critical accounting policies should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from the "Critical Accounting Policies" previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Use of Estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Results of Operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010:

Fleet Data

We believe that the measures for analyzing future trends in our results of operations consist of the following:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
 
             
Ownership Days
    3,548       2,826  
Chartered-in under operating lease Days
    1,029        
Available Days
    4,556       2,804  
Operating Days
    4,511       2,776  
Fleet Utilization
    99.0 %     99.0 %

•           Ownership days:  We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period during which each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that we record during a period.  Ownership days for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, increased 25% from the corresponding period in 2010 as we operated 40 vessels in the first quarter of 2011 compared to 33 vessels in the corresponding period in 2010.

•           Chartered-in under operating lease days: We define chartered-in under operating lease days as the aggregate number of days in a period during which we chartered-in vessels. We started to charter-in vessels on a spot basis during the third quarter of 2010.
 
•           Available days:  We define available days as the number of our ownership and chartered-in days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to vessel familiarization upon acquisition, scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or special surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels. The shipping industry uses available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, the Company drydocked two vessels compared to one in the corresponding period in 2010.

 
20

 

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

•           Fleet utilization:  We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our operating days during a period by the number of our available days during the period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company's efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the amount of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades, special surveys or vessel positioning. Our fleet continues to perform at high utilization rates.

Revenues

All of our owned vessels are employed on time charters. Our time charter equivalent ("TCE") rate on our owned vessels is equal to the time charter rate. As is common in the shipping industry, we pay commissions ranging from 1.25% to 6.25% of the total daily charter hire rate of each charter to unaffiliated ship brokers and in-house brokers associated with the charterers, depending on the number of brokers involved with arranging the charter.

Gross time and voyage charter revenues in the quarter ended March 31, 2011 were $90,382,988, compared with $57,362,935 recorded in the comparable quarter in 2010. The increase in gross revenues is attributable to voyage charter revenues in the quarter ended March 31, 2011 of $28,842,309, compared to none in the comparable quarter in 2010, and operation of a larger fleet offset by lower charter rates. Gross revenues recorded in the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, include an amount of $1,294,519 and $864,628, respectively, relating to the non-cash amortization of fair value below contract value of time charters acquired. Brokerage commissions incurred on revenues earned in the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were $3,690,213 and $3,119,210, respectively. Net revenues during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, were $86,692,775 and $54,243,725, respectively.

           Vessel Expenses

Vessel expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, were $19,473,399 compared to $15,362,733 in the comparable quarter in 2010. The increase in vessel expense is attributable to a larger fleet size in operation, increases in vessels crew cost and insurance costs. Vessel expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, included $18,307,189 in vessel operating costs and $1,166,210 in technical management fees. Vessel expenses for the comparable period in 2010 included $14,577,346 in vessel operating costs and $785,387 in technical management fees.

Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the cost of spares and consumable stores and related inventory, tonnage taxes, pre-operating costs associated with the delivery of acquired vessels including providing the newly acquired vessels with initial provisions and stores, other miscellaneous expenses, and technical management fees paid to our third party managers.
 
Our vessel expenses will increase with the enlargement of our fleet. Other factors beyond our control, some of which may affect the shipping industry in general, may also cause these expenses to increase, including, for instance, developments relating to market prices for crew, insurance and petroleum-based lubricants and supplies.

Voyage expenses

Voyage expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, were $15,821,512 compared to none in the comparable quarter in 2010. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company launched its trading Operation.



 
21

 

Charter hire expenses

Charter hire expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, were $15,924,682 compared to none in the comparable quarter in 2010. During the third quarter of 2010, the Company launched its trading Operation.

Depreciation and Amortization

For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, total depreciation and amortization expense was $17,158,844 and $13,706,370, respectively. Total depreciation and amortization expense for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 includes $16,236,473 of vessel depreciation and other fixed assets amortization, and $922,371 relating to the amortization of deferred drydocking costs. Comparable amounts for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 were $13,039,338 of vessel depreciation and $667,032 of amortization of deferred drydocking costs. The increase in depreciation expense is attributable to a larger fleet size in operation during the three-month period in 2011 compared to 2010.

