United Maritime Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results and Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.075 Per Share

Financial Highlights of the First Quarter of 2023:

• Net Loss of $4.9 million and loss per share (basic & diluted) of $0.64
• Adjusted net loss1 of $3.7 million and adjusted loss per share1 of $0.48

Other Highlights and Developments:

• Quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share for Q1 2023 - resulting in total cash dividends of $1.15 per share or $8.7 million declared since November 2022
• Agreements to acquire six vessels of total $126 million, consisting of two Capesize and two Kamsarmax vessels, as well as two Panamax vessels through bareboat charter agreements with purchase options
• New financing transaction of $24.5 million
  

GLYFADA, Greece, May 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- United Maritime Corporation (“United” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: USEA), announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023 and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share for the first quarter of 2023.

For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, the Company generated net revenues of $2.8 million and recorded a negative Adjusted EBITDA1 of $1.5 million. Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss for the quarter were $4.9 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The Time Charter Equivalent rate (“TCE rate”) of the fleet for the first quarter of 2023 was $10,294 per day.

Cash and cash-equivalents as of March 31, 2023 stood at $20.0 million. Shareholders’ equity at the end of the first quarter was $61.9 million, while long-term debt, lease liability and other financial liabilities net of deferred charges stood at $69.5 million as of March 31, 2023. The book value of our fleet as of March 31, 2023, stood at $117.0 million, including a chartered-in Panamax vessel and the advance paid for the acquisition of one Kamsarmax vessel.

Stamatis Tsantanis, the Company’s Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, stated:

“Following the highly profitable sales of three of our tankers by the end of 2022, our average fleet size in Q1 2023 was reduced to less than 3 ships including our remaining tanker vessel which was drydocked for its special survey for most of the first quarter. Our profitable ship disposals affected our quarterly operating results, recording an average daily TCE of $10,294. However, we swiftly executed transactions to re-grow our fleet through the acquisition of six dry bulk vessels for approximately $126 million. We have fully funded the acquisition of these two Capesize and two Kamsarmax vessels and the down payments on the two chartered-in Panamax vessels without diluting our shareholders.

“Within February and March, we took delivery of four dry bulk vessels, two Capesize, one Panamax and one Kamsarmax, with an additional Kamsarmax delivered in April and one more Panamax expected to be delivered in the third quarter of the year. In addition, our tanker has been operational since the beginning of Q2, following the completion of her special survey.

“In the second quarter to date, we have covered 71% of our ownership days at an average TCE of $18,856 per day2 and we estimate our daily net TCE to average at approximately $18,000. This will exceed by 75% the average of the first quarter, over a fleet that will be double in size and operating days.

“Looking forward, on a fully-delivered basis, we will operate a fleet of seven dry bulk vessels and one tanker vessel, with moderate levels of leverage and satisfactory levels of liquidity, allowing us to focus on further growth opportunities as well as shareholder rewards.

“In this context, we are pleased to announce another regular cash dividend distribution for the first quarter, bringing the total cash dividends that have been declared in the last six months to $1.15 per share, which represents a cash yield of about 40% compared to the recent closing price of our stock. The cash dividend amounts of $8.7 million, combined with approximately $6 million in buybacks of common shares completed in 2022, aggregate to shareholder rewards of $14.7 million, or 62% of our market cap as of May 16, 2023, within the past nine months. Considering the favorable fundamentals of the dry bulk market and the solid financial and commercial standing of United, we remain optimistic that the quarterly cash dividend we have paid for the previous two quarters can be sustained or increased during the rest of the year.”

_______________
1 Adjusted net loss per share, Adjusted net loss and negative Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Please see the reconciliation below of Adjusted loss per share, Adjusted net loss, and negative Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure.
2 Please refer to our detailed Second Quarter 2023 TCE Guidance and footnote 3 below.

Current Company Fleet:

(1) The latest redelivery dates do not include any additional optional periods.
(2) “T/C” refers to a time charter agreement. Under these index-linked T/Cs, the Company has the option to convert the index-linked rate to fixed for periods ranging between 1 and 12 months, based on the prevailing FFA Rates for the selected period, and has done so for certain vessels as part of its freight hedging strategy, as described below under “Second Quarter 2023 TCE Guidance.”
(3) The vessel is technically and commercially operated by the Company on the basis of an 18-month bareboat charter-in contract with the owners of the vessel, including a purchase option at the end of the bareboat charter in favour of the Company.
(4) The daily charter hire is currently $40,000 until the expiration of the charterparty.

Fleet to be delivered*:

*The M/V Synthesea is expected to be delivered to the Company between July and October 2023. The vessel will be technically and commercially operated by United on the basis of a 12-month bareboat charter-in contract with the owners of the vessel, including a purchase option at the end of the bareboat charter in favour of the Company.

Fleet Data:

(Amounts in U.S. Dollars)

(1) Ownership days are the total number of calendar days in a period during which the vessels in a fleet have been owned or chartered in. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of the Company’s fleet over a period and affect both the amount of revenues and the amount of expenses that the Company recorded during a period.
(2) Operating days are the number of available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that the vessels are off-hire due to unforeseen circumstances. Operating days include the days that our vessels are in ballast voyages without having finalized agreements for their next employment.
(3) Fleet utilization is the percentage of time that the vessels are generating revenue and is determined by dividing operating days by ownership days for the relevant period.
(4) TCE rate is defined as the Company’s net revenue less voyage expenses during a period divided by the number of the Company’s operating days during the period. Voyage expenses include port charges, bunker (fuel oil and diesel oil) expenses, canal charges and other commissions. The Company includes the TCE rate, a non-GAAP measure, as it believes it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net revenues from vessels, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, and because it assists the Company’s management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and because the Company believes that it provides useful information to investors regarding our financial performance. The Company’s calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. The following table reconciles the Company’s net revenues from vessels to the TCE rate.

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except operating days and TCE rate)

(5) Vessel operating expenses include crew costs, provisions, deck and engine stores, lubricants, insurance, maintenance and repairs. Daily Vessel Operating Expenses are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses, excluding pre delivery costs of acquired vessels, by ownership days for the relevant time periods. The Company’s calculation of daily vessel operating expenses may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. The following table reconciles the Company’s vessel operating expenses to daily vessel operating expenses.

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except ownership days and Daily Vessel Operating Expenses)

Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) represents the sum of net income, net interest and finance costs, depreciation and amortization and, if any, income taxes during a period. EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted to exclude stock-based compensation, which the Company believes is not indicative of the ongoing performance of its core operations.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are presented as we believe that this measure is useful to investors as a widely used means of evaluating operating profitability. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. This non-GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Reconciliation and calculation of Adjusted Loss Per Share

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)

To derive Adjusted Net Income/(Loss) and Adjusted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share from Net Income/(Loss), we exclude certain non-cash items, as provided in the table above. We believe that Adjusted Net Income/(Loss) and Adjusted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share assist our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our performance from period to period since each such measure eliminates the effects of such non-cash items as stock based compensation, loss on extinguishment of debt and other items which may vary from year to year, for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance. In addition, we believe that the presentation of the respective measure provides investors with supplemental data relating to our results of operations, and therefore, with a more complete understanding of factors affecting our business than with GAAP measures alone. Our method of computing Adjusted Net Income/(Loss) and Adjusted Earnings/(Loss) Per Share may not necessarily be comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to differences in methods of calculation.

Interest and Finance Costs to Cash Interest and Finance Costs Reconciliation:

(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)

Second Quarter 2023 TCE Guidance:

As of the date hereof, approximately 71% of the Company fleet’s expected operating days in the second quarter of 2023 have been fixed at an estimated TCE of approximately $18,856. Assuming that for the remaining operating days of our index-linked T/Cs, the respective vessels’ TCE will be equal to the average Forward Freight Agreement (“FFA”) rate of $16,376 per day (based on the FFA curve of May 12, 2023), our estimated TCE for the second quarter of 2023 will be approximately $17,9233. Our TCE guidance for the second quarter of 2023 includes conversions of index-linked charter to fixed, which were concluded in Q1 2023 as part of our freight hedging strategy. The following table provides the break-down:

_______________
3 This guidance is based on certain assumptions and there can be no assurance that these TCE estimates, or projected utilization will be realized. TCE estimates include certain floating (index) to fixed rate conversions concluded in previous periods. For vessels on index-linked T/Cs, the TCE realized will vary with the underlying index, and for the purposes of this guidance, the TCE assumed for the remaining operating days of the quarter for an index-linked T/C is equal to the weighted average of the Capesize (BCI) and Panamax (BPI) FFA rate of $16,376 based on the curve of May 12, 2023. Spot estimates are provided using the load-to-discharge method of accounting. The rates quoted are for days currently contracted. Increased ballast days at the end of the quarter will reduce the additional revenues that can be booked based on the accounting cut-offs and therefore the resulting TCE will be reduced accordingly.

First Quarter and Recent Developments:

Dividend Distribution for Q4 2022 and Declaration of Q1 2023 Dividend

On April 6, 2023, the Company paid the previously announced quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2022, to all shareholders of record as of March 22, 2023.

Committed to its dividend strategy, the Company also declared a cash dividend of $0.075 per share for the first quarter of 2023 payable on or about July 6, 2023 to the shareholders of record as of June 22, 2023.

Vessel transactions and commercial updates

Delivery of M/V Goodship and M/V Tradership

In February 2023, the Company took delivery of the 177,536 dwt M/V Goodship built in 2005 in Japan and the 176,925 dwt M/V Tradership built in 2006 in Japan. The two Capesize vessels were acquired for an aggregate price of $36.25 million, which was funded by the Company’s cash reserves, including a cash-collateralized $15.2 million loan previously secured by the LR2 tanker that was sold in December 2022. The M/V Goodship is chartered by an international charterer for a period until minimum June 2023 up to maximum December 2023, at an index-linked rate. The M/V Tradership is chartered by a major European charterer for a period until minimum August 2024 up to maximum January 2025, at an index-linked rate.

Delivery of M/V Oasea and M/V Cretansea

In March 2023, the Company took delivery of the 82,217 dwt M/V Oasea built in 2010 in China. The M/V Oasea was acquired for a gross purchased price of $19.5 million, which was funded by cash on hand and through the March 2023 Sale and Leaseback. The M/V Oasea is chartered by a major European charterer for a period until minimum March 2024 up to maximum July 2024, at an index-linked rate.

In April 2023, the Company took delivery of the 81,508 dwt M/V Cretansea built in 2009 in Japan. The M/V Cretansea was acquired for a gross purchased price of $19.7 million, which was funded by cash on hand and through the March 2023 Sale and Leaseback. The M/V Cretansea is chartered by a major European charterer for a period until minimum April 2024 up to maximum July 2024, at an index-linked rate.

Bareboat Agreement for a Panamax bulk carrier – M/V Chrisea

In February 2023, the Company entered into a bareboat charter agreement for the 2013 Japanese-built Panamax bulk carrier, which was renamed M/V Chrisea. The vessel is chartered by the Company under an 18-month bareboat charter agreement, with a down payment of $7.0 million, a daily charter rate of $7,300 over the period of the bareboat charter and a purchase option of $12.4 million at the end of the bareboat charter. In aggregate, the acquisition cost for the vessel, following exercise of the purchase option, will be approximately $23.4 million.

Bareboat Agreement for a Panamax bulk carrier – M/V Synthesea

In April 2023, the Company entered into a bareboat charter agreement for the 78,020 dwt Panamax bulk carrier built in 2015 in Japan Panamax bulk carrier, which will be renamed M/V Synthesea. The vessel will be chartered by the Company under a 12-month bareboat charter agreement, with a down payment of $3.5 million (already paid), a further down payment of $3.5 million due at vessel’s delivery, expected between July and October 2023, a daily charter rate of $8,000 over the period of the bareboat charter and a purchase option of $17.1 million at the end of the bareboat charter. In aggregate, the acquisition cost for the vessel, following exercise of the purchase option, will be approximately $27.0 million.