The cost of our vessels is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the expected useful life of each vessel. Depreciation is based on the cost of the vessel less its estimated residual value. We estimate the useful life of our vessels to be 28 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard to the original owner. Furthermore, we estimate the residual values of our vessels to be $150 per lightweight ton, which we believe is common in the dry bulk shipping industry. Our depreciation charges will increase as our fleet is enlarged. Drydocking relates to our regularly scheduled maintenance program necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Management anticipates that vessels are to be drydocked every two and a half years and, accordingly, these expenses are deferred and amortized over that period.

Amortization of deferred financing costs which relate to the vessels on the water is included in interest expense. These financing costs relate to costs associated with our revolving credit facility and these are amortized over the life of the facility. For the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, the amortization of deferred financing costs allocated to the vessels on the water was $993,727 and $584,717, respectively.

General and Administrative Expenses

Our general and administrative expenses include onshore vessel administration related expenses such as legal and professional expenses and administrative and other expenses including payroll and expenses relating to our executive officers and office staff, office rent and expenses, directors fees, and directors and officers insurance. General and administrative expenses also include non-cash compensation expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were $13,896,425 and $9,487,423, respectively. These general and administrative expenses include a non-cash compensation component of $2,737,046 and $4,346,127, respectively. The increase in general and administrative expenses for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, is primarily attributable to allowance for bad debt of $6,586,900 related to amounts receivable from Korea Lines Corporation who have filed for protective receivership and have received South Korean court approval for rehabilitation.

Capitalized Interest

At March 31, 2011, we had contracts for the construction of 6 newbuilding vessels which are expected to be delivered in 2011. Interest costs on borrowings used to fund the Company's newbuilding program are capitalized as part of the cost of the newbuilding vessels until the vessels are delivered.

For the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, capitalized interest amounted to $1,195,764 ($1,057,026 in interest and $138,738 in amortization of deferred financing costs) and this amount has been recorded and included in Advances for Vessel Construction in the financial statements. For the corresponding three months period in 2010, capitalized interest amounted to $4,607,651 ($4,060,846 in interest and $546,805 in amortization of deferred financing costs) and this amount has been recorded and included in Advances for Vessel Construction in the financial statements.

 
22

 

EBITDA

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

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

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31, 2011
   
March 31, 2010
  
  Net Income (loss)
  $ (5,810,281 )   $ 4,573,634  
  Interest Expense
    11,336,479       11,176,987  
  Depreciation and Amortization
    17,158,844       13,706,370  
Amortization of fair value (below) above market
  of time charter acquired
    (1,294,519 )     (864,628 )
  EBITDA
    21,390,523       28,592,363  
  Adjustments for Exceptional Items:
               
  Non-cash Compensation Expense (1)
    2,737,046       4,346,127  
  Credit Agreement EBITDA
  $ 24,127,569     $ 32,938,490  

 (1)  Stock based compensation related to stock options and restricted stock units (see Notes to our financial statements).

Effects of Inflation

        We do not believe that inflation has had or is likely, in the foreseeable future, to have a significant impact on vessel operating expenses, drydocking expenses or general and administrative expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities during the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, was $13,792,518 and $30,920,496, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to lower rates on charter renewals, provision for accounts receivable of $6,586,900 offset by operation of a larger fleet.

Net cash used in investing activities during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, was $42,865,432, compared to $117,084,424 during the corresponding three-month period ended March 31, 2010. Investing activities during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 related primarily to making progress payments and incurring related vessel construction expenses for the newbuilding vessels.

Net cash used by financing activities during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011, was $2,333,435, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $98,972,546 during the corresponding three-month period ended March 31, 2010. Financing activities during the three-month period ended March 31, 2010, primarily involved borrowings of $101,972,546 from our revolving credit facility.

 
23

 

 
As of March 31, 2011, our cash balance was $97,715,331, compared to a cash balance of $129,121,680 at December 31, 2010. In addition, $20,000,000 in cash deposits are maintained with our lender for loan compliance purposes and this amount is recorded in Restricted cash in our financial statements as of March 31, 2011. Also recorded in Restricted Cash is an amount of $276,056, which is collateralizing a letters of credit relating to our office leases and $637,543 which collateralize for our FFAs position as of March 31, 2011.