M/T Epanastasea Employment Update

From February 6 until April 7, 2023, the Epanastasea underwent its scheduled dry-docking survey in China. Upon completion the vessel resumed its employment under its current time charter contract with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company earning a fixed daily rate of $40,000.

In view of the continued strength of vessel values in the tanker market, the Company is actively considering selling the vessel and is currently in advanced discussions with prospective buyers.

Financing Updates

March 2023 Sale and Leaseback

On each of March 31 and April 26, 2023, following the deliveries of the M/V Oasea and the M/V Cretansea, the Company entered into a $24.5 million sale-and leaseback facility provided by a European lessor to finance part of the acquisition cost of the vessels. The financing amount for each vessel is $12.25 million bearing an interest rate of 4.25% plus 3-month Term SOFR. The charterhire principal for each vessel amortizes over a five-year term, through sixty consecutive monthly instalments of $0.1 million. The Company has the option to repurchase the vessels at any time during their respective bareboat periods and a purchase obligation at a price of $6.4 million per vessel at maturity.

Update on Number of Common Shares Issued and Outstanding

As of May 17, 2023, the Company has 8,959,443 common shares issued and outstanding. This includes 1,037,230 shares issued pursuant to exercises of Class A warrants for aggregate proceeds of $2.7 million.

Conference Call:

The Company’s management will host a conference call to discuss the financial results today, Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Audio Webcast:

There will be a live, and then archived, webcast of the conference call through the Company’s website. To listen to the archived audio file, visit our website, in the “Investors” section. Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast, following this link.

Conference Call Details:

Participants have the option to register for the call using the following link. You can use any number from the list or add your phone number and let the system call you right away.

United Maritime Corporation
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)

* Derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of the period as of that date

United Maritime Corporation
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share
and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

United Maritime Corporation
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Data
(In thousands of U.S. Dollars)

About United Maritime Corporation

United Maritime Corporation is an international shipping company specializing in worldwide seaborne transportation services. The Company operates a fleet of one LR2 tanker vessel and seven dry bulk vessels, comprising one Panamax, three Capesize and two Kamsarmax vessels. Upon completion of the delivery of one Panamax vessel, the Company’s operating fleet will consist of eight vessels (1 LR2 tanker, 3 Capesize, 2 Kamsarmax and 2 Panamax), with an aggregate cargo carrying capacity of 955,340 dwt.

The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and has executive offices in Glyfada, Greece. The Company's common shares trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “USEA”.

Please visit the Company’s website at: www.unitedmaritime.gr

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) concerning future events. Words such as "may", "should", "expects", "intends", "plans", "believes", "anticipates", "hopes", "estimates" and variations of such words and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, shipping industry trends, including charter rates, vessel values and factors affecting vessel supply and demand; the impact of changes in regulatory requirements or actions taken by regulatory authorities on the Company's operating or financial results; the Company's financial condition and liquidity, including its ability to service its indebtedness or to pay dividends; competitive factors in the market in which the Company operates; increased operating costs associated with vessel aging; vessel damage; future, pending or recent acquisitions and dispositions, business strategy, areas of possible expansion or contraction, and expected capital spending or operating expenses; dependence on affiliates of the Company’s former parent and third-party managers to operate the Company’s business; availability of crew, number of off-hire days, classification survey requirements and insurance costs; changes in the Company’s relationships with contract counterparties; potential liability from future litigation and incidents involving the Company’s vessels; broader market impacts arising from war (or threatened war) or international hostilities, such as between Russia and Ukraine; risks associated with the length and severity of the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including its effects on demand for crude oil, petroleum products, dry bulk products, other types of products and the transportation thereof; and other factors listed from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC, including its registration statement on Form 20-F. The Company's filings can be obtained free of charge on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Except to the extent required by law, the Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

For further information please contact:

United Investor Relations
Tel: +30 213 0181 522
E-mail: ir@usea.gr

Capital Link, Inc.
Paul Lampoutis
230 Park Avenue Suite 1540
New York, NY 10169
Tel: (212) 661-7566
E-mail: usea@capitallink.com