At March 31, 2011, we are fully borrowed on the amended Revolving Credit Facility with aggregated amount of $1,151,354,476 in net borrowings. These borrowings consisted of $1,046,662,222 for the 40 vessels currently in operation and $104,692,254 to fund the Company's newbuilding program.

On August 4, 2009, the Company entered into a third Amendatory Agreement to its revolving credit facility dated October 19, 2007 (See section in the Company's 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K entitled "Revolving Credit Facility" for a description of the facility and its amendments). The facility also provides us with the ability to borrow up to $20,000,000 for working capital purposes.

As described in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, on August 4, 2009, we entered into a third amendatory agreement to our revolving credit facility.  Among other things, the third amendatory agreement reduced the facility to $1.2 billion and changed the applicable interest rate to 2.5% over LIBOR.  In addition, among other changes, the third amendatory agreement amended the facility's net worth covenant from a market value to book value measurement with respect to the value of our fleet and reduced the facility's EBITDA to interest coverage ratio, with these changes to stay in effect until we were in compliance with the facility's original covenants for two consecutive accounting periods.
 
Based on information which we provided in 2010 to the lenders under the revolving credit facility, the agent for the lenders has only recently notified us that according to its interpretation we were in compliance with the original covenants for the second and third quarters during 2010, and, therefore, our original collateral covenants have been reinstated.
 
We disagree with the interpretation of the original covenant calculation being used by the agent and have advised the agent that we were not in compliance with the original covenants for these two consecutive quarters, and, therefore, the amended collateral covenants should remain in place. Under the agent's interpretation of the covenant, we were in compliance both with the original collateral covenants and the amended collateral covenants during the accounting period ended December 31, 2010.  However, while we have remained in compliance with the amended collateral covenants during the accounting period ended March 31, 2011, we would not be in compliance for that period under the agent's interpretation of the original collateral covenants.
 
Under the facility agreement, the effectiveness of the determination of compliance for an accounting period is as of the date that we supply a compliance certificate (the "Compliance Certificate Date") to the agent.  The current Compliance Certificate Date for the accounting period ended March 31, 2011 is no later than May 30, 2011.
 
We believe that our interpretation of the facility agreement's covenant calculation is correct, that the reinstatement of the original loan covenant was not valid, and that we remain in compliance with all covenants in effect at March 31, 2011.  We are in active discussions with the agent to resolve this technical matter.  However, if the agent's interpretation is determined to be correct, we would not be in compliance with the original covenants for the period ending March 31, 2011, which could lead to a default under the facility agreement effective as of the Compliance Certificate Date for that period and would result in the classification as current of amounts due under the facility  agreement and could lead to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, if we are unable to agree on satisfactory terms or obtain a waiver from the agent. We continue to seek to reach a satisfactory agreement with the agent, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in doing so.

 
24

 

We anticipate that our current financial resources, together with cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund the operations of our fleet, including our working capital requirements, for the next twelve months. We will rely on operating cash flows and possible additional equity and debt financing alternatives to fund our long term capital requirements for vessel construction and implement future growth plans.

Our loan agreements for our borrowings are secured by liens on our vessels and contain various financial covenants. The covenants relate to our financial position, operating performance and liquidity. The market value of dry bulk vessels is sensitive, among other things, to changes in the dry bulk charter market. The recent general decline in the dry bulk carrier charter market has resulted in lower charter rates for vessels in the dry bulk market. The decline in charter rates in the dry bulk market coupled with the prevailing difficulty in obtaining financing for vessel purchases have adversely affected dry bulk vessel values. A continuation of these conditions, could lead to a significant decline in the fair market values of our vessels, which could impact our compliance with these loan covenants. The recent developments in the credit markets and related impact on the dry bulk charter market and have also resulted in additional risks. The occurrence of one or more of these risk factors could adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. Please refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Part II of this document which should be read in conjunction with the risk factors included in the Company's 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

It is our intention to fund our future acquisition related capital requirements through borrowings under the amended revolving credit facility and to repay all or a portion of such borrowings from time to time with cash generated from operations and from net proceeds of issuances of securities. The Company has a shelf registration filed on Form S-3 in March 2, 2009, subsequently amended, which would enable the Company to issue such securities.

Dividends

The Company did not make any dividend payments in 2011 and 2010. In the future, the declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will always be subject to the discretion of the board of directors, restrictions contained in the amended credit facility and the requirements of Marshall Islands law. The timing and amount of any dividends declared will depend on, among other things, the Company's earnings, financial condition and cash requirements and availability, the ability to obtain debt and equity financing on acceptable terms as contemplated by the Company's growth strategy, the terms of its outstanding indebtedness and the ability of the Company's subsidiaries to distribute funds to it.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth our expected contractual obligations and their maturity dates as of March 31, 2011:
  (in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
Within
One Year(4)
 
 
One to
Three Years
 
 
Three to
Five Years
 
 
More than
Five years
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Vessels (1)
 
$
125,843
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
 
 
$
125,843
  
   Bank Loans
 
 
 
 
 
215,878
 
 
 
935,476
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,151,354
 
   Interest and borrowing fees (2)
 
 
48,035
 
 
 
92,061
 
 
 
14,976
 
 
 
 
 
 
155,072
 
   Office lease (3)
 
 
1,211
 
 
 
2,566
 
 
 
2,223
 
 
 
2,686
 
 
 
8,686
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Total
 
$
175,089
 
 
$
310,505
 
 
$
952,675
 
 
$
2,686
 
 
$
1,440,955
 

 
(1)
The balance of the contract price in US dollars for the 6 newbuilding vessels which are to be constructed and delivered in 2011.
 
(2)
The Company is a party to floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps covering aggregate notional amount of $402,417,830. Interest and borrowing fees includes capitalized interest for the newbuilding vessels.
 
(3)
Remainder of the lease on the office space which we occupy.
 
(4)
Does not include obligations for charters in vessels of less than one year.



 
25

 

Capital Expenditures

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

We make capital expenditures from time to time in connection with our vessel acquisitions. As of March 31, 2011, our fleet consists of 40 vessels which are currently operational and 6 newbuilding vessels which have been contracted for construction.

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

Drydocking costs incurred are amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over the period through the date the next drydocking for those vessels are scheduled to occur. One vessel was drydocked in the three months ended March 31, 2011. The following table represents certain information about the estimated costs for anticipated vessel drydockings in the next four quarters, along with the anticipated off-hire days:

 
Quarter Ending
Off-hire Days(1)
Projected Costs(2)
June 30, 2011
22
$0.55 million
September 30, 2011
-
-
December 31, 2011
22
$0.55 million
March 31, 2012
-
-
     
(1)Actual duration of drydocking will vary based on the condition of the vessel, yard schedules and other factors.
(2)Actual costs will vary based on various factors, including where the drydockings are actually performed.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Other Contingencies

We refer you to Note 1 "Risk and Uncertainties" to our Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for a discussion of our contingencies related to claim litigation. If an unfavorable ruling were to occur in these matters, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial position and cash flows in the period in which the ruling occurs. The potential impact from legal proceedings on our business, liquidity, results of operations, financial position and cash flows, could change in the future.
 
 
 
 

 
26

 

 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
Interest Rate Risk

Aside from the risk factor below, there have been no material changes from the "Risk Factors" previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

If we cannot resolve our disagreement with our lender, we may be in default under our revolving credit facility.

As described in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, on August 4, 2009, we entered into a third amendatory agreement to our revolving credit facility.  Among other things, the third amendatory agreement amended the facility's net worth covenant from a market value to book value measurement with respect to the value of our fleet and reduced the facility's EBITDA to interest coverage ratio, with these changes to stay in effect until we were in compliance with the facility's original covenants for two consecutive accounting periods.
 
Based on information which we provided in 2010 to the lenders under the revolving credit facility, the agent for the lenders has only recently notified us that according to its interpretation we were in compliance with the original covenants for the second and third quarters during 2010, and, therefore, our original collateral covenants have been reinstated.
 
We disagree with the agent and believe that our interpretation of the facility agreement's covenant calculation is correct, that the reinstatement of the original loan covenant was not valid, and that we remain in compliance with all covenants in effect at March 31, 2011.  We are in active discussions with the agent to resolve this technical matter.  However, if the agent's interpretation is determined to be correct, we would not be in compliance with the original covenants for the period ending March 31, 2011, which could lead to a default under the facility agreement and would result in the classification as current of amounts due under the facility agreement and could lead to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern, if we are unable to agree on satisfactory terms or obtain a waiver from the agent.

Currency and Exchange Rates

There have been no material changes from the "Currency and Exchange Rates" risk previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
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PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1 - Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in various disputes and litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of our business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. Those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure by us of significant financial and managerial resources. Information about legal proceedings is set forth in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

Aside from the risk factor below, there have been no material changes from the "Risk Factors" previously disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

If we cannot resolve our disagreement with our lender, we may be in default under our revolving credit facility.

As described in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2010, on August 4, 2009, we entered into a third amendatory agreement to our revolving credit facility.  Among other things, the third amendatory agreement amended the facility's net worth covenant from a market value to book value measurement with respect to the value of our fleet and reduced the facility's EBITDA to interest coverage ratio, with these changes to stay in effect until we were in compliance with the facility's original covenants for two consecutive accounting periods.
 
Based on information which we provided in 2010 to the lenders under the revolving credit facility, the agent for the lenders has only recently notified us that according to its interpretation we were in compliance with the original covenants for the second and third quarters during 2010, and, therefore, our original collateral covenants have been reinstated.
 
We disagree with the agent and believe that our interpretation of the facility agreement's covenant calculation is correct, that the reinstatement of the original loan covenant was not valid, and that we remain in compliance with all covenants in effect at March 31, 2011.  We are in active discussions with the agent to resolve this technical matter.  However, if the agent's interpretation is determined to be correct, we would not be in compliance with the original covenants for the period ending March 31, 2011, which could lead to a default under the facility agreement and would result in the classification as current of amounts due under the facility agreement and could lead to substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern if we are unable to agree on satisfactory terms or obtain a waiver from the agent.

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.
 
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
None.
 
Item 5 - Other Information  

None.

  

 
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Item 6 – Exhibits
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (1)
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (2)
3.3
Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (3)
4.1
Form of Share Certificate of the Company (4)
4.2
Form of Senior Indenture (5)
4.3
Form of Subordinated Indenture (6)
4.4
Rights Agreement (7)
10.1
Amendatory Agreement, dated as of July 3, 2008, among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and the banks and financial institutions party thereto and the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as mandated lead arranger (8)
10.2
Second Amendatory Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2008, among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and the banks and financial institutions party thereto and the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as mandated lead arranger (9)
10.3
Third Amendatory Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2009, among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and the banks and financial institutions party thereto and the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as mandated lead arranger (10)
10.4
Fourth Amendatory Agreement, dated as of August 4, 2010, among the Company and certain of its subsidiaries and the banks and financial institutions party thereto and the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as mandated lead arranger (11)
 
10.5
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Mr. Sophocles N. Zoullas (12)
10.6
Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. 2009 Equity Incentive Plan (13)
10.7
Delphin Management Agreement (14)
31.1
Rule 13a-14(d) / 15d-14(a) Certification of CEO
31.2
Rule 13a-14(d) / 15d-14(a) Certification of CFO
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of CEO
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of CFO
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, File No. 333-123817, filed on June 20, 2005.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, File No. 333-123817, filed on June 20, 2005.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, File No. 001-33831, dated November 13, 2007.
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A, File No. 333-123817, filed on June 20, 2005.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-139745, filed on December 29, 2006.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-139745, filed on December 29, 2006.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A, File No. 001-33831, dated November 13, 2007.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 7, 2008.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's Post-Effective Amendment to an automatic shelf registration statement on Form POSASR, File No. 333-148417, filed on March 2, 2009.
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 6, 2009.
(11)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2010, filed on November 9, 2010.
(12)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 20, 2008.
(13)
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company's Proxy Statement pursuant to Schedule 14A filed on April 10, 2009.
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 5, 2010.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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SIGNATURES
 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
EAGLE BULK SHIPPING INC.

By:    /s/ Sophocles N. Zoullas
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sophocles N. Zoullas
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 10, 2011


By:    /s/ Alan S. Ginsberg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan S. Ginsberg
Chief Financial Officer
and Principal Accounting Officer
Date: May 10, 2011

 
